* Citadel Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, promotes Assistant PD Tracy Slutzkin to Program Director. Slutzkin will continue working with Operations Manager Drew Hayes, who has been programming the station in addition to serving as OM, and also is dividing his time between WLS and WMAL-AM in Washington DC. Hayes tells us the promotion is a definite recognition of Slutzkin’s contributions to the station’s ratings success. Slutzkin previously served as producer for Don Wade & Roma morning show until joining WFLD-TV, Chicago, as an editor and producer. She returned to the WLS-AM in October 2006. Says WLS President and General Manager Michael Damsky, "Tracy has been an absolutely essential contributor to the strategy that has lead to the extraordinary revitalization WLS has enjoyed since the beginning of this year. She provides a perspective and viewpoint which Drew and I consistently rely on for making critical decisions." He adds that the promotion is “a reflection of the trust, confidence and respect Drew and I have in this exceptional colleague.”

* Greater Media appoints Steve Kosbau as Market Manager of its Detroit radio group. That cluster includes Active Rock WRIF-FM, Classic Hits WCSX-FM, and AC WMGC-FM. Kosbau, who will begin in mid-September, was most recently President and General Manager of crosstown Adult Variety Hits WDRQ-FM and Hot AC WDVD-FM. Prior to that, he was Director of Operations at Citadel's WJZW-FM and WRQX-FM, Washington DC. "Steve is a man of great character and intellect, who will help us take Greater Media Detroit to the next level," says Greater Media Philadelphia VP and Regional Market Manager John Fullam. "We are pleased to welcome him to the Greater Media family." Kosbau adds, "Opportunities like this are rare. It's an honor to join such a fantastic company and these legendary radio stations." Kosbau succeeds John Gallagher, who left last month. Fullam has been overseeing the Detroit market in the interim.

* "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, Program Director Larry Gifford will exit September 13. Gifford is going into business for himself, consulting radio outlets, groups and individuals. Says Gifford, "There are many remarkable people at ESPN who I will miss working with on a daily basis, but the next phase of life for my family and me is calling and I feel now is the time to move on." Gifford's previous stops include Fox Sports Radio; WBNS-AM, Columbus; WWDB-AM, Philadelphia; and the ESPN Radio network. Gifford says he’s going to launch two new businesses. LarryGifford.com will be home base for his broadcast consulting “as a coach, strategist, writer, creative catalyst and consultant.” Gifford’s second business is a non-radio one, a partnership with his wife, the new Body of Light Healing Arts center.

* The St. Louis Cardinals are returning to CBS Radio's "NewsRadio 1120" KMOX-AM next season. The team will return to KMOX next season after five years at KTRS-AM. The Cardinals had previously aired on KMOX for 51 years. STLtoday.com reports the move to KTRS had been highly controversial, because tens of thousands of fans outside the reach of the team’s radio network had been shut out of free access to the broadcasts and some listeners in the St. Louis area still complained about having difficulty receiving the signal. "But the wide reach at night of KMOX’s signal will return the broadcast to those fans," writes Dan Caesaer. In deciding to go back to KMOX, says Caesar, the team is picking tradition over a strong bid from "101.1 ESPN" WXOS-FM, the newest Sports Talk station in the market. WXOS had made two proposals – one to simulcast the games with KTRS, the other to carry them by itself.

* CBS Radio flips Smooth Jazz WSJT, Tampa Bay, to Hot AC as "Play 98.7". The new "Play 98.7" – "Today's best hits, without the rap" – is programmed by clustermate Rhythmic CHR "Wild 94.1" WLLD Program Director Orlando Davis. An airstaff for "Play 98.7" will be announced soon. Core artists include Katy Perry, Train, John Mayer, and Maroon 5. The new station is online at www.play987.com. "Play 98.7 will connect a number of great artists to their local fans and diversify CBS Radio's offerings in Tampa," says CBS Radio Tampa SVP and Market Manager Don Howe. "The station will provide the Tampa Bay Area with a great radio experience along with an integrated and interactive platform for adult CHR music and its fans to be heard." “Play 98.7” is clear about whose listeners it's going after. The new Website has the audio of the new format's launch [here]: "According to our calculations, radio has failed you,” a female voice says. “Deleting of antiquated software to proceed: 100.7 delete, 93.3 delete.” Those are the frequencies of Clear Channel’s Hot AC “Mix 100.7” WMTX and CHR-Top40 "93-3 FLZ" WFLZ-FM. Meanwhile, WSJT's former Smooth Jazz programming will be made available on 98.7's HD2 and online at www.wsjt.com.

* Midwest Communications flips "Classic Rock 102.5," Duluth-Superior, MN, to CHR-Top40 as KDWZ-FM. "Today's Hit Music" is an adult-oriented Top 40 station with the new call letters. Core artists include Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Daughtry, the Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake and Nickelback. KDWZ will introduce a staff of new personalities in the coming weeks. The station most recently was "Classic Rock 102.5" KHQG, although it is better remembered as Rock KRBR, originally tagged "The Bear." Later, the call letters were changed to KHQC, branded as "102.5 The Hog." Now, the calls are changed to KDWZ with the launch of the new format. The market has been without a CHR-Top40 station for more than a dozen years. "People have been demanding a station that plays today's top artists and we're delivering!" says Operations Manager Mark Fleischer. A new Website is currently under contruction, currently displaying a splash screen, showing the station's new logo, that says: "KDWZ is Coming Soon!"

* George Beasley's GGB Las Vegas closes on its $8.5 million purchase of KVGS-FM and KOAS-FM, Las Vegas. 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. KOAS-FM is a Rhythmic AC; KVGS-FM, Alternative Rock. GGB Las Vegas was formed specifically to acquire the two stations. Says 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.

* Peconic Public Broadcasting gets 72-hour extension to come up with $637,000 to purchase WLIU, Long Island. Peconic, formed for this purpose, is attempting to purchase the noncommercial station from Long Island University, in an effort to save the station. The deadline is extended until Friday at 5pm, when Peconic didn't yet have the money needed in hand. The East Hampton Press reports the extension was given after a last-minute appeal by U.S. Representative Tim Bishop. It came with less than an hour to go until the August 31 deadline. Peconic is attempting to raise the money to buy the station to keep it as a locally-programmed public radio station for the Hamptons area. Peconic Public Broadcasting previously received an extension of the original deadline for paying up from June 30.

* ICBC Broadcast Holdings VP and General Manager Deon Levingston is appointed to the NAB Radio Board. The appointment of Levingston is made by Board Chair Caroline Beasley. Levingston will represent District 1 (New York and New Jersey) NAB radio members. Levingston oversees New York's WBLS-FM and WLIB-AM. Known as the flagship station for the nationally syndicated "Steve Harvey Morning Show," WBLS has been recognized for numerous awards, including the NAB Marconi Award for Urban Station of the Year in 2005 and 2008, and the 2008 Radio & Records' award for Urban AC Major Market (1-15) Station of the Year. Levingston's broadcasting career and education spans two decades. Prior to joining ICBC Broadcast Holdings, Levingston was market manager for Radio One's five Indianapolis stations. In 2008, Levingston graduated from the NAB Education Foundation's Broadcast Leadership Training (BLT) program, a curriculum that teaches senior level broadcast executives the fundamentals of purchasing, owning and successfully operating radio and television stations. Levingston is currently on the Arbitron Advisory Council and also serves on several boards and committees of area charities and non-profit organizations including Project Enterprise, United Negro College Fund, Harlem YMCA, NY Urban League, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and the New York State Broadcasters.

* Media Monitors releases August political advertising totals for radio, broadcast TV and local cable outlets. Topping the list is political action committee "Bankrupting America." The PAC spent $669,203 on radio during the month, with ads focusing on government spending. The Meg Whitman for Governor campaign by the California Republican came in second in radio spending in the monitored markets, followed by the NAB's ads opposing a performance royalty for radio. Rick Scott's gubernatorial campaign in Florida was fourth; the American Petroleum Institute, fifth, with ads opposing new energy taxes; and the Jeff Greene for Governor campaign in Florida, sixth. Media Monitors says it will follow all of the major races for U.S. Senate and state governors, as well as political action committees and organizations buying political advertising.

* Consolidation, cuts, reorganization, and "massive innovation” come to Deseret Media Group in Salt Lake City. Utah's oldest daily newspaper, The Deseret News, is cutting 43% of its staff and consolidating operations with affiliated radio and television operations to emphasize online digital news delivery on Websites and mobile devices. The Deseret News is eliminating 85 newsroom positions, although some staffers will stay on for a transition period as the newspaper consolidates with KSL Radio and KSL-TV. All three are owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "We are in a period of massive innovation," says Deseret News CEO and President Clark Gilbert, a former Harvard Business School professor and student of "disruptive innovation," or transforming traditional business markets. "Audiences are migrating from traditional newspapers to digital news sources, which allows us to reach more audiences than ever before." He says the plan, now being implemented, "expands news coverage and analysis even in the face of the economic realities we face." Gilbert saiys the 57 full-time and 28 part-time employees laid off were from throughout the newsroom and were given severance packages, although he did not provide details. The Deseret News will move to the broadcast building about five blocks away, but the newspaper and KSL will keep separate Websites because they have "distinct voices and content strategies," says Gilbert.   [More from KSL Newsradio »]

* The U.S. Bankruptcy Court appoints federal Judge Kevin Gross as a mediator for the Tribune Co. bankruptcy. "We're pleased that the court has appointed a mediator. This is a clear sign that reaching consensus is a valuable part of this process," says Tribune CEO Randy Michaels. "We welcome Judge Gross' participation in the process and we look forward to his wisdom and guidance as we move forward." Tribune Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Carey appointed his fellow federal bankruptcy judge in Delaware as a mediator to assist in Tribune Company’s negotiations with various creditors as the company’s Chapter 11 process drags on. Gross you might remember was the judge for the Regent Communications bankruptcy case. Also, Tribune’s Board of Directors has named a special committee to oversee the company’s Chapter 11 process. The committee is composed of four independent directors.

* Westwood One founder Norman Pattiz retires from the Board; Mark Stone is the new Chairman. Pattiz, who becomes Chairman Emeritus, signs a new contract as a consultant to the company. He's succeeded as Chairman by Gores Group Senior Managing Director Mark Stone. In his consulting role, Pattiz will work closely with Stone and the company’s senior management. "As Chairman, my mandate is to drive customer-oriented initiatives that will further strengthen Westwood One’s leading market position," says Stone. "We are fortunate to have Norm’s continuing expertise as we build the company’s future." Pattiz tells us, "I’ve been sitting in the same seat for over 30 years, and will continue to do so as a consultant to the company. I am, however, relinquishing my seat at the Board table. This allows me to play an active role at the company I founded, working with people that I admire and respect, while continuing the other activities that are very important to me." Pattiz serves as Chairman of the Departnent of Energy's Los Alamos and Laurence Livermore National Security Laboratories, and as a Regent of the University of California. In 2009, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, and received a "Giants of Broadcasting" Award, from the Library of American Broadcasting. "Norm’s programming experience, extensive contacts, and customer focused insights are extremely valuable to the Company, and I look forward to continuing our partnership," says Westwood One President Rod Sherwood.   [More »]

* Lincoln Financial Media is acquiring Big League Broadcasting's Sports Talk "The Zone" in Atlanta. Big League leased Lincoln Financial Media's WQXI-AM frequency as "790 The Zone" in Atlanta. Terms are not disclosed. With the acquisition, senior management will remain in place while co-owned "Star 94" WSTR-FM VP and General Manager Rick Mack will be promoted to SVP and GM and oversee Lincoln Financial stations in Atlanta. Founded in 1997 by current Co-Presidents Andrew Saltzman and Stephen "Steak" Shapiro, "790 The Zone" has become one of the country's leading Sports Talk outlets. "The addition of '790 The Zone' strengthens our Atlanta operations, and Rick is the perfect person to lead this new unified effort for us," says Lincoln Financial Media President and CEO Don Benson. "We're big believers in sports radio, with the success of our other properties in Denver and Miami. The Zone's veteran management team and roster of talented employees will give us an even stronger presence in the format." Saltzman will become VP/GM of WQXI-AM and report to Mack. Neal Maziar is named Station Manager, and morning personality Shapiro will also serve as Station Brand Manager.

* Tampa, FL, radio listeners lose the syndicated Dave Ramsey Show on "NewsTalk 820" WWBA-AM. On the same day that Smooth Jazz on WSJT-FM bit the dust, WWBA-AM said Ramsey's show was out. Vice President of Programming Allan Davis said it was time for the station to go in a different direction. He says the station ratings were not where they needed to be with Dave Ramsey in the 2-4pm time slot. Beginning Tuesday, "News Talk 820" began airing a full three hours of syndicated Michael Smerconish noon-3pm, and expanding Christopher Markwoski to start at 3pm, an hour earlier. The Dave Ramsey show had been on WWBA for the past three years.

* Private equity firm Alden Global Capital withdraws its backing of Jeff Smulyan's plan to take Emmis private. Emmis Communications, announcing Monday (Aug. 30) that the pending shareholder stock offers are being further extended until Thursday (Sept. 2, 2010), indicates it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached with both Alden and the lock-block of preferred shareholders that have continued to delay the privatization buyout by Smulyan's JS Acquisition, the company formed by Smulyan for the transaction. Friday (Aug. 27), a shareholders' meeting on an exchange of preferred stock for new notes due 2017 was adjourned without a vote — the fifth time that's happened this month. The meeting is now rescheduled for Thursday, and the exchange offer and a tender offer of $2.40 per share for Emmis common stock have been extended to that date. However, in its news release, Emmis says that after an agreement in principle had been reached on revised terms among Emmis, Alden, Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan, JS Acquisition, and the preferred shareholders' group, Alden withdrew its support for the newly negotiated terms. "The offers are being further extended because Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition and Mr. Smulyan are continuing their discussions in an effort to reach an agreement with Alden Global Capital ("Alden"), a private asset management company that had previously agreed to provide financing for the tender offer through an affiliate, and a group of holders of approximately 38.3% of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in the aggregate who have previously indicated that they would vote against the matters to be voted on at the special meeting," reads the Monday Emmis news release. "During the past several weeks, Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition, Mr. Smulyan, Alden and the representatives of the group of holders of Preferred Stock negotiated and agreed in principle on revised economic terms for the contemplated transactions that each indicated it would support. Subsequently, Alden has informed Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition and Mr. Smulyan that it would no longer support the negotiated terms. Accordingly, although discussions are continuing, JS Acquisition believes it is unlikely that an agreement will be reached with either Alden or the group of holders of Preferred Stock."

* Radio One again extends its exchange offer for Senior Subordinated Notes. Radio One has further extended the expiration time of its previously announced exchange offer for its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and the related consent solicitation, to September 15. As of the close of business August 30, approximately 91.8% of the outstanding existing notes had been validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. At the previously scheduled expiration time, the conditions necessary to consummate the exchange offer as set forth in the Company's Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation Statement and Offering Memorandum, dated June 16 were not satisfied and, as a result, Radio One determined to further extend the exchange offer, according to the company.

* Steve Carver is named SVP and Market Manager of CBS Radio's seven-station Los Angeles cluster. Carver replaces Ed Krampf who exits to pursue other opportunities. "I'm pleased Steve is joining our Los Angeles cluster of stations," says CBS Radio President and CEO Dan Mason. "Those who have worked closely with Steve, myself included, boast about his exceptional leadership and depth of knowledge that only comes from years of experience overseeing radio and television stations, and a newspaper. Elevating Steve to this new role will make the most of his considerable talent." Most recently, Carver was Market Manager at CBS Radio's West Palm Beach. Before that, the same in Cleveland. Before joining CBS Radio in Cleveland, Carver spent 11 years with Tribune, including three years as Publisher, President and CEO of the Hartford Courant. Carver also worked as General Manager of WGN-AM, Chicago, 1998-2003. Exiting Krampf took over CBS Radio Los Angeles in March 2009, arriving from the same position at the company's Tampa cluster. Before joining CBS Radio, Krampf was Clear Channel Western Region SVP.

* Journal Broadcast Group names Dominic Fails as VP of Sales. Based in Milwaukee, the media sales veteran will oversee the sales strategy for local, national, digital and new media advertising at Journal's 33 radio and 13 television stations. Most recently Fails was VP of Sales at Telemundo's KTMD-TV, Houston. "Dominic is a proven leader who will work with our entire management team as we continue to provide multiple marketing solutions for our customers across the Journal Broadcast Group local markets," says Chairman and CEO Steven Smith. "We are pleased to accomplish our goal of securing a sales leader who will drive our revenue and business development strategy." Adds Fails, "I am pleased to join the Journal team and look forward to working with each of our markets to find ways to provide exceptional service to our customers and grow our market share."

* Final nominees for the nation’s top Country radio stations and broadcast personalities are announced. The nominations listing was delivered to Country Radio Tuesday (Aug. 31), when Steel Magnolia revealed the 2010 CMA Broadcast Personality and Radio Station of the Year finalists live from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The announcements were carried live to Country radio stations by CMA’s official radio partner Premiere Radio Networks. The five final categories of nominees for the 44th Annual CMA Awards were announced this morning (Sept. 1) on ABC-TV’s “Good Morning America." All of the nominees are now featured here on the CMA Awards Website. The winners will be notified in mid-October and will be acknowledged at “The 44th Annual CMA Awards,” Wednesday, November 10, and broadcast live by the ABC-TV from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood return to host “Country Music’s Biggest Night” for a third year. The CMA Broadcast Awards finalists were revealed at a news conference where select CMA Awards finalists were also announced by Justin Moore and Chris Young.

* RadioTime acquires the TuneIn Internet Radio application for iPhone and iPod Touch. RadioTime also hires the app's developer, Ben Alexander to oversee the development of RadioTime's iPhone and future iPad apps. "I have realized the dream many independent apps developers share of having my app become a best-seller on iTunes, which is very difficult considering there are more than 225,000 apps and counting available for the iPhone, iPad and iTouch," says Alexander. "Partnering with RadioTime and being able to leverage its technology provided me with a significant advantage over the ever-growing number of Internet radio and streaming music apps, and I'm excited about the opportunity to join the company and work on bringing Internet radio to a wide variety of mobile, automotive and connected in-home media players, televisions and sound systems." RadioTime CEO Bill Moore adds, "An ever-growing number of our RadioTime.com users are now accessing Internet radio on their smart phones, using their headphones, connecting to a docking station and plugging into their car stereos," said "Adding the TUNEIN application to the line-up of our own and partners' mobile apps, along with the expertise Ben brings to our team, brings our customers and partners a significant competitive advantage."

* Roger Piper exits NextMedia Group as General Sales Manager of its suburban Chicago stations. Piper was promoted from Account Executive to GSM for Classic Hits "95.9 The River" WERV-FM, Aurora, in 2005, later adding GSM duties for Talk WJOL-AM, AC "Star 96.7" WSSR-FM and Classic Rock WRXQ-FM. Prior to NextMedia, Piper was VP and Station Manager of KOSP-FM, KKLH-FM and KOMG-FM, Springfield, MO.

* Entercom Indianapolis Director of Operations and Programming Scott Sands exits. Sands also programmed News-Talk WXNT-AM and Hot AC WZPL-FM. He was upped to Operations Director for Entercom's three-station Indianapolis group in September 2006. Sands joined WZPL in November 1999.

* Glenn Beck ignites new conservative Website TheBlaze.com on heels of 'Restoring Honor' rally in DC. Beck, a frequent critic of the mainstream news media, launches his own news site, The Blaze, featuring some of his favorite issues, such as faith, terrorism, the imam behind the planned Islamic community center in New York City and Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally at the Lincoln Memorial, according to The Washington Post. The site features a welcome message from Beck: "If you are like me, watching the news or reading the paper can be an exercise in exasperation. It's so hard to find a place that helps me make sense of the world I see. Too many important stories are overlooked. And too many times we see mainstream media outlets distorting facts to fit rigid agendas. Not that you've ever heard me complain about the media before. Okay, maybe once or twice. But there comes a time when you have to stop complaining and do something. And so we decided to hire some actual journalists to launch a new Website – The Blaze. And we moved fast. We built the team and the site in just two months." New York's Daily News reports that between his gig at Fox News, authoring best-selling books, and hosting a radio show and GlennBeck.com, Beck pulls in $35 million a year," citing Forbes, which puts him 43rd on its Celebrity 100 power ranking list. TheBlaze.com is edited by Scott Baker, who previously worked for conservative commentator Andrew Breitbart. Baker says that Beck will offer the staff a "continual flow of tips" on how to program the site,

* Former NC public official and radio station owner Kevin Geddings is exonerated, his fraud conviction vacated. Geddings, the former North Carolina Lottery Commissioner and radio station owner, has been exonerated by the same judge who convicted him of fraud and imprisoned him over three years ago, reports the Charlotte Observer. Geddings was convicted in 2006 of fraud for not disclosing having been paid $250,000 by a lottery company in the years before his appointment as Insurance Commissioner, but the U.S. Supreme Court two months ago narrowed the interpretation of the fraud statute used to convict Geddings, thus making what he was accused of doing no longer criminally fraudulent. He was released less than a week later, and Judge James Dever has now ordered the conviction vacated and his $25,000 fine repaid. Geddings and his wife owned and sold two Charlotte area radio stations, and bought two others, Talk WAOC-AM and Sports WFOY-AM, St. Augustine in 2006. His wife, who served him with divorce papers while he was in prison, remains the licensee of those stations. Geddings acknowledges that he made mistakes. "I should have been more fulsome in the disclosures I made on that ethics form," he said, "but I never committed a felony."

* "106.7 The Fan" WJFK, Washington, host Mike Wise suspended by the Washington Post for his Twitter hoax. Wise tells his radio listeners that he's been suspended for one month by the Post for using his personal Twitter account to post that the NFL would suspend Ben Roethlisberger five games for his off-field behavior, and then telling his WJFK listeners that the post was phony and intended to prove that people will believe, and reporters will print, anything. The stunt drew considerable national attention, most negative, to Wise. He then apologized on his show, saying, "My bosses at the Post feel I need a month to think about the severity of my actions." He added, "I made a horrendous mistake."

* After reports he might be replaced, Tribune CEO Randy Michaels says: "We're making solid financial progress." "Despite the noise surrounding our Chapter 11 process and a tough economic environment, we have not only stabilized our business, but in 2010 we have grown operating cash flow — and we're really just getting started," says Michaels, one day after reports from Tribune Co. newspapers that creditors are courting Michael Eisner to replace Sam Zell as chairman and Jeff Shell to replace Michaels. Michaels says Tribune's consolidated operating cash flow was up 44% for January-July compared to the first seven months of 2009. That adds up to about an additional $100 million. While Michaels was touting the improved finances, the company was telling the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware that it had decided not to file a new reorganization plan Friday (Aug. 27), as previously scheduled. An email from Michaels to staff said that the company continues to negotiate with creditors but would not be amending its plan "at the present time." Tribune's attorney had told Judge Kevin Carey last week that the company would file an amended plan August 27 after talks with senior lenders collapsed.

* Tens of thousands attend the "Restoring Honor" rally organized by Glenn Beck in Washington. The rally at the Lincoln Memorial drew between 87,000 and 200,000 — depending of which estimate you believe — although Beck claims it was between 200,000 and 500,000. They came to hear Beck, former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour. Also, receiving an award for his charitable work, St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols. The Saturday (Aug. 28) rally was held 47 years to the day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at the same site. Also among the speakers was Dr. King's niece Dr. Alveda King, a political activist. Sunday, Beck said his rally drew "on the low end 300,000" attendees up to "as many as 650,000." Unofficial estimates of the crowd size have varied wildly. CBS estimated 87,000 attendees based on aerial photographs, while NBC quoted an anonymous park service official who said there were 300,000 in the audience. The Park Service did not release an official estimate. Beck said there is "not a chance" of a Beck-Palin GOP ticket in 2012. He said he has "zero desire" to run for president. "I don't think I would be electable," he said, appearing on "Fox News Sunday" to discuss the event. Beck explained that the gathering was intended to reclaim the mantle of the civil rights movement from politics for "people of faith." Beck dismissed his critics who say that he has frequently engaged in racial politics by saying "race should not be in politics." Beck said he didn't agree with King's calls for economic justice. "The real agenda should be equal justice, an equal shot," said Beck. "The dream was to judge man by the content of his character, not the color of his skin. I don't know that we've done that." He added that the Justice Department is "certainly not doing that" in the case of the New Black Panther Party, referencing an alleged incident of voter intimidation on Election Day in 2008 — a controversy driven in no small part by Beck's radio and television shows that many on the left have cited as evidence of Beck's willingness to stoke racial fear among white people. Beck said "African Americans should be equally outraged" over the incident.

* Postponed again &ndash in 'Try #5' for the Emmis vote on Chairman/CEO Jeff Smulyan's go-private buyout plan. A group of preferred shareholders Friday evening (Aug. 27) again refused to vote on an effort by Smulyan to take the company private, reports the Indianapolis Business Journal. It was the fifth such setback for Smulyan in four weeks since he began his privatization effort. Company officials said discussions continue with the group of eight shareholders, which holds 38% of Emmis preferred shares. Emmis officials said a date for a new shareholders meeting won’t be determined until Monday, The dissident group holds enough shares to prevent Smulyan from winning two-thirds approval from preferred shareholders to convert their shares into bonds—at 60 cents on the dollar—in exchange for the attractive interest rate of 12%. Emmis shares closed at $2.02 Friday, down 7 cents from a week ago. The stock remained below Smulyan’s offer of $2.40 per share, indicating there is doubt that the company's founder can pull off his plan. Smulyan’s offer through his JS Acquisition and private equity firm Alden Global Capital values the company at about $90 million. Smulyan’s proposal also requires approval from the holders of a majority of Emmis shares, a threshold Smulyan likely would be able to meet. Founded by Smulyan in 1981, Indianapolis-based Emmis owns 23 radio stations in the United States and publishes regional magazines in seven cities, including Indianapolis Monthly. It also operates radio stations in Slovakia and Bulgaria. Over the past four years, Emmis’ revenue has declined by 33%, to $243 million. Its continuing operations have wracked up losses of more than $430 million. That performance has caused Emmis’ share price to plunge since the last time Smulyan tried to take the company private in May 2006. At that time, Smulyan’s buyout group offered $15.25 per common share, but could not come to terms with the company’s Board of Directors.

* Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan takes time out from go-private effort for chips — FM radio chips in mobile devices. Smulyan, still attempting to unlock a "lock-block" for his attempt to buyout Emmis, took time for an NBC News interview, presented as a point-counterpoint report with Rural Cellular Association CEO Steve Berry. Smulyan, on the battle between radio and wireless groups over mandating that FM chips be included in cellphones and other mobile devices, said in an on-camera interview: "It's a shame it's come to this. The marketplace has been blocked." He notes that that wireless companies would rather sell paid music services than add free FM. Berry says FM chips will add costs "for a functionality consumers may not ever actually use." Smulyan, however, says that in most of the worldwide cellphones already ship with the FM chip installed. He also maintains that in the event of an emergency, broadcasters who have backup generators are "really the only people who can inform the American public."

* Michael Baisden co-host George Willborn files $100 million racial discrimination suit over withdrawn real estate. A Bridgeport, IL, couple and their real estate agent were previously charged by HUD with housing discrimination after they refused to sell a $1.7 million home to Willborn. Now Willborn has filed a $100 million racial discrimination suit. According to the HUD complaint, on which we previously reported, the Willborns placed a bid on a five-bedroom home from Daniel and Adrienne Sabbia, which was accepted for the price of $1.7 million. Later, when the Sabbias found out Willborn was an African American, they refused to complete the deal. After an interview with a HUD investigator, the agent for the property, Jeffrey Lowe of Lowe Group Chicago, said Daniel Sabbia told him he would rather not sell to an African American. "I think it's unfortunate, sad and disgusting. It jolts you to your core beliefs," says Willborn. "No one has the right to dictate the American dream." Willborn lawyer Charles Peckham adds, "If this can happen to the Willborns, a prominent couple with the means to buy a home in an exclusive neighborhood, it can happen to anyone." The Willborn offer was the highest that the Sabbias received in two years of listing the 8,000-square foot home for sale.

* Clear Channel is publicly distancing itself from a WHO-AM, Des Moines, host's on-air comments on homosexuality. Clear Channel Radio WHO-AM morning host Jan Mickelson told listeners the idea that AIDS does not discriminate is a lie, provoking the ire of several groups. The Iowa Independent reports that Jan Mickelson criticized Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Matt Strawn for denouncing a GOP legislative candidate who posted anti-gay statements on his Facebook. Strawn said “HIV/AIDS does not discriminate,” a point that raised the ire of Mickelson, who, according to the Independent, has a history of anti-gay remarks. Mickelson said the disease discriminates against people who engage in “stupid behavior,” and since homosexuality is a “sexual disorder” that violates natural law, it “isn’t rocket science” to conclude AIDS discriminates against homosexuals. “Homosexuality is intrinsically promiscuous, because it violates the design of our bodies,” Mickelson said. “There is no safe way to do that.” In a statement read shortly before Mickelson’s program began Thursday morning (Aug. 26), Clear Channel said Mickelson’s statements “confused strong opinion with medical fact, and contained factual errors regarding HIV/AIDS, it’s spread and current efforts to inform the public about this disease. Mr. Mickelson’s comments do not reflect the opinions of Clear Channel, nor do they reflect the ongoing support Clear Channel provides to public service campaigns, such as Greater than AIDS, that works to convey the message that AIDS does not discriminate. We regret any confusion about HIV/AIDS that may have resulted from Mr. Mickelson’s remarks.” Since news first broke about Mickelson’s statements, One Iowa — the state’s largest LGBT-rights organization — worked with the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), urging Clear Channel to correct the misinformation. Carolyn Jenison, executive director of One Iowa, praises Clear Channel’s statement.

* Listener Driven Radio adds four industry veterans to its engineering and support teams. LDR, which provides interactive programming tools for broadcasters, adds Brian Seeders, Blake Weber, Craig Bowman and Gale Parmelee. This announcement follows the appointment of Greg Hunt as VP of Affiliate Relations in July. Seeders joins the company as Chief Engineer and will oversee the continued development and growth of the LDR platform for radio stations. Seeders will also manage new feature development. Weber joins LDR as Support Engineer, and will focus on working with radio stations to easily and effectively utilize the LDR system. A veteran broadcast engineer, Bowman also joins the team as a Support Engineer. Bowman previously worked as a lead engineer for Scott Studios. Parmelee, a veteran radio programmer is promoted to VP of Programming Support working with LDR affiliate Program Directors. "This has been a year of tremendous growth for LDR," says LDR President Daniel Anstandig. "These additions bring a significant amount of talent to the team and further empower LDR clients to realize success in growing ratings and revenue from the platform. When new affiliates sign with us, they can be certain that they will receive world-class engineering and programming support from the LDR team."

* The Dickey family, best known for Cumulus radio, continues growing their magazine business. Dickey Publishing (DP), which is separate from Cumulus, strikes a deal to buy Modern Luxury Media. According to a news release, Dickey Publishing, announced an agreement to acquire the assets of Modern Luxury Media, "the country's largest city magazine publisher." Modern Luxury publishes 26 titles in 12 major markets including: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Washington DC and Miami. Dickey Publishing has commissioned Cumulus Media to operate Modern Luxury through Cumulus' Structured Management Services division. Dickey Publishing has retained Macquarie Capital as sole advisor to the transaction. Macquarie also will provide debt and equity funding for the transaction. Says Dickey Publishing President and Publisher Michael Dickey, "Modern Luxury has an excellent position in the most significant media markets in the U.S. We look forward to working with its talented team. We are also pleased to be partnering with Macquarie, who has significant experience in the media sector. Their advice and support in this transaction will be of significant benefit to the growth of the business." Says Modern Luxury CEO Bill Cobert, "There has been keen interest in Modern Luxury from several interested buyers. Dickey Publishing distinguished themselves in a number of respects, by placing the greatest value on Modern Luxury, our team, our brands, and each of our markets. We believe they will be a superb steward of the business going forward." Cumulus Media Chairman and CEO, Lew Dickey, adds, "Modern Luxury has a stable of venerable publishing brands in the nation's most desirable media markets. It will benefit greatly from Cumulus' technology platform, operating systems and local media sales experience. This is an excellent opportunity to gain significant scale in a business in which Dickey Publishing has been operating for over a decade." The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

* Cumulus Media's Lew and John Dickey are being honored with Urban Knight Awards by AURN. The American Urban Radio Networks award honors individuals in the radio business who effectively market to African-American consumers. Says AURN’s Jerry Lopes, “I've been in this business for four decades and for as long as I can remember the Dickey family has been committed to marketing the Black consumer marketplace. They've always had a significant number of Urban stations in their radio portfolio and those stations have stood the test of time effectively serving African Americans in small and medium sized markets throughout this country.” The awards will be given September 29 during the first evening of the NAB-RAB Radio Show 2010 in Washington DC.

* Among rumored candidates to run Google's new music service: Clear Channel's Evan Harrison. TPM Radio Web Watch reported Friday (Aug. 27) that Google is reportedly seeking an executive to lead its planned music service. Sources have told All Things Digital that Google has reached out to multiple digital media executives about a position heading up the reported Google Music, but hasn't hired anyone yet. All Things Digital also reports that its sources believe the mysterious Google Music could have its launch delayed from later this year to the first quarter of 2011. Harrison is said to be one of those under consideration, and he just announced he is leaving Clear Channel at the end of the year. That would tie in to a delay for the Google Music start-up to Q1 2011. Some think this may mean he's the leading candidate at Google, and may even already have a deal which would explain the timing of his announcement that he's giving up the job as Clear Channel EVP of Online Music and Radio.

* Radio Disney SVP and General Manager Michael Riley gets the picture, named new President of ABC Family TV. Riley will oversee all original programming and acquisitions, as well as marketing, sales and operations. He succeeds Paul Lee, who was promoted to President of ABC Entertainment Group last month after six years at ABC Family. In his Radio Disney role, Riley provided oversight of the strategic management of the Radio Disney network and its owned radio stations. He joined The Walt Disney Company in April 2008. Previously, Riley was SVP and General Manager, Turner Broadcasting System, Europe, Middle East and Africa. In this post, he was responsible for developing the CNN commercial strategy and the overall brand strategy for the entertainment channels Cartoon Network, Boomerang, TCM, TNT and Adult Swim in Germany, Northern Europe, Middle East and Africa. Other key responsibilities included the management of advertising sales, marketing and interactive commerce functions, as well as supporting the company's programming development and acquisition strategy.

* CBS Interactive names former PayPal VP of Finance and CFO Mary Hentges as its new CFO and EVP. Hentges replaces Zander Lurie as CFO of CBS Interactive, a position Lurie held until April when he shifted to his current role as SVP of Strategic Development for parent company CBS Corporation. Citing CBS' existing roster of online brands, Hentges said of the unit's prospects: "I'm confident we can grow." CBS Corporation EVP and CFO Joseph Ianniello says the appointment was not a decision made lightly. Now more than ever, says Ianniello, "Continued success at CBS Interactive is a key part of the company's future." At PayPal, Hentges led a team that oversaw accounting, billing, financial planning and analysis, strategy, enterprise risk management, tax, treasury and internal audits. Prior to PayPal, Hentges worked in a number of finance roles for Agilent Technologies and Hewlett-Packard.

* Clear Channel discloses spending $1.37 Million for second quarter lobbying. According to a disclosure filing, the lobbying targets included various FCC proceedings, the Performance Rights Act, the Local Radio Freedom Act, the Broadcaster Freedom Act, and the DISCLOSE Act. Clear Channel also reports lobbying Congress on the journalist shield law, the Free Flow of Information Act.

* The 22-year-old son of "NewsRadio 1160" KSL-AM, Salt Lake City, UT, host Doug Wright is found dead in DC. Eric Wright had just started his internship in the office of Congressman Rob Bishop. Over the weekend, he was with several other Hinckley Institute interns on the landscaped roof of the Park Place apartment building in Washington DC. At some point, Wright fell seven stories to the alley below. Kirk Jowers, head of the Hinckley Institute, said he was alone when he fell, reports Utah' s KUTV 2. DC police are not talking about the case, but those close to the family are saying it is simply a tragic accident, and have been told by a detective that they don't suspect foul play. "We are distraught and heartbroken as we could possibly be," Doug Wright told KUTV 2.

* The FCC appeals the Second Circuit Court of Appeals indecency ruling. The FCC — with the backing of the Justice Department — Thursday (Aug.26) appealed the decision of a three-judge panel of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals to the full court. That ruling said the Commission's indecency enforcement policy is unconstitutionally vague. The FCC, in its appeal, says the ruling was unnecessarily broad. The Commission also says the ruling makes establishing a new indecency enforcement policy a "seeming impossibility." The FCC is asking the full Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider the July ruling. FCC General Counsel Austin Schlick says the decision “raised serious concerns” about the Commission’s ability to protect children from indecent programming. Broadcast attorneys believe the case ultimately will go to the U.S. Supreme Court. The FCC says that the court had "all but ignored" the specific facts of the case to focus on other decisions that the court "believed rendered the Commission's underlying context-based framework unconstitutionally vague." The case before the court dealt specifically with fleeting profanities in Billboard awards show broadcasts on Fox television. The FCC signaled the likelihood of today's appeal earlier in the week when in a filing to the same court, it asked for a delay on another indecency case involving bare buttocks because an appeal of the previous ruling was likely. Says Schlick: "The FCC and the Justice Department are today asking the federal court of appeals in New York to reconsider its decision in Fox v. FCC. The three-judge panel's decision in July raised serious concerns about the Commission's ability to protect children and families from indecent broadcast programming. " Schlick added: "The Commission remains committed to empowering parents and protecting children, and looks forward to the court of appeals' further consideration of our arguments."

* Arbitron re-issues the Spring 2010 Report for Nashville minus four tainted diaries. Arbitron had said problems with four diaries returned from a household that had contact with two Cromwell stations was the reason for recalling the Nashville Spring ratings report earlier in the week. In a letter sent to Nashville subscribers, Arbitron said: "Audience estimates for Cromwell Active Rock WBUZ-FM and Top 40 WPRT-FM may be substantially affected in particular demos and dayparts." With the re-issue WBUZ-FM drops from a 5.3 to a 4.6 share, age 12+ total week. WPRT-FM dropped from a 2.0 to a 1.3. Arbitron also said in the letter, "Estimates for other stations may be slightly affected as a result of sample balancing and reprocessing procedures that accompany deletion of any diary from the sample." Three stations — AC WJXA, Urban WUBT and CHR-Top40 WRVW — each gain one-tenth of a point in the revised Spring 2010 Report for Nashville.

* RTDNA/Hofstra Survey: 'Radio and TV News Salaries Stabilize in 2009.' The good news in broadcast news salaries in 2009 is that there isn't bad news, according to RTDNA. The latest RTDNA/Hofstra University Annual Survey reports local radio news salaries were unchanged while local television news salaries rose a modest 2.5% last year. That compares with drops for both local radio (1.8%) and local TV (4.4%) the year before. “With negative inflation in 2009, even flat salaries mean no loss in buying power,” says Bob Papper, professor of journalism at Hofstra University and the survey director. Overall, radio news salaries showed little change in 2009. News directors, reporters, producers and sports reporters’ salaries rose slightly. This is offset by the slight decline in news and sports anchors’ salaries. There’s a mixed picture in TV salaries. Eleven positions saw increased salaries from last year, four dropped and three stayed the same. But no salary for any position changed much, which is probably the more important point. Overall, TV salaries rose by 2.5%. Reporters, managing editors and art directors saw the biggest salary increases. All rose by about 10%. The biggest drop was seen in sport reporting, which showed a 10% salary drop.

* Coleman Insights re-releases its 2008 "Real PPM Panelists Tell All" study. The Coleman study "provided radio professionals with never-before-seen insights into the perceptions and behavior of Arbitron Portable People Meter panelists." Visitors to the Coleman Website at www.ColemanInsights.com/ppm can now access a self-guided, multimedia presentation of the study’s findings, as well as other studies the company has released under its "Mapping the DNA of PPM" series. "When we initially released the study, the day-to-day reality of managing and programming stations under PPM measurement was something only a handful of radio executives were dealing with," says Coleman Insights President and COO Warren Kurtzman. "We thought it was really important to ensure that the study’s insights were as accessible as possible now that Arbitron is using PPM in nearly 50 markets." The re-release of the online presentation follows a recent increase in attention to the experiences of Arbitron PPM panelists, fueled by an August 8, 2010 San Francisco Chronicle article by Ben Fong-Torres based on an interview with a participant in the San Francisco PPM panel. "What struck us about the Ben Fong-Torres article was how that one panelist’s experience paralleled what we saw in our 2008 research," adds Kurtzman. "This made us realize that it would be a good idea to get this important study in front of the radio industry once again. Furthermore, the re-release of the online presentation provides another opportunity for radio managers to acquaint themselves with the three levels of Cume listening—intentional, incidental and invisible—we isolated in the research."

* Chicago-based AccuRadio hires Bill Gamble to consult and program its 18 online country-music channels. Those channels are known collectively as AccuCountry. They include customizable channels organized by decade as well as “New Country Hits,” “Country Love Songs,” “Women of Country,” “Married, But Not to Each Other” (songs about cheating) and “Country Heritage,” among others. In addition to overseeing AccuCountry’s music, talent and social networking, Gamble will serve as the company’s liaison with the music industry in Nashville. “As we continue to grow AccuRadio, look for us to continue to partner with the industry’s top programmers,” says AccuRadio’s John Gehron. “Bill’s experience and expertise will help us make the AccuCountry channels a primary choice for country music fans.” Gamble, a veteran radio programmer and consultant, has programmed six Chicago radio stations, most recently as Program Director of CBS Radio Country WUSN-FM and AC WCFS-FM. Chicago media reporter Robert Feder at Vocalo.org has some interesting personal observations about Gamble that go beyond his resume.

* KAKS-FM, Huntsville, AR, hires former Razorbacks running back Michael Smith to replace Renee Gork. She's the reporter who was fired from the Northwest Arkansas radio station – which bills itself as "Hog Sports Radio" – after she wore a Florida Gators hat to a Razorbacks' football news conference. KAKS General Manager Dan Storrs confirms that he hired Smith, who rushed for 2,018 yards for Arkansas between 2006-09. Storrs says Smith did some work for the station at the Razorbacks' spring game this year, and would now be reporting from practice. Gork was fired amid a brouhaha that began when she wore a Florida hat to an August 14 news conference with Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino. Storrs now maintains the hat was not the main reason for her dismissal, although in initial comments to the media when the story first went national he seemed to indicate it was.

* Matt Spragins joins Fisher Interactive as VP and General Manager. Spragins has been RealNetworks Senior Director of Product Management. Fisher Interactive is the digital division of Fisher Communications. SVP of Business Development Randa Minkarah says, "As an experienced product management executive, Matt is the ideal candidate to lead the Fisher Interactive team." Adds Spragins, "I look forward to leading the innovative Fisher Interactive team and building upon their current success. Fisher has fantastic assets that are aligned with the growth trends in online and mobile local media. I' m excited to leverage these assets into a growth strategy that allows Fisher to further develop competitive strengths."

* Media Monitors' Radio Spot Service again receives Media Rating Council accreditation. The Radio Spot Service reports radio advertising occurrences. Media Monitors was the first radio monitoring service to be audited and accredited by the MRC in 2008. "We continue to pledge to the industry the highest-quality data with unmatched speed," says Media Monitors President and CEO Philippe Generali. "And once again, the MRC confirms that our hard work and accuracy has remained consistent."

* Takeover speculation sends Lincoln National shares soaring. Speculation about a possible takeover of Lincoln National Corp., parent company of Lincoln Financial Media, sent its share price jumping 10.3% Friday (Aug. 27). A rumor hit Wall Street saying that Canadian insurance company Manulife Financial Corp. had offered $32 per share for LNC, fueling a rise in LNC stock that resulted in the stock closing at $22.73. The purchase of LNC by a Canadian company, such as Manulife, would have implications for the radio properties owned by Lincoln, because of FCC restrictions on foreign ownership.

* Philadelphia-based radio talker Michael Smerconish again is promoting a 9/11 tribute pin. This is the second year in a row that Smerconish, a talk host at "The Big Talker" WPHT-AM, Philadelphia, and nationally via Dial Global, is partnering with Philadelphia's Steven Singer jeweler, to create a 9/11 tribute pin for the benefit of the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA. For a $10 donation, listeners receive the 9/11 Never Forget Pin and one hundred percent of the money will be donated to the Flight 93 National Memorial Fund. . Steven Singer is contributing the shipping costs. In 2009, over $30,000 was raised for the fund. Smerconish and team are hoping to better that this year. Smerconish says almost $20,000 has been raised already in the past week.

* “Mad as Hell in America with Adam Klugman” is set to launch on KPOJ-AM, Portland OR in September. Clear Channel "AM 620, Portland's Progressive Talk Station" KPOJ is a former Air America affiliate. The new show will allow mad citizens of any political leaning to have 60 seconds to tell why they are “Mad as Hell." Says Klugman, “Most people are afraid of their anger because they think it's going to make them like the small minority of belligerent Americans who scream and throw tantrums to get what they want. But that's not anger. It's childish rage and it has been getting its way in this country for far too long.” But, in contrast, says Klugman "legitimate, human anger isn't destructive at all. In fact, it's inherently creative because it's prodding us for a response. There's nothing wrong with you if you feel mad as hell about America's torture policy. You should be mad as hell… But what if, instead of throwing that feeling away because it isn't popular at cocktail parties, I paid attention to it? What if I really listened to it? Well, in that case I just might have to change the world.” The show will initially air 3-6pm (PT) on two Saturdays – September 18 and 25. Klugman is associated with Portland advertising firm Progressive Media Agency, specializing in promoting progressive causes and candidates.

* "Studio 1430" KEZW-AM, Denver, launches online sale of 8GB iPod Nano pre-loaded with live big band recordings. "Sing and Swing Volume 1" is a collection of 100 songs taken from various Armed Forces radio programs and V-Discs that aired exclusively for the troops overseas during WWII — that were never sold in stores or played on American radio. "As America's #1 big band station, we feel strongly about introducing new generations to the great songs of the era. We are so proud to be sponsors of this very special IPod collection," says KEZW Program Director Rick Crandall. The compilation was produced by the Glenn Miller Archive at the University of Colorado, and includes artists such as Miller, Sinatra, Dorsey, Goodman and others from that era. Says Dennis Spragg, producer of the collection, "The Glenn Miller Archive and I are very pleased to join with Entercom Denver in presenting this special collection. Not only does it benefit the American Music Research Center at the University of Colorado, but also fans of big band music who have never heard these songs,"

* Ohio's Hamilton school district agrees to sell WHSS-FM for $156,000 to Sacred Heart Radio. Sacred Heart currently operates WNOP-AM in the Cincinnati area. The 190w outlet reaches Cincinnati at the edge of its coverage. The agreement was reached earlier this week (Aug. 25), following a two-hour public auction. The auction process was required by Ohio state law regarding the sale of publicly owned assets. Broadcast Management and Technology President and CEO Jay Meyers was retained by the school district to manage the sale process and personally conducted the auction. The parties expect to file at the FCC in the next two weeks for transfer of the license and Sacred Heart Radio will begin operating WHSS under an LMA following FCC approval.

* Clear Channel Radio EVP Online Music and Radio Evan Harrison will exit at the end of this year. Harrison has played a pivotal role in building Clear Channel Radio’s digital platform. Now, six years after joining the company from AOL, Harrison has decided to pursue new challenges and will leave the company at the end of the year. A search for a new head of the company’s digital business is underway. Clear Channel Radio President and CEO John Hogan says in a memo to employees, "As each of you knows, the media landscape has changed fundamentally, and I’ve appreciated Evan's contributions in building our digital platform for nearly six years. Our digital team has made significant inroads in successfully building out the digital capabilities of our local brands with the positive consumer acceptance of iheartradio.com reaching 10 MM unique-person downloads this year. Additionally, each month 25-30MM highly engaged individuals visit our digital properties, where we offer advertisers truly integrated campaigns that include on-air, online, mobile, and talent endorsements. To that end, digital continues to be an essential part of our growth strategy. It is important that we continue our charge to make sure that our content, delivery modalities, technology innovations, and the monetization of digital continue to move forward as a critical priority." Harrison and Hogan announced his plans to exit during a call Wednesday (Aug. 25).

* "103.3 ESPN" KESN-FM, Dallas, signs Cowboys legend Drew Pearson for the 2010 football season. Pearson will co-host KESN's Cowboys post-game show with RJ Choppy and former Cowboys scout Bryan Broaddus, and will be a weekly guest on the "Ben and Skin Show" and "Galloway and Company." Says KESN General Manager Pete Dits, "We are thrilled to add the 'Original 88' to our football coverage. Drew is now a seasoned media veteran who will provide a wealth of NFL knowledge and candid opinion on what happened on the field." During Pearson's ten-year career with the NFL Cowboys (1973-1983) NFL the team had three Super Bowl appearances, including one victory in 1978, three All-Pro nominations (1974, 1976, 1977), two All-NFC nomination (1975, 1978), three Pro Bowl appearances (1974, 1976, 1977), and a 1980 NFL Man of the Year nomination.

* "Party FM" WPTY, Nassau-Suffolk (Long Island), makes a million dollar offer to Lindsay Lohan. The JVC Broadcasting station says in a news release, it's offered Lohan and her mother $1 million to host the "Party 101.5/105.3" morning show, which would be nationally syndicated. The station, located on Long Island near the Lohans' hometown, wants Lindsay and mother Dina to host the popular Dance Top 40 station’s morning show. The news release states that they would cover a range of topics from trendy fashion tips to entertainment news. There would also be an advice hotline for fans to call in with questions. The station says in a statement, “ We think that hosting a morning program would be the perfect gig for Lohan. Besides her experience in film, TV and music, she has appeared on radio programs in the past on Radio Disney and other stations. If Lohan wants to take some time off from Hollywood and spend some much-needed R&R with her family but still needs to atone for her reported $600,000 in credit card debt, hosting Party 105’s morning show would be an ideal way for the starlet to reconnect with her fans – starting with those closest to her hometown who have followed her career from the beginning.”

* Is Larry King returning to his radio roots when he leaves his CNN show? "Larry King and Ryan Seacrest have been secretly plotting to relaunch Larry's radio career," writes TMZ.com. Sources tell TMZ, "Ryan is talking to Larry about producing/distributing a new Larry King syndicated radio show, as part of a mega-media deal Seacrest is creating." King was a radio fixture for years before becoming a TV interviewer. Seacrest, whose radio deal with Clear Channel ends in November, has, according to TMZ, "been around town talking to big wigs about creating a multi-media empire, including TV and the Internet."

* J.D. Hayworth back to radio after losing Arizona GOP primary challenge to Senator John McCain? Clear Channel "Newstalk 550" KFYI, Phoenix may soon have Hayworth back on the air. Hayworth, a former congressman, left his popular afternoon show on KFYI to challenge McCain in Arizona’s Republican primary. McCain fought off the challenge in his bid for a fifth term after spending some $20 million and adopting a hard line on his signature issue of immigration. Hayworth has not yet said he will return to the conservative talker, nor has KFYI indicated it will bring him back to the air, but when Hayworth stepped aside in January because of the political campaign, it was strongly suggested that his on-air absence would be temporary pending the outcome of the primary campaign. In a January 22 "goodbye" post on the station's Website, which remains archived here, Hayworth wrote: “It has been a joy to spend weekday afternoons on KFYI. Now, another chapter begins. The call to public service remains, and again it may very well lead to pursuit of public office.” Now that "pursuit" has ended, and it appears likely he will be interested in returning to radio to keep his voice and views before the public, although that may wait until after the November elections. Hayworth had promised he would support the winner of the primary contest which he lost Tuesday (Aug. 24).

* Former FEMA Director Michael Brown takes his "850 News Radio" KOA-AM, Denver, radio show to New Orleans. Brown quit FEMA following widespread criticism of the government response to Hurricane Katrina. Wednesday (Aug. 25) and Thursday he's broadcasting from the city hardest hit by Katrina. Brown's talk show airs 9pm-midnight (ET). He headed FEMA under the Bush administration and became the target of critics who claimed the administration bungled its initial response. He resigned in September 2005, two weeks after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. His resignation came 10 days after President Bush told him, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job." He later accused then-Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and others of dragging their feet and ignoring his warnings about massive flooding. Hurricane Katrina's fifth anniversary is Sunday (Aug. 29).

* The NAB lashes back at criticism of mandating cellphones with FM radio capability. The NAB offers 'A fact-based response to the critics of radio-capable cell phones.' "The response from critics to NAB’s support for the inclusion of radio receivers on mobile phone devices sold in the U.S has been predictable and follows a customary Washington tactic," writes NAB EVP of Communications David Wharton. "Arguments against this pro-consumer feature have been long on exaggeration, rhetoric and factual inaccuracies." The NAB responds to recent opposition to its plan to include FM radio receivers on mobile devices. That, of course, is one key to a possible compromise on performance rights between the NAB and the musicFIRST Coalition. In a new NAB blog positing, Wharton says, "It’s time to set the record straight." Refuting tech industry claims by the wireless and consumer electronics industries that NAB and the recording industry are attempting to prop up "a business which consumers are abandoning as they avail themselves of new, more consumer-friendly options," Wharton points out that consumers aren't abandoning radio, citing the most recent Arbitron report that shows that radio listening grew by 7 million 12+ listeners in the last year and that, when given the choice, consumers like radio-capable cell phones.

Wharton also makes the points, again refuting the tech trade industry, that "Radio serves as an information lifeline during times of crisis" and "Cellphone subscribers deserve access to radio’s free service." He offers the NAB's position of support, citing on-the-record background, on each of the points he makes, including: "There is Congressional support for radio-capable cellphones," noting that: "The WARN Act, signed into law nearly four years ago, established a process by which cellphone providers volunteered to devise a system for reaching their subscribers during times of emergency. The cell phone industry’s answer to date has been a text-based system limited to 90 characters, which has still not yet been deployed. And while the mobile phone industry has continued to delay the launch of their text-based emergency alert system, citizens across the country have weathered numerous natural and terrorist-related disasters including the Virginia Tech shooting, the California wildfires, the devastating floods in Iowa and Tennessee, Snowmaggeddon 2010, and the Time Square bomb threat." The bottom line, says the NAB spokesman is: "Americans deserve a better choice than what is being offered by the gatekeeper critics. Sound public policy and public safety considerations warrant free and local radio-enabled cell phones." The full posting is available here.

* BIA/Kelsey sees slight increase in radio revenues for 2010, some markets exceeding 7% growth. The radio industry will see its over-the-air revenues in 2010 climb 4.4% over last year to $13.93 billion. Another $459.3 million in revenues comes from digital and online sources, according to a revised forecast issued today (Aug. 25) from BIA/Kelsey. This uptick, reported in the third edition of BIA/Kelsey’s quarterly "Investing In Radio Market Report,” comes from collective increases across the country in the various radio markets. Stations in top 10 market cities will average a 6.26% increase from 2009, while, notably, San Francisco and Philadelphia can expect overall revenue growth of 8% due primarily to an increase in spending by national advertisers. Scattered cities in a number of markets will hit 7.5% or greater growth this year, including Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood, Florida (7.5%); Denver, Colorado (8.5%); Syracuse, New York, Little Rock, Arkansas, and Springfield, Massachusetts (8%); and New Haven, Connecticut (7.7%). Markets 11 to 25 will raise an average of 4.05%, while others will see average revenue increases of between 2.73% and 3.66%. “We’re glad to see positive growth in most U.S. radio markets but still feel there remains enough uncertainty in the country’s overall economic performance to tread carefully stepping into the second half of the year. Bear in mind, too, that the third and fourth quarters of 2009 were better than the first half of that year, so we do not expect the change to be that large by the end of this year,” says BIA/Kelsey VP Mark Fratrik. “Radio’s performance this year will largely be driven by the success of the top markets; however, its impact will resonate to smaller ones.” BIA/Kelsey also notes that the small volume of radio station transactions this year have been a function of the revenue and profit decline experienced in recent years and a lack of bank financing. As of July there were only $168 million in transactions compared with $207 million in 2009. “Station owners are hesitant to sell at today’s lower multiples, while potential buyers’ view the growth potential conservatively in light of the economic uncertainty. Additionally, the inability to get sufficient debt financing to lower the cost of capital leaves the transaction marketplace stuck in neutral,” says Fratrik.

* Report: Tribune Co. creditors court Michael Eisner and Jeff Shell for top jobs. Tribune Co.'s largest creditors are in preliminary talks with former Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Michael Eisner, who is being considered to replace Chicago real estate magnate Sam Zell as chairman, say several people with knowledge of the situation. That's according to the Los Angeles Times, telling us Eisner would be joined by Jeff Shell, a former News Corp. executive who is in top management at Comcast Corp. Discussions about new management at Tribune are still exploratory, people close to one of the creditors cautioned. Senior creditors can't make changes until a plan is in place allowing the company to emerge from its nearly two-year legal morass. Tribune owns the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Tribune, 23 TV stations, six newspapers and WGN Radio, Chicago. Under one scenario being discussed by the senior creditors, Eisner, who is 68, would be joined by Jeff Shell, a former News Corp. cable executive who is now in top management at Comcast Corp., according to four people with knowledge of the talks. Shell would become chief executive of Tribune, replacing Randy Michaels. Eisner was unavailable for comment, according to his spokeswoman. But he told Variety in a wide-ranging interview that he has been accumulating Tribune debt. “You are talking to somebody who is buying debt in the Tribune Co. The salvation of the newspaper is some kind of pay arrangement [online], which will evolve into something significant,” Eisner said in the interview. Shell, 44, a Los Angeles native who runs Comcast’s cable channels group from the company’s headquarters in Philadelphia, declined to comment. Earlier in his career, Shell worked for Disney on the strategic planning staff when Eisner ran the company. Tribune and its creditors are still struggling to negotiate a settlement around charges that Zell’s 2007 leveraged buyout was a case of "fraudulent conveyance," meaning the transaction rendered the company insolvent from Day One. That settlement would serve as the basis for a plan of reorganization, but depending on how negotiations go, it could be months in coming or the case could easily devolve into litigation.

* "Radio Fiesta Mexicana" WWWE-AM, Atlanta, will flip to Spanish Sports ESPN Deportes Radio Monday (Aug. 30). The Beasley station's flip will mark a return of ESPN Deportes to the market. Says Beasley Atlanta VP and Market Manager Chris Edmonds, "In response to their feverish passion for sports, we aim to engage local Atlanta Hispanic sports enthusiasts by airing community sports shows in addition to the tremendous variety of national and international sports offered through ESPN Deportes." Network General Manager Oscar Ramos says, "This is yet another step forward in our effort to make ESPN Deportes Radio available in the top U.S. Hispanic markets. We are very excited to offer our top-tier sports programming mix to the emerging Hispanic community in Atlanta, as well as new opportunities for advertisers and marketers to reach the local sports fans." Beasley EVP of Operations Brian Beasley tells us, "Atlanta represents the second major market in which Beasley Broadcast has committed to Hispanic programming in the last thirty days. We strive to bring all of our listeners relevant and entertaining programming in each market in which Beasley operates radio stations. Recognizing that the Hispanic population is the fastest-growing segment of the United States' population, we believe that it is important to address their specific listening preferences and are pleased to be associated with ESPN Deportes in the Atlanta market." Network Executive Director of Affiliate Sales Jim Roberts adds, "ESPN Deportes Radio is happy to re-enter the Atlanta market," "We are equally thrilled to once again enter into partnership with Beasley Broadcast, who in addition to Atlanta launched ESPN Deportes Radio earlier this month in Philadelphia."

* Former WBUL-FM, Lexington, KY, personality Roy "Dusty Dan" Baldridge gets probation, but with stringent strings attached. Baldridge was previously sentenced to five years each for two counts of possession of child pornography in April. Now, as part of a probation deal, he has agreed to complete a Lexington Sex Addicts program, attend a recovery group at a church, attend an Alcoholics Anonymous program and avoid computer access. As part of the probation, Baldridge must also "be productive for 40 hours a week, possibly attending school or working." Baldridge was fired by "98.1 The Bull" WBUL when he was arrested in October 2009. He was first charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a defaced firearm after two men allegedly broke into his house and took a firearm that turned out to have been previously stolen. The burglary investigation lead police to discover Baldridge's child pornography possession. A grand jury ultimately dismissed the firearms and stolen property charges.

* Mid-West Family Broadcasting Springfield, IL, makes changes, names Susan Groves Operations Manager. Mid-West Family promotes Groves to OM of its four-station Springfield cluster — Triple-A "Alice@97.7" WLCE-FM, "The Rock Station" WQLZ-FM, "Lite Rock 98.7" WNNS-FM, and News-Talk "970 AM" WMAY-AM. Groves will also continue as remain as PD of WQLZ and an air personality at WLCE. WMAY News Director, Program Director and morning host Jim Leach is upped to News Director of the entire group, as well as continuing with WMAY-specific duties. WLCE Assistant PD and morning host Josie O'Donnell is promoted to Program Director. Chris Murphy joins Mid-West Family as Assistant Operations Manager of all four stations, PD of WNNS, Assistant PD of WMAY and afternoon host on WNNS. Previously, Murphy worked for Mid-West from 1995 until 2006.

* BIA/Kelsey says radio is in the advertising mix for higher-spending small and medium businesses. Higher-spending small and medium business advertisers use 6.5 different media on average in promotional mixes. That includes 16.1% of their total budget on broadcast media. The 6.5 different media for higher-spending small and medium businesses compares with 3.1 different media used by the broader small and medium business (SMB) advertiser population, according to findings from the first wave of BIA/Kelsey’s "LCM: SMB Plus Spenders" study. This survey is an extension of BIA/Kelsey’s ongoing Local Commerce Monitor study conducted annually with research partner ConStat. The survey addresses a higher spending bracket of SMBs — those spending at least $25,000 annually on media advertising and promotion. This is a considerably higher spending level than the core LCM population, which spends on average $2,000 to $3,000 annually on advertising. “We launched this survey in response to the numerous inquiries from key players in the local, social and geo media space, who are seeking to better understand the behaviors and needs of higher-spending SMBs,” says BIA/Kelsey President Neal Polachek. Among findings from the "LCM: SMB Plus Spenders" survey, one of special interest to radio is that SMB Plus Spenders spend an appreciable amount of their total budget on broadcast media — 16.1% of their budget is allocated to broadcast media compared with 1.3% for all SMBs. The higher-spending SMBs, among other findings, mostly all have Websites. A full 90% of SMB Plus Spenders have a Website, versus 62% of core Local Commerce Monitor SMBs. The higher-spending SMBs use more types of online media, and spend more for online advertising. In the past 12 months, Plus Spenders spent 26% of their total ad budget on online media, versus 21.8% for core LCM SMBs, a difference of 4.2 points. Also, they focus on media performance in making media buying decisions: 40% rated “demonstration of ROI” as the first or second most important service that a vendor of online advertising can provide. “SMB Plus Spenders are more performance-oriented in making their media purchase decisions and do a considerable amount of lead tracking,” says BIA/Kelsey Research Director Steve Marshall. “This group of SMBs, with its digital media savvy and use of more media categories, represents the sweet spot for many companies developing and delivering local advertising solutions.” [More »]

* Borrell Associates says online advertising will outpace total ad spending in 2011. According to Borrell's latest Ad Forecast, a moderate increase of less than 5% is expected in overall ad spending next year — to $238.6 billion. Online spending, however, is forecast to show a 14% increase to $51.9 billion next year, up from $45.6 billion this year. Borrell Associates says the fastest-growing segments will be the local sector and targeted display ads. The local sector is predicted to rise about 18% to $16.1 billion. Targeted display ads will be up almost 60% to $10.9 billion for national and local combined. Says Borrell, "While national advertisers will increase their use of targeted display by nearly 50%, local advertisers will outperform even that. Use of targeted display by advertisers local to the markets where their ads run will more than double, reaching more than $2.3 billion next year." So-called run-of-site display — ads that may appear on any page of a targeted site — continues to become less desired, and is expected to fall 14% next year, to $8.2 billion. Newer ad formats continue to displace the older approach. Most of that decrease is expected to be among national advertisers. Additionally, Paid search is also expected to decline 11.3% in 2011, due in part to lower pricing and churn and partly offset by an expected increase in search spending by local advertisers of more than 10%. Email marketing, however, should show "moderately strong growth" next year, up 9%, to $16 billion. Growth in email ads is almost all from national advertisers, says Borrell, with only 3% coming from local. The forecast also expects streaming video advertising to move up more than 60%, to $5.6 billion, in 2011. This as less expensive production enables video to move within the budgets of smaller advertisers; Borrell expects about 40% of streaming-video spending next year to come from local advertisers. Alhough streaming audio ads are also expected to reach double-digit spending next year, Borrell points out that it hasn't yet reached $1 billion in annual spending. Online promotions are expected rise 10% to $24 billion in 2011, with much of that driven by online coupons.

* Although the NAB continues to say, "no deal has been made," the New York Times sees things differently on PRA. The Times reports: "For more than 70 years, over-the-air radio stations have played music without paying the performers who recorded the songs. That could be changing. This month, the National Association of Broadcasters released what it described as a framework of a deal in which stations would pay a total of about $100 million a year in performance fees." The article quotes David Kaut, a regulatory analyst for the research firm Stifel Nicolaus, as saying: “It’s a crack in the dam.” Reading the Times article, it sounds like it's virtually a done deal. “I think some people inside the industry think we should fight and fight and fight,” says Peter Smyth, an NAB Radio Board member and CEO of Greater Media, which owns 23 stations. “But at the end of the day, we have to make good deals that help us move forward.” Mitch Bainwol, CEO of the RIAA, a trade group that represents record labels, says that the plan released by the broadcasters “signals a new day where two very significant sectors that should be partners ride off together in a productive way.” Last year, after the both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees approved bills that would require performance fees for broadcast radio, lawmakers asked the two sides to work out a deal themselves. The groups have regularly discussed the issue since February. “It took me a really long time to come to the conclusion that I would pay performance royalties,” says Smyth. “Eight months ago, I’d say it’s nuts.” Smyth says his feelings changed when he realized the risk involved in trying to oppose the bill. Stations fear that Congress could eventually require higher fees than they are proposing. Marty Machowsky, a spokesman for the musicFIRST Coalition, which represents labels and musicians, said that the outline distributed by the NAB was an important development. “There’s really a sense,” he says, “that this has the potential to be a significant breakthrough.”

* Six tech trade groups jointly urge Congress to resist proposed mandated FM chips in mobile devices. The six technology industry groups send a letter Monday (Aug. 23), on CTIA stationery, to the House and Senate Judiciary Committee chairs urging them to resist efforts by the NAB and RIAA/musicFIRST for mandatory FM chips in mobile devices in a possible compromise agreement for a performance royalty deal. The technology groups signing the letter are the Consumer Electronics Association, the CTIA, the Information Technology Industry Council, the Rural Cellular Association, and the Telecommunications Industry Association. They all tell Congress that the PRA deal on the table that would make the FM chips legislatively mandated would be "costly, ill-considered, and unnecessary." The letter to Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) — along with ranking members Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-AL) and Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX) — says: "It is simply wrong for two entrenched industries to resolve their differences by agreeing to burden a third industry — which has no relationship to or other interest in the performance royalty dispute — with a costly, ill-considered, and unnecessary new mandate. The proposed imposition of an FM chip mandate is not necessary for resolution of the dispute between performance artists and broadcasters and, if adopted, it would be bad policy for several reasons." The tech groups say those reasons include the cost of adding FM chips, "with the likely outcome being that consumers would pay more for functionality they may not desire or ever use." The letter also says existing FM-capable devices "do not appear to be favored by consumers," and, if they were, "manufacturers and wireless carriers alike would rush to respond to that demand." The letter also says the parties to the performance rights discussion "lack any expertise in the development of wireless devices and are in no position to dictate what type of functionality is included in a wireless device. As devices continue to evolve, chip and antenna space is at a premium," and that an FM chip may crowd out "other functionality that may be more highly valued by consumers and harm competition among device makers by limiting opportunities for differentiation." The groups also dispute the assertion that FM chips would enhance public safety, citing the WARN Act, under which the wireless industry is working with the FCC and FEMA to develop a mobile broadcast emergency alert system. The letter claims, "Changing direction now and adopting an FM chip focused solution, which was considered and rejected during implementation of the WARN Act, will put this multi-year collaboration and investment at risk and delay the widespread availability of alerting capability. In addition, an FM chip would provide a materially inferior means of providing real-time alerts to mobile consumers."

Commenting on the letter, NAB EVP of Communications Dennis Wharton says in a statement: "Countries around the globe have added radio-enabled cellphones that are increasingly popular with consumers. The reality is that 239 million Americans tune in to free and local radio every week, and seven million new radio listeners were added just last year. Day in and day out, local radio stations serve as a reliable lifeline in times of crisis and weather emergencies. In an increasingly mobile society, it would be unfortunate if telco gatekeepers blocked access to public safety information offered by free and local radio."

* Fox Sports Radio names "SportsRadio 610" WIP-AM, Philadelphia, host Anthony Gargano to FSR's national lineup. Gargano, also a sports writer, currently hosts middays on WIP. He joined the SportsTalk station in January 2000. He also hosts pre-game and post-game shows for the Philadelphia Eagles, co-hosts the Charlie Manuel Show on WIP, and is a sports anchor and correspondent at "Fox 29" TV in Philadelphia. "I'm ecstatic to join Fox Sports Radio's all-star team," says Gargano. "I feel honored to be heard in over 300 markets and on XM Satellite Radio while continuing to host my daily show on 610-WIP in Philadelphia. It's a wonderful privilege to wake up every day and talk about the games we love." FSR VP General Manager Don Martin adds, "Anthony Gargano has been a fixture in the Philadelphia sports world for many years and we look forward to introducing him to our national audience. Anthony is a media machine and we are excited to have him join our Fox Sports Radio family."

* Border Media flips Regional Mexican KRIO-FM, San Antonio, to a 100% simulcast of "Norteno 720" KSAH-AM. "In the world of communications with multiple delivery platforms such as Internet, iPods, and so on, our listeners have told us that they would like to see Norteno's programming moving from exclusively AM to include options on the FM dial," says Operations Manager for Border Media's Spanish stations and Program Director Alfonso Flores. "As a program director, this offers an exciting opportunity to take the listener's passion for the Norteno music to a better-quality sound on an FM signal. This move will enable Border Media to continually superserve San Antonio's local interest in the best radio with the wonderful features of the show and the kinds of personalities that San Antonians have loved for many years." The simulcast brings "Norteno 720" shows — including "The Jobs Hour" - "The Flea Market on the Air" and "Vicente Fernandez 12 in a Row" — to FM in the San Antonio market.

* The FCC fines Nassau Broadcasting's Classic Hits WWEG-FM, Hagerstown, MD, $4000 for a contest violation. The FCC received a complaint on June 16, 2008, claiming WWEG failed to conduct a Father's Day contest in accordance with its advertised terms and the Commission's rules. The complainant claimed that promotions broadcast by WWEG stated that the contest was open "through June 13, 2008." When the complainant attempted to enter the contest on June 13, 2008, she was informed by station staff that the contest winner had been picked on June 12 and already announced on June 13. Nassau asserted that the contest promotions "indicate clearly that the contest winners would be announced at 7:20am" and that the "winner [of the grand prize] would be selected on June 13." While acknowledging in its responses that the winner was selected the evening of June 12, 2008, Nassau claimed that she could no longer enter the contest when she arrived at the station after 8:30am on June 13 because the contest had ended at 7:20am that morning. Nassau maintains the "contest's material terms were fully and accurately disclosed." The FCC disagreed and issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for $4000. The station has 10 days to reply or pay the fine.

* Bill May joins Premiere Radio Networks as VP of Programming for Nikki Sixx's two programs. Based in Los Angeles, May will oversee all programming, operations, and production for "Sixx Sense With Nikki Sixx" and "The Side Show Countdown With Nikki Sixx." May will report to Premiere Radio Networks SVP of Programming Jennifer Leimgruber. "We're excited to welcome a rock radio veteran like Bill to the Premiere team," says Leimgruber. "His expertise in programming and operations will enhance the incredible success we are experiencing with Nikki's radio programs and help us take them to the next level." May adds, "I couldn't be happier to join an industry leader like Premiere. I've always been a fan of Nikki Sixx, so I'm looking forward to working with him on a daily basis. We share a passion for both radio and the rock format." May, a 25-year industry vet, was most recently Operations Manager for Clear Channel Albuquerque.

* Marketing vet Susan Bacich is appointed VP of Marketing for "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" starting September 7. In the new position, Bacich will be responsible for all national marketing, advertising and public relations for the radio program, as well as its video Webcast, KiddTV, that airs daily on Ustream. She will be based in Dallas and will work with Kraddick and Yea! Network Operations VP Rob Chickering. Bacich most recently was Director of Marketing for Clear Channel New York. In this role, she was instrumental in creating customized promotions for key clients. She was also responsible for creative direction, analysis and execution of the marketing for WKTU-FM, WAXQ-FM and WLTW-FM. Says Kraddick, "Susan personifies the modern day radio marketing director. She has the knowledge and experience to market and promote not only our syndicated product but also the multitude of new media offerings we've been able to develop." Bacich adds, "I'm thrilled to be working with Kidd and look forward to working with the team at Yea! Network to help continue their collective momentum as one of the most exciting programs in the country."

* Lou Dobbs and USRN select talk radio vet Chad Wilkinson as Executive Producer for the "Lou Dobbs Show." Most recently, Wilkinson, a 15-year veteran of talk radio, was a producer and writer for Westwood One's "The Lars Larson Show," "The Dennis Miller Show" and "The Ron Insana Show." In his new role, which is effective immediately, Wilkinson will oversee Dobbs' editorial and production staff. Wilkinson began his broadcasting career in his hometown of Philadelphia with stints at the former Talk WWDB-FM and WPHT-AM. He also produced two Philly market morning shows while employed at Greater Media Philadelphia.

* Radio Disney promotes Matthew Friscia to Station Manager of its WRDZ-AM, Chicago, and WKSH-AM, Milwaukee. Both are Radio Disney O&O Childrens format stations. Friscia has been an account executive for WRDZ. He replaces Dave Pawelek, who exited earlier this year for the position Director of Sales for the Disney Vacation Club. Prior to joining Radio Disney, Friscia has been an owner at Fire-tone Records, an AE at CLTV and an AE at Tribune Company

* Pandora says it now makes it "easier than ever to start listening to personalized radio with micro-genre stations." Until now, stations on Pandora were created when listeners entered the name of a favorite artist, song, or composer. "These carefully curated genre stations give listeners a new and easy path into the world of personalized radio, where simple 'thumbs-up' and 'thumbs-down' actions let people shape the stations to their individual tastes," says Pandora. Senior Music Curator Michael Zapruder tells us, "Our listeners have been telling us for a while that they'd like an easy way to start a station from popular genres with the option to personalize the station from there. We wanted to find a uniquely Pandora way to address this consumer need so we created a number of genre stations that are carefully seeded with relevant songs and constantly refreshed with new releases." A number of these new genre stations – specifically "Today's Hits," "Today's Country," and "Today's Hip Hop and Pop Hits" – are already among the top 100 most frequently listened to stations on Pandora. More than 100 other micro-genre stations have also been created for listeners who are looking for a different type of station creation option.

* Arbitron recalls the Spring 2010 Report for Nashville over tainted diaries. Arbitron says problems with four diaries returned from a household that had contact with two Cromwell stations is the reason for recalling the Nashville Spring ratings report. Arbitron promises a revised report later this week. Word of the problems and what the ratings company is doing about the situation comes in a letter sent this morning (Aug. 23) to Nashville subscribers.

The letter reads:

To: Subscribers to the Spring 2010 Nashville Radio Market Report
Arbitron has learned that four Spring 2010 Nashville Metro diaries were returned from a household whose participation in the survey was disclosed to persons in the media. These diaries, which were In-Tab for Nashville 2010, should not be included in the In-Tab sample.

A revised Nashville 2010 Nashville Radio Market Report, scheduled for release on Thursday, August 26, will be based on an In-Tab sample that excludes these diaries.

Revised Nashville 2010 Maximi$er, Media Professional, Tapscan, and quarterly Arbitrends estimates will be released on August 26th. A revised Spring 2010 Summary Data Set will also be released to all original recipients on AUGUST 26th.

Audience estimates for Cromwell Active Rock WBUZ-FM and Top 40 WPRT-FM may be substantially affected in particular demos and dayparts. Estimates for other stations may be slightly affected as a result of sample balancing and reprocessing procedures that accompany deletion of any diary from the sample.
Questions may be directed to your Arbitron representative.

Meanwhile, Radio-Info.com is reporting that Nashville's Cromwell Group President Bud Walters says a former salesperson for his group, who exited four years ago, “informed someone in the media that he ‘knew someone who had a diary.’ In fact, the household had four diaries, and we believe the household makeup did not match what Arbitron had been told.” In other words, says Radio-Info, "the person contacted by Arbitron may have misstated the number and the ages of people living there." TPMedia is awaiting a response from Arbitron to our email inquiry on this situation.

* Singer and songwriter Bobby Caldwell joins the syndicated Timeless Cool network to host mornings. Well known for “What You Won’t Do For Love,” Caldwell’s music has been recorded and sampled by more than 100 artists. Says Caldwell, “I am excited to become part of the Timeless Cool family. Not only is this new format fantastic, but working with the staff and personnel has been a true pleasure. I’m looking forward to participating and assisting in bringing Timeless Cool to the forefront of radio.” Timeless Cool blends classic and contemporary artists and songs to produce a unique blend.

* It pays well to be the CEO of a broadcast company recently out of Chapter 11 – just ask Farid Suleman. After exiting Chapter 11 reorganization in June, Citadel Broadcasting now has filed its registration with the SEC for 10 million shares of new class A stock, and registered its 2010 Equity Incentive Plan to reward top company managers. Senior executives are receiving the restricted shares in the company. CEO Farid Suleman gets the biggest stock grant. According to an SEC filing, Suleman will receive 1.9 million restricted shares. Half of them will vest on June 3, 2011; the other half, June 3, 2012. Based on the $22.875 per share price cited by the company when the stock grant plan was filed with the SEC, Suleman’s shares are worth in excess of $43 million. COO Judy Ellis is getting 100,000 shares, worth $2.29 million. CFO Randy Taylor and VP/General Counsel Jacquelyn Orr each receive 80,000 shares and SVP of Finance Patricia Stratford gets 56,250 shares. All of the awarded shares vest on the same schedule as Suleman's. Citadel also filed smaller restricted stock grants for the company’s new directors. All of Citadel’s top managers received new contracts when the company emerged from Chapter 11.

* Charlotte gets another Sports Talk station, as Classic Hits "Z730" WZGV-AM shelves oldies to tackle sports. Station Manager Lanny Ford tells The Charlotte Observer's Mark Washburn it was difficult to attract advertisers to the station with a music-based format featuring hits from the '60s, '70s and early '80s on the AM band. "We had a good listener base. It was hard to sell music on the AM band. There was a little too much competition with music on the FM, even though we played stuff others didn't." The station, based in Lincolnton, NC, switched to carrying Fox Sports Radio, with hosts such as Dan Patrick, plus Premiere's Jim Rome. This puts WZGV in competition with CBS Radio's "The Fan 610 AM" WFNZ-AM, which carries some ESPN Radio shows but mostly has local hosts. "Charlotte has only one other sports station, so we felt like there was a fit there," says Ford. Former Panthers announcer Bill Rosinski has joined WZGV as Sports Director, although he will continue to do college football for ESPN Radio. Rosinski says he's been interested in getting back into local sports radio, but his network schedule keeps him traveling each weekend.

* Vin Scully will return for a 62nd season of Los Angeles Dodgers baseball in 2011. The 82-year-old Hall of Fame broadcaster has called Dodgers games on radio and TV since 1950 in Brooklyn, and has been working on one-year contracts since 2009. Scully in recent years has worked most Dodgers home games and road games west of, and including, Colorado. “I’m just honored and humbled to continue my association with the Dodgers, which has been a major part of my life,” says Scully. “I’m as thrilled as our fans that Vin will be returning,” says Dodgers owner Frank McCourt. “He is not only the greatest broadcaster of all time, but also a wonderful friend.” Scully tells reporters he made his decision after clearing an important hurdle. He won the blessing of his wife to remain in the broadcast booth another year. In 1955 he became the youngest person to ever call a World Series game when the Dodgers made it to Major League Baseball’s finale. Scully already holds the record for the longest tenure of any sportscaster in history. During his career Scully’s called three perfect games, 19 no-hitters, 25 World Series and 12 All-Star Games.

* Westwood One announces its lineup of radio broadcasters for the 2010-2011 NFL season. Veteran NFL broadcaster Kevin Harlan will join Boomer Esiason as the lead play-by-play voice for Monday Night Football and Super Bowl XLIV. In addition, Randy Cross will also provide analysis for select Monday night games and the playoffs. Dave Sims returns as play-by-play announcer for Sunday Night games and will be joined by NFL Hall of Famer James Lofton. Ian Eagle and Trent Green will team up for Westwood One's Thursday Night broadcasts. "Three nights a week and twice on Sunday afternoon, football fans nationwide get their NFL from Westwood One. They deserve the best and that's exactly what we are giving them this fall," says Westwood One Network President Gary Schonfeld. "The best match-ups, the most expansive schedule of games and the engaging voices that immerse fans in all the excitement unfolding on the fields of America's most popular sport. It's time to get back to football."

* Journal Broadcast Group hires three financial analysts – Scot Stokes, Stacy Schmidt and Guillermo Greig. The three will be responsible for leading profit planning, forecasting and providing financial support to their assigned markets to drive operating earnings in their respective operational markets. Stokes has several years of managerial finance experience, most recently as manager finance plan and analysis for PlayLV Gaming Operations LLC, a hotel casino management company. He will be located in Las Vegas, and will be responsible for Journal Broadcast Group's operations in Las Vegas and Palm Springs, CA. Schmidt joins the company from the aftermarket airline division of Spirit Aerosystems. She will be responsible for Journal Broadcast Group's operations in Wichita, Springfield, MO and Tulsa and will be based in the company's Wichita offices. Greig has 14 years of managerial finance experience, most recently with Johnson Controls as a senior financial analyst. Prior to that he spent 12 years with Time Warner Cable as finance supervisor. Greig will be located in Fort Myers, FL, responsible for Journal Broadcast Group's operations in Fort Myers and Knoxville, TN.

* Jacqui Rossinsky joins Media Management Group as SVP of Advertising Sales. Previously, she was EVP of Network Operations for Interep NetSolutions, the network sales division of the now-defunct company. Initially, she managed Interep's re-direct initiative beginning in 2007. Before joining Interep, Rossinsky worked in local sales for CBS Radio's WEEI-FM. Boston, and as a media buyer for Airtime in New York. She's also served as President and CEO at Interep's D&R Radio from 1991-2001.

* Talk "The Patriot" KMPH-AM, Modesto, will go silent August 31. Pappas Radio of Modesto VP and General Manager Jim Pappas says in an open letter to listeners: "Due to the ongoing national, state and local economic downturn, combined with the insufficient growth in revenue at KMPH-AM 840, our company is no longer willing to fund the continued growth and development of this radio station and its present rate of operating loss.... as with any private business, we must generate enough revenue to pay for this service. With this in mind, taking our radio station off the air is a decision we were compelled to make only after investigating every possible alternative until, in the face of difficult economic circumstances, no other decision was possible... When future circumstances permit, KMPH-AM will return to the airwaves." KMPH signed on with Adult Standards in July 2006 after the move of sister KTRB-AM from Modesto into the San Franciscomarket. KMPH flipped to Talk in March 2008.

* Some 200 KTRU, Houston, loyal listeners protest Rice University's decision to sell the noncommercial FM station. Rice has agreed to sell the station — which offers a mix of music, along with broadcasts of some Rice athletics — to the University Of Houston for $9.5 million. "In front of a statue of the university's founder William Marsh Rice, protesters placed a yellow KTRU sticker strategically across its mouth, and under the sun's blazing heat, the crowd cheered and spoke about the importance of maintaining the station," reports The Houston Chronicle. "KTRU is an important local, regional and national resource for independent media,“ said Matthew Wettergreen, a graduate alumni who currently teaches at the university. "It's been a platform for musical and cultural education for the last 40 years." The station offers a mix of music, along with broadcasts of some Rice athletics. On its website, the station is described as "a free-form, eclectic radio station that thinks it's a bad thing to play the same song twice in a span of an hour." When Rice alumna Rachel Orosco — a former KTRU station manager — heard about her college's plan to sell its student-run radio station to the University of Houston she became so distraught that she jumped on a flight to Houston to protest. "I felt pretty debilitated and helpless being so far away,“ said Orosco, 22, who moved to Berkeley, CA, after graduating last spring. "I wanted to make sure I was apart of the voice that helped fight for KTRU." Rice officials said they plan to use the proceeds from the sale to improve campus life, including helping offset the cost of a new food service facility. Said current Station Manager Kelsey Yule, "KTRU is unique to the university and reaches to people outside the hedges of the campus. The experiences students have at KTRU and other student organizations is more attractive to prospective students than a new facility."

* Boston's WGBH Educational Foundation is asking some unionized employees to accept cuts. According to The Boston Globe, the owner of noncommercial Talk WGBH-FM, Classical WCRB-FM, and two PBS-affiliated TV stations is asking some of its unionized employees to accept cuts in retirement plan matching funds, redefined job descriptions, and a merit system for pay raises. Officials at WGBH say they have begun negotiations with the public broadcaster’s largest union. WGBH has been in talks with the Association of Employees of the Educational Foundation, Local 1300 of the Communications Workers of America, a 300-member union of writers, editors, production workers, and marketing employees, to reach a new three-year agreement on the current contract that ends October 31. The changes WGBH is seeking include redefining job descriptions to allow employees to work across media platforms more easily — for instance, editing for radio, TV and the Web. The station also wants the union to agree to the same 4% retirement match that employees in the station’s four other unions have, instead of the current 8%. Additionally, officials want to base raises on an employee’s performance instead of automatic yearly raises. Station officials say the moves are aimed at reducing costs and operating more efficiently in an environment where multimedia is becoming more prevalent in day-to-day operations. “The way the media is changing around us, people are able to do production in a kind of new way that is in some ways, streamlined or simpler,’’ says WGBH VP of Communication and Government Relations Jeanne Hopkin. “Given the way we are set up, we can’t work in those same ways.’’

* Joel Burke resigns as Program Director of Lincoln Financial Media's KYGO-FM, Denver, after more than 10 years. Lincoln Financial Media Denver SVP and General Manager Bob Call says, "Joel stepped down. It was his decision completely. While it seems sudden, he and I had been talking for a while. He has some exciting things he wants to accomplish and feels this is the right time to get started. Joel was one of only four PD's in KYGO's 30 year history. He is a great guy. I will miss working with him." Burke is going to Texas to launch Wooden Media Services, with a Website due up next week at www.woodenmediaservices.com. During Burke's time programming KYGO, the heritage Country station has often been a market leader, was named CMA Station of the Year and won four Marconi Awards. It was also honored more than once as R&R's Country Station of the Year. Call says KYGO is now seeking Burke's replacement. KYGO's Music Director Garret Doll will handle day to day programming chores in the interim.

* Imperial Valley’s KROP-AM, Brawley, CA, will return to the air next month with a Talk format. "When KROP went off the air in April after 64 years, it seemed questionable that the radio station would ever come back," reports the Imperial Valley Press. "That is expected to change Sept. 6 when KROP 1300 AM hits the airwaves, not as the country music station it once was but as the Imperial Valley’s first station to offer listeners an all-talk format." Teresa Goodspeed, a former loan officer who will own and operate the new station, said she is hopeful Imperial Valley residents will welcome the new format. Lardog Productions LLC is paying $250,000 to Cherry Creek Radio for the station, which was left behind and went silent when Cherry Creek moved its sister CHR-Top40 "Q96" KSIQ into the San Diego market earlier this year. Some of the syndicated talkers slated for KROP include Glenn Beck, Laura Ingraham and Mark Levin. Goodspeed's partner Larry Allen, the former owner of a now-closed Chevrolet dealership, says they also wanted Rush Limbaugh for the new format, but he was too expensive for their start-up budget.

* CHR-Top40 "101.7 The Beach" WBEA-FM, Long Island, PD John Govia adds programming for WPIA-FM, Peoria, IL. Govia will split his time between both stations. He previously served as PD for CHR-Top40 "98.5 Kiss FM" WPIA, as well as Peoria crosstown Rhythmic CHR "Power 92" WZPW-FM. Govia's afternoon show "Govia Radio" will air on both stations. Says Govia, "I'd like to thank Amp Media for giving me the opportunity to take on the challenge of making 98.5 Kiss FM the great radio station I know it's capable of being. I'm happy to be back in Peoria with my friends and family, and I get to keep my place in the Hamptons too."

* Kevin Manno is leaving Emmis "Q101" WKQX-FM, Chicago for a live New York-based MTV show. Manno's new TV show is set to debut next month, according to the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal. "Sad to leave this city, but so pumped!" Manno said on Twitter. His last day at "Q101" is scheduled for Wednesday (Aug. 25), with the MTV program is slated to begin September 20. "We are truly thrilled that Kevin has been chosen by MTV to host the new 'Live at 5' and we wish him nothing but the best," says Emmis Chicago Market Manager Marv Nyren. "It's a testament to his talent and hard work that he was selected, and we are talking to Kevin about the possibility of continuing his relationship with Q101 out of our New York stations." Manno began at WKQX as an intern about eight years ago. Let go last summer, the station brought him back before the year was out.

* The FCC Media Bureau grants another extension to Sirius XM Radio for the leasing of 4% of its audio channels. Under terms of the approval for the merger of Sirius and XM, the merged satcaster is to "voluntarily" lease the channels to "qualified entities." Implementation of that provision has been pushed back mulitple times, mainly because procedural guidelines had not been developed by the FCC. Now the deadline is extended again –until November 21. The Media Bureau anticipates Commission action on the implementation guidelines in the near future, and the FCC ruled that the brief additional extension is appropriate.

* For a fourth time, Emmis Communications again delays the vote on the go-private buyout plan. The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that a group of preferred shareholders Friday evening (Aug. 20) refused to vote on an effort by Emmis Chairman Jeff Smulyan to take the company private. It was the fourth such setback for Smulyan in three weeks. Despite the latest non-vote, Emmis officials said they are encouraged by ongoing discussions with the group of shareholders holding out for a better offer. A fifth attempt is set for next Friday (Aug. 27) as Smulyan continues to negotiate with eight stockholders that banded together to prevent the sale. Collectively, the "lock-block" group holds 38% of Emmis preferred shares, making a necessary two-thirds favorable vote impossible. Emmis shares closed at $2.09 Friday, up four cents from a week ago. The stock remained below Smulyan’s offer of $2.40 per share, indicating there is doubt that Emmis’ founder can pull off his plan. Smulyan’s offer through his JS Acquisition and the New York private equity firm Alden Global Capital values the company at about $90 million. Smulyan said after the first shareholders meeting held to vote on the matter August 3 that he is considering an “alternative structure” for his bid to take the company private. Smulyan’s proposal also requires approval from the holders of a majority of Emmis common shares, a threshold Smulyan likely can meet.

Emmis says in a statement issued over the weekend: “Emmis has been informed that JS Acquisition, Inc., an Indiana corporation ("JS Acquisition") whose equity securities are owned entirely by Mr. Jeffrey H. Smulyan, the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Emmis, and JS Acquisition, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company ("JS Parent") that is wholly owned by Mr. Smulyan, is further extending its tender offer to purchase all of Emmis' outstanding shares of Class A common stock for $2.40 per share in cash until 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Friday, August 27, 2010. The tender offer, as previously extended, was originally scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Friday, August 20, 2010.” JS Acquisition adds, “The offers are being further extended because Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition, Mr. Smulyan and certain other interested parties are continuing to negotiate in an effort to reach an agreement with a group of holders of Preferred Stock that owns approximately 38.3% of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in the aggregate, and who have previously advised Emmis and Mr. Smulyan that they would vote against the amendments to the terms of the Preferred Stock to be voted on at the special meeting. There can be no assurance that an agreement will be reached with the group of holders of Preferred Stock, in which case alternative structures will be explored.”

* The RAB says radio recovery is outpacing other traditional media, reports radio industry revenue was up 6% in Q2. RAB says national revenues soared 16% during the second quarter, helping to push the industry up 6% for the quarter compared to 2009. Local advertising recovered also, though not as much, up 3% during the quarter. Overall the industry finished the first half year up 6% over a year ago, according to the RAB. This represents the best revenue growth since the third quarter in 2000, when it was up 8%. More than half of radio’s top 16 categories showed increased spending in the first half, collectively spending $500 million more than a year ago. The fast-growing categories were automotive (+28%), financial services (+24%) and grocery (+23%). "Our growth in this recovery is showing signs that Radio's momentum is outpacing that of other traditional media," says RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley. "This gain underscores Radio's inherent strength with advertisers demonstrating renewed enthusiasm for spending in our medium. Spending levels in important Radio categories such as Automotive, Communications, TV/Cable, Financial Services, Grocery, and Retail are all up significantly from what we saw a year ago. First quarter's results prove that advertisers have found and, in many instances, rediscovered Radio. With ever-expanding Digital and Off-Air vehicles adding to Radio's appeal to advertisers and marketers, this growth trend will continue to gain momentum." Network revenue was flat in second quarter, but is up 2% for the first six months. The RAB reports digital revenue was up 25% in the second quarter to $157 million – and $280 million in the first half of the year. While growing rapidly, digital remains radio’s smallest source of revenue. The data is based on a pool of more than 100 markets as reported by the accounting firm of Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co. and extrapolated to the entire country. Digital revenue is comprised from activity generated by Websites, Internet/Web streaming and HD Radio including HD2 and HD3 stations.

* Tribune Co.'s plan to end its 20-month bankruptcy now appears to have unravelled. Tribune, Friday (Aug. 20), told a Delaware bankruptcy court that talks about how to repay creditors, which continued past the hearing's scheduled start, had failed. As a result, the company will file a new plan without input from creditors on August 27. The contentiousness centered on threats that the parties must accept a new plan or face legal fights, while creditors warned they might try to seize control of the reorganization, reports Reuters. "We have tried mightily to bring the parties together. That has not happened," said Tribune's attorney, James Conlan of Sidley Austin. “This process is moving more slowly and has become noisier than we had hoped,” said Tribune CEO Randy Michaels and COO Gerald Spector in a Friday email to employees to reassure them of the company’s stability. “Next week, we’ll file our monthly operating report for July and once again, our financial results will be strong. All of our media businesses are profitable, and our creditors recognize how well we are performing.” The owner of newspapers, television stations and WGN-AM, Chicago, filed for bankruptcy in December 2008, less than a year after real estate developer Sam Zell led a leveraged buyout of the media company. Bondholders have claimed the buyout amounted to a "fraudulent transfer" that piled the company with unsustainable new debt and potentially wiped out their investment. They have threatened a legal fight to remove the buyout lenders, including JPMorgan Chase & Co, from the front of the line for repayment. Tribune had a plan earlier this year to settle those legal issues, but that was undone by an examiner's report last month which emboldened bondholders, who are near the back of the line for a payout.

* John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation is transferring administration of its scholarship program to third-party provider. Bayliss Foundation is working to "ensure the perpetuation of its educational mission to support students beginning a career in radio" with the just-announced restructuring. Executive Director Kit Hunter Franke, who has overseen the foundation's scholarship and intern programs for 25 years, will assist with the transition and then depart to pursue other opportunities. The Bayliss board will appoint a committee to work with the outside organization. That organization is not yet identified, but Bayliss says it will be a group specializing in educational scholarships. The foundation will operate under the new structure until industry conditions allow it to return to being an independent, self-governing entity. "Through these challenging times for our industry, preserving the funding for our mission is our most important goal," says Bayliss Board Chairman Gary Fries. "We believe these forward-looking actions will allow us to continue our important work of encouraging and supporting young people interested in radio. I thank the board of directors for their time and dedication, and we look forward to continuing our tradition of awarding scholarships to bright young students." The John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation was created in 1985 and since has distributed more than $1.2 million in scholarships to 345 students selected on the basis of academic achievement and radio-related extracurricular activities, as well as a passion for radio.

* Attorneys for Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), are threatening to sue radio stations if they continue airing a political ad. The 60-second political spot, being run by a primary opponent, is critical of the senator’s past conduct with women. The Vitter attorneys claim in a letter to the radio stations that the ad is “false, misleading and defamatory.” The spot talks about Vitter’s alleged battery of a woman and of the arrest of the senator’s former aide, Brent Furer, on charges stemming from an incident involving the aide’s girlfriend. The ad, paid for by Senate candidate and former Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor, is being run on radio stations throughout Louisiana, reports Baton Rouge's WBRZ-TV 2theAdvocate. Traylor campaign strategist Roy Fletcher said the claims made in the commercial are true and Vitter just doesn’t like its content. “To me he’s trying to suppress free speech,” says Fletcher, who developed the ad. The state is conducting early voting for the August 28 U.S. Senate Republican Party primary. Vitter is seeking election to a second six-year term. Louisiana Radio Network President Jim Engster says this is not the first time the tactic has been used in a campaign when ads being aired aren’t to a candidate’s liking. “If the senator has an issue with the content, he needs to go to court rather than pressure our (radio station) affiliates,” says Engster.

* The Gores Group is infusing additional capital of up to $20 Million into Westwood One. Westwood One, now owned by the private-equity firm The Gores Group, tells us: "In response to current conditions, on August 17, Westwood One renegotiated its capital structure and modified its debt leverage covenants with its lenders to provide the company with additional liquidity, and increased operating and financial flexibility. The Gores Group is infusing additional capital of up to $20 million in the form of $15 million of equity and $5 million by guaranteeing an increased revolver. $10 million of this capital will be provided by September 7. The remainder will be provided by Gores no later than February 28, 2011 unless the company receives net cash proceeds of at least $10 million from the issuance and sale of company equity from any other party. As part of the amendments, the quarterly debt leverage covenants were eased for the remainder of the term, beginning with September 30, 2010. These new covenant levels will provide the company with a significant increase in operational and financial flexibility, reduce financial risk, and allow the company to manage its business strategically, including considering investments and other opportunities for growth."

* Westwood One reports second quarter revenue of $83.4 million compared to $83.7 million in Q2 2009. Revenue for the first six months of the year increased 4.0% to $176.3 million compared to $169.5 million in 2009. “As many radio companies have reported, advertising spending during the recovery from the 2009 recession slowed down in the second quarter of 2010. While this affected our second quarter revenue trajectory, revenue increased for the first six months of the year, driven by a strong first quarter,” says Westwood One President Rod Sherwood. Network Radio revenue was flat for the second quarter of 2010, and was up 4.7% for the first six months of the year. Revenue for the total Metro Traffic business was flat in the second quarter (as gains in Metro Traffic radio were offset by decreases in Metro Television revenue) and was up 3.2% for the first six months of the year. Metro Traffic radio revenue was up 3.0% in the second quarter, and up 3.2% for the first six months of the year, reflecting slow but steady growth in local radio advertising. Metro Television revenue declined by 10.2% in the second quarter, but showed gains of 3.1% for the first six months of the year. "Westwood One is showing increased bookings in both Metro Traffic and Network Radio in the third and fourth quarters, as advertising spending regains momentum," says a news release. "Bookings are positive especially for traffic advertising and for sports programming, which gets underway with the kick-off of the NFL season in September. In addition, there are positive indications in the current TV upfront on a revenue basis."

Westwood One’s operating loss in the second quarter was $3.0 million, which represents a $5.3 million improvement over the second quarter of 2009. This improvement was due to lower restructuring and special charges, depreciation expenses and corporate expense. Free cash flow in the second quarter was $6.0 million, representing an improvement of $25.0 million, as compared to a free cash flow usage of $19.0 million in 2009. This was due to a favorable change in working capital, a federal tax refund, and a lower net loss, partially offset by changes in deferred taxes and higher capital expenditures. Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $4.6 million from $9.1 million in the second quarter of 2009. The primary EBITDA decrease was in the Metro Traffic business, where earnings were up slightly for Metro Traffic radio, but were offset by significant decreases for Metro Television. Earnings for Network Radio declined due to increased expenses for programming and production, and investments in the salesforce for Network Radio. "The Company’s strategy for the second half of 2010," says the company, "remains focused on meeting the needs of affiliate and advertising customers by creating customized solutions through high quality programming and utilizing all of Westwood One’s assets to attract the targeted audiences they seek."

* The NABJ calls for the n-word to join the list of seven dirty words you can't say on radio. National Association of Black Journalists President Kathy Times, in a statement attacking Dr. Laura Schlessinger, says: "Is it time for the n-word and other racial epithets to be added to the list of seven dirty words?" Times believes the only way for it to no longer be used by radio personalities is if the FCC fines stations for saying the word. And Times calls for a "movement to address 'talk show hate'." She invites Schlessinger to to join NABJ "in a conversation leading to change in the public discourse, which both embraces their right to free speech and our desire to end the use of racial slurs and epithets on the public's airwaves." Times, notes one veteran broadcaster, fails to address the very point made by Dr. Laura that set off the national brouhaha that served as a catalyst for her announcement she's quitting terrestrial radio. "Times suggests fines for white broadcasters who use the n-word — a word that I can't actually say because I'm white — but she fails to suggest that Black rappers and comedians who use it constantly in public performances should also receive legal sanctions."

* Dr. Laura Schlessinger says she was already considering leaving radio before the furor over racially charged remarks. Schlessinger says the controversy resulting from the racial comments she made on-air was merely the tap on the shoulder she needed to leave. She tells the Los Angeles Times that although she announced her plan to quit "The Dr. Laura Program" at the end of the year on Larry King's CNN show Tuesday night (Aug. 17), she said she made the decision last Friday — three days after uttering the n-word and other statements about race on her show, and two days after apologizing for the same. "I was just sitting here, looking over the ocean," Schlessinger said in an interview Wednesday (Aug. 18) from her Santa Barbara home. "It was sort of a peaceful wave of awareness — an inner voice just said, 'We're done with this.' The second it came over me, I felt very energized." Schlessinger, 63, said she's not retiring but, instead, will focus on her books, TV appearances, blog and YouTube channel. "There are so many ways to talk with the people who appreciate my help," she said. "I'll have the freedom to speak my mind." The catalyst for her career change came during her Aug. 10 program, when a caller, who identified herself as a black woman named Jade, sought advice about racist comments she heard from her white husband's friends and relatives, including their use of the n-word. Schlessinger cited the use of the same word by black comedians and others and suggested that the caller, and others who level charges of racism, are hypersensitive. Schlessinger, who has a doctorate in physiology, a branch of biology, and is a licensed marriage, family and child counselor, has drawn fire in the past for her blunt comments and frank assessments of her callers' dilemmas or the issues of the day. [More »]

* Jets' legend Joe Namath will make regular live guest appearances on "1050 ESPN" WEPN-AM, New York. Namath is becoming a regular on the station's Michael Kay Show Thursday afternoons throughout the NFL sea0son. Namath's weekly feature will debut August 26 on WEPN, the official flagship radio outlet of Jets football. It will also be streamed at ESPNNewYork.com. "Joe Namath is truly the ultimate New York Jets legend, and his knowledge of the game is far wider than people realize," says VP and General Manager Dave Roberts. "We expect his weekly segment designed to preview Sunday's Jets' game, to be appointment listening for all New York football fans."

* WFOX-FM, Atlanta, General Sales Manager Rob Babin is upped to VP of Sales for Cox Media Atlanta. Babin joined the group in January 2006, as GSM of Classic Hits "97.1 The River" WFOX, from Cox Media's "K92" WWKA-FM, Orlando, where he served in similar duties from 2002-06. Before joining Cox Radio in 2001, Babin worked as GSM at WSJZ-FM and WYLA-FM, New Orleans.

* Millennium Radio New Jersey introduces a new interactive music and advertising platform. The platform was developed by Seattle-based Quu (pronounced "Q"), with plans to go live Labor Day weekend on ten of the company's Garden State stations. Millennium is the second radio group in the country to roll out the new service, followig the lead of Sandusky Seattle Radio Group. Quu enables listeners to connect to their favorite radio station in new ways by reacting to a song, an announcer's commentary or an ad. They have the choice between visiting the station's Website for an interactive playlist or sending a text message from their mobile phone to the station. Quu then provides listeners with song and artist details, the chance to interact directly with the station's on-air talent, receive event alerts and more. "Millennium's radio ads become more interesting, enriched and meaningful with the addition of coupons, still images and videos as well as a direct link to advertisers for more information," says a news release. "We're confident that our listeners will love the Quu enhancements since they will be able to interact with our announcers and advertisers real-time," says Millennium Radio Group President and CEO Bill Saurer. "Quu further enhances Millennium's ability to reach consumers on a one-to-one basis, in addition to our unprecedented ability to reach them on a broad scale."

* CTIA joins CEA in opposing an FM chip requirement in mobile devices as part of a radio compromise on the PRA. CTIA, The Wireless Association, VP for Government Affairs Jot Carpenter says, "We're going to fight every step of the way." Carpenter tells PC World, "If consumers were clamoring for an FM chip, I can assure that our manufacturers and other carriers would find a way to provide that." Legislating FM receivers in mobile devices is one of the proposals being discussed by the NAB and label representatives as they negotiate a settlement on performance royalties. As previously reported here, Consumer Electronics Association CEO Gary Shapiro has voiced opposition to the proposal. Says Carpenter, "We don't want to be in this fight, but if you're going to put us in it, we're going to fight every step of the way. We're going to make this utterly painful until you say, 'OK, this is a bad idea.'" The RIAA, the musicFIRST Coalition, and the NAB all believe the compromise currently under discussion is a win for consumers. musicFIRST spokes Marty Machowsky says FM radio on cell phones "would give consumers more ways to listen to and enjoy music." NAB EVP Dennis Wharton adds, "Such a requirement would provide a valuable public service – particularly in emergencies, when consumers often tune into local stations seeking critical public safety information." Meanwhile, ars technica says: "Cellphone makers could cave on FM radios if the price is right" — suggesting electronics manufacturers will actually cut a deal on including a mandatory FM tuner in every device they produce "if the price is right (and legislation looks inevitable)."

* Kevin Douglass will take over Engineering and IT for Bustos Media, October 1. A former Jacor and Clear Channel Regional Engineering Director, Douglass spent the last three years as Director of Engineering for H. Hawaii Media. He also serves as General Manager of the company's properties in Kauai. Bustos interim CEO Jay Meyers says, "Kevin is a brilliant engineer who is the perfect guy for our needs. People notice that he rolls up his sleeves and jumps right into every problem and gets things fixed. That's a slightly incorrect observation as the truth is he's a big guy and no one wants to tell him he's buying his shirts with the wrong sleeve length." Meyers adds, "I wasn't sure we could afford a guy like Kevin but when I told him I'd buy him all the pocket protectors he needed and he would no longer have to buy them out of the trunk of a beat up old Chevy from the pocket protector dealer on a street corner in the seedy area of town, he was in."

* Engineer working at WDMS-FM, Greenville, MS, is believed electrocuted while repairing the station's transmitter. The contract engineer Jerold Campbell, 73, died while working on the transmitter, and while the cause of death is not yet confirmed, it's believed he was electrocuted. WDMS General Manager Steve Shelton says Campbell, a subcontractor, was called to make repairs when the transmitter failed Thursday morning (Aug. 19). The engineer was pronounced dead about 12:25pm after being taken to Delta Regional Medical Center. Details of the accident are not clear, but the apparent fatal accident is under investigation. Campbell's body was sent to Jackson for an autopsy.

* United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) announces a deal to market "The Lex & Terry Morning Show." USRN takes over marketing of the show to affiliates and national advertisers, effective immediately. Lex and Terry have been a morning duo since 1992, and have been nationally syndicated since 1997. Says USRN President and CEO Jim Higgins, "Lex & Terry have a morning show that’s legendary in status. Their content is unique and creative, and their audience is incredibly loyal. It’s the kind of talent and daypart programming that we want to showcase in every possible way." Lex & Terry add, "This is a great day and a proud day for the L&T Radio Network. United Stations is the kind of first-class partner that can help us hit our next set of goals. We’re really psyched." The Lex & Terry show currently airs 6-11am (ET), with "Best Of" segments offered for weekend programming. We knew an announcement was coming from comments published here yesterday, as we reported that longtime Lex & Terry Director of Syndication Peter Welpton is leaving at the end of the month. In a notification to affiliates, Welpton said, "Just so there is no confusion, my departure is purely coincidental timing with the announcement of a new syndicator." Welpton said he'd been "considering a departure from radio for some time." Welpton helped launch the duo – Lex Staley and Terry Jaymes – into national syndication 13 years ago. USRN takes over from Envision in syndicating the show, which is mainly aimed at a Rock radio audience.

* It's now official: D.L. Hughley's morning show is out at Emmis Urban AC "98.7 Kiss FM" WRKS, New York. We first reported August 10 that Hughley was done at WRKS. He had told listeners the previous day that it was his last show, but the station refused to confirm Hughley's permanent exit saying he was away to do a new movie. Now, WRKS General Manager Alex Cameron confirms Hughley's show has officially ended, and a new local morning show is set to launch in the next few weeks. "Despite our best intentions, belief in their talent and even close friendships that have developed within our building, outside factors beyond our control have necessitated that we conclude The D.L. Hughley Morning Show on Kiss FM," says Cameron. He gives no hint of what the replacement might be, but speculation continues to center on a new Big Apple outlet for Reach Media’s Tom Joyner Morning Show. However, WRKS Program Director Jill Strada seems to shoot that speculation down, saying: "Mornings will remain local on Kiss FM with some familiar voices and a heavy dose of the music we're known for." Last week we reported that Radio Syndication Talk, which was first to report Hughley's exit from WRKS, wrote: "The D.L. Hughley radio experiment at Emmis Communications’ WRKS New York seems to be over. Caught in the middle of one of the most complicated and contentious public disputes in broadcast history (Hughley vs URBan Broadcasting vs Emmis) WRKS is left wondering what’s next for it’s morning slot. Could a New York return to the KISS-FM airwaves for Reach Media’s Tom Joyner Morning Show be in the works?" Joyner’s syndicated morning show last appeared on the station in 2001-03 and, said Radio Syndication Talk, "looks like the favorite to take on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on Inner City WBLS." Hughley's representatives had previously threatened to pull the comedian off the air in a pay dispute, saying Hughley is owed about $359,000 for his morning show. The legal wrangling among WRKS, Hughley and syndicator URBan Radio has been put on hold until October in the hopes an agreement can be reached without a judge’s intervention.

* "Hog Sports Radio" KAKS-FM, Springdale, AK, now says Renee Gork wasn't fired for wearing Florida Gators cap. In an apparent reversal of an earlier statement, KAKS General Manager Dan Storrs now says, "In no way, shape, or form was Renee fired for wearing a Florida Gator hat. That is not the case there are several incidents that lead to the decision that was made." Previously, Storrs was clear that loyalty to the home state was important, explaining Gork's firing. "This radio station is Hog Sports Radio," he said. "We are very biased. We support the Razorbacks 100%." Now, after the story gains national attention in general media as well as those reporting news of radio, Storrs amends his explanation. Gork was fired after University of Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino scoffed at her for wearing a Florida Gators hat. The incident happened during a weekend news conference following a scrimmage, August 14. Gork, asked Petrino a question. Petrino answered the question, and then said, "That will be the last question I answer with that hat on." Gork was fired by "Hog Sports Radio" Monday (August 16). She had been working there for about a month. says Storrs. He acknowledges that the other incidents now cited also involved the Florida Gators. "There was some things she made public via tweeting and Facebook that went against some of the things that she had to do with this radio station," says Storrs. He also says Gork was a great reporter and her firing had nothing to do with her job performance, according to a report from Florida's Sun Sentinel. "She's phenomenal she really is, I hired her because of her resume she is very good at her job unfortunately she couldn't continue to do her job here," says Storrs, who adds that in no way did anyone outside the radio station influence his decision. "In no way shape or form did Bobby Petrino, Kevin Trainer or anybody over at the University of Arkansas have anything to do with this decision that was made, and that's been played up in the national news quite a bit and that's just false, 100% false," says Storrs. In a news release the university said they asked Gork not to attend Monday's practice but they never told the radio station to fire her.

* Pacfica noncomm KPFT, Houston, offers HD2 airtime to soon to be displaced Rice University KTRU personalities. Rice University is selling noncommercial Alternative KTRU to the University Of Houston, which plans to flip it to Classical as KUHC. In an open letter from General Manager Duane Bradley and Program Director Ernesto Aguilar, KPFT tells the KTRU staff: "KPFT is preparing to relaunch its HD2 alternate channel broadcast, probably in late September. More accessible than Web radio, HD Radio is an open frontier in which KPFT is charting a new course. You would have full autonomy to program, and you wouldn't have the fund drive pressures your KPFT counterparts do on FM and HD1. We would like you to be part of this relaunch. KPFT's staff recognize you have unique talents and we genuinely want you to be part of Houston's first and, possibly, last community radio outlet. Houston's music and cultural scenes need you." As we previously reported, University Of Houston is buying Rice University's noncommercial KTRU, Houston, for $9.5 million. Also previously reported here, KTRU Program Director Joey Yang said, "We are totally opposed to the sale. This is our radio station, and we'd like to keep it."

* Syndicated talk host Robert "Rob" Redding Jr. is expanding his weekend show to weekdays. Beginning August 30, his radio show, "Redding News Review," will be air 4-7pm weekdays. The program gives independent analysis of national and world news from ReddingNewsReview.com. "The network has been asking me for almost three years to start a weekday show and all the pieces appear to have fallen together," says Redding, who last did weekdays locally more than seven years ago in Atlanta on WAOK. Redding's Sunday show will still be heard live from 7-10pm. Both shows are syndicated by The Genesis Communications Network.

* Classic Hits "Kool 98.3" WTKU-FM, Atlantic City, NJ, morning hosts David Allen Pratt and Jerry Beebe are out. Several published reports say that's the case, quoting an email from the duo. However, it appears that no one has yet told WTKU that they've axed Beebe and Pratt. Or maybe they just haven't told their Webmaster. The station's Website not only still lists the morning duo, but prominently promotes them on the "Welcome" page in the top banner and in no less than four other locations on that page. We again verified that as of Aug. 20, that still had not changed — three days after they were given the pink slip... uh, pink email. Maybe they also fired their Webmaster? Reportedly, Pratt and Beebe received notification via email after their Tuesday (Aug. 17) show that it had been their final one. The duo said they were ousted last March over budget issues, but afterwards agreed to remain as "sub-contractors" making $7,500 per year. They recently told management that was no longer acceptable. "They kept telling us to be patient," said Beebe, "and they would eventually work things out. But they never did."   [Editor's Note: As of Saturday, Aug. 21, Dave & Jerry were removed from the WTKU Website.]

* Clear Channel Radio Atlanta Director of Operations Scott Lindy exits. Lindy also was Program Director of Country "94.9 The Bull" WUBL-FM. VP of Country Programming Clay Hunnicutt and Assistant PD Lance Houston will handle WUBL programming for now. Lindy was named PD of "The Bull" in January 2009. Before joining the Clear Channel Atlanta cluster, Lindy was Senior Director of Country Programming for Sirius Satellite Radio.

* RAB and NAB announce that Andrew Ross Sorkin will provide opening remarks at a 2010 Radio Show financial session. Sorkin, financial columnist for The New York Times, author of "Too Big To Fail," and anchor of United Stations' "The Business Brief with Andrew Ross Sorkin," will deliver opening remarks for the panel session, September 29, the first day of this year's Radio Show, in Washington DC. The session, sponsored by Dickstein Shapiro, will feature Lew Dickey, CEO of Cumulus Media; David Field, CEO of Entercom Communications; Mary Quass, CEO of NRG Media; and Joe Schwartz, CEO of Cherry Creek Radio. The panel session, titled "Prospects and Strategies for Growth: A Dickstein Shapiro Discussion," is scheduled at 4:15pm, and will follow an earlier session at 1pm sponsored by Dickstein Shapiro, "Financial Options and Strategies: A Dickstein Shapiro Discussion," which will feature opening remarks from Wachovia/Wells Fargo financial analyst Marci Ryvicker, and a panel discussion. More information is available at www.RadioShowWeb.com. The 2010 Radio Show is being produced by the RAB and the NAB, and is scheduled for September 29-October 1 in Washington DC.

* Paperwork is now at the FCC for EMF's $5.75 million purchase of KKAT-FM, Orem-Salt Lake City. The deal also includes KKAT's booster in Bountiful, UT. Educational Media Foundation, which has already been airing its K-Love Contemporary Christian programming on the station under an LMA, is buying it from Wasatch Radio, LLC. That's the licensee for Citadel's spinoffs trust. The price tag on the deal is $5.75 million. According to the FCC filing, EMF is to pay $2 million in cash, the remainder in a promissory note. If EMF pays the entire amount in cash, it gets a $250,000 discount. Citadel ended up with the station after former owner 3 Point Media defaulted on a $26 million loan from Wachovia Bank. EMF's K-Love format has been airing on the station since March.

* Dr. Laura Schlessinger says she's going to quit over-the-air radio at the end of 2010. Following a week of controversy over her use of the n-word, Schlessinger says she will end her decades-long radio career when her contract expires at the end of this year. Dr. Laura announced her plans to quit radio in an appearance on CNN's Larry King Live Tuesday night (Aug. 17), telling King she wants to "regain my First Amendment rights." Video of Schlessinger with King as she made her announcement is available here from CNN. Schlessinger, 63, has been under fire for using the n-word repeatedly during an on-air conversation with a caller last week. In announcing her decision "not to do radio anymore" after being in the business for more than 30 years, Schlessinger said, "I want to be able to say what's on my mind and in my heart and what I think is helpful and useful without somebody getting angry or some special-interest group deciding this is a time to silence a voice of dissent." National furor erupted when Schlessinger used the n-word 11 times in five minutes during a call August 10 with an African-American caller who was seeking advice on how to deal with racist comments from her white husband's friends and relatives. The conversation evolved into a discussion on whether it's appropriate to ever use the word, with Schlessinger arguing it's used on HBO and by black comedians. Schlessinger apologized the following day, saying "I was attempting to make a philosophical point, and I articulated the n-word all the way out — more than one time. And that was wrong. I'll say it again — that was wrong." While Schlessinger told King that she was still "regretful" over the incident, she said she feels her freedom of speech rights "have been usurped by angry, hateful groups who don't want to debate — they want to eliminate." She added, "I decided it was time to move on to other venues where I could say my peace and not have to live in fear anymore." Schlessinger plans to expand her Internet presence with her Website. "I'm not retiring. I'm not quitting," she said. "I feel energized actually, stronger and freer to say the things that I believe need to be said for people in this country." Schlessinger's radio show has been syndicated for the last year in a joint venture between Talk Radio Network Ventures and Take On The Day, and is heard on more than 200 stations worldwide.

* Journal Communications amends its revolving credit facility, extends its maturity date. The amendment provides for a revolving facility with commitments of $299 million, $74 million of which matures on June 2, 2011 and $225 million of which matures on December 2, 2013. Says Journal Chairman and CEO Steven Smith, "We are pleased to have completed this amendment, which has enabled us to extend the maturity of our credit facility by an additional 2 1/2 years, while providing us with sufficient financial flexibility to operate our business, pay down debt and opportunistically grow our company. We appreciate the bank group's continued support."

* Radio One brings in a restructuring adviser as the company attempts to deal with credit default issues. According to an SEC filing, Radio One says it has amended and extended a forbearance agreement with creditors until it works out its default on some terms with those creditors. Under the amended agreement, Radio One brings in a restructuring adviser who will, with Radio One managers and a financial adviser, meet with lender representatives by August 27. Additionally, says the filing, an agent for the lenders has delivered a payment blockage notice that stopped an August 15 payment of interest on notes due 2013. There's a 30-day grace period before nonpayment constitutes a default. Radio One's lenders, led by Wells Fargo, "have not accelerated the indebtedness" under the company's senior credit facility, says the company in the SEC filing. Radio One adds that it "continues to actively pursue various financing alternatives" with the lenders, and with holders of its 2011 and 2013 notes. Radio One already again extended its previously announced exchange offer for senior notes, saying it was only about 90% completed. Radio One has given more time for the exchange of its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and the related consent solicitation with an extension to 5pm (ET) August 30. As of the end of the day Friday (Aug. 13), about 90% of the outstanding notes had been validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. The company said it was negotiating with representatives of the ad hoc group of holders of a significant portion of its notes and with its lenders trying to agree on amendments to allow the deal to go through.

* Radio One reports a 7.6% second quarter revenue increase over Q2 2009 – to $75.2 million. Station operating income was about $28.4 million, a decrease of 5.0% from the same period in 2009. Radio One reports operating income of $13.8 million compared to operating income of approximately $18.8 million for the same period in 2009. Net income was approximately $2.0 million ($0.04 per share), compared to net income of approximately $7.2 million ($0.12 per share) in the year-ago period. Says Radio One President and CEO Alfred Liggins, "The recovery in radio revenues continued in the second quarter, led by national business, which was up 17.5%. Our overall radio revenue growth of 8.4% was in line with expectations; however as I previously indicated we had upward pressure on the cost base, driven by a combination of contractual increases, such as in PPM fees, severance costs and non-cash compensation expenses. Reach Media made excellent progress with its in-house sales effort during the second quarter, although revenues and EBITDA were both adversely impacted by the lack of guaranteed revenues. Our internet business is growing strongly, with revenues up 48% from the second quarter of 2009, and we continue to believe that our on-line platform will be a major source of revenue and EBITDA growth for the future."

* BP focuses radio advertising in Florida, according to Media Monitors report for August 10-16. Following the announcement by Florida Governor Charlie Crist, that his state needs to spend $35 million on an emergency advertising blitz to calm tourists, it appears BP took notice as it shells out more money into media there. Overall, radio ads increased from 2,063 to 10,684 last week. In the top 25 markets where BP ran radio spots, the first thee are in Florida; four of the first five are in that state. Half of the first decade are Florida markets. The five markets in that state showing in the first ten are, in relative order: Tampa-St. Petersburg (449); Ft. Myers-Naples (322); Orlando (316); Miami (257); and, West Palm Beach (243).

* NPR will welcome three 2010-2011 Joan B. Kroc Fellows — journalism scholars from three schools — this fall. The three are from Mills College, Hamline University and Swarthmore College. Now in its sixth year, the Kroc Fellowship identifies and trains the next generation of public radio journalists, selecting three to participate in an intensive, year-long program at NPR and Member stations. This year’s Fellows were chosen from more than 250 applicants, coming from 150 colleges and universities in seven countries, 39 states and the District of Columbia. They are: Sarah Gonzalez of San Diego, CA – a graduate of Mills College in Oakland, and currently produces Morning Edition on KPBS in San Diego; Serri Graslie of Rapid City, SD – a graduate of Hamline University in St. Paul, where she studied anthropology and was editor-in-chief of the school’s newspaper; and, Hansi Wang of Glen Mills, PA – who as a student at Swarthmore College, developed, reported and produced War News Radio, an entirely student-run program covering the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Kroc Fellowship is made possible through a 2003 bequest from Joan B. Kroc, the philanthropist and widow of McDonald’s Corporation founder Ray A. Kroc. Each Kroc Fellow works alongside NPR News reporters, producers and editors to gain experience reporting, producing and editing, as well as digital news and multimedia production. The Fellows also spend time at NPR Member stations to explore journalism at the local level.

* Chicago Sports Talk personality Mike North joins Fox Sports Radio to host his own show to be announced. North will remain in Chicago, even though the network doesn’t have an outlet there. "I've always wanted to broadcast on a national network, so this is a dream come true," says North. "To be heard in over 300 markets, as well as on XM Satellite Radio, is huge. Dan Patrick and JT 'The Brick' are friends of mine, so it's exciting to join them on Fox Sports Radio." Details on North’s new role with the radio network are expected to be made public within two or three weeks. Fox Sports Radio VP and General Manager Don Martin, for now, says only, "We couldn't be happier to have Mike join the Fox Sports Radio family. His credentials in sports talk radio speak for themselves." Chicago Sun-Times Media & Marketing Columnist Lewis Lazare writes, "News of North’s new gig comes just days after WBBM-Channel 2 announced it’s dropping his 'Monsters & Money In the Morning,' the unconventional early-morning show that’s scheduled to end on Aug. 27. 'Monsters' lasted just seven months. North and co-host Dan Jiggetts both left the show last week to take two weeks of vacation time. Two other co-hosts — Chicago Sun-Times financial columnist Terry Savage and Mike Hegedus — are expected to stay with 'Monsters' until it ends." North got his big break in Chicago broadcasting when he and Dan Jiggetts hosted a show on Sports Talk "670 The Score" WSCR-AM. North has won two Chicago Emmy Awards. He was the first radio broadcaster to ever be inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.

* Jeff Andrews joins Cumulus CHR-Top40 "i106" WNFN, Nashville as Program Director and afternoon drive host. He transfers from co-owned "Y102" WHHY, Montgomery, AL, to replace PD Tommy Bodean, who exits to pursue other programming opportunities. Cumulus SVP of Programming Jan Jefferies says, "We thank Tommy for his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors." Jeffries adds, "Jeff is one of Cumulus' key programmers that has successfully programmed four Cumulus Top 40s including the initial launch of i94, Indianapolis."

* "US 106" WUSH-FM, Norfolk, Music Director and afternoon host Brandon O'Brien is upped to Program Director. He will also continue as Music Director and afternoon host for the Country station. O'Brien takes over programming of "US 106" from Operations Manager Jay Michaels. Prior to joining WUSH, O'Brien was an air personality with "96-9 Kat Country" WKKT-FM, Charlotte.

* United Stations Radio Networks adds radio veteran Tom Sleeker as Affiliate Relations Manager. Sleeker's focus will be the expansion of Broadcast Architecture's Smooth AC Networks. He's previously programmed stations in Little Rock, Richmond, Minneapolis, and WVMV-FM, Detroit, where he's been for the last 14 years. USRN VP of Affiliate Relations, Dan Brassem says, "Tom is not only completely knowledgeable about the formats on which he'll be working, but he's one of the really good guys in radio, and that's a great combination for someone representing the programming to fellow PD's." Last November, USRN signed with Broadcast Architecture to handle the domestic affiliate relations and advertising sales for BA's programming, including their 24/7 formats. The Smooth AC concept was first introduced by Broadcast Architecture a few years ago and was quickly adopted by several radio stations, then offering the Smooth Jazz format. Sleeker will also oversee the marketing efforts for BA's Smooth Jazz Network, with programs heard in over 30 markets.

* The possible PRA deal calling for Congress to legislate FM radio in cellphones draws fire from the CEA. The Consumer Electronics Association says "no way." But, as one radio group CEO said, "Too bad. We don't want a Performance Rights Act either." The CEA, whose members build the devices that would be affected by such a directive, is incandescent with rage, reports ars technica. "The backroom scheme of the [National Association of Broadcasters] and RIAA to have Congress mandate broadcast radios in portable devices, including mobile phones, is the height of absurdity," says CEA President Gary Shapiro. Such a move is "not in our national interest." Previously, wireless service providers have voiced their opposition. The NAB and the recording industry have reportedly agreed to include a mandate in a possible PRA compromise that Congress should mandate that FM radio receivers be built into cellphones, PDAs, and other portable electronics, according to a fact sheet from the NAB issued August 6 on talks between the NAB Radio Board and the RIAA-backed musicFIRST Coalition. "Rather than adapt to the digital marketplace, NAB and RIAA act like buggy-whip industries that refuse to innovate and seek to impose penalties on those that do," says Shapiro. Meanwhile, in response to the CEA President, NAB stresses to us that no deal has been finalized. "However, if there is a decision made by the Board of Directors to go forward and seek legislation, including radio-enabled chips in mobile devices in possible legislation seems to us to be a reasonable idea," says NAB EVP Dennis Wharton. As for the CEA criticism, "It's no surprise that CEA opposes this, since trade associations generally always oppose new rules. CEA also opposed DTV tuners in digital television sets; the FCC decided that having DTV tuners in TV sets was a good thing, and passed a rule that gave consumers access to local TV stations on DTV sets. We would argue that having radio capability on cellphones and other mobile devices would be a great thing, particularly from a public safety perspective. There are few if any technologies that match the reliability of broadcast radio in terms of getting lifeline information to the masses."

* Wearing a Florida hat to a news conference gets Arkansas radio host Renee Gork fired from KAKS, Springdale. Wearing the wrong hat can cost you your job in Northwest Arkansas. Gork found that out Monday (Aug. 16). Gork, a Florida graduate, wore a hat of her alma mater to a news conference by Arkansas football coach Bobby Petrino on Saturday. USA Today reports that Petrino commented on Gork's choice of headwear after answering a question she asked. "And that will be the last question I answer with that hat on," Petrino said. Gork, an on-air personality for Springdale radio station KAKS, which calls itself Hog Sports Radio, said she was fired Monday by the station. "Was hoping to publicly apologize to coach Petrino and UA fans on the show today ... but I won't get that chance," Gork wrote on the KAKS Twitter account. "I've been fired." KAKS General Manager Dan Storrs was clear that loyalty to the home state was important. "This radio station is Hog Sports Radio," he said. "We are very biased. We support the Razorbacks 100%."

* Bruce Pierce, convicted in the 1984 murder of Denver radio talk host Alan Berg dies in federal prison. Pierce, a white supremacist convicted of civil rights violations in the 1984 machine-gun slaying of Berg, died of natural causes Monday (Aug. 16) at the Allenwood Federal Correction Complex near Allenwood, PA, says prison spokesman Mike Castagnola. Pierce, 56, was serving a 252-year sentence for a series of robberies and the death of Berg. Authorities accused Pierce of being the triggerman, but he and alleged getaway driver David Lane were convicted of violating Berg's civil rights. Lane died in prison in 2007. Pierce was a member of The Order, a white supremacy group. Prosecutors said the group targeted Berg, who was Jewish, because of his on-air comments about white supremacists.

* Debut Broadcasting plans to purchase more radio stations in three separate markets. Debut's latest latest SEC quarterly filing includes this information: "During the second quarter of 2010, we signed letters of intent to purchase additional radio stations in three separate markets in the Southeast United States, Eastern United States, and Midwest. We anticipate signing LMA agreements to begin operating these stations in the third and fourth quarters of 2010, and will sign asset purchase agreements, and filing for FCC license transfers within two years for the additional stations." The filing offers no specifics on which markets and stations are involved. Debut Broadcasting currently owns and operates seven radio stations in Mississippi, and produces and distributes syndicated radio programs to radio stations across the United States and Canada.

* The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council is critical of the FCC's data collection performance. The MMTC files comments in the FCC's review of data collection procedures claiming the goals enunciated by FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski at the MMTC's Access to Capital and Telecommunications Policy Conference of fostering equal opportunity "cannot be achieved if the Commission fails to act and instead maintains its record of poor data collection in the areas of equal employment opportunity, media, telecom and broadband ownership, broadband deployment and broadband adoption." Writes MMTC Executive Director David Honig, "The Commission’s civil rights and social justice initiatives, many of which have been pending for years, cannot move forward unless the agency changes course. The agency needs reliable, transparent data that Commission staff, other government agencies, researchers, and advocates alike can use to shape policy to ensure greater opportunity for all." Among the deficiencies cited by the MMTC are the Commission's "refusal" to collect broadcast employment data for 10 years, flaws in ownership data collection, and other problems.

* Media brokerage firm Media Venture Partners appoints Paul Stapleton as Managing Director. Stapleton, says MVP, has an established foundation in investment banking and has led more than 100 transactions. Most recently, he spent four years as Managing Director of DH Capital. Before that, he was a consultant and owner of Niwot Capital. "We are fortunate to bring Paul, with his deep industry knowledge and extensive investment banking background, to Media Venture Partners," says MVP Managing Director Brian Pryor. "MVP's strength is our industry focus, and Paul's exceptional knowledge of the space and his wide web of connections will help us deliver even more value to our clients." Stapleton's career also includes more than six years at Rampart Associates where he served as a partner and provided investment banking services primarily to Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

* Citadel Media Affiliate Relations rep Tamara Karcev exits August 19. Karcev joined Citadel Media in late 2007 as Director of Affiliate Relations for the "Imus in the Morning" show, before working with the networks' Curtis Sliwa and Joe Scarborough and most recently, I-Man syndication. Previously, she has held affiliate relations duties with Air America Radio and with syndicated Dr. Laura and her Take On The Day company.

* McGavren Guild Media signs Good Karma Broadcasting to represent "ESPN760" WEFL-AM, West Palm Beach. National Sales Manager Tim Colligan says the broadcaster "is very excited" to be teaming up with McGavren Guild Media in on a national basis. Independent rep firm McGavren Guild Media President and CEO Lisa Sonnenklar adds, "The entire ownership and management team at Good Karma Broadcasting are exceptional professionals and innovators. All of us at McGavren Guild Media are proud to be hitting the streets for WEFL-AM ESPN760." Craig Karmazin, the son of Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin, and Colligan are co-owners of Good Karma Broadcasting.

McGavren Guild Media also signs rep deals with Broadcast Partners and Pittman Broadcasting in Lafayette, LA. "We are very excited to have two such excellent, independent broadcast groups choose McGavren Guild Media to represent their radio stations nationally," says McGavren Guild President and CEO Lisa Sonnenklar. "Both Broadcast Partners and Pittman Broadcasting are true independent groups that share so many of the same values and passion as we do for our industry. This will be an incredible relationship in Lafayette." McGavren Guild represents more than 530 stations in 160+ markets.

* Cox News-Talk WSB-AM, Atlanta, adds an FM simulcast, taking over 95.5 FM from Hip Hop “The Beat” WBTS. As we reported two weeks ago, WSB had been "expected to add an FM simulcast in the market in an attempt to bolster its ratings, especially with younger demographics." Speculation centered on 95.5 FM, although at the time it was not suggested as the only possibility. Meanwhile, Cox preserves “The Beat” with unhosted music-only on the HD2 multicast channel of "97.1 The River" WSRV, as well as online at 955TheBeat.com. "WSB 750 AM has one of the strongest signals in the country powering its award-winning news, weather, traffic, and talk format," says Cox Media Group Atlanta Vice President of Radio Operations Dan Kearney. "We are anticipating significant ratings growth by simulcasting WSB on FM. Previous simulcasts of this nature across the country have lead to 15-200% increases. The decision to simulcast our 24-hour news-talk format on FM will offer unique radio content to a wider listening audience. Nearly half of Atlanta's radio audience has never visited the AM dial. The simulcast of WSB on FM allows us to penetrate twice the previously available listening audience for our advertisers."

* WELE-AM, Ormond Beach, FL, won't go silent, although talk host Big John has yet to acquire the station's license. "We have entered into a business agreement with Wings Communication," says John. Wings is Doug Wilhite's company and current licensee of WELE. "Wings remains responsible for policies. I am responsible for programming and covering costs." The LMA, says John, is "a short, interim step," that will bridge the gap until his pending application for the license review is completed by the FCC. "The FCC is considering objections filed by Black Crow Broadcasting, owner of a number of stations in the Southeast, including WNDB-AM in Daytona Beach," John said. Black Crow owner Mike Lynn did not respond to requests for comment by the Daytona Beach News Journal. John purchased the existing broadcast equipment from the bankrupt company and said he intends to keep the radio station operating under Goliath Radio LLC, named for his dog, a great Pyrenees. Three paid employees have been retained, and John is "working out individual agreements" with nearly a dozen local broadcasters to continue existing shows.

* Classic Rock "95.1 The Fox" WFXF-FM, Rochester, NY, morning personality Brother Wease is hospitalized. His wife, Doreen, told a Rochester newspaper, "He's in intensive care, laying there with a tube in his chest." He is being treated for fluid around his heart and his doctors expect him to recover. Brother Wease (Alan Levin) is 63. He had radiation therapy five years ago for a tumor in his sinus cavity. He spent some 20 years at crosstown Classic Rock rival WCMF, before joining WFXF after sitting out a non-compete in November 2008.

* The University Of Houston will buy Rice University's noncommercial KTRU, Houston, for $9.5 million. The plan is now approved by Houston University's board of directors, following a Tuesday (Aug. 17) vote. The purchase will give University Of Houston a companion frequency for its noncommercial Classical-News-Talk KUHF, allowing the school to move all Classical programming to KTRU, with new calls KUHC, and convert KUHF to all News-Talk. Rice already had board permission for its end of the transaction. The $9.5 million deal has been negotiated and is now a go with the Houston University approval. However, not everyone agrees with the sale of KTRU. The deal is encountering some student resistance at Rice, where KTRU Program Director Joey Yang says, "We are totally opposed to the sale. This is our radio station, and we'd like to keep it." The station has called upon students to protest the deal with University Of Houston.

* Bustos Media closes on the sale of former Smooth Jazz "K-High 101.9" KKHI-FM, Denver to Christian WAY-FM. The deal, worth $2.3 million, was filed at the FCC in May and WAY-FM has been operating the station under a Time Brokerage Agreement (TBA) since then. Under the TBA, the station simulcast WAY-FM's Contemporary Christian KXWA-FM, Loveland, CO. Now, WAY-FM owns the station outright. Bustos Media is being merged into NAP Broadcast Holdings, representing its major lenders. Bustos founder Amador Bustos is gone. Jay Meyers of Broadcast Management and Technology is the interim CEO of Bustos Media. Meyers announces the closing at KKHI.

* Jim Frevola returns to Lincoln Financial Media's "790 The Ticket" WAXY-AM, Miami, as Local Sales Manager. Frevola most recently was VP of Integrated Sales and Marketing for the Cleveland Browns. Previously, Frevola was Director of the Miami Dolphins Radio Network at WAXY from 2005-06. He's also worked in a marketing position with the Dolphins and the Florida Marlins. "We're very excited about adding Jim Frevola to our management team," says Station Manager Howard Davis. "He brings a tremendous record of success and professionalism to our sales organization. Jim has succeeded everywhere he has been and we are thrilled to have him back on our team." Frevola adds, "I am ecstatic over this opportunity with Lincoln Financial Media and the chance to rejoin 790 The Ticket," "790 is the best sports talk station not only in south Florida, but among the top in the nation as well."

* Pandora ups Director of Business Development Ian Geller to VP of Business Fevelopment. Geller will manage the Webcaster's relationships with mobile operators, OEMs, major consumer electronics makers, operators, and chipset manufacturers. Geller has been with Pandora since 2006 and before that was Director of Product management for Virgin Mobile USA. "Over the past four years, Ian has been integral to our growth by solidifying strategic partnerships that have expanded our presence in mobile and CE devices — more than 100 of which now have Pandora as a feature," says Pandora SVP of Business Development Jessica Steel. "We're confident that in his new role as vice president, Ian will be an outstanding advocate for our business partners, helping them fulfill consumer demand to have Pandora present in all of their connected devices."

* Alternative "X107.5 KXTE-FM, Las Vegas, PD and midday host Chris Ripley will become PD of two Reno stations. Ripley resigns at CBS Radio's KXTE to return to Wilks Broadcasting's Alternative KRZQ-FM and Classic Rock KURK-FM, Reno, beginning in September, taking over from Melanie Flores. She will remain with KRZQ but relinquishes her PD duties. Ripley's last day in Vegas is August 27. Before Ripley was named KXTE Program Director in 2004, he was the station's Assistant PD and Music Director, and afternoon host. Ripley started at KRZQ in 1992 and joined KXTE in 1996.

* ESPN launches local-based apps for fans in Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. The free apps are available in the App Store, offering local breaking news, team info, local writers, and a custom local SportsCenter. Also featured are top local and national news, weather updates, blog posts and tweets from contributors, an interactive scoreboard, and more. Audio and direct text links for ESPN Radio stations are offered as well. ESPN also launches an ESPN Passport app, where users can create a "digital sports scrapbook" of their own game experiences. ESPN says the launch of the apps comes on the heels of ESPN Local's best month ever online. Collectively, the sites reached 5.7 million unique visitors and generated 45 million total minutes.

* Citadel Broadcasting reports second quarter net revenue was up 3.3 % to $194.4 million from $188.1 million. Most of the year-to-year increase came from a 5.3% increase for the radio markets segment to $164.5 million from $156.2 million in Q2 2009. Network revenue was down about 5.4% to $31.2 million from $33 million. For Citadel overall, second quarter revenue increased 3.3% to $194.4 million from $188.1 million. Citadel says that in the radio markets segment gains were seen in both local and national advertising, with larger markets generally outpacing smaller and midsized markets. Los Angeles, Detroit, Little Rock, and Birmingham showed "significant revenue growth." Dallas, New York, Salt Lake City, and Knoxville were down year-to-year. Citadel's second quarter operating income was $56 million. That compares to an operating loss of $944.1 million in the year-ago period. The Q2 2010 operating income includes asset impairment charges of $985.7 million. Without the impairment charges, operating income was up 34.6%. EBITDA was up 24.1% to $72.5 million from $58.4 million. "The company's continued focus on profitable programming and the improvement in the overall economic environment in the radio industry has resulted in increases to revenues in the first half of the year," says Citadel CEO Farid Suleman. "The higher revenues were primarily driven by an improvement of approximately 5.4% at our radio markets segment. In addition, the company has been able to simultaneously reduce operating expenses, resulting in an EBITDA growth of over 24% for the first half of 2010."

* LBI Media reports second quarter revenues were up 9.4% to $30.7 million from $28.1 million in Q2 2009. Most of that was the result of a 25.7% increase in the Estrella TV segment, to $14.3 million from $11.4 million. Radio was down 1.7%, to $16.4 million from $16.7 million in the year-ago period. Says LBI President and CEO Lenard Liberman, "Our second quarter results represent our second consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth, which was driven by improvement in our TV segment and by the performance of EstrellaTV, our national television network." LBI's adjusted EBITDA was down 20.1% to $9.8 million from $12.2 million, primarily due to increased program and technical costs and partly offset by added advertising revenue for the TV segment. LBI reports a net loss of $1.3 million for the second quarter, compared to a net loss of $500,000 in the same period in 2009.

* Katz Media Group CEO Stu Olds: National Spot Radio pacing is looking good for the rest of the year. In his latest market update memo today (Aug. 16), Olds says that — building on strong momentum from Q3 National Spot Radio pacing numbers that are up 15% — early pacings for the fourth quarter are showing growth of 50% over last year. Through July, National Spot Radio is up more than 16% compared to the same period last year. Based on the pacing of business on the books as of today (Aug. 16), the third quarter is pacing up 15% and September is up 22%. While these pacing numbers only reflect business on the books as of today, they show strong momentum for the fourth quarter, which is pacing at more than 50% growth compared to last year’s period. Olds writes, "These numbers represent a very solid first seven months of growth and are an indicator of the momentum carrying through the remainder of 2010. Our core business is driving these results, but we’re also benefiting from an active political season." National Spot Radio’s top seven categories (excluding political) are all pacing up in the third and fourth quarters. With the exception of finance in the third quarter, all are up double-digits in the third and fourth quarters vs. 2009 actual revenue. Olds adds, "National Spot’s broad-based recovery is reflected across all market groupings. Both the third- and fourth-quarter pacings for tracked market segments are up double digits. In the third quarter, 55 of the top 100 markets gained more than 10%, and in the fourth quarter current pacing indicates 94 of top 100 markets are up double-digits." He also points to the revenue boost most of radio is expecting from this year's political spots. "The political season is heating up, as the August through Eelction Day period for political/issue expenditures accounts for almost 75% of total year political/issue spending. The strength of additional political pressure on inventory will continue to push the pacing trends," writes Olds.

* Saga Communications CEO Ed Christian isn't buying into a proposed PRA deal with the recording industry. “I understand completely what a small group on the NAB Executive Committee did." says Christian. "I don’t understand quite why it was done in a vacuum and I don’t understand why the urgency." The Saga chief, who has been on record already as opposing any deal that would force radio to pay royalties for the over-the-air airing of recorded music, says "what is troubling him" — especially considering his "years working on the Radio Music License Committee with ASCAP and BMI and the songwriters" — is this that a few Members of Congress right now – the NAB has actually sanctioned, or about to embrace a few Members of Congress to go forward and create a monopoly with which our industry will have to deal." In Christian's opinion, not only is it bad for radio, but also for performers. "Songwriters do have a choice, as I said, between ASCAP and BMI, and even if you’ve got to with SESAC. Under the legislation that’s being discussed, there can be no competition. No direct licensing by performers. So if a performer wanted to come to us and – if Don Henley from The Eagles came to us and said, look, I’ll license your station to perform my work – he can’t do that under this legislation. Nobody’s really talking about that. Nobody can start up a competitor under the way the legislation is – nobody can go in and say, I’ll tell you what, my performers’ royalty company is only going to pay 20% to the record labels, rather than 50%, and we’re going to pay 80% to the performers, so come and be with me." Christian outlined his position during his Saga second quarter financial results conference call.

Christian is also not enthusiastic about the proposal for FM radio in cellphones, as part of the NAB PRA plan. "Frankly, that’s too bad for AM stations, who work hard in the vineyards, labor there to provide news, weather and traffic information and emergency information. And they won’t be included." The Saga CEO also questions whether the people doing the negotiating for radio really understand the technology. "I don’t think any NAB board member has seen this technology in action. If the chips are already in phones, which a number of manufacturers have them, but they just haven’t been activated here. If the chips are in the phones, why doesn’t somebody activate one and show us exactly what it would be like? And the question I also have is will [SVP of Science and Technology] Lynn Claudy, who is really good at NAB technology, will he help design minimum standards for this if it goes forward? Or will we be cursed with cell phones that work as well as hotel room AM radios?" Christian also expresses frustration with his assertion "Nobody is answering these questions." He adds, "As long as we’re including technology in this, what is the technology? What does it do? What does it sound like?"

* Emmis Communications adjourns its third special shareholders meeting without a go-private plan vote. The Friday evening (Aug. 13) meeting for a vote on a plan to exchange preferred stock for new notes due in 2017 resulted in yet another postponement, this time until August 20. The exchange and a tender offer of $2.40 per share for common stock have also been extended another week. The two stock offers are key to a plan to take Emmis private through Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition funded by Alden Global Capital. JS Acquisition was formed for the purpose of taking Emmis private. The total go-private transaction is worth approximately $90 million, the estimated value of Emmis Communications. Talks are continuing with a group of preferred shareholders who oppose the current proposal. They collectively own 38.3% of the preferred stock, and have signed a lock-up agreement to vote against the proposal as it stands. That's enough stock to block that part of the plan. Emmis says that Emmis, JS Acquisition, Smulyan, and "other interested parties" are continuing to negotiate with the lockup group. The company says that if no agreement is reached with the group, "alternative structures" for a go-private transaction will be explored. In the tender offer for common stock, about 20.8 million shares had been entered and not withdrawn by Friday afternoon. That's enough to satisfy the minimum tender condition. The tender offer is still subject to a vote by holders of Emmis common stock, a vote which is considered, at this point, merely a formality. Emmis' "EMMS" stock closed Friday at $2.06 per share, substantially below the $2.40 per share being offered.

* Townsquare Media completes its acquisition of GAP Broadcasting. This comes only days after the FCC approved the transfer of GAP and GAP West station licenses to Townsquare Media, the company that emerged after the former Regent Communications came out of a Chapter 11 reorganization. Townsquare now adds 111 stations and associated digital assets in 23 markets. Townsquare becomes the fourth-largest U.S. radio group owner in terms of station count, with 171 stations in 36 markets. GAP President George Laughlin and GAP West President Erik Hellum join Townsquare as SVPs over the two Townsquare divisions from their former companies. Both will report to Chairman and CEO Steven Price. "The acquisition of GAP represents another step in the process of transforming Townsquare Media into the local media business of the future," says Price. "With this transaction, the company greatly expands its audience and advertiser reach. New opportunities to capitalize on our scale are abundant. George and Erik bring a wealth of experience, talent, and energy and we are excited to welcome them to the team. They will be an integral part of transforming our company into a new type of local media business." Oaktree Capital Management last month revealed it was seeking to combine Townsquare and GAP, both of which it now controlled. When news of the pending merging of the companies first leaked out last month, it was said that "discussions are ongoing and no final documentation has been signed to merge the former Regent and GAP." However, it was said that an official announcement was likely to be forthcoming. Much of what was then ongoing came from leaks from employees who were advised in an email, with the FCC filing adding an air of confirmation.

* Spanish Broadcasting System reports second quarter consolidated net revenue declined 3% from Q2 2009. Revenue of $35.8 million is down from $37.1 million, with the drop said to be due to a 4% decline in the radio segment, to $31.8 million from $33.2 million. On the TV side, revenue was up 4% to $4 million from $3.9 million in the year-ago period. The decline in radio is blamed on slow national sales, according to SBS, which reports lower national sales in all of its markets, with the exception of San Francisco and Puerto Rico. The company's operating income for the second quarter was $11.3 million. That's up 20% from $9.4 million, with most of that resulting from lower station operating expenses. Net income was $9.4 million (10 cents per basic and diluted share), compared to $459,000 (net loss of 3 cents per share) in last year's second quarter. Says SBS Chairman and CEO Raul Alarcon Jr., "During the second quarter, we continued to focus on aggressively managing our costs given the improving, but volatile advertising environment. The double-digit increase in our operating cash flow reflects our ongoing efforts to drive further efficiencies across our operations, while continuing to prudently invest in our content and sales resources. Looking ahead, we remain focused on building our brands, increasing our audience reach across our radio, television and online properties, and maximizing our share of advertising revenues in each of our markets."

* Saga Communications reports second quarter net income was $3.7 million, up from $2.7 million for Q2 2009. Net operating revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2010 increased 4.0% to $32.9 million with operating income of $7.8 million compared to $6.2 million for the second quarter of last year. Free cash flow was $5.7 million for the quarter. Station operating expense decreased 0.6% compared to the year-ago period to $23.2 million. Saga says, "Operating expenses for the quarter were impacted by increased advertising and promotions expenditures as well as increased sales costs relative to the company’s reported revenue growth." For the six month period ended June 30, 2010, free cash flow increased 15.7% to $8.0 million. Net operating revenue increased 5.4% from the comparable period in 2009 to $60.9 million with operating income of $11.4 million compared to $6.3 million for the same period last year. Net income was $7.0 million ($1.66 per fully diluted share) compared to $2.3 million ($.55 per fully diluted share) for the same period in 2009. Station operating expense decreased 3.2% year-to-year to $45.7 million. Saga tells us, "The company continues to maintain a solid balance sheet with $18.1 million in cash and certificate of deposit balances as of June 30, 2010. As of June 30, 2010, the company’s outstanding bank debt was $113.6 million. The trailing 12 month leverage ratio calculated as a multiple of EBITDA was 3.5 times. Netting cash and certificate of deposits against outstanding debt, the ratio would be 2.9 times. Subsequent to the end of the quarter the Company paid down debt by an additional $4 million. The Company intends to continue to use excess cash to pay down debt."

* Westwood One signs a new multi-year agreement with NBC News for distribution of NBC News Radio. The new deal also continues the radio syndication of "Meet the Press." The two companies also agreed to work together to launch new NBC News products for radio. Currently NBC News Radio features one-minute, hourly reports from 6am-10pm weekdays anchored by NBC-TV correspondents Andrea Mitchell, Jim Miklaszewski, Pete Williams, and others. "The relationship NBC News has with Westwood One is one that we value greatly," says NBC News President Steve Capus. "We have enormous respect for radio as a medium and the ability to reach Westwood One's tremendous network and audience is extremely beneficial to this news division. It's a relationship that has a lot of history, and exciting potential for the future." Westwood One Network President Gary Schonfeld adds, "We are thrilled to extend our 20 plus year relationship with NBC News. As we move in to the mid-term election season, our audience will continue to enjoy exclusive radio news coverage from the worldwide resources of NBC News and MSNBC, while our advertisers continue to reap the benefits of aligning with the powerful NBC News brand."

* ESPN Deportes Radio launches on Texas Radio Holdings' KGOL-AM, Houston. The network currently reaches 50% of the Hispanic population in the U.S. With the network's expansion into Houston, ESPN Deportes Radio now reaches nine of the top 15 Hispanic markets with a variety of Spanish Sports Talk programming and events. "The new KGOL AM 1180 in Houston is a great achievement for our ESPN Deportes Radio platform," says ESPN Radio Affiliate Sales Executive Director Jim Roberts. "Houston is one of our top markets, where Hispanics comprise more than 32% of the city's population. We are thrilled to become their destination for the best world class play by play content and the latest sports news & information in Spanish-language." Texas Radio Holdings operates KGOL under an LMA with Entravision Communications.

* TRN syndicated talker Dr. Laura Schlessinger apologizes for using the “n-word” during an on-air conversation. Dr. Laura was talking with an African-American woman who was wondering why her white male husband said nothing when others directed racially insensitive remarks toward her. Schlessinger noted how many African-American comedians and others in the black community use the “n-word” regularly — often even as a term of endearment — which tends to make others feel that it’s OK to use it, too. To demonstrate, Dr. Laura then let the controversial word fly, although it was clearly not directed at the caller. Commenting about the incident on her blog Dr. Laura writes, “I always tell my listeners when they mess up, they need to follow the four R’s: take responsibility, have true remorse, try to repair it, and don’t repeat it. Yesterday, I messed up. I used the 'n' word on-air, and I regretted it as soon as the call was over. While it was in the context of making a point about the unfortunate use of that term by others who deem it acceptable or funny, it is a word that is hateful, hurtful and I should not have used it even to prove a point. After the call, I was terribly upset about it and pulled myself off the air for the rest of the show.” Wednesday (Aug. 11), at the top of her Talk Radio Network national program, Schlessinger reiterated her apology saying in part, “I talk everyday about doing the right thing, and yesterday I did the wrong thing. I am very sorry, and it won’t happen again.”

* Internet radio Host Hal Turner is convicted of threatening to murder three Chicago judges last summer. Turner, the ultra-right-wing shock jock who spied on white supremacists for the FBI, was found guilty Friday (Aug. 13) by a federal jury in Brooklyn, on the government’s third try. The jurors took less than two hours to find Turner, 48, of North Bergen, guilty of using his blog to terrorize the judges for upholding handgun bans in Chicago and Oak Park, IL, reports the Bergen Record. U.S. District Judge Donald Walter ordered Turner locked up as a danger to the community pending sentencing. He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. No date was set for sentencing. The swift verdict, on the fourth day of trial, stood in stark contrast to the government’s previous efforts, which ended with deadlocked juries in December and March. A majority of those jurors reportedly had voted to acquit him. Turner took a deep breath, sat down and cocked his chin at the jurors as the judge polled each of the eight women and four men on the panel. Turner was found guilty of a single count of threatening to assault and murder the chief judge and two other judges of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by writing in a June 2009 blog post that they “deserve to be killed” for a ruling that Turner feared would open the door for local gun bans across the country. His publishing of their photos and courthouse addresses, along with a map, the following day was further evidence of his intent to intimidate and impede the judges in the performance of their duties, prosecutors said.

* The FCC releases first quarter inquiries and complaints – a day after releasing Q4 2009 stats. For the first quarter this year, the total number of inquiries for all four reported categories increased more than 7%, from 24,496 in 2009's fourth quarter to 26,240. The number of radio and television broadcasting inquiries fell nearly 6% from 5,449 in Q4 to 5,135 in the first quarter this year. The bulk of the radio and television broadcasting inquiries, 52%, pertained to broadcast programming issues. First quarter complaints increased more than 230%, from 53,661 to 177,589. With that, there was a notable increase in the radio and television broadcasting category, where complaints increased 1259% from 9,740 in Q4 2009 to 132,416 in the first quarter 2010. Complaints rose 2,305 overall to 177,589, driven by that massive increase in radio and television complaints, to 132,416. The majority of complaints involved broadcast indecency. A day earlier, the FCC reported that radio and TV complaints were up, while overall complaints were down in the fourth quarter of 2009. The statistics for fourth quarter 2009 informal consumer inquiries and complaints showed inquiries down 7% from third quarter to 24,496. Radio and TV inquiries declined 14% to 5,449. Most of those involved programming issues. Complaints fell 14% overall from the third quarter to 53,661; however, complaints on radio and TV issues jumped over 45% to 9,740. Indecency and obscenity complaints made up 6,475 of the total, with 5,215 in November.

* "Z100" WHTZ, New York late night host Trey Morgan is set for his philanthropic creation "30 Deeds, 30 Days." Morgan will commit his time to 30 different charitable organizations, one for each day of September. At the special site, www.30deeds30days.com, he explains it all: "Hi, I'm Trey. On September 1st, I will attempt what some might find impossible. I will be giving my time to 30 different charitable organizations over the course of the 30 days in September all while trying to keep my life as normal as possible. I'll still keep my 'day job' as a radio personality in New York City and across the country. I've been asked how I came up with this idea and simply put, I have always wanted to volunteer but never found the time or was too overwhelmed by the endless number of organizations. The time is now. I’m calling this adventure '30 Deeds, 30 Days' and I hope you join me in this journey." The Clear Channel CHR-Top40 personality also tells visitors to the site to keep checking back for updates.

* The 2010 Radio Show will feature a performance by country music artist and songwriter Jack Ingram. The performance will take place during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show, hosted by radio legend and NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee Ron Chapman. The performance will take place September 30 at the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel. "We are delighted to present a performer at the forefront of country music," says NAB EVP of Radio John David. "With Ron Chapman as the show host and Jack Ingram as the featured entertainment, this year's NAB Marconi Radio Awards Show promises to be highly entertaining." This year's Radio Show is produced by RAB and NAB.

* KRKO-AM, Everett-Snohomish, WA, replaces two towers toppled in an apparent act of ecoterrorism. The towers at the station’s transmitter site were brought down last September. Their replacements were scheduled for installation Monday (Aug. 16), allowing KRKO to restore the station to full power. The 349-foot and 199-foot towers were to be lifted by crane at the station's site. KRKO General Manager Andy Skotdal said that even though it took longer that he expected, he was proud that the station never stopped broadcasting: "We had the ability to transmit in multiple ways, from that and other sites." When the towers were toppled by heavy equipment, a cloth banner was hung on a fence nearby with a message reputedly signed by "ELF" – ecoterrorism group Earth Liberation Front.

* Liberal radio talk host Stephanie Miller comes out as gay on her nationally syndicated show. Miller, 48, made the revelation of her Friday (Aug. 13) show. The Advocate's Trudy Ring wrties that Miller, who had sometimes joked about having crushes on men, such as fellow liberal commentator Keith Olbermann, led up to her announcement by tweeting, “Mama’s got something to tell you.” After making her statement, she received numerous supportive comments from listeners, in both phone calls and online posts. One of her guests on Friday’s show was country singer Chely Wright, who also recently came out. Miller, 48, is a former stand-up comic and for a time had a television show on MSNBC. She grew up in a conservative Republican family. Her late father, attorney and congressman William Miller, was Barry Goldwater’s running mate in the 1964 presidential election. Goldwater, who has a gay grandson, voiced gay-supportive positions late in his life.

* A digital radio boom is expected by 2015, says a new forecast from ABI Research. After a gradual start, HD digital radio is poised for rapid growth over the next few years, according to the new forecast from ABI. As of 2010, U.S. consumers have purchased four million HD radio receivers, while European consumers have purchased about 13.5 million. ABI expects the global "installed base" of HD radio receivers to jump to 200 million by 2015, a more than tenfold increase in just five years. ABI notes that many manufacturers are going to begin including HD digital radio receivers in smartphones in response to growing concern about the large amount of mobile bandwidth currently used by smartphone owners accessing Internet audio sites like Pandora. Carriers are expected to begin promoting digital radio as a way for smartphone owners to get premium audio content without taxing data delivery. ABI Research Senior Analyst Sam Rosen cites "AT&T's decision to stop offering unlimited data plans, due largely to high data usage in New York and San Francisco." That usage is largely generated by Internet music sites. MediaPost says, "The forecast of big growth in HD digital radio is good news for traditional (terrestrial) radio broadcasters. They have rolled out HD channels in most large- and mid-sized media markets in the face of increasing competition from new digital audio options, including satellite radio and pure-play Internet radio."

* Harker Research says new media is not cutting into radio time. Harker Research says it is the first analysis to integrate Arbitron and Nielsen information "into a single picture of U.S. radio listening." The result show the number of Americans who listen to broadcast radio rose 1.6% from Spring 2009 to Spring 2010, increasing to 93% of the population. TSL declined, but by only 11 minutes, to 17.4 hours per week. Harker notes that the growth in listening is in spite of more and more competition from new media. Says Harker Research Managing Partner Glenda Shrader-Bos, "Many media experts expected broadcast radio listening to be negatively impacted by the growing number of alternatives, but this analysis of the latest estimates shows that as options increase, consumers spend more time with the many audio alternatives rather than replacing their broadcast radio listening with newer alternatives."

* A new survey shows strength for Spanish-language radio, even among many who mostly speak English. The poll, conducted for Univision and co-sponsored by Nielsen and Stamford University, finds many listeners "turn frequently" to Spanish-language radio and TV, "drawn by a cultural connection and some concerns that English-language media portray them negatively." About 40% of Hispanics who speak mostly English spend "several hours" each day checking out Spanish-language media, according to the survey. Predominantly English-language speakers tend to use English-language media for major breaking news and information on purchases. Among the poll's insights is that 35% feel English-language media "portray Hispanics mostly in a negative way." That's nearly three times the percentage who say the portrayals are mostly positive. However, the survey also finds that 50% say English-language media is neutral.

* WSTW-FM, Wilmington, DE, will receive the fourth annual NAB HD Radio Multicast Award. WSTW will receive the award for their eclectic side-channel, 93.7-2 Graffiti Radio. The award will be presented during the Radio Luncheon, sponsored by Katz Media Group, on Friday, October 1 during the 2010 Radio Show produced by NAB and RAB in Washington DC. "NAB is proud to honor WSTW-FM with the HD Radio Multicast Award," says NAB EVP of Radio John David. "Their multicast station provides exceptional programming with innovative musical entertainment, representing the essence of HD Radio." With a format featuring a wide variety of styles, including indie rock, funk, synth pop and hip-hop, WSTW-FM's Graffiti Radio provides a unique listening experience for audiences in the Wilmington and Philadelphia areas. The station also connects to tech-savy listeners via an interactive website with message board and DJ blogs, as well as daily updates on Facebook and Twitter. Graffiti Radio is available on 93.7 HD-2 and at GraffitiRadio.com. Winners of the NAB HD Radio Multicast Award are recognized for their ability to create innovative or groundbreaking programming on their multicast channel.

* Nostalgia "The Greatest Music of All Time" WHAT-AM, Philadelphia, revamps its weekday line-up. Program Director Jim Clark is taking over the 6-9am shift, moving morning duo Elaine Soncini and Mike Bowe to afternoon drive. Bowe and Soncini will now host 2-5pm, with Bowe going solo 5-6om for the "WHAT Happy Hour." Clark has been hosting noon-5pm.

* Former Senator Larry Craig fills in for Nate Shelman on Citadel "NewsTalk 670" KBOI-AM, Boise, ID. Shelman said he didn't expect Craig to take phone calls Monday (Aug. 16) about his 2007 conviction for disorderly conduct in connection with a sex sting in a men's restroom at the Minneapolis airport. Instead, the former Senator would focus on politcs, elections and the economy. Craig has called into Shelman's show since retirement in 2009, but this was to be his first extended hosting session. Shelman's show airs from 4-7pm on KBOI.

* Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth: "A Royal(ty) Opportunity?" Smyth, in his latest "Corner Office" column, makes it clear he's still no fan of royalties — "the idea of taxes, royalties, fees or whatever you want to call new payments that might go to record labels and artists" — but he still urges radio to seriously consider the proposals provided by the NAB as under discussion by the Radio Board. "But when you move beyond the rhetoric and look closely at the proposed terms that are under discussion, it seems clear: The conceptual framework provided by NAB’s leadership team is something that the leaders and owners in this great business should seriously consider," writes Smyth. "And I for one think it would be a huge miscalculation if we do not at least continue a dialogue that might provide the regulatory certainty needed to re-open access to capital and provide long-term opportunities for growth." The Greater Media CEO says he believes "the biggest 'get' from any resolution of a performance tax settlement would be the removal of the onerous and unpredictable Copyright Royalty Board decisions that threaten radio’s profitability." Smyth writes: "If you’ve followed our business at all, you know that the CRB has been downright hostile to the interests of free and local radio. Under a settlement, radio would no longer be subjected to the arbitrary rate-setting process of this unelected three-person tribunal. Instead, our rates – on both the streaming side and the terrestrial side – would be permanently set by statute. News/talk and sports stations would be exempt from the 1% fee. And under potential terms negotiated by the NAB team, streaming rates would decrease by about 10%." He adds that the outline provided August 6 by the NAB "includes plenty of other potential benefits for radio. Any agreement would be conditioned on settlement of AFTRA issues that have prevented many stations from streaming commercials, and prevented Arbitron from including our streaming audiences in the ratings. Moreover, radio’s reach could be expanded through the incorporation of radio receivers in mobile phones under terms that are being discussed." Read Smyth's full column here.

* PPM secrets are exposed from the "Diary of a 'Portable People Meter' Person." Arbitron carefully protects many details of how PPM participants are chosen, and how they are compensated, but the San Francisco Chronicle's Ben Fong-Torres found one. "Angella Sprauve," as she's asked to be identified to protect her privacy, is a product development manager in the cosmetics industry in San Francisco. She was between jobs a year ago when she was approached by Arbitron. "I don't know how they found me," she said, "but they called and asked some general questions: age, ethnic background, income. They said they'd had difficulty finding people in this area in my age range." Sprauve is 32. She reveals the compensation is a base of $45 a month, and bonuses, like $100 twice a year. And you're entered in contests for gift cards from Amazon or Visa. "I was a good panelist," she said. "I wore the meter all the time and followed the instructions. I didn't find it that intrusive. But I wouldn't take it to some occasions, like out to dinner, and they want you to wear it all day, from the time you wake up until you go to bed, and to wear it on your person. You can't just leave it in your purse. And they pick up on it. They'll call you the next day or night and say, 'Hey, you weren't wearing it for 15 minutes yesterday.' " And if a panelist wasn't home one night? That's what the portable recharger is for. Out-of-town trips required a heads-up to Arbitron headquarters. "They are very thorough," said Sprauve. The company, she said, didn't address the issue of accuracy, of panelists picking up signals of stations they had not chosen to hear. "When I was out - at a mall or the eye doctor or wherever - I was conscious that it was picking up other stations," said Sprauve. "The only time it picked up what I'd chosen was at home or in the car."

* Clear Channel "Hot107.9" WWHT, Syracuse, adds syndicated Elvis Duran, sets off rumors of staff shake-up. CHR-Top40 WWHT adds nationally syndicated Elvis Duran for 5-10am. WWHT's former morning co-hosts Marty and Shannon are still part of the station’s weekday lineup, but in new separate shifts. Marty moves to afternoon drive, while Shannon takes over middays. There had been rumors circulating in the market that both were out in "an air talent shakeup" until Marty posted: "Thank you very much for all the e-mails and phone calls. First I just want to say that Shannon and I are both thankful for the supposrt of all our Hot 1079 listeners. We also would like to welcome The Elvis Duran Hot Morning Show to Hot 1079 from 5AM to 10AM. Both Shannon and I will still be on the air at Hot 1079. Shannon will be on from 10AM to 2PM and I will be on for your ride home 2PM to 7PM." So far, no official comment from Operations Manager Rich Lauber other than a generic announcement of the addition of "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show."

* Smooth Jazz "Smooth 103.1" WLOQ, Orlando, names Ken Jones as Operations Manager. Jones was named Program Director about two months ago, and will continue that role along with OM duties. Previously, he did Online Marketing and Affiliate Relations for Art Good's Jazztrax and consulting WLOQ. Says Jones, "WLOQ is a unique opportunity. I am excited about pivoting off the long history of the station in Orlando and charting a successful course for WLOQ in the PPM era. There is a terrific staff here and they are all keyed on the future and continued evolution of the station." Co-owner John Gross tells us, "Ken is an outstanding addition to the team and culture of WLOQ. We have been fans of Ken's work over many years and we are excited to have his leadership on our team. WLOQ has a 33-year history of local, independent ownership that is rare in the current group ownership world of radio. It's because of his passion, leadership and commitment to doing great radio that we welcome Ken to our team."

* Ryan McCredden is named Program Director of News-Talk "104.1 The Truth" KQTH, Tucson, effective August 30. McCredden joins the Journal Broadcast Group station from KRLD-AM, Dallas, where he served as Assistant PD since 2006. "We are thrilled that Ryan has decided to join our programming team," says Operations Manager Darla Thomas. "Listeners have found their voice and made 'The Truth' the best place for talk in Tucson and we're excited to have Ryan work with our leading morning host Jon Justice to develop that station/listener relationship even further." McCredden adds, "I'm looking forward to further developing 'The Truth' as a prime player in the Tucson talk market. By bringing listeners compelling content on-air and on-line, along with great events in the community. I'm excited for the future of KQTH."

* Media Monitors: Music stations move stopset placement for PPM. A majority of music stations in PPM markets have moved their stopsets to :15 and :45 after the hour, according to a new study by Media Monitors, based on data from this July and the same month last year. The study shows a migration of starting times of many surveyed stations. Non-PPM stations still focus their commercial breaks at :20 and :50, where PPM stations have made the move to clustering their spots around the quarter-hour marks. But says Media Monitors President and CEO Phillipe Generali, "The first quarter hour however remains a traditional 'sacred cow' where hardly any music station wants to be caught in a commercial break."

* The "Live! With Regis and Kelly Women of Radio Co-Host for a Day Search" winners are announced. Each of the four will guest co-host one day next week with Regis while Kelly is on vacation. "Channel 955" WKQI, Detroit, "Mojo In The Morning" co-host Shannon Murphy will be seen live coast-to-coast when she fills in for Kelly Ripa on "Live!" Tuesday (Aug. 17). Murphy received the most votes among ten finalists in the contest. Voting ended Wednesday night. Murphy received the news live on the air this morning when Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa announced the news on their show. The other three co-hosts are CHR-Top40 "Q100" WWWQ, Atlanta, host Jenn Hobby; AC KOST, Los Angeles, talent Kristin Cruz; and CHR-Top40 WXXL, Orlando, personality Jayde.

* Clear Channel Radio announces the four winners of its "Get Discovered" contest. The contest is part of a three-month national campaign to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). The contest gave independent and unsigned music artists an opportunity to submit their music for a chance to perform live at the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, September 5-6. The four winners — whose original performances were considered "standouts" in the "Get Discovered" contes t— are Rock/Alternative: "Charles" by Last Perfect Thing (Asbury Park, NJ); Hit: "Circles" by Hollywood Burnout (Des Moines); Country: "She Makes Me" by Billy Dawson (Nashville); and, At Large: "Our Days In The Sun" by Billy Dawson (Nashville). Clear Channel Radio President and CEO John Hogan says, "The 'Get Discovered' contest helped raise visibility for the work of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and generated interest from close to 1000 musicians who submitted their songs via their favorite local Clear Channel outlets, and through its iheartradio.com music platform."

* Spanish CHR "Mega 95.5" WNUA-FM, Chicago, Program Director and afternoon personality Omar Romero exits. Romero leaves the Clear Channel station after a little more than a year in the position. For now morning host Gonzo adds acting PD duties. Previously, Romero was PD and afternoon host of co-owned KLOL-FM, Houston, and KEGL-FM, Dallas, and KABQ-FM, Albuquerque. Romero has also worked as a Format Director of Clear Channel's HD Regional Mexican format channel. He's also held various programming and on-air positions at Spanish Broadcasting Systems' KZAB-FM and KLAX-FM in Los Angeles.

* Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Hot107.9" WWHT, Syracuse, adds nationally syndicated Elvis Duran for 5-10am. WWHT's former morning co-hosts Marty and Shannon are still part of the station’s weekday lineup, but in new separate shifts. Marty moves to afternoon drive, while Shannon takes over middays. There had been rumors circulating in the market that both were out in "an air talent shakeup" until Marty posted: "Thank you very much for all the e-mails and phone calls. First I just want to say that Shannon and I are both thankful for the supposrt of all our Hot 1079 listeners. We also would like to welcome The Elvis Duran Hot Morning Show to Hot 1079 from 5AM to 10AM. Both Shannon and I will still be on the air at Hot 1079. Shannon will be on from 10AM to 2PM and I will be on for your ride home 2PM to 7PM." So far, no official comment from Operations Manager Rich Lauber other than a generic announcement of the addition of "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show."

* VSS: Total Communications Industry spending is on pace to increase 3.5% in 2010. Veronis Suhler Stevenson releases its VSS Communications Industry Forecast 2004-2014 providing a five-year historical record and a five-year forecast of spending for four Revenue Streams – and now also an additional analysis of the six major Industry Sectors – including 20 segments and more than 100 sub-segments of the U.S. Communications Industry. VSS predicts total Communications Industry spending is on pace to increase 3.5% in 2010 and post a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1% in the 2009-2014 period to $1.4 trillion, driven by a gradual economic recovery, advances in digital technology, and secular trends impacting the entire industry landscape. The shift of spending and consumption is reflected by growth not only in key industry sectors such as Business & Professional Information & Services, Targeted Media. and Entertainment & Leisure Media, which are poised to register CAGRs of 8.2%, 7.3% and 6.3%, respectively, during the 2009-2014 period, but "also remarkable growth in the Pure-Play Consumer Internet & Mobile Services segment, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.6% from 2009 to 2014." VSS predicts that Communications Industry spending will exceed nominal gross domestic product (GDP) CAGR growth of 5.8%, and retain its position as the fourth-largest industry in 2014, although slipping to ninth place in terms of growth during the forecast period due to continued weakness in traditional advertising and marketing services. “There will be a longer and slower economic recovery during the expansion period covered by the forecast compared with previous expansions because of the breadth and depth of the recession,” says John Suhler, Co-Founder, President and General Partner of VSS. “We expect the Communications Industry will only slightly outperform nominal GDP over the next five years. Advertising and marketing investments, historically the drivers of Communications growth during recoveries, are expected to be more muted due to the shift away from traditional media outlets to more targeted media.”

Radio, which suffered a tough year in 2009, is forecast to rise 3.3% in 2010 to $17.68 billion. That includes total spending on broadcast and satellite radio. VSS calculates that total spending on radio – including broadcast, satellite, online, and mobile advertising and content – dropped 16.2% to $17.12 billion, “as the protracted economic recession affected key advertising categories, including automotive, retail and financial.” Advertising expenditures on broadcast radio plummeted 19.4% in 2009 to $14.25 billion. Although that's now looking up, radio growth will trail nominal GDP growth over the five-year period through 2014. “Broadcast and satellite radio will rise at a 5.0% CAGR from 2009 to 2014, reaching $21.85 billion, which will still be less than 2007 levels, as consumers begin listening to radio via new digital formats, satellite radio subscription prices rise, and online and mobile platforms post double-digit gains," according to the VSS report. [More from VSS »]

* Brokered-time radio host faces fraud charges over debt-clearing promises after police in Colorado raid his offices. Dave Burke — the man behind "Get Real With Dave" and The Real Talk Network — is charged with fraud, following the raid of his corporate offices in Westminster, a suburb of Denver. Burke paid for airtime on radio stations across the country and was hosting 27 shows per week. During those shows, Burke made claims to listeners, including: "All of your debt is going to disappear, even if you don't have any money." Those shows lured people into seminars Burke hosted, during which he is accused of exaggerating his credentials. "I was considered one of the top financial experts in the world," he told one audience. He told another group, "I was asked to do the state of the economy for our nation's leaders and top economists and we all got together and did that." Regarding bankruptcy, Burke strongly declared, "Bankruptcy is not an option." But the fraud complaint against him points out he filed for bankruptcy twice in the past 13 years. The complaint details that Burke told potential clients that he came out of 10 years of retirement to "help save American families in this time of crisis." Instead, the complaint says, he only added to the pain of those already suffering through the current recession.

* Westwood One Sports Executive Producer Howard Deneroff was on Jet Blue flight that made headlines. Deneroff was on the Jet Blue flight on which flight attendant Steve Slater made his now-infamous expletive-laden address to the passengers and exit down the emergency chute. Says Deneroff, "I couldn't see what was going on all that well, but because of my work I am very attuned to voices. Sometimes the audio is all you need. I heard the flight attendant telling a passenger to sit down several times while we were on the runway, that their luggage wouldn't fit in the overhead compartment, and certainly heard his colorful language on the intercom before his departure."

* Group radio owner, Cincinnati entrepreneur, civic leader Ross Love is dead at the age of 64 after a brief illness. Love founded Blue Chip Broadcasting in 1995 after rising to prominence as a VP at Procter & Gamble. Blue Chip went on to own 19 stations and become one of the country's largest African-American-owned broadcasting companies before the stable of stations was sold. In 2001, Love founded venture capital company Blue Chip Enterprises, which helps African-American entrepreneurs launch their businesses. Blue Chip Broadcasting began when Love bought WIZF-FM. He then built the Blue Chip Broadcasting group, one of the nation’s largest Urban radio groups. He sold the 15-station group to Radio One for $190 million in 2001. Love sunsequently bought an AM in Cincinnati and built it up with a black-oriented News-Talk format as “The Buzz.” He sold that station, WDBZ, to Radio One in 2007 for $2.65 million.

* Access.1 Communications says its Chairman and CEO Sydney Small died while cycling. We previously reported that Small died unexpectedly at 72, Sunday (Aug. 8). At the time specifics were lacking. Now, Access.1 issues a full obituary on the company's founder, in response to numerous media requests. The company says Small "died unexpectedly while cycling in Manhattan." TPMedia has made available the full obituary provided by Access.1 at this url.

* Dan Zampillo exits as Assistant Program Director at Tribune News-Talk WGN-AM, Chicago. Zampillo is joining Sirius XM Satellite Radio in New York as Executive Producer of Sports Programming. The Chicago area native and University of Illinois graduate spent much of his career in sports radio, including a stint at CBS Radio Sports Talk WSCR-AM, Chicago. WGN Program Director Kevin Metheny has not yet announced Zampillo’s replacement as APD.

* Citadel Rock "98.1 The Max" WXMX-FM, Memphis, Program Director Bobby "Slam" Duncan exits. He leaves for personal reasons not disclosed. Prior to WXMX, he was PD for Alternative WGRD-FM, Grand Rapids, and Classic Rock KKRW-FM, Houston. Previously, Duncan was Assistant PD and Music Director for KCJZ-FM, San Antonio.

* Federated Media chooses Eastlan Ratings to measure audience in its three largest markets. Federated Media COO Tony Richards, in making the announcement, cites "cost effective results" for signing with Eastlan Ratings to measure its stations Fort Wayne, South Bend and Elkhart, IN, beginning with Fall 2010. "If you continue to collect data the same way for over 42 years and rely on the United States Postal Service as your primary delivery system, you get what you get," says Richards. "We're going in a different direction as I suppose most radio stations are in this day and age." Eastlan President and CEO Mike Gould says, "This is another bellwether moment for our company. Federated is widely regarded as one of the best locally-owned, medium-market broadcasters in our industry. Needless to say we are very, very proud to be associated with them."

* Noncommercial public radio KABF, Little Rock, AK, is being audited by CPB's Office of the Inspector General. The Arkansas Times reports the station's relationship with controversial organization ACORN is under scrutiny as accounting irregularities are being investigated. "An email from KABF board member Jay Jansen to station volunteers pretty much sums it up," writes the Times. "As some of you know, KABF is being audited, funding is on hold, and the station may be broke in a matter of weeks. KABF could cease to exist as we know it." Jansen says, "What started the audit was a complaint by someone having to do with the management of the station's Website and that just snowballed. It was a simple little complaint and then it just caught on fire. The people that were doing the accounting for the station were affiliated with ACORN. It's been a challenge to get answers about accounting and records and so forth because all that stuff was down in New Orleans and that stuff just disappeared." KABF's payroll was handled by Citizens Consulting Inc., a now-defunct non-profit based in New Orleans. A former national ACORN board member from Georgia once described CCI's relationship to ACORN this way: "To understand what is happening to ACORN today, try to imagine what it would be like if Tony Soprano took over Catholic Charities. All of the money that goes into ACORN goes into CCI first and there is no way to know how much is squandered or misappropriated." KABF Board President Lucho Reyes says, "The money was mismanaged and misused in New Orleans. We didn't know anything about it until the audit came about." Jansen believes the CPB audit should be completed soon, but Reyes says it could be January or February before KABF has a clear picture of what was going on. The details at this point are sketchy but Jansen says it "goes pretty deep."

* Bonneville "101 ESPN" WXOS-FM, St. Louis, enters a partnership with St. Louis television station KMOV-TV. The new arrangement starts August 30 with the debut of a new "News 4" KMOV feature on the WXOS afternoon drive show "The Fast Lane." News 4 Sports Director Steve Savard will provide daily updates at 5:45pm via the "News 4 Sports Live from the 101 ESPN Studios." Bonneville St. Louis Radio Group VP and Market Manager John Kijowski tells us, "Bonneville St. Louis is thrilled to announce this unique partnership with KMOV. These two dynamic sports departments have teamed up to bring St. Louis sports fans the most extensive sports broadcasts and coverage available electronically. You can get the scores anywhere. But with the 101 ESPN and KMOV partnership, the full staff of sports experts on both stations can break it down for listeners and fans, providing in-depth insights and analysis like never before." Also under the new partnership, "101 ESPN" hosts, reporters and analysts will be featured on KMOV News 4 for added insight and opinion on the day's top stories, and particularly during the TV station's weekend and specialty sports programming. The first project the media team will tackle is the St. Louis Rams pre-season special that is scheduled to air September 8. In order to provide KMOV News 4 complete access to the 101 ESPN sports team, Bonneville St. Louis is establishing a special KMOV video studio on-site at WXOS.

* Sportscaster and entertainment host Pat O'Brien joins Fox Sports Radio's "Loose Cannons" program. O'Brien joins Steve Hartman and Vic "The Brick" Jacobs beginning Monday (Aug. 16), according to Fox Sports Radio. The show, which was previously known as Hartman & Friends, airs weekdays from 3-7pm (ET) and features news and information along with analysis and interviews from the world of sports. "Pat's experience in both sports and entertainment, as well as his industry connections and passion for radio, makes him a perfect fit for the Loose Cannons," says Fox Sports Radio VP and General Manager Don Martin. "We couldn't be happier to welcome him to the Fox Sports Radio family as we continue providing the best destination for sports entertainment audio content." O'Brien previously anchored TV's "Access Hollywood" and "The Insider," in addition to doing live coverage of the NCAA Basketball Tournament, World Series and the NBA Finals for CBS Sports.

* There's speculation that the exit of D.L. Hughley at Emmis WRKS, New York, opens the door for Tom Joyner. The speculation comes from Radio Syndication Talk, which writes "The D.L. Hughley radio experiment at Emmis Communications’ WRKS New York seems to be over. Caught in the middle of one of the most complicated and contentious public disputes in broadcast history (Hughley vs URBan Broadcasting vs Emmis) WRKS is left wondering what’s next for it’s morning slot." That's followed by the speculative question: "Could a New York return to the KISS-FM airwaves for Reach Media’s Tom Joyner Morning Show be in the works?" Joyner’s syndicated morning show last appeared on the station in 2001-03 and, says Radio Syndication Talk, "looks like the favorite to take on the Steve Harvey Morning Show on Inner City WBLS." Meanwhile, other reports say that Emmis claims he's away on a film project, but that Hughley said Monday (Aug. 9) was his last day. Hughley's representatives had threatened to pull the comedian off the air in a pay dispute. Hughley's lawyers claim Hughley is owed about $359,000 for his morning show.

* Rapper Nelly joins Urban/Hip Hop "Hot 104.1" WHHL-FM, St. Louis, as (temporary) afternoon drive host. Starting Wednesday (Aug. 11), the rapper will fill in on the weekday 3-7pm slot for Staci Static, who is on maternity leave. Station execs say they expect Nelly's on-air run to last for about a month. "It made perfect sense for the hometown boy to do it for the short term," says WHHL's Program Director Mickey Johnson. "I was looking for someone local and someone who had that star power. Someone not to replace Staci but (someone) who could continue to drive the ratings and make it interesting." The arrangement had been in the works for about three weeks, Johnson said, adding that Static was included in the decision. "With Nelly being so plugged in to the industry – with the multiple Grammys and being a co-owner of the Bobcats – I knew it was easy for him to line up interviews," says Johnson. Station personality Janee' will produce Nelly's show.

* Syndicated radio personality Delilah chooses Belleville, IL, to "Paint the Town." Belleville's chosen from 100 cities by Delilah Rene, and The Home Depot giving local volunteers the supplies needed to give old buildings, mostly in the downtown area, facelifts. Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert says the recipients will mostly be businesses because the focus will be on the business district, but residences and nonprofits in the area also may get some of the attention. The Belleville News-Democrat reports local leaders soon will start talking with building owners in the target area to find out whether they'd be willing to participate, but painting won't take place until October. Kraig Kitchin, co-president of Delilah's company, Big Shoes Productions, said the radio host and Home Depot plan to donate at least 14,000 gallons of paint, with colors chosen by the building owners from a palate of 10 or 12 choices, plus the supplies needed to complete the work. Delilah's syndicated show, broadcast in 209 U.S. cities, airs 7pm-midnight on "Soft Rock 102.5" KEZK, St. Louis, which is heard in Belleville.

* Mapleton Triple-A KPIG-AM will exit its 1510 AM signal heard in San Francisco Monday (Aug. 16). The station leaves the on-air signal after three and half years of broadcasts. Bay area listeners will still be able to listen to the programming at kpig.com. Pacific Media International has entered into an LMA to air Chinese-language programming on 1510 AM. Mapleton President and CEO Adam Nathanson says it was a business decision as the San Francisco operations were not profitable for an AM signal. Mapleton remains open to return KPIG programming to San Francisco on an FM signal. The station remains on the air in Freedom, CA, serving the Monterey-Salinas area on KPYG-FM, San Luis Obispo, CA. Pacific Media International is headed by President John Douglas. Larry Patrick of Patrick Communications did the deal for the LMA.

* Access.1 Communications President and CEO Sydney Small unexpectedly dies at 72. Small reportedly passed away Sunday (Aug. 8), although specifics are still lacking. Access.1 confirms his death, but was unable to provide further details. Access.1 Communications is a New York City-based company which owns radio broadcast stations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Louisiana. Access.1 also owns SuperRadio, a general market syndication company which distributes 40 radio programs through over 1400 affiliate agreements with more than 725 radio stations. Access.1 also has a stake in American Urban Radio Networks.

* Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings reports second quarter revenues of $1.49 billion, a 4% increase. That's up from $1.44 billion in Q2 2009. Operating expenses are down 2%. The company posts a consolidated net loss of $77.2 million as compared with a loss of $3.68 billion in the year-ago period. Included in the results are impairment charges of $4.04 billion and gains of $440.3 million associated with debt repurchases. Says President and CEO Mark Mays: "Our second quarter results reflect the positive impact of the global advertising market recovery combined with the ongoing execution of our strategic plan to maximize our performance and improve profitability across our operations. During the quarter, we saw improvement in both revenue and profit margins across our radio and outdoor platforms. The fundamentals of our business are clearly improving, as we return to revenue growth and attain the benefits of our cost reduction efforts. Our assets represent an exceptional platform for reaching and influencing millions of consumers across the globe. As a result of our restructuring efforts, including the successful divestiture of non-strategic assets during the past year, we are now a more efficient and focused company, positioned to drive returns for our shareholders. Given the ongoing momentum we are seeing across our business, we remain optimistic regarding our growth prospects for the full year."

Clear Channel Radio saw a 4% increase from the year ago period to $748.7 million from $717.6 million. Most of that comes from $24.2 million in additional national advertising. Radio operating expenses were down for the second quarter, to $435.9 million from $457.7 million, including $800,000 in expenses from the company's restructuring program compared to $33.9 million in restructuring costs in last year's second quarter. Programming expenses were down $11 million, primarily due to cost savings from the restructuring, Also, CCR didn't renew some sports contracts. The lesser expenses were partly offset by some accounting adjustments and $6.6 million in increased commissions and bonuses related to the higher revenue. Radio OIBDAN was up 20% to $312.9 million from $259.9 million.

* Salem Communications reports a second quarter revenue increase of 5.2% to $53.1 million from $50.5 million. Operating income increased to $10.1 million from a loss of $6.5 million. Salem reports earnings of $700,000 (3 cents per share) as compared to a loss of $5 million (21 cents) in the same period last year. Looking ahead to the third quarter, Salem is projecting total revenue to increase 1-3% over Q3 2009 total revenue of $49.2 million. Salem Communications CEO Ed Atsinger says "I guess the biggest highlight was the fact that for the first time in three years, our total revenue and EBITDA were up." Atsinger expects a strong third quarter as well, and adds that Salem is looking for political revenues to provide a significant boost to the fourth quarter. "We expect that the fourth quarter will also show a significant increase in political advertising over last year."

* Fisher Communications reports radio revenue increased 8% for the second quarter, overall revenue up 28%. Fisher says second quarter total revenue increased to $40.8 million, boosted by a 37% increase in television revenue. Radio revenue increased to $6.4 million, but radio broadcast cash flow fell $312,000 to $1.1 million due to higher sales commissions, advertising and programming costs. Overall net income rose from a loss of $2.1 million (including $1.2 million of pre-tax gain on extinguishment of debt) to a gain of $328,000, including an $842,000 pre-tax gain on a Sprint Nextel asset exchange and a $309,000 pre-tax gain on insurance reimbursements related to the fire at Fisher Plaza in Seattle in July 2009. President and CEO Colleen Brown says, "Fisher benefited from the strong revenue growth in the television advertising market, the sustained recovery in local advertising and our ability to capture a larger share of the markets we serve. Our second quarter results demonstrate the power of our brands and the popularity of our news and entertainment programming. In particular, we are pleased with the operational performance of our television stations, which included the top rated stations in the Seattle (ABC affiliate KOMO-TV) and Portland (ABC affiliate KATU-TV) markets. As we look ahead to the remainder of 2010, we are optimistic that the increased advertising spending will continue to drive growth opportunities for local broadcasters. Over the past several years, we have strategically positioned Fisher to benefit from this recovery by improving our broadcast operations and developing a robust digital platform that enables us to meet the growing demand for local online and mobile content. We believe this diversified approach will allow us to create long-term value for our viewers, shareholders and business partners."

* Greater Media gives WMGK, Philadelphia, Program Director Charley Lake additional duties as PD for sister WBEN. Lake will now oversee programming for both Adult Variety Hits "BEN-FM" and Classic Rock WMGK. He's been serving as the interim WBEN PD since June, when John Cook exited. Says Greater Media Philadelphia VP and Market Manager John Fullam, "We feel extremely fortunate to have one of the best programmers in the business in Charley Lake. It is a truly a privilege to have him lead the WMGK and now BEN-FM teams into the future." Lake tells us, "As if coming to work every day at WMGK isn't enough fun, I now get to work with yet another great team at BEN. I'm grateful to John Fullam and my family at Greater Media for this fantastic opportunity." Lake's resume says that prior to joining Greater Media in January 2007, he was a Program Director for CBS Radio in Chicago, Phoenix and Columbus, starting in 1998. Before that he spent two years with Heritage Media as morning personality at KCFX, Kansas City, and PD at WRNO, New Orleans.

* Former Fox Sports Radio morning host Steve Czaban returns to a network morning show for Sporting News Radio. Czaban will begin his new 6-9am (ET) weekday show for Mission Media's Sporting News Radio later this month. He will be joined by co-host Scott Linn, Producer Steve Solomon, and update anchor Al Galdi on the new show. It will originate from Washington DC, where Czaban will continue to host his afternoon "The Sports Reporters" show with Andy Pollin on Red Zebra Broadcasting Sports "ESPN 980" WTEM-AM. Czaban will also continue and his daily sports segment on Saga's Rock WHQG, Milwaukee, "Bob and Brian" show. "Czabe is one of the great talents in radio and his arrival is a reflection of Mission Media's commitment to seek out unique and differentiated content for our affiliate partners. His combination of intelligence, character, and a wicked curiosity is unlike anything currently available in syndication," says Mission Media CEO Clancy Woods. "I appreciate the platform that SNR has given me to continue the show as it was always intended. Wide open, fun, ruthless, in-depth in content, superficial in manners," says Czaban. "We are the show that takes sports seriously, not ourselves. The show for big boys is back!"

* Veteran talk host Bruce Jacobs joins Mission Media's Sporting News Radio Network. Jacobs spent the last nine years at Clear Channel and Premiere in a variety of local and network positions. Most recently he was a host for Fox Sports Radio. "Few performers combine sports knowledge, humor and passion like Bruce Jacobs," says Mission Media CEO Clancy Woods. "He is a wonderful advocate for the fan, and after a tour of duty covering the political scene, we are thrilled to welcome him back to the world of sports." Jacobs adds, "I am thrilled to be joining a new, exciting, and vibrant company with so many high-quality broadcasters."

* The Baltimore Ravens invade Washington DC, signing with News WTOP-FM and Federal News Radio WFED-AM. The two DC stations will air the NFL teams games in the nation's capital. Talk WNAV-AM, Annapolis, and Sports "1290 The Ticket" WWTX-AM, Wilmington, DE, will also air the Ravens network, based out of Talk WBAL-AM, Baltimore.

* American Federation of Government Employees plans to spend about $200,000 to air a radio spot in 30 markets. The nation's largest federal workers union is taking to the radio airwaves to defend rank and file federal workers against growing anti-government sentiments with a 60-second radio commercial to air in about 30 markets, including Washington. The spot features AFGE President John Gage and workers from the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Social Security Administration, telling listeners to "trust me" as they carry out their work. "Some polls say Americans don't trust government, but listen to our members, the real people who work hard for you everyday," Gage says at the start. The 60-second spots will air mostly on Talk, Country, and Sports stations.

* NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith remembers Senator Ted Stevens, who died Tuesday in a plane crash. Smith served with Stevens during his tenure as a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by Sen. Stevens from 2005-2007. Prior to representing Alaskans in the U.S. Senate, Sen. Stevens was a young lawyer in Anchorage, served as an attorney for the Alaska Broadcasters Association, and drafted the ABA's Articles of Incorporation in 1964. "Senator Stevens was a towering figure in the U.S. Senate and shepherded some of the most important communications legislation through Congress during his tenure on the Senate Commerce Committee," says Smith. "Broadcasters have lost a friend, but America has lost a war hero and a legislative giant. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and fellow Alaskans."

* Emmis to try again Friday (Aug. 13) for a favorable shareholder vote on CEO Jeff Smulyan's go-private buyout bid. After delaying the vote from August 3 to 6, it's now delayed until this Friday – Friday the 13th. Will that be a lucky or unlucky date for Smulyan, who did not attend the most recent Friday meeting, so that a quorum could not be obtained, and the delay was required. According to the Indianapolis Business Journal, Emmis Communications officials said they are encouraged by negotiations with a group of preferred shareholders, but were forced to again delay a vote on taking the company private. After the August 3 meeting, company officials said Smulyan was continuing to negotiate with preferred shareholders but also was considering other avenues to complete his purchase of the company, including one that would not require their consent. “We continue to engage in discussions with preferred shareholders,” says Emmis General Counsel Scott Enright. “The tenor of those talks has been encouraging, but we can’t make any assurances at this time.” Emmis shares closed at $2.07 on Friday, wrapping up a roller coaster week in which the shares began trading at $1.95 on Monday morning, fell to $1.60 on Tuesday, then soared as high as $2.10 on Wednesday. The stock remained well below Smulyan’s offer of $2.40 per share, indicating there is doubt the Emmis founder can pull off his plan. Last month, eight firms that hold Emmis preferred stock banded together to prevent the sale. Collectively they hold 38% of Emmis preferred shares. That’s enough to prevent Smulyan from winning two-thirds approval from preferred shareholders to convert their shares into bonds—at 60 cents on the dollar—in exchange for the attractive interest rate of 12%. Smulyan’s proposal also requires approval from the holders of a majority of Emmis shares, a threshold Smulyan likely would be able to meet. Smulyan, through his JS Acquisition and New York private equity firm Alden Global Capital, submitted his offer in April. The bid values the company at about $90 million. Alden already is a major shareholder, and Emmis executives who plan to roll over their stakes also would be expected to vote yes. With the shareholder meeting to vote on the offers adjourned until Friday, Emmis has extended the both stock exchange offers – preferred and common stock – through Friday at 5pm.

* The NAB releases proposed terms of a possible music performance royalties agreement. That proposed agreement is now under discussion by the NAB Radio Board and representatives of the musicFIRST Coalition. The NAB says no actual agreement has yet been reached, but there are proposals on the table worth considering. Among those proposals is a tiered rate of 1% or less of net revenue, which cannot be changed except by mutual agreement or a change in the law. A companion proposal is an end to Copyright Royalty Board jurisdiction over terrestrial and streaming rates. "The NAB Radio Board had a full and productive exchange of ideas today [Aug. 6] on the status of discussions with musicFIRST representatives," says NAB EVP Dennis Wharton. "The talks are part of an ongoing dialogue with the board and NAB membership on possible alternatives to pending legislation that would be devastating to the future of free and local radio. No votes were taken at today's board meeting. The board reiterated its strong opposition to the pending bill in Congress, while agreeing that it is appropriate for NAB representatives to continue discussions with musicFIRST. Interested parties will be updated quickly if and when new developments emerge." The NAB says that to ensure accuracy in reports of the ongoing discussions, it has published a one-page fact sheet: "At the direction of House and Senate leaders in late 2009, NAB met with musicFIRST, which represents artists, labels and unions. To date discussions have yielded the following potential terms. The terms have not been agreed to, but are under discussion by the industry." The fact sheet says the proposed terms include:
      • Tiered rate of 1% or less for all net revenue (roughly $100 million for the industry) which is permanent and can not be adjusted without changing statute or by mutual agreement
      • Permanent removal of CRB jurisdiction for terrestrial and streaming
      • Streaming rate reduction from current rates
      • Inclusion of radio chips on all mobile phones
      • AFTRA issues resolved (agency commercial replacement on Webcasts)
The tiered rate of 1% or less for all net revenue would be as follows:
     • Commercial and non-profit stations with revenue less than $50,000 annually would pay the lesser of $100 or 1% of revenue annually
     • Commercial and non-profit stations with revenue between $50,000 to $100,000 annually would pay $500 annually
     • Non-profit stations with revenue more than $100,000 annually would pay $1,000 annually
     • Commercial stations with revenue between $100,000 to $500,000 annually would pay the lesser of $2,500 or 1% of revenue annually
      • Commercial stations with revenue between $500,000 to $1,250,000 annually would pay $5,000 annually
      • Commercial stations with revenue more than $1,250,000 annually would pay 1% of revenue annually
The fact sheet adds: "It is important to note that stations with incidental music use — news, talk and sports radio — would not pay for music. Additionally, religious services — not religious music — would be exempt from music fees.The above referenced rates would be permanently fixed by statute and can only be changed by act of Congress or joint agreement between both parties."

EDITOR'S NOTE: This report predates the Friday Aug. 6, 2010 announcement by the NAB, when rumors were being wildly published by reputable Radio & Media News Websites, and includes reaction based on those early reports. Nevertheless, even after the Aug. 6 "fact sheet" from the NAB, many broadcasters are already indicating they remain opposed to any music performance royalties. And some say they resent the NAB even suggesting they consider a voluntary deal.

* Could there be mass defections from the NAB if the organization tries to force radio to accept a deal on the PRA? TPMedia has heard from several broadcasters in "major organizations" who say "no way" to rumors that a potential deal is on the table, and will be presented to a special meeting of the NAB Radio Board in Washington Friday (Aug. 6). Although several published reports suggest the hastily called session will focus on a "deal" with the musicFIRST Coalition, and possibly some key lawmakers, for a compromise on the Performance Rights Act, all that is confirmed by TPMedia is that a special Radio Board meeting is set. However, those telling us they will quit the broadcasters association if NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith — as one email writer tells us — "tries to ram something down our throats." All of those who have thus far responded to our inquiries have done so with a promise of anonymity if they would give us their honest, uncensored responses. Some "uncensored" versions can't be printed here. There is, however, among with responses we've received a majority agreement that they will not consider okaying a compromise. Two responses say they will only consider a deal if there is agreement from lawmakers to allow an "offset" for legalized "payola" for songs aired to promote new songs, for which they would have to pay the record companies and artists. For the record, we are told by one broadcast exec that after reading reports Wednesday, he contacted a source inside the NAB who told him that there's no plan to force radio to accept any deal. At this time, the only intentions are to "discuss" the possibility, and to see if there is any point where something could be agreed upon.

* The Minnesota Twins sign a two-year contract extension with Hubbard's "1500 ESPN" KSTP-AM, Minneapolis. "The Pohlad family and Minnesota Twins organization are proud of the partnership established four years ago with locally-owned Hubbard Broadcasting," says Twins President Dave St. Peter. "Over the years, the Hubbard family has demonstrated great vision, passion and commitment for our community. As a true hometown sports talk station, 1500 ESPN remains uniquely positioned to provide the Twin Cities best coverage of Twins Baseball." KSTP VP and Operations Manager Dan Seeman adds, "With the introduction of the new 1500 ESPN last April, we think our partnership with the Minnesota Twins has never been stronger. We are excited to extend the partnership two more seasons. It just makes sense that two great local owners like the Hubbards and Pohlads work together."

* Charleston, WV, radio talker Michael John Agnello is in trouble again, arrested for speeding without a license. Agnello, who was a host on News-Talk "58Live" WCHS-AM, pleaded guilty in October 2009 to aggravated DUI following a July arrest for drunk driving. His license was revoked in September. In June of this year, Agnello was charged with domestic battery after allegedly throwing his girlfriend to the floor during an argument. Now, reports The Charleston Gazette, a Nitro Police Department officer saw Agnello, 58, speeding in a white Jeep Cherokee early Monday morning. According to a criminal complaint on file in Kanawha County Magistrate Court, the officer pulled Agnello over a short time later. A search of computer records showed that Agnello's license had been revoked for driving under the influence of alcohol. West Virginia Radio Corporation General Manager Michael Buxser says Agnello has not been employed by the company since July. Agnello was charged Monday (Aug. 9) with driving while his license was revoked for DUI. He was in the South Central Regional Jail in lieu of a $10,000 cash only bond.

* News-Talk WHAS-AM, Louisville, 9am-noon host Mandy Connell apologizes for "half-breed" comments about President Obama. Connell apologized for calling President Barack Obama a "half-breed" on the air. She issued the on-air apology one day after making the comment, saying "I was embarrassed for myself." WKYT-TV reports that the group "The Fairness Campaign" complained about the remark, and "84 WHAS" Operations Director Kelly Carls says the station had received some calls about it. "Mandy made a mistake and admits it," says Carls. "When a person is on the air 15 hours a week, sometimes they say things in a way that they don't mean. They need to admit it, and she did." The context of the remark came during a discussion about opportunities available in the United States. She said at the time she didn't mean the phrase to be taken "in a derogatory way."

* WFLZ-FM, Tampa, "MJ Morning Show" hosts escape criminal charges for their turkey-frying-gone-amiss stunt. The stunt resulted in a fire, and the fire marshal recommended criminal felony charges be filed against hosts Todd "MJ" Schnitt, Dominic "Fester" Siciliano and Thomas Charles Ray. However, they will not be charged over the stunt that resulted in an out of control fire and injured a firefighter. Instead, they will have to complete 10 community service hours and donate $15,000 to fire and burn victim charities. Schnitt, Siciliano and Ray will also have to lead a four-week public service campaign for a program for children who have been seriously burned, reports the St. Petersburg Times. Tampa firefighters rushed to the station on Decemver 18, when an on-air and live Webcast stunt turned into an all out fire. A turkey filled with ice water was dropped through the roof of a van and into an already flaming deep fryer to illustrate the dangers of that cooking method, according to a report released by the state attorney's office Friday (Aug. 6). A firefighter hurt his back while pulling out a hose to extinguish the flames. State fire marshal's investigators said the stunt by Schnitt, Siciliano and Ray was irresponsible, but it wasn't arson. "While it is clear that the participants acted willfully, it cannot be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that they acted unlawfully as required by the arson statute and defined by legal precedent," Hillsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober wrote. Before the stunt, the group made sure there was plywood under the donated van, which had no gas tank. Investigators noted there were at least six fire extinguisher present and it was done in a cleared-out section of the Clear Channel station's parking lot that was away from trees and structures. Ober conceded the men did violate a Hillsborough County ordinance against open burning, which is a second-degree misdemeanor, but concluded the diversionary deal is the best course.

* "Q103" KNUQ-FM, Maui, PD Shaggy Jenkins upped to Director of Program Operations for KAOI Radio Group. In addition to programming Hawaiian "Q103," he will continue as an air talent on co-owned AC KAOI-FM and Talk KOAI-AM, Maui, and will work with the individual station Program Directors at Hawaiian KHEI and and Country KDLX. Says KAOI Radio Group VP Jim McKeon, "I'm pleased to make this appointment, effective immediately. Shaggy's additional role is to supervise operational aspects of the KAOI stations, especially the AV Network, Music Master and AudioVault. Shaggy is a dedicated, knowledgeable resource for KAOI and his past, present and future efforts and accomplishments are greatly appreciated."

* California Christian talk broadcaster Rich Buhler is released from a hospital and is resting at home says his family. Buhler, 64, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, but a treatment plan was delayed due to serious kidney problems. "His kidneys and liver are back to baseline and he is out of the hospital. Meeting with oncologist is pending. Give praise and keep praying," was the message posted on a Facebook page. Buhler is the longtime Christian broadcaster who hosts "Talk from the Heart" on "740 am KBRiTe" KBRT-AM, Costa Mesa.

* Brokered Korean-language WPBC-AM, Atlanta, will flip to syndicated Talk as "1310 The King" on August 30. The new lineup will feature Bill Press. 6-9am; Stephanie Miller, 9am-noon; Ed Schultz, noon-3pm; Thom Hartmann, 3-6pm; and Leslie Marshall, evenings. Additional program will air from Dial Global and Superadio. WPBC's former Korean programming moves to WPBS-AM, Conyers, GA, which with 50kw provides a signal into Atlanta. WPBC is licensed to Decatur, GA.

* Bible Broadcasting Network is purchasing the assets of "Christian Radio 98.7" WDYN-FM (89.7), Chattanooga, TN. Bible Broadcasting is paying Tennessee Temple University $2.5 million for the station. The sale must still be approved by the FCC. WDYN's 100kw also covers Athens, Cleveland and Dalton in Tennessee. Eddie Esserman of Media Services Group's St. Simons office represented TTU in the transaction.

* Norfolk Admirals minor league hockey is moving to Sports "The Game" WXTG-AM-FM, Norfolk. The Red Zebra Broadcasting stations will air all regular season and playoff games as well as the weekly Admirals Hour show. "We are thrilled to begin a relationship with 'The Game' 102.1 and 1490 AM," says Admirals VP Joe Gregory. "In addition to a strong signal, our fans will also enjoy increased daily coverage of the Admirals on our new radio home. Red Zebra Broadcasting is doing an outstanding job of establishing 'The Game as a premiere sports talk radio station in Hampton Roads. We are happy to be joining their family." Says WXTG General Manager Buck Allbritton, "We are excited to have the Norfolk Admirals team with The Game 102.1 FM and 1490 AM. Coverage of the Admirals is a tremendous addition to our on-going commitment to local sports."

* Internet network Live365 launches new LiveSafe switching for its personal and professional broadcasters. LiveSafe allows broadcasters to toggle seamlessly between live and basic broadcast modes, while retaining listeners on their station. LiveSafe a;sp delivers failover security, which include industry vets who have been broadcasting for 10 years or more. LiveSafe was deployed in multiple stages throughout the month of July and is now available for all broadcasters. The full network roll-out of LiveSafe switching follows an all-new Live365 Website at live365.com. "As a company that pioneered Internet broadcasting, we constantly monitor industry developments as well as feedback from our broadcasters, so that we can help to evolve the state of the art," says Director of Broadcasting Sales Jason Stoddard. "Our proven technology and infrastructure — not to mention our longevity and dependability — help to make us the platform of choice for top-tier clients such as Radio Disney, Johnny Cash, and Pat Metheny."

* CBS Radio's "Fresh 105.9" WCFS-FM, Chicago, names Scotty Smith its new 3-8pm host, effective August 16. With his arrival, current 3-8pm host Jen Toohey moves to 8pm-midnight which is presently unhosted. Smith previously was known as Scotty Wylde, on "106.9 K-Hits" KHTT-FM, in Tulsa, OK. WCFS says Smith is his actual name. The Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal tells his readers: "One may want to listen very carefully to Smith in that he is described as having 'defined our vision for Fresh' by Jim Ryan, CBS Radio's VP of Adult Contemporary Programming and WCFS-FM Program Director. Ryan, in the announcement of Smith's hire, said 'he’s young, energetic and has great interactive skills with his audience.'" Before his nearly three-year run in Tulsa, Smith did double duty from 2005-2007 as morning-drive host at WNDV-FM, South Bend, IN, and as a weekend fill-in on Chicago's WTMX-FM. He also was heard briefly on WMYX-FM in Milwaukee, WZPL-FM in Indianapolis and WXXB-FM in Lafayette, IN, having begun his career with six years at Rockford's WXRX-FM, 1998-2004. Rosenthal also notes that Smith's resume includes work with KOKI-TV, the Fox affiliate in Tulsa, which may become more important as CBS moves to increase synergies between its TV and radio units.

* Alternative "99X Now At 97.9 FM" WWWQ-HD2, Atlanta, brings back Axel Lowe as Program Director and morning host. Lowe takes over from B.J. Kinard as PD, following Kinard's move to Myrtle Beach, SC. Lowe will host a music-intensive morning show on 99X, starting next week (Aug. 16). He previously spent 15 years at "99X" before moving to afternoons on sister "Rock 100.5" WNNX. "We’re so happy to announce the return of Axel to the 99X airwaves," says General Manager Gary Lewis. "His passion for the format and rapport with the listeners will click immediately." Meanwhile, at "Rock 100.5" Matt Jones, who has been heard on overnights, takes over Lowe's afternoon air shift.

* Veteran market personality Kain Cameron is the new 9am-2pm host at Classic Hits WIOP-FM, Charleston, SC. She also rejoins her former Oldies WXLY on-air partner Bill Shannon for 7-9am. Shannon, who is also WIOP's Program Director, says, ""We're pleased and delighted that Kain has returned to the airwaves as part of WIOP. She'd been doing fill-ins for the station and Charleston made it overwhelmingly clear that she had been sorely missed on the air and that she should be a permanent part of the station. The people have spoken and we couldn't agree more. I am genuinely excited to have her on the team." Cameron adds, "Not only am I glad to be back on the air, but to be on WIOP is just absolutely perfect. I love the music, it's my favorite format, and I love the listeners. It feels like a homecoming."

* Matthew Kiger is named Digital Director for WABC-AM and WPLJ-FM, New York. Kiger will be responsible for everything digital for the Citadel Broadcasting stations — from an overall digital sales strategy to content to technical to sales. Kiger's previously was at CBS Radio New York as Digital Media Specialist for six radio station Websites and their digital partners.

* Ando Media releases its monthly Internet audio Top 20 Ranker for June, Pandora is up again. The Ranker is a listing of the top-performing Internet audio stations and networks measured by the Webcast Metrics audience measurement platform. Pandora is again number one, this time with 418,933 active sessions. CBS Radio comes in second (162,771), followed by Clear Channel (117,877). Rounding out the top five are Citadel (39,710) and ESPN Radio (24,576). The June Ranker finds five pureplays in the Domestic Top Twenty. Also, The World Cup gave ESPN Radio a major boost. Ando says it shows a sharp growth in Session Starts.

* In Los Angeles, layoffs of four staffers are reported at Citadel Talk KABC-AM and Classic Rock KLOS-FM. Among those receiving pink slips were newsman Michael Linder and Programming Assistant Lindsay Mendoza. Two sales assistants are also reported to have been trimmed from the Los Angeles Citadel staffing. There are currently conflicting reports about the status of two other employees.

* The ten finalists in the "Live! With Regis and Kelly Women of Radio Co-Host for a Day Search" are announced. Viewers will decide which four will join Regis Philbin as guest co-hosts next week. The search was open to female radio broadcasters with regularly scheduled shows of any kind, including music, sports, news, plus traffic reporters and weathercasters. After receiving tens of thousands of nominations, Live!'s producers narrowed the field to the Top 100, and now have announced the ten finalists: Andrea Hiland, "Country 108" KMLE, Phoenix; Anji Corley, WPGC-FM, Washington DC; Ashley Greco, "Z103.5" CIDC-FM, Toronto; Carolina Bermudez, nationally syndicated "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show"; Jayde Donovan, "XL 106.7," WXXL-FM, Orlando, FL; Jenn Hobby, "Q100" WWWQ-FM, Atlanta; Kim Iverson, nationally syndicated "Your Time with Kim Iverson"; Kristen Cruz, KOST-FM, Los Angeles; Malikha Mallette, “Power105.1" WWPR, New York. In June, Philbin and Ripa asked home viewers for their help in finding guest co-hosts to join Philbin August 17-20, when Ripa will be on vacation, inviting the audience to nominate their favorite local female radio broadcasters to join Philbin as a guest co-host for a day.

* A WMPR, Jackson, MS, personality is recovering from multiple gunshots after being shot at the station. Authorities say it was a robbery outside the public radio station. Three men approached Clifford "DJ Psycho" Smikel as he was exiting his car in the back parking lot of WMPR, about to start his 2-5am rap and blues show, according to Station Manager Wanda Evers. The suspects shot the radio host eight or nine times, though he managed to take cover behind a company van. After the men fled, Smikel was able to drive about a mile away, where police were called, according to the Jackson Police Department. "We don't know if he was trying to go home or to the hospital," Evers tells the Jackson Clarion Ledger. Smikel is reported in good condition, according to station officials. "Most of the shots passed through him," Evers said. "God was on his side." While the station has experienced some car break-ins over the last year, no recent accounts of violent crime have been reported, said Evers. WMPR says it will continue to air DJ Psycho's program, but the station's program director will fill in until Smikel has fully recovered.

* An NPR intern is in stable condition after being stabbed on her way to work in DC in an apparent random assault. Police have charged Melodie Brevard, 24, with assault with intent to kill in what they believe was the random stabbing of the NPR intern on her way to work Wednesday (Aug. 4). NPR declined to identify the intern, but Washington's WUSA-TV reports that she is 20-year-old Annie Ropeik. The apparently unprovoked attack came about two blocks from NPR headquarters. The intern was stabbed in the neck. Brevard, 24, was arrested shortly after the attack on the 20-year-old intern. A DC police spokesman, said three people restrained Brevard after the incident and waited for officers to arrive. The officers responded quickly, he said, because they had been investigating a suspicious package nearby. Police say they "can't discern any reason" for the attack. "We don't know what precipitated that in the mind of the suspect." The spokesman said that investigators recovered a knife and that they had been able to talk to the victim, whose injuries he described as serious. She was stabbed multiple times. NPR spokeswoman Anna Christopher confirms that the unnamed victim was a summer intern on her way to work. A brief statement issued by NPR says: "An NPR intern was attacked this morning at 7th and ‘I’ street on the way to work. The intern was aided by people on the scene, and is reported to be in stable condition at an area hospital. The entire staff is shocked and deeply concerned, and we are maintaining close contact with the family."

* A Minnesota woman is accused of bilking $2 million from two commonly-owned Minnesota broadcasting companies. She worked for the radio companies as an office manager and comptroller – the person who paid bills for the firms. But Terry Schultz-Schech allegedly slipped herself up to $2 million that she used to pay unauthorized personal expenses, according to criminal charges filed Thursday (Aug. 5). She's now charged with eight counts of theft by swindle. Schultz-Schech is accused of taking at least $290,317 from Ingstad Brothers Broadcasting and Iowa City Broadcasting over the past seven years, according to the complaint filled in Hennepin County District Court. Each count carries a possible penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine. The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that last summer the broadcasting companies discovered that Schultz-Schech was using a company American Express card and company checks to pay her personal expenses and her credit card bills, according to the criminal complaint. That complaint outlines 55 transactions in amounts ranging from $1,200 to $20,000 in which the company says Schultz-Schech "made the actual payment to herself or other unknown, not authorized entities." Tom Ingstad, CEO of both Ingstad Brothers Broadcasting and Iowa City Broadcasting, owns 18 radio stations across Minnesota.

* University of Georgia Report: The tight journalism job market is taking its toll on recent college graduates. According to a new report released by the University of Georgia, the more than 2,700 journalism and mass communication students who graduated in 2009 found the lowest level of full-time employment in the 24-year history of the study. The results, included in the University of Georgia's "Annual Survey of Journalism and Mass Communication Graduates" reveal that just 55.5% of 2009 journalism and communication graduates with a bachelor degree were able to find full-time work within a year of leaving school. That is down 4.9 percentage points from the year before and stands in stark contrast with the 70.2% of graduates who found work as recently as 2007. The most recent masters degree recipients fared little better, with their employment rate dropping to 61.9% from 65.4% in 2008. Although 2008 was a difficult year for new graduates seeking employment, the 2009 jobs picture was markedly grimmer. "While 2008 was bad, last year was even worse," says Lee Becker, the report's co-author and the director of the Cox Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research at the University of Georgia. Becker did offer one silver lining, noting that students found it easier to get jobs in the period from November 2009 through the spring of 2010 than they did in the first few months after graduation. "In 2009, there was a clear growth line after October 31, which didn't happen the year before," said Becker.   [More »]

* Alan Burns and Associates: Study Identifies Radio's 'Most Valuable Listeners'. Research results released Thursday (Aug. 5) by Alan Burns and Associates identifies four groups of consumers that CEO Alan Burns calls "MVLs" or most-valuable listeners. The study of over 2000 women ages 15 to 54 found radio's MVLs are both heavier listeners and more loyal to their P1 station. The four groups are: (1) At-work listeners, who are 50% more likely than others to be radio's heaviest users; (2) "Social Media Highly Actives," 78% of whom listen to three hours or more radio daily; (3) Listeners who visit station web sites or join listener or rewards clubs; and, (4) Listeners who join station Facebook pages are 71% more likely to be heavy radio users. "There is some overlap among those groups" noted Burns, "but if you take care of all four, you will do extremely well." Other findings show that at-work radio listeners tend to be more personality-friendly and are more likely to value entertaining morning shows and to enjoy air personalities in general. As a source of music in the workplace, radio now competes with iPods, non-radio music streams, satellite radio, and other music systems. At-work music listeners say their usual sources of music at work now are radio (54%), iPods (23%), non-radio music streams (15%) and satellite radio (7%). Some 24% of at-work radio listeners now say they listen to local radio via online streaming. Women who listen to non-radio sources at work tend to be "avoiders" who turn away from too many/too annoying commercials, too much talk, or other known tune-outs. More than 2,000 female listeners to CHR and AC were interviewed for the study — "Here She Comes: Insights into Women, Radio, and New Media." Burns and Associates released the results in a series of free Thursday Webinars.

* Arbitron says insurance covers much of its legal expenses for PPM suits and other actions over the past two years. In an SEC filing, Arbitron reports spending $9.1 million in two securities suits in 2008, and various "interactions" with state and federal governments over the commercialization of PPM. Arbitron says that over half of the costs were covered by insurance. At the end of June, the ratings company received $5.6 million in insurance reimbursements. During 2009 and 2008, Arbitron also incurred $2.7 million in business interruption losses and damages over the effects of Hurricane Ike which totaled $1.6 million. That was also paid by insurance, according to the 10-Q filing.

* Local Focus Radio signs a rep deal with Oakridge FM for its new version of WNOX-FM, Knoxville. Says General Manager Ed Brantley, of his decision to sign with Local Focus Radio, “We chose Local Focus Radio to represent WNOX News Talk 100.3 in Knoxville because of their strong network of reps around the country and the reputation of Kay Olin, who is the best at the National Rep business.” Oakridge recently launched its own FM talker on the station after Citadel ended its LMA and moved its Talk format to its own 98.7 frequency WOKI. There's still a battle for the heritage WNOX call letters underway, but for now the FCC has them assigned to the Oakridge frequency.

* Clear Channel “NewsRadio 1170” WWVA, Wheeling, WV, is back on the air with temporary towers. WWVA lost all three of its towers during violent storms, as high winds literally knocked them down. Now, the station's Website announces WWVA is back on the air: "Wednesday, August 4th, around 4pm all 3 of WWVA-AM's broadcast towers were knocked down due to severe storms and winds in excess of 70 mph. Weather experts say wind speeds at the top of the 400 foot towers could have been in excess of 100 mph at the time of the incident. Our engineering crews worked all day and into the evening Thursday, and from around 10:30pm until a little after 1am Friday morning, we were back on the air at reduced power and using temporary equipment. At approximately 1am there were some 'technical difficulties' that knocked us off the air again. We're happy to let you know that the problems we encountered overnight have been fixed, and as of around 10:45am this morning (8/6), we are back on the air...still at reduced power and using temporary equipment....but on the air, with a signal that covers the listening area extremely well. Crews continue to work on restoring that station back to full power. There is currently no timeline set for when that will happen, but it will."

* Phoenix radio vet “Big Shoe" Stu Evans returns to the station that made him famous: “Country 108” KMLE. CBS Radio’s KMLE, Phoenix, says Evans returns as afternoon. drive host today (Aug. 6). Evans was at KMLE for 19-years, beginning in 1989. In a year of budget cutting and mass firings, Stu found himself off of KMLE in late 2008. He now replaces Jeffrey T. Mason, who had been doing double duty handling afternoons at KMLE and middays at oldies sister KOOL-FM, where he is also Assistant PD. Mason will now be able to focus all his efforts on KOOL. “Big Shoe" also does stand-up comedy, and is known to bring his off-radio humor to his on-air hosting.

* $12 millon is the price for a Los Angeles AM station: KXMX-AM being purchased by Korean Gospel Broadcasting Network. Salem Communications' New Inspiration Broadcasting Co. is selling the station — currently operating as "Multi-Cultural Radio" — to Korean Gospel Broadcasting Network, which has been brokering 5am to 6pm since the beginning of the year. Now, Korean Gospel is buying the station outright. KXMX, licensed to Anaheim, boasts on its Website: "The most powerful Multi-cultural Radio Station in the United States, serving the continuing evolution of communication needs to the 'English as a second language' population of Southern California. KXMX transmits its signal at 20,000 watts - which is powerful enough to cover the Los Angeles Metro area. French, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Hindi, Farsi, Gaelic, and English are some of the languages spoken on KXMX 1190AM."

* Clear Channel flips Alternative "Planet Radio" WPLA-FM, Jacksonville, FL, to Classic Hits as "Magic 107.3." The switch happened with little advance notice at around 10pm Wednesday night (Aug. 4). The Planet Radio Website has been deactivated, as have all the station's social networking outlets.The domain name Magic1073Jacksonville.com has been registered, but as of early this morning (Aug. 5) was not yet active. Clear Channel says the unique-to-the-market format has been very successful in other markets appealing to families. "We are pleased to be able to bring the popular 'Greatest Hits' format to one of Florida's largest cities – it's a fun, constantly upbeat sound that keeps listeners in the 'groove' with their favorite music all day and night," says Jacksonville Market Manager Barbara Latham. "The Jacksonville market has a diverse mix of station formats but is lacking a quality format that speaks to music fans of all ages. We're bringing Magic to the market to fill that void and give listeners the music they've always loved." According to a news release, core artists include the Beach Boys, KC and the Sunshine Band, Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, and Elton John – as well as Motown favorites. Clear Channel says the unique-to-the-market format has been very successful in other markets appealing to families. Also, we're told, "Syndicated Planet Radio personalities, including "Lex & Terry," will continue to be heard at iheartradio.com, as well as on the iheartradio mobile application." That would include there are no plans to continue airing the format on an HD multicast channel in the Jacksonville market.

* The Minority Media and Telecommunications Council is pushing for multilingual EAS notifications. The MMTC met with the leadership of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau Wednesday (Aug. 4) to lobby for multilingual EAS, telling why it should be required in languages other than English. In an ex parte meeting letter, MMTC President and Executive Director David Honig writes that he met with bureau Chief Adm. Jamie Barrett, Deputy Chief Lisa Fowlkes, and Chief of the Policy Division Thomas Beers, telling them about the MMTC's Petition for Extraordinary Relief on Multilingual EAS and asserting that "efforts in 2007 to resolve the issue collaboratively had failed and, as a practical matter, cannot succeed. The Commission will need to exercise leadership because this kind of public safety issue cannot be resolved by "self-regulation." Honig says cellphones, adopted quickly by the minority population, largely solve the issue of notice of an emergency. But "the problem today is receiving information in-language during and after an emergency. Only terrestrial radio has the capability to provide that service, owing to radio's ubiquity, transportability, and independence from the electric grid." Saying that broadcasters should offer multilingual EAS if "a broadcast license means anything at all," Honig contends, "This is not expensive. There is no rational reason not to require each market's broadcasters to come up with a multilingual EAS plan." He adds that "this is a moral question requiring leadership such as that exercised by President Johnson in 1965 when he sought passage of the Voting Rights Act by declaring on national television 'We Shall Overcome.'"

* Talk Radio Network's "The Phil Hendrie Show" debuts the show's official podcast on iTunes. The full three-hour syndicated show is available daily with new podcasts on iTunes to subscribers of Hendrie's "Backstage Pass." Says TRN-FM's President of Programming Phil Boyce, "Phil Hendrie is one of the most gifted and entertaining radio talk show hosts on the air and online. TRN-FM's affiliates have noticed and have commented to us on how much they love this new character driven show, which is both unique and imaginative." Full details are available on Hendrie's revamped web site at philhendrieshow.com.

* Entravision reports revenues were up 10% in the second quarter to $54.3 million from $48.7 million in Q2 2009. Most of the revenue growth was from Entravision's television segment, which saw revenue grow 10% in the second quarter. The Spanish-language broadcaster's radio segment was also up 10% to $18.6 million from $16.9 million in the year ago period. That was mostly a result of World Cup-related advertising, as was also the case for television. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA grew 16% to $18.9 million from $16.3 million. Entravision posted net earnings of $6.9 million (8 cents per share) as compared to a loss of $1.8 million (2 cents) in the second quarter of 2009. Chairman and CEO Walter Ulloa says, "During the second quarter, we generated solid revenue growth, primarily driven by World Cup advertising and retransmission consent revenue. Our audience shares remain strong in the nation's most densely populated Hispanic markets, and we believe that our U.S. Hispanic audience will continue to grow."

* Sirius XM Radio ends Q2 2010 with a record 19.5 million subscribers, up more than a million from a year earlier. Net subscriber additions of 583,249 in the quarter improved significantly from a net loss of 185,999 subscribers in Q2 2009. That showed as the satcaster reports record adjusted revenues of $705.6 million, up 16% from $607.8 million for the second quarter of 2009. EBITDA was up 17% to $154.3 million from $132.2 million. Sirius XM reports net income for the second quarter at $15.3 million, compared to a net loss of $159.6 million a year ago. Free cash flow was up to $108.3 million from $12.7 million. The improved subscriber numbers resulted largely from improving auto sales, the company says, along with an 8% decline in deactivations. Subscriber churn edged down to 1.8% from 2%. The conversion rate for trial subscriptions was at 46.7% percent for the quarter, compared to 44.3% for Q2 2009. Subscriber acquisition cost went up to $59 from $57 per gross subscriber addition, while average revenue per subscriber is at $11.81, up from $10.66 in the year ago period. Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin says, "We are very pleased with our financial performance, which is a continuation of the momentum of the past few quarters." He adds, "We are taking full advantage of the marginally improving economy and current growth being experienced by the auto sector.”

* Rasmussen Reports Survey: A majority of Americans favor broadcast content regulation by the FCC. Most Americans remain concerned about inappropriate content on television and radio and support continued regulation of the airwaves by the FCC. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 55% of Adults believe the FCC should be allowed to regulate objectionable content on television and radio. That, however, is down eight points from June 2007. Some 34% disagree and feel the agency should not have the authority to regulate these mediums. According to Rasmussen Reports, "Majority support for FCC regulation is perhaps not surprising, given that 57% of American adults think there is too much inappropriate content on television and radio." The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted July 27-28, 2010 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC.

* Milwaukee radio legend Jonathan Green will retire from "Newsradio 620" WTMJ-AM at the end of 2010. Green says he will end a 41-year run at the end of 2010, and he chose to make the decision public before his show started its final run at the Wisconsin State Fair (August 5-15). Green is the host of "The Green House" weekdays 3-6pm on WTMJ. "The fair appearance is always a special way for me and for WTMJ Radio to personally connect with our listeners, and it'd be special if people stopped by to wave goodbye to me during our State Fair shows this year," said Green. "Next year at the fair, I will be one of the goofs looking in instead of the goof looking out!" Green started at WTMJ on June 1, 1969. With the exception of a two-year period in the 1980s, he and "The Green House" have been fixtures in Milwaukee radio and familiar companions for hundreds of thousands of listeners over the years. "We are so very grateful to Jonathan for his service to our listeners, our advertisers and our community. His ability to connect with listeners is unmatched, and he has been an important part of both WTMJ's heritage and our continued success," says Journal Broadcast EVP Steve Wexler. "Jon allowed me, as a young Shorewood High School student intern back in 1976, to learn first-hand the power and responsibility of broadcasting. I'm especially grateful and proud of our long history together."

* Report: Life has come full circle for veteran California broadcaster Bill Martinez. We previously reported on the serious health problems of California Christian radio talk host Rich Buhler — acknowledged as the "Dean of Christian Talk Radio" in Orange County. We also reported that Bill Martinez was filling in for Buhler. The Orange County Register's Gary Lycan spots a story within the story. He writes: "Life has come full circle for Bill Martinez. In 1970, he was a hit DJ on Orange County's KWIZ/1480 AM – the station once known for its slogan 'Top Banana – Best of the Bunch.' His career took him to KDAY and Wolfman Jack, KIIS (he was hired by Charlie Tuna), KRLA and Art Laboe, KIK-FM and Art Astor. Along the way, in about 1985, he met Rich Buhler and changed the direction of his life. "I thought maybe God wanted me to do something different, I went back to Biola College and got my degree in theology," he said. Fast forward to 2010 and Martinez is at Costa Mesa-based Christian talk station KBRT as a consultant and host of his own 11am-noon Saturday program on 740 AM. And now he's been called on to fill in often for Rich Buhler on the latter's 'Talk from the Heart' weekday 3-5pm program. Buhler entered an area hospital July 28 and is being treated for serious kidney problems and pancreatic cancer." Our radio vets here at TPMedia found Lycan's full article an interesting read; and Lycan is one of our favorite newspaper radio reporters anyway. Read the full story on Martinez at www.OCRegister.com.

* Goom Radio appoints broadcaster Jeff Zuchowski as VP of Programming. Zuchowski will lead the programming, marketing and branding initiatives of Goom Radio in the U.S. Previously, he handled artist management and event production at AMPM Entertainment, preceded by stints as Program Director of KZZO-FM, Sacramento, and WKTU-FM, New York. Says Zuchowski, "Goom is a unique experience. I am excited about the upcoming partnerships that are about to happen, and really feel that Goom is on the ground floor and ready to run. With a philosophy of finding the music and just playing it, Goom will become the place for bands to come and be discovered,"

* The NAB Radio Board is to meet in Washington Friday (Aug. 6) – for a Performance Rights Act discussion? That a special Radio Board meeting is set is all that is confirmed, but a number of published reports are suggesting something "dramatic" is in the works — and that it involves the PRA. One report says, "The radio industry’s war to defeat a proposed performance royalty may be poised to take a dramatic turn. According to multiple sources, over the past several weeks the groundwork has been laid for a potential deal." Another more credible report comes from Radio Info's Tom Taylor, who writes: "The NAB summoned the members of the Radio Board to a hastily-called in-person meeting on Friday morning, in Washington, DC. Last Friday it convened a super-secret conference call of the 50 state association executives. Nobody’s talking, but it’s reasonable to assume that this is all about the performance royalty – specifically, the predicament that former NAB Radio Board Chair Bruce Reese talked about at last month’s Conclave session. Reese said radio is being squeezed by Congress to produce a compromise." Meanwhile, RBR.com is reporting only that "The Performance Rights Act has sparked debate on Capitol Hill, and powerful legislators have moved the bill out of committee in both the House and the Senate. There it has stalled, but its continued dormant existence has also sparked a debate within the broadcasting community on what to do about it. NAB has arranged a face-to-face get-together in Washington Friday to carry the discussion further." If, indeed, a possible compromise deal is in the works, it will be a hard sell for the NAB to get many broadcasters on board. And, even as the reports, and more ensuing rumors (which we aren't publishing) swirl, the NAB itself continues to promote on its Website: "Don't let Congress transfer billions to foreign record companies. STOP THE RADIO TAX."

* Clear Channel Miami adds three veteran programmers – Joe Bonadonna, Ray Hernandez and Adam Kirschner. Bonadonna will be the new Program Director of Classic Rock "Big 105.9" WBGG-FM, as of August 23. He most recently was Senior PD, Classic Rock for Sirius XM. Prior to that, Bonadonna was Program Director for KDKB-FM, KSLX-FM and KAZG-AM, Phoenix. He may be best known for his 22 years at WMMR-FM, Philadelphia. Hernandez, a South Florida veteran, will program Rhythmic AC ("Move to the Music") WMIA-FM. He is transferring from programming duties at similarly-formatted WRLX-FM, West Palm Beach. He starts August 3 at WMIA. Kirschner becomes Miami's Digital PD overseeing all of Clear Channel Miami's digital platforms for WHYI-FM, WBGG-FM, WMIA-FM, WMGE-FM, WMIB-FM, WIOD-AM and WINZ-AM. Over the past three years Kirschner served as the Marketing and Promotions Project Manager for Fort Lauderdale's Sun Sentinel. He returns to Clear Channel where he previously held Executive Producer duties for WIOD-AM and WINZ-AM for eight years. Says Director of Programming Operations Alex Tear, "It's a great time for Clear Channel Miami with these three additions! Joe's product knowledge along with his winning track record and deep passion for Classic Rock make him the ultimate choice to Program Big 105.9; Ray's market, music, system knowledge and drive will take 93.9 MIA to new levels and Adam's creative instincts along with a full understanding of everything digital will give our audience's the innovation and content they deserve."

* CBS Radio Houston names Mark Adams VP of Programming for their four FM stations in the market. The stations include CHR-Top40 KKHH, Hot AC KHMX, Country KILT and Spanish Contemporary KLOL. Adams will also serve as Program Director for KKHH, KHMX and KILT. Says Market Manager Brian Purdy, "Mark has done a terrific job leading his Hot 95-7 and Mix 96-5 teams to performance highs. We’re excited to see and hear his stamp on our heritage Country leader KILT." Since 2008, Adams has been Program Director of KKHH. He added Hot AC KHMX programming reigns in 2009. Prior to CBS Radio, he was working in Portland as the Program Director for KXJM. He has also held programming positions in San Francisco, Mlwaukee, Fresno and San Diego, and has programmed mainstream CHR-Top40, Rhythmic CHR and Hot AC radio formats. Says Adams, "With Hot 95-7, 100.3 KILT, Mix 96-5, Mega 101, and SportsRadio 610, we already have some of the best stations and most well known brands in HOUSTON. I’m excited to work with our music stations to help take them even further. We already have a great team here and I’m confident we’re only going to get better."

* CBS Radio VP of Country Stations Jeff Garrison is named Operations Manager for the three CBS Phoenix stations. The stations include Country KMLE, Classic Hits KOOL and Rhythmic CHR KZON. Garrison will also program KMLE and KOOL. He returns to the market following a stint as Program Director at Country KILT, Houston. GARRISON previously served as Program Director for KMLE from 1996-2002. "I couldn’t be more pleased and excited to have Jeff back in Phoenix," says SVP and Market Manager Tim Pohlman. "His leadership, prior success and positive attitude will add so much to an already great team." In a related announcement, Rick Gillette is named Program Director for Rhythmic CHR KZON. Gillette’s radio career spans more than 25 years. Most recently, he was Program Director for Clear Channel's "103.5 Kiss FM" WKSC, Chicago. Garrison, in his first announcement as OM, tells us: "Rick was the perfect choice to lead our programming efforts at 101.5. He is one of the most creative programmers in the business and his track record in the Top 40/CHR arena speaks for itself. We look forward to having him on our team."

* Arbitron releases its first mid-season report of radio audience listening for pro baseball. The Mid-Season 2010 Arbitron Sports Report covers in game, play-by-play estimates for the first half of the 2010 professional baseball season (April 4-June 23) and includes 28 teams in 25 markets where PPM service has been commercialized. "As advertisers look to capitalize on this year's pennant race, professional baseball on the radio delivers large numbers of listeners for every game," says Arbitron Sports Manager Chris Meinhardt. "Arbitron's Mid-Season PPM Radio Listening for Pro Baseball reports the average game audience for each team." The top 15 teams individually average over 176,100 listeners per game in their home market. WCBS-AM's coverage of the New York Yankees drew the biggest cume at 441,000. WLW-AM, Cincinnati, coverage of the Reds drew the largest game share of 25.

* University of South Florida is acquiring Christian WSMR-FM, Sarasota, FL, for $1.2 million. University of South Florida, headed by Dr. Judy Genshaft, is acquiring WSMR from Northwestern College Radio Network, headed by Dr. Alan Cureton. The station transmits with 50,000 watts. The University currently operates non-commercial Classical-Jazz-News WUSF-FM, Tampa. The reported plan is to air a full-time Classical format on WSMR, with WUSF concentrating on news and information. WUSF Public Media General Manager JoAnne Urofsky says the purchase of WSMR “will allow us to significantly increase public media services for the people of West Central Florida.” Northwestern College Radio Network says that support for its Christian WSMR-FM has dried up, forcing the sale of the station. WSMR Station Manager Douglas Poll explained the motivation for the sale to the station's audience, “Despite a great deal of support from listeners like you and our best efforts to contain costs, LIFE 89.1 has never been able to be fully self-supported in this market. Year after year we have relied upon the help of other Northwestern stations to cover our deficits. Due to the economic crunch we have lost many major donors and business sponsors. Even those giving lesser amounts are not able to give at this time due to unemployment and/or relocation. We will keep you posted as to our last day on the air.”

* Cathy Hughes, Ralph Emery, and Carl Kasell are among those selected for the National Radio Hall of Fame. The NRHOF announces the results of its national online balloting process for induction into "America's only National Radio Hall of Fame" — The Class of 2010 — telling us who the public selected. Also selected are Terri Hemmert and the Spoken Word featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. In addition to the public voted inductees, the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee selected one posthumous inductee and one off air executive for their major contributions to the radio industry — the late Sam Phillips and Hughes. The full listing, with more about each, is available from www.RadioHoF.org. The NRHOF tells us, "Votenet Solutions, a respected online vote tabulation firm, supervised and tabulated the 2010 National Radio Hall of Fame ballots." Westwood One Radio Networks will produce and distribute a live two hour induction broadcast on Saturday November 6, 2010 at 10pm (ET) from The Mayne Stage in Chicago.

* The Broadcasters Foundation of America welcomes three new Vice Presidents. Katz Radio Group President Mark Gray, RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley, and Television Bureau of Advertising President Steve Lanzano have been elected to the new positions intended to extend the Foundation's reach and influence within the broadcasting industry. "We are pleased to add these three distinguished individuals to our efforts at the Broadcasters Foundation of America," says BFA President Jim Thompson. "Mark, Jeff and Steve all have tremendous experience in the world of broadcasting and will be able to provide our board with valuable insight to help further our purpose of helping broadcasters in need." BFA Chairman Phil Lombardo adds, "Even though our mission remains unchanged, we are constantly seeking new ways to advance it. We believe these new officers will help us continue our work to engage new members, find new revenue sources and, most importantly, remain committed to our colleagues who have fallen on hard times."

* AirKast and Triton Digital Media complete agreements with Bonneville, NRG Media and Hall Communications. Mobile digital content provider AirKast will deliver TuneKast mobile applications for the iPhone, BlackBerry and Android platforms that integrate with Triton Digital's streaming, measurement, and ad injection services from its Ando Media Group division. "We're very pleased that these broadcasters have chosen to use our joint solution," says Triton EVP Dominick Milano. "For radio stations, we're providing best in class solutions for mobile platforms, ad insertion and measurement and streaming. The adoption we've seen in the past 12 months has been remarkable." AirKast President/COO Simon Moy tells us, "AirKast is pleased to partner with Triton in providing solutions to our mutual clients. We believe it offers stations tremendous value and opportunity to use their own unique brand and digital content in order to reach new and existing listeners." Bonneville, NRG Media and Hall Communications join the list of broadcasters that have signed with AirKast including Salem, Radio One, Alpha Broadcasting, Max Media, NextMedia, Citadel, Results Radio, Aritaur Communications and Greater Media.

* The official verdict on Howard Stern re-signing with Sirius XM will be announced... Prior to November? That's when the Sirius XM Radio third quarter earnings call will occur, and when CEO Mel Karmazin is hoping to have an announcement about Howard Stern's contract, reports Orbitcast. During the second quarter earnings call, Wednesday (Aug. 4), Karmazin waited until the end of the earnings call to mention Stern. "That's key," writes Orbitcast. "They were likely hoping that his contract negotiations would come up during the Q&A session, but it didn't - and so they offered the information themselves." Said Karmazin, "There is one more question from inside the room. Scott Greenstein asked what about Howard Stern, so I thought I would take the opportunity to answer that one. We hope that prior to the third quarter earnings call, we will be able to have an announcement as to what is going on with Howard." Its said that offering up the information in itself is significant, because it means that Sirius XM's contract talks with Howard Stern have advanced to the point that Mel Karmazin is willing to put a timeline on it. If he wasn't confident about that timeline, they would never have brought it up. "Timing is also key," according to the published report. "Howard Stern re-signing within Sirius XM will be top of mind for every investor during the Q3 earnings call, and they know that. So Sirius XM and Howard Stern are likely already well into the conversation and will have settled on the contract negotiations with more than enough time to prepare for a positive announcement by that call." The conclusion from Orbitcast — which follows "All things Satellite Radio" — is that there's no way that Howard Stern will not renew his contract with Sirius XM.

* The judge in Tribune's Chapter 11 reorganization hearings releases the independent examiner's report. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Kevin Carey previously delayed the start of hearings on Tribune's Co.'s reorganization plan from August 30 to October 4, as we reported here last week. At that time we cited excerpts from the examiner's report that accused Tribune executives of "intentional fraud." However, specific names were not released. Now, with the release of the full text of that report, names are made available. The report, released in full Tuesday (Aug. 3), was put together by examiner Kenneth Klee. It alleges that then-Treasurer, later CFO, Chandler Bigelow and former SVP of Finance Donald Grenesko gave false assurances to the backers of the 2007 leveraged buyout that Morgan Stanley had issued an opinion that the company would be able to refinance its debt in 2014. Klee said that the executives were entitled to $400,000 bonuses each if the deal closed, and Grenesko was able to sell his shares for $4.47 million. The examiner's report also faults Valuation Research Corp., hired to evaluate the company's solvency, as failing to question a Tribune financial projection, resulting in "highly suspect" work, and the Tribune board, which he said did not sufficiently evaluate the information from management and Valuation Research Corp. In addition to delaying the reorganization hearings, Carey put off creditor voting on the proposed Tribune reorganization plan until August 20, after the full text of the examiner's report was released.

* Emmis Communications tells us why a decision on the bid to take the company private is postponed. According to a news release from Emmis, "The offers are being extended because Emmis, JS Parent, JS Acquisition, Mr. Smulyan and certain other interested parties have been unable to date to reach an agreement in negotiations with a group of holders of Preferred Stock that owns approximately 38.3% of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock in the aggregate, and who have previously advised Emmis and Mr. Smulyan that they would vote against the amendments to the terms of the Preferred Stock at the special meeting. JS Acquisition has informed Emmis that during the extension, JS Parent, JS Acquisition and Mr. Smulyan are continuing to negotiate with that group and are also considering other options, including an alternative structure that would still allow a tender offer for the Class A Common Stock to proceed without any changes to the terms of the Preferred Stock and without an offer by Emmis to exchange the New Notes for the Preferred Stock. There can be no assurance that either an agreement will be reached with the group of holders of Preferred Stock or that an alternative structure can be implemented." Earlier we reported that Emmis postponed a decision on CEO Jeff Smulyan's bid to take the company private, and extended the buyout stock offers for both common stock and preferred stock until Friday (Aug. 6). Emmis said it did not receive enough votes from shareholders—either in person or by proxy—to reach a quorum. Emmis will convene another shareholders' meeting at 6:30pm Friday (Aug. 6). SEC rules prohibit executives from saying how many more votes are needed, but only five shareholders were present at the meeting Tuesday evening at Emmis' Monument Circle headquarters. Smulyan did not attend the meeting. Emmis executives declined to say why he was not present but said a forthcoming news release would explain his absence. That's the news release cited above.

Smulyan’s buyout bid has been threatened by shareholder lawsuits since just days after he announced his plans in April. But the biggest cloud came last month when eight firms that hold Emmis’ preferred stock banded together to block the deal. Collectively they hold 34% of Emmis’ preferred shares. That’s enough to prevent Smulyan from winning two-thirds approval from preferred shareholders to convert their shares into bonds—at 60 cents on the dollar—in exchange for the attractive interest rate of 12%. That conversion, in addition to approval by a majority of Emmis' common shareholders, is necessary to allow the buyout to go through. Founded by Smulyan in 1981, Emmis owns 23 radio stations in the United States and publishes regional magazines in seven cities, including Indianapolis Monthly. It also operates radio stations in Slovakia and Bulgaria. The company’s audience base has been trimmed by competition from satellite radio and iPods at the same time advertisers have funneled more dollars to the increasing number of websites and cable television channels. Over the past four years, Emmis’ revenue has swooned by 33% to $243 million. Its continuing operations have wracked up losses of more than $430 million. That performance has caused Emmis’ share price to plunge since the last time Smulyan tried to take the company private in May 2006. At that time, Smulyan’s buyout group offered $15.25 per common share, but could not come to terms with the company’s board of directors.

* CBS begins launching "CBS local" Websites for radio and TV outlets in local markets. Following the launch of Radio.com for its music stations and music properties, CBS begins the long-rumored combined sites for news, sports and talk radio stations, along with television outlets. The prototype site, in Beta, is now online at NewYork.CBSlocal.com, although it is being promoted as "CBSNewYork.com" (which redirects to the actual url). CBS CEO Leslie Moonves says the new New York site is just the first of many to come. “We’re confident we have a terrific formula” which will be expanded to other markets, says Moonves. TPMedia was recently told by an insider that just such a site is currently being prepared in Philadelphia where radio and TV voices and faces are regulary cross-featured between CBS3 KYW-TV and radio stations including News KYW-AM, Sports WIP-AM and Talk WPHT-AM. There are also regular traffic and weather reports from KYW-TV airing on other CBS Radio stations in Philadelphia. The new New York Website – CBS New York – ties together "CBS2" WCBS-TV, News "1010 WINS," News WCBS-AM, and Sports WFAN.

* Clear Channel names Derek Madden as Program Director of Alternative "Channel 92.3" KSJO-FM, San Jose. He takes over from Michael Solari, who remains as Promotions Director. Madden previously spent seven years on-air at CBS Radio's Alternative "Live 105" KITS-FM, San Francisco. "We were looking for someone with distinct qualities suited to fit the needs of Channel 92.3 and Madden fit the bill," says Clear Channel San Jose Station Manager Justin Wittmayer. "He is passionate about radio and Alternative music, is familiar with the bay area landscape, and has a clear vision for Channel 92.3."

* CBS Corp. reports better than expected second quarter results with earnings nearly tripling from Q2 2009. This year's second quarter was helped by double-digit revenue growth and continued expense controls, according to results announced today (Aug. 3). CBS Radio revenues, included in the company's local broadcasting division, were up 6% to $340.9 million, from $322 million in the year ago period. Radio revenues were helped by the improved ad market. Revenues from CBS Radio's 10 largest radio markets rose by 10%, and a 17% increase in local broadcasting revenue drove the top-line growth for the division overall. As good as the radio revenues were, they were dwarfed by the dramatic growth at the CBS Television stations unit: up 31% to nearly $338 million. CBS Corp. reported overall revenues of $3.33 billion, up 11% from last year's $3.01 billion. Adjusted for one-time items, the company's profit climbed to $175.2 million. That's up 180% from last year's $62.6 million. The bottom line also was above what Wall Street analysts had expected. "CBS turned in terrific results in the second quarter of 2010," says CBS Corp. Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone. "With top-line gains in all of our businesses, and a continued vigilance on cost containment, revenues are translating more efficiently into profits," adds CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves. "Our large-market presence and dramatically improved cost structure make CBS a leading beneficiary of the rebounding local advertising marketplace." Moonves says that all signs point to ongoing growth and profitability in the second half of this year. "The very healthy ad sales pacing we're seeing today indicates that the recovery is continuing, and we expect a significant lift in political advertising around the November elections," says Moonves.

* CBS Radio Dallas-Fort Worth names Red Zebra CEO Bruce Gilbert as VP of News, Talk and Sports Programming. Gilbert will have oversight of Sports "105.3 The Fan" KRLD-FM and News-Talk KRLD-AM, effective August 16. He succeeds Tom Bigby, who returns to his role as VP of Strategic Programming for CBS Radio. Gilbert joins the company from Red Zebra Broadcasting, based in Washington DC, where he was the CEO since 2007. Gilbert announced his resignation at Red Zebra today (August 2). "We're extremely delighted that Bruce is returning to the Metroplex to be part of the CBS Radio Dallas-Fort Worth team," says Market Manager Brian Purdy. "His reputation and experience are exceptional and will have an immediate impact on our stations' presentation." In 2003, Gilbert was named GM of the ESPN Radio Network where he oversaw all programming, affiliation, and sales for the network, as well as worked directly with ESPN's owned and operated stations in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Pittsburgh. Additionally, he has led the programming, marketing and production staffs at WTAE and WVTY, Pittsburgh, and KPLX, KDBN, KTCK and KLIF in Dallas. "I am genuinely excited to join Brian and the entire CBS Radio Dallas team," says Gilbert. "My wife and I are thrilled to be returning to Texas and I am inspired and challenged by the professional opportunity to work with the many talented individuals responsible for the terrific news, talk and sports content CBS Radio produces each day." Also, Kurt Johnson will focus on CBS Radio's Dallas-Fort Worth music-formatted stations as VP of Programming.

* CBS Radio News-Talk KXNT-AM, Las Vegas will get an FM simulcast on 100.5 FM, starting August 16. Adult Variety Hits "100.5 Jack FM" KKJJ will give way to the simulcast, with an expected change of call letters to KXNT-FM. The AM-FM combo will be billed as "100.5 FM & 840 AM NewsRadio KXNT." The lineup includes the live and local Morning News, hosted by Joe Gillespie with news anchor Corey Olson, news editor Kristen Flowers, and reporter Robert Rytina, as well as Premiere's Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, local afternoon personality Alan Stock, Citadel Media's Mark Levin, and the local "Las Vegas Tonight." CBS Radio Las Vegas SVP and Market Manager Dave McDonald says, "We are looking forward to serving Las Vegas and Southern Nevada with reliable local news, traffic, weather, sports, and talk entertainment like never before. KXNT is proud to continue bringing Las Vegas the most acclaimed and listened-to news and local programming in the region through the precise reception available on FM radio." KXNT is programmed by Bob Agnew. He tells us, "KXNT is making history as it becomes the first News-Talk radio station in Las Vegas to offer its programming on both the AM and FM dials. Listeners searching for clarity on the issues have long relied on KXNT 840 AM. Now, always clear and reliable reception will be found on KXNT 100.5 FM for the most live and local news and talk programming in Southern Nevada."

* "SportsRadio 66AM" WFAN, New York, morning hosts Boomer & Carton to add TV simulcast on MSG Network. The morning show, featuring Boomer Esiason and Craig Carton, will begin its cable/satellite TV simulcast September 14. The show will originate from a new, Allstate-sponsored studio, weekdays 6-10am. "Boomer and Craig have quickly become an integral part of the sports media landscape in New York," says MSG Networks EVP and General Manager Dan Ronayne. "They're opinionated, intelligent and passionate about New York sports, and we’re excited to bring WFAN’s ‘Boomer & Carton’ show to our viewers." Esiason tells us, "Over the years, I've enjoyed working for WFAN and MSG – two sports giants in the industry. There couldn’t be a better fit due to the long-standing history both entities have had with New York sports." Adds Carton, "As a kid growing up in New Rochelle there was nothing more amazing than going to Knicks games at Madison Square Garden. Having the opportunity to partner with MSG now as an adult is just as amazing. Boomer and I look forward to bringing our radio show to MSG Network and allowing all of our listeners to watch what we do while they continue to listen to us on The Fan."

* Orlando radio personality Shannon Burke's wife files for divorce – again. One year after she publicly professed her commitment and love to her husband, who fired a bullet that grazed her head, Burke's wife files for divorce for a second time. Catherine Burke filed her case against the WEUS-AM 810 talk show host in Seminole County, FL, reports the Orlando Sentinel. Reached by telephone, she declined to comment. Shannon Burke also declined to discuss the filing. The divorce filing isn't the first for the Burkes, who married in St. Petersburg in July 2008. Catherine Burke filed for divorce in May 2009, one month after the shooting incident, in which Shannon Burke also shot his wife's dog in their Seminole County home. Burke was jailed, charged, fired from "Real Radio 104.1" WTKS-FM where he was a fixture, and thrown out of his house. He told a 911 operator the shooting was an accident. Catherine Burke initially said Shannon Burke was angry that night, said he was going to shoot her dog and make her watch, and then he did. But in July 2009, Catherine Burke made a drastic turnaround, saying she thought her husband shot her by accident. "I love Shannon Burke, always have, always will," Burke told the Orlando Sentinel at that time. "I am committed to being his wife." The same month, Catherine Burke filed paperwork dropping her divorce suit. Shannon Burke served about four months in the Seminole County Jail after he pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and opening fire in a building. Then in January, a judge ordered Burke to serve 60 days in Orange County on a probation-violation charge related to a 2007 reckless driving incident. When Burke walked out of the Orange County Jail in May, Catherine Burke was by his side. In her recent filing, Burke states she is in need of financial support from her husband, but it does not specify an amount. The filing also asks the court to equally distribute the marital assets and debt.

* A pancreatic cancer diagnosis is confirmed for California Christian radio talk host Rich Buhler. Buhler has pancreatic cancer, his wife Dianne confirmed in a message handed to Bill Martinez Tuesday (Aug. 3) while he was on the air filling in for Buhler on his Costa Mesa-based KBRT-AM "Talk from the Heart" radio program. "We regret to report that a diagnosis has been confirmed of pancreatic cancer. Rich is still in the hospital recovering from a kidney crisis from a few days ago. The kidneys are improving, but we appreciate your continued prayers. After the kidney issue is resolved, the oncologists (will) determine if the tumor is operable and to develop a course of treatment. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support," the message said. Buhler, an ordained minister with a 40-years-plus career in broadcasting, is acknowledged as the "Dean of Christian Talk Radio" in Orange County. Previously, we reported that Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST Ministries, said in a news release that Buhler "was admitted to a local hospital ... after suffering from severe stomach pains. After a biopsy, it was revealed that he had a 'mass on his pancreas.'" Buhler is quoted by Wooding as saying, "I arrived here not realizing that when I would wake up the next day, I would become a cancer patient. The unofficial report that has been given to me... says that it looks (like) it is malignant and also inoperable. Yesterday, they put a stent in my pancreas, and the doctors have referred me to an oncologist who will possibly treat the 'mass' with radiation." The Orange County Register's Gary Lycan has more on the new information.

* Alan Burns and Associates: 'Radio Still Dominates At-Work Listening.' Despite competition from digital media, radio still dominates as the primary source of at-work music listening according to the latest release of data from an extensive study of female radio listeners — "Here She Comes: Insights into Women, Radio, and New Media." Of all women employed full-time who listen to music at work, 54% listen to their music on radio. "Almost a quarter of those women (24%) do their at-work radio listening online," explains CEO Burns. "And that number is growing rapidly." The most-often-used sources of music at work for women were radio on-air/online (54%), iPods or music systems (23%), non-radio music streams (15%) and satellite radio (7%). More than 2,000 female listeners to CHR and AC were interviewed for the study, and Burns and Associates is releasing the results in a series of free Thursday Webinars, with previews in advance of each week's sessions.

* Salem Communications closes on its purchase of WWRC-AM, Washington DC, from Red Zebra Broadcasting. Salem is paying Red Zebra $3.1 million for the 5,000 watt station that currently broadcasts a Business Talk format. Salem has already said it has other plans for WWRC at 1260 AM. Red Zebra acquired the station in 2008 from Clear Channel as part of a multi-station deal which included Sports WTEM-AM.

* After nearly two years as Program Director at CHR-Top40 "Star 94" WSTR, Atlanta, J.R. Ammons exits. Ammons is seeking a new programming opportunity while WSTR is seeking a new PD. For now, Lincoln Financial VP of Programming John Dimick will handle programming for "Star 94."

* Clear Channel names Jimmy Steele as Operations Manager of its seven-station San Diego cluster. Steele will also handle the day-to-day programming of Hot AC "Star 94.1" KMYI-FM. He replaces former OM Bill Pugh. Steele joined Clear Channel as Program Director of "Channel 933" KHTS-FM, San Diego, in 2005. "I am pleased to announce the promotion of our own Jimmy Steele to OM for the Clear Channel San Diego cluster," says President and Market Manager Debbie Wagner. "Jimmy is a strong, strategic and creative leader with a proven track record of building and managing successful stations, formats and on-air teams as a PD, Top 40 Brand Manager and Regional VP of Programming." Adds Steele, "I'm honored to have been entrusted with this position and excited about working with President and Market Manager Debbie Wagner, EVP of Operations Susan Karis and EVP of Programming Gene Romano in providing leadership to the very talented and passionate team we have here in San Diego." Previously, Steele served as PD of "Kiss 98.5" WKSE-FM, Buffalo; WNCI-FM, Columbus; and WRVW-FM, Nashville. He's also been CHR Format Brand Manager for Clear Channel.

* Kris Abrams exits Classic Hits KOOL-FM, Phoenix, after more than three years as Program Director. Abrams had been with CBS Radio Phoenix since March of 2007 as PD and Operations Manager of KOOL. For a time he also took on additional duties for "Country 108" KMLE. Recently back to duties at only KOOL, he leaves behind a station transformed from True Oldies to Classic Hits. Before KOOL, Abrams spent six years as Operations Director with Citadel's Albuquerque group. Previously, Abrams programmed WRIT-FM and WLTQ-FM, Milwaukee. KOOL has not yet named a replacement for Abrams, who is now seeking a new opportunity.

* Former "99X" Atlanta, Program Director B.J. Kinard Joins NextMedia's Alternative WKZQ-FM, Myrtle Beach, SC. Kinard joins NextMedia's WKZQ-FM as Program Director and midday host, taking over programming from Mark McKinney, who continues as cluster Operations Manager. Most recently, he was PD and midday host for Alternative WWWQ-HD2, Atlanta, the new home of "99X" which is also on a translator at 97.9 (W250BC FM). He relocated to Myrtle Beach with his wife in June. Kinard joined "99X" in February 2008 as Brand Manager and Program Director. Prior to that, he was PD and afternoon host at WFXH-FM, Savannah, GA, and PD and afternoons at WXZZ-FM, Lexington, KY. Kinard has also previously handled promotions duties at Atlanta's WBZY-FM, when it was "105.3 The Buzz."

* Ed Brantley and the new WNOX, Knoxville, begin broadcasting on 100.3 FM, after Citadel moves to 98.7 FM. This week marks a new beginning for some of the most familiar names in East Tennessee radio, reports Knoxville's WBIR-TV. Monday morning (Aug. 2) the new WNOX 100.3 FM fired up its local weekday shows for the first time with the programs hosted by a couple of long-time radio personalities. "WNOX is the oldest radio station in Tennessee, we have all new equipment and all new studios," says Brantley, co-host of the station's new morning show and the station's general manager. "This is an unbelievable day for us. It's like having a new baby except it's a brand new radio station." Brantley, whose career in radio spans more than 40 years with the last decade devoted to sales and management, tells WBIR-TV, "Things have changed a lot with computers since the last time I was on the air. We're doing the whole Facebook and Twitter thing with about five computer screens in here. Working in a studio used to be a lot more manual work with record players and such." Monday Brantley returned to the airwaves with Bob Thomas for the new "Ed and Bob Morning Show." It is Brantley's first on-air gig since 1998. The new station was made possible because of bankruptcy by Brantley's previous employer, Citadel Broadcasting. Citadel released Brantley earlier this year. It then stopped leasing the 100.3 FM signal from Oak Ridge FM. Citadel moved its News-Talk programs to a frequency the company already owned, 98.7 FM. That opened the door for Oak Ridge FM to start its own News-Talk station along with the WNOX call letters. "There's a real heritage to the name WNOX. We did not need the name but we are certainly glad to have it. We also have some advantages in terms of the ability to broadcast at 100,000 watts and have one of the strongest signals around," says John Pirkle, president of WNOX-FM. "We feel excitement, but there's still a lot of work to be done."

* Radio One again extends its pending stock exchange offer, this time until August 13. Radio One further extends the expiration time of its previously announced exchange offer for its 8-7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, and the related consent solicitation. As of July 31, about 90% of the outstanding existing notes had been validly tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. At the previously scheduled expiration time, the conditions necessary to consummate the exchange offer as set forth in the "Company's Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation Statement and Offering Memorandum," dated June 16, were not satisfied. As a result, Radio One has determined to further extend the exchange offer.

* Cumulus Media takes its two Louisville, KY, stations silent, ceases operations in the market. “Classic Hits 93.9” WLCL, Sellersburg, IN, and Sports “1450 The Ticket” WQKC, Jeffersonville, IN, both went silent Monday (Aug. 2). Cumulus co-COO John Dickey says the two stations were "part of the Susquehanna portfolio, and they were not core stations for us." Dickey tells us they "facilitated an upgrade of one of our Indianapolis FMs." He adds, "As a byproduct we're going to be selling them to a non-commercial shortly and they will bring them back out in a different direction." That comment would seem to lend credibility to a popular rumor that Christian K-Love parent Educational Media Foundation, a non-comm, is planning to purchase at least one of the stations. Reportedly, both now-silent stations experienced "signal deficiencies" making them non-competitive as commercial stations.

* The operations of Valley Radio and its KBYR-AM, Anchorage, AK, have been taken over by a creditor. Spirit of Alaska Broadcasting, which also owns KMBQ-FM and has a construction permit for KMBQ-AM, Wasilla, AK, is in receivership by Gladstone Capital Corp., a Virginia company that took over the company's Wells Fargo loans of $2.1 million in 2005 and of $200,000 in 2006, according to documents filed in federal court in Anchorage. John Klapperich, who owns Spirit of Alaska with his wife, Joan, calls the development "an unbelievable situation," reports the Anchorage Daily News. "The truth is, my wife cleaned the potties on Sundays and we did everything we could for the station and the community," says Klapperich. "I thought the storm was behind me because we were finally showing a $10,000 profit in June and with all the political advertising coming in with the upcoming elections, I thought we'd be OK." Court documents also reveal that the Klapperichs fell behind on paying their payroll taxes. Matt Claman, Gladstone's lawyer in Anchorage, explained Monday (Aug. 2) that the receiver, Bob Woodward of Virginia, has a history of radio management. The court, he says, gave him permission to take control of the company to make it solvent enough to be able to pay off as much of its debt as possible within the next two years.

* Report: The Cumulus Media Dickey family is near a deal to acquire magazine publisher Modern Luxury Media. "The magazine chain, which sold for $243 million only three years ago, is expected to fetch just north of $20 million in the current fire sale," sources tell the New York Post. The Dickey family is expected to do the deal through Dickey Publishing, which owns Jezebel Magazine and Atlanta Sports & Fitness Magazine. Lew Dickey Jr. is the CEO of both Cumulus Media and Dickey Publishing. The Dickeys declined to comment, but sources say the family has emerged as the front-runner in the past few weeks.

* Radio ministry Focus on the Family has laid off 110 workers, including 15 managers, reducing its staff to 750. Focus on the Family has cut its workforce by nearly half since 2002, when the ministry was still headed by James Dobson, who departed earlier this year and is now hosting another radio program. Over the past two years, Focus has let go 385 employees. Eight years ago it had 1,400 on the payroll. “The economy continues to be in recession,” says Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger, explaining the latest cuts. “And people who have given in the past are having financial difficulties of their own.” The ministry’s fiscal 2010-11 budget was slashed to $105 million, a $27 million reduction from last year’s fiscal budget. Focus’ budget for fiscal 2008-09 was $160 million. Most workers affected by the latest layoffs will be on the payroll until August 20. Severance packages will be given, and counselling and job placement will be offered.

* Longtime Regent Grand Rapids General Manager Phil Catlett exits Regent successor Townsquare Media. Catlett's cluster included Spanish Variety WNWZ-AM, AC WLHT-FM, Alternative WGRD-FM, Classic Hits WFGR-FM and Soft AC WTRV-FM. Mark Thomas, formerly a Regent Regional VP, most recently with Townsquare's Evansville, IN, cluster, assumes interim GM duties in Grand Rapids.

* Michael Buffer to XHNZ-FM, Juarez (El Paso):   'The rumble's over – get ready to pay me $175,000.' A U.S. District Court judge in El Paso awards famed ring announcer Michael Buffer $175,000, after a border radio station fails to respond to a lawsuit charging copyright and trademark infringement, reports El Paso Inc. In November, the announcer, known for his tux and trademark phrase “Let’s get ready to rumble,” filed a lawsuit against XHNZ. According to court documents, the station used the phrase without permission. El Paso lawyer Mark Walker took up Buffer’s cause in Texas, working with the announcer’s legal team in Los Angeles.

* Conservative Vermont show "True North Radio" hosts sue a Utah-based Website alleging trademark infringement. The Website uses the name "True North News," which the Vermont hosts say is "confusingly similar." The owners of True North Radio, which airs from WDEV, Waterbury, VT, say in their lawsuit: "True North owns common law trademark rights in its mark, 'True North Radio,'" which began in 2002, covering "current events with an eye toward traditional values." The radio show is seeking an order to stop the Website from using the name, along with financial reimbursement and a jury trial on the suit. "True North News and Commentary is part of the 'new media' wave," says the Website. "We hope to become an independent Internet news and commentary mini-channel," adds operator Lowell Brown, who is a partner with Washington DC firm Arent Fox.

* Saga Communications flips two Columbus, OH, stations to "Rewind 103.5 & 104.3" - "Columbus Greatest Hits." "Smooth Jazz 103.5" WJZA and "Big Hits B104.3" WODB give way to the 80's-based "Rewind" late Friday afternoon (July 30). The flips followed a brief collage of "goodbye" songs on both stations, as we first reported here early Saturday morning (July 31). The new station(s) is online with a splash screen and a click-to-listen at RewindColumbus.com. Listeners are also being asked to submit their feedback on the new format. The "small print" at the bottom of the splash screen tells Smooth Jazz fans: "If you’re looking for Smooth Jazz you can listen here," which takes them to www.SmoothJazzNetwork.com. Web addresses for both of the former formats — www.ColumbusJazz.com and www.B1079.com — redirect to the new RewindColumbus.com url. While both stations serve the Columbus market, WJZA is licensed to Pickerington, OH; WODB, to Richwood, OH. Before the new splash screen took over the WJZA url, "A Letter from WJZA's Columbusjazz.com as of July 30, 2010," appeared, reading: "One thing we can count on in life is change. It’s in that spirit that we tell you that the programming on 103.5 is changing. Playing smooth jazz music is one side of who we are. It’s the side you hear. The other side of who we are is the reality that operating a commercial radio station is a business. That is the side that we see. In the last few years the business side of Smooth Jazz 103.5 has become increasingly difficult. There are many reasons for this, but the unfortunate fact is that the audience for the station can no longer sustain the business of the station. In that way we are no different than a retail business that doesn’t have enough customers to keep the doors open. You do have an option for listening. You can still listen to the same Smooth Jazz Network on-line from their web site. We've considered it an honor and pleasure to have entertained you over the past few years. Thank you for listening. Sincerely, The Staff & Management of Smooth Jazz WJZA."

* KSME-FM, Fort Collins, Operations Manager/Program Director Chris Kelly adds programming for sister KXBG-FM. In addition to his duties as Clear Channel Fort Collins, CO, Ops Mgr, Kelly has been directly programming CHR-Top40 "96.1 Kiss FM" KSME. He adds programming for clustermate "Big Country 97.9" KXBG-FM. As OM he oversees News KCOL-AM and Oldies KIIX-AM in addition to their two FM sisters. Kelly names Big Rob as Assistant PD. Ryan Kramer assumes Music Director duties for KXBG, while continuing as MD at KSME. Kelly says he needs to meet some of the Country record people, as he adds his new role. By the way, if it doesn't sound as though Kelly is busy enough, he also hosts weekdays 4-7pm and Sunday 10am-2pm on "96.1 Kiss FM."

* Clear Channel Chicago ups AE Adam Kurtz to Local Sales Manager for AC WLIT and CHR-Top40 WKSC-FM. "Adam has come up through the ranks at Clear Channel starting 10 years ago as an Account Executive for WLIT," says Director of Sales Matt Scarano. "Through the years, Adam has progressed into not only one of the top AEs at Clear Channel but one of the top AEs in the entire Chicago market. We are lucky to have Adam's talents working for us in sales and will be equally lucky to have him leading our sales staff on KISS and WLIT." Kurtz adds, "I am excited to help lead such a strong sales staff. It is an absolute honor considering I was first hired right here at WLIT almost 10 years ago."

* "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" is out at Urban “Hot 103 Jamz” KPRS, Kansas City. Operations Manager Andre Carson says the station terminated its agreement with the syndicated Harvey show effective immediately. According to Carson, station management has no definite future plans for replacing Harvey. For now, KPRS is going music-intensive in morning drive with “a PPM-friendly, more music approach.”

* Bridge Ratings: Traditional radio remains the most-widely preferred medium, over new media sources. In a new ratings analysis, released August 2 — "Lifestyle Affinities" — Bridge Ratings tells us, "This study underscores the importance of lifestyle cluster analysis." Key Findings: traditional radio is the most-widely preferred medium; traditional radio is the most compatible with social networking; and, MP3 players are the most incompatible with traditional radio. "It is a wide-held belief that people living in the same neighborhoods tend to have similar lifestyles, proving the old adage that 'birds of a feather flock together' still holds true. To a large extent, you are where you live!" says the report. "Nielsen's lifestyle segmentation systems define every neighborhood in the U.S. in terms of 67 distinct lifestyle types using ground-breaking segmentation techniques." Bridge Ratings recently completed a national year-long, 7000 person study analyzing these lifestyle clusters for media proclivity or the predisposition or natural inclination for preference these media options: Traditional radio; Internet radio; MP3 Players; Satellite Radio; Podcasting; Smartphones; and, Social Networks. "Lifestyle cluster analysis confirms that of all media alternatives today traditional radio is the most-widely preferred medium," says the study report. "Why is this analysis so important? The better media companies understand the relationship between lifestyle and media consumption, the more efficient and effective will be their marketing efforts and the more profound their ability to compete in a world where media consumers are in constant motion," says Bridge Ratings President and CEO Dave Van Dyke.

The data collected in this study, conducted over a period of a year with 7000 persons ages 15 and older, sheds important luminance to just how important those alternative media are, says the report's conclusion. The study highlights include four determinations. Lifestyle often determines key consumer pockets for media affinity. Lifestyle clusters are excellent indicators of where early-adopters live. Knowing this coupled with previous cluster analysis can help traditional radio determine which new media are most compatible with its heaviest users. Lifestyle clusters highlight variations in media use and ease the confusion associated with marketing to these consumers. Previous assumptions about media compatibility are often shattered by better understanding proclivity for potential media partnerships. "As current media alternatives continue to attract usage among consumers of traditional radio, learning to leverage the appropriate media distribution will be key to maintaining radio's mass usage," says the Bridge Ratings analysis report. "Rather than thinking of these alternatives as competitors, it is important to view them as valuable tools that will enable traditional radio operators to reach today's migratory media consumer."   [More »]

* Beasley Broadcast Group reports second quarter net revenue was up 5.6% to $24.9 million from $23.6 million. Beasley says the $1.3 million increase in net revenue during the second quarter compared with the same period in 2009, primarily reflects higher net revenue at the company’s Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Ft. Myers-Naples market clusters. Beyond those clusters, total net revenue from the company’s other eight market clusters in the second quarter of 2010 was comparable to the year ago period as the company generated net revenue increases from three market clusters which more than offset revenue declines at the company’s remaining five market clusters. On a same station basis consolidated net revenue rose 6.6% in the 2010 second quarter to $24.9 million from $23.4 million in the second quarter of 2009. Station operating income rose 26.5% from $6.7 million to $8.5 million year-to-year. That improvement, says BBG, reflects the increased net revenue as well as benefits of the company’s cost containment measures which collectively resulted in a 2.6% reduction in total operating expenses including a 7.7% reduction in costs of services and flat corporate general and administrative expenses which more than offset a 2.1% rise in selling, general and administrative expenses which were primarily related to the higher revenue levels. Second quarter station operating income rose $1.8 million, or 26.5% to $8.5 million compared with the 2009 second quarter, reflecting both the higher net revenue in the period as well as a 2.7% decline in station operating expenses. On a same-station basis second quarter SOI rose 21.2% to $8.5 million, from $7.0 million in the same period of 2009.

Chairman and CEO George Beasley tells us, “The radio industry and Beasley Broadcast Group are continuing to see a rebound in advertising spending and the 6.6% rise in second quarter same-station net revenue was the company’s best comparison since late 2007. The significant growth in second quarter SOI, operating income and net income again highlights the value of the company’s streamlined cost structure and the significant operating leverage in our model." Beasley adds, “We intend to remain vigilant with our expense management programs and to further reduce borrowings under our credit facility as well as our leverage ratio. In this regard, we ended the 2010 second quarter with approximately $147.8 million of borrowings under our credit facility, down from $151.8 million at the end of 2009 and a marked reduction from $174.5 million at December 31, 2008, and we accomplished this despite the enormous challenges presented during this period by the economic recession."   [More »]

* Cumulus Media reports second quarter broadcast revenue up 5.8%, net revenues increase 5.7%. Says Chairman and CEO Lew Dickey, "This was another quarter of solid performance for both Cumulus Media, Inc. and Cumulus Media Partners, LLC. As we continue to aggressively innovate the radio business through our proprietary technology platform and operating systems, these businesses are running with increased efficiency across all functional areas resulting in strong operating leverage and healthy free cash flow growth. As a result, we continue to make good progress as we work to de-leverage the balance sheets of both of these entities." According to a news release, with all the numbers included, "Net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2010 increased $3.7 million, or 5.7%, to $69.7 million compared to $66.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to an increase in revenue from national accounts, political revenue generated by mid-term congressional elections, and increases in internet related revenues. We believe that incremental growth in advertising revenue for the second half of the year will be driven primarily by cyclical political spending." Station operating expenses for the second quarter increased $1.2 million, or 3.0%, to $40.4 million from $39.2 million in 2009 primarily due to normalized employee costs following a prior period company wide one week furlough as well as an increase in trade expenses. The report, which provides data both for the second quarter and the first half of the year, says: "Net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2010 increased $4.8 million, or 3.9%, to $126.1 million compared to $121.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2009, primarily due to an increase in revenue from national accounts, political revenue generated by mid-term congressional elections, and increases in internet related revenues. We believe that incremental growth in advertising revenue for the second half of the year will be driven primarily by cyclical political spending."

* Univision Communications revenues were up 23.2% in the second quarter, but radio revenue was down 5.5%. For the second quarter overall, Univision increased to $639.8 million from $519.5 million in the year-ago period, but the radio segment declined to $89.9 million from $95.1 million. Univision says, however, that its stations in Austin and New York outpaced the Q2 growth of all the other radio stations in the market, according to Miller Kaplan. "We achieved strong results in the second quarter 2010, building on our very solid foundation of performance in the first quarter of the year," says Univision President and CEO Joe Uva. "Our very solid foundation of performance in the first quarter of the year. We have made significant strides both compared to last year and the previous quarter, growing second quarter 2010 revenues 23% year-over-year and 41% as compared to the first quarter of 2010. In the second quarter, the 2010 FIFA World Cup was without a doubt a tremendous highlight for us and was our most successful World Cup to date." The World Cup was a significant contributor to the TV revenues, bringing in about $73.6 million in the second quarter. Net profit was at $35.3 million versus a $27.7 million loss in the second-quarter 2009 in the overall Univision results.

* Entercom reports second quarter net revenues were up 4% to $105.8 million from $101.3 million for Q2 2009. Station expenses increased 2% to $68.1 million, while operating income swung from a loss off $43.6 million to a gain of $23.8 million. EBITDA rose to $33.4 million. Entercom posted net earnings of $14.2 million (40 cents per share), compared to a loss of $41.9 million ($1.19) in Q2 2009. Says Entercom President and CEO David Field, "Entercom posted strong operating results in the second quarter as solid revenue growth and margin expansion drove double-digit increases in EBITDA and Free Cash Flow. Looking ahead, we are highly enthusiastic about our future prospects based upon the likelihood of continued economic recovery and the ad market rebound." Also during the second quarter, Entercom reduced its outstanding net senior debt by $16.8 million. As of June 30, Entercom had $4.4 million in cash and $701.2 million of senior debt. Field says national sales led the way in the company's improved revenue. May was the quarter's strongest month, with April the slowest, while June, he said, "fizzled a bit" after starting strong. During the second-quarter earnings conference call, Field said that, as the overall rate of economic expansion slowed, "We did experience a modest slackening of demand that took a bit of steam out of June and July." But, he said, there are encouraging signs for the rest of Q3 and the rest of the year. "August looks solid, September looks great, and although it is very early, fourth quarter looks terrific."

* Grupo Radio Centro's net income was 3.1 million Pesos, compared to a Q2 2009 net loss of 28.3 million Pesos. That second quarter 3.1 million Pesos converts to about $245,000. The turnaround is credited, at least in part, to 17% higher broadcasting revenues. The Mexico City-based company's broadcasting income jumped from 26.8 million Pesos to 41.3 million Pesos, or $3.3 million. Grupo Radio Centro — which operates Emmis-owned KXOS, Los Angeles, under an LMA – says the station saw a decrease in its operating loss from the year-earlier quarter and that its expenses were down almost 16% due to legal expenses incurred during Q2 2009 in connection with the agreements related to the station.

* Citadel takes WMGL-FM, Ravenel-Charleston, SC, back from its spinoff trust. Urban AC "Magic 107.3" WMGL is coming out of The Last Bastion Station Trust. Citadel says the relocation of Sports "107.5 The Game" WNKT, Charleston to the Columbia, SC, market now allows Citadel to retain WMGL. The trust was formed as part of the company's just-completed Chapter 11 reorganization. Because of that reorganization, Citadel lost a grandfathered exemption on the number of stations it could have in the Charleston market, with current rules now applied.

* A former promotions employee of KVI-AM, Seattle, ordered to pay $14,000 in restitution for rigging call-in contest. Ryan Elizabeth Keeley, 27, was accused by the King County Prosecutor's Office of helping friends and associates of the friends to each win $1,000 by picking their names in a contest called the "Secret Listener Salute" in early 2007. Contestants were supposed to be selected randomly from one of two databases containing the names of potential listeners, reports The Seattle Times. Listeners were to call the station within 30 minutes when they heard their names called on air to collect the $1,000 prize. The Times' Jennifer Sullivan writes, "Keeley, through various means, arranged for the other defendants to sign up for the contest and be selected, then call to collect their prizes, according to charging papers. In return, Keeley received some of the proceeds, including as much as half from some of the defendants, the charging papers say." Keeley left the station in July 2007. She was charged earlier this year with first-degree theft and later pleaded guilty to second-degree theft, a felony. As part of her plea agreement, Keeley will not serve any time behind bars, but will pay restitution and agreed not to contact KVI radio or its parent, Fisher Communications. In court Friday (July 30), Keely apologized. She has since moved to Arizona, where she is working at a coffee shop and seeking drug treatment. A presentencing report filed by the defense says that Keeley is addicted to OxyContin. "I'm very sorry for what I did," Keeley said in court. "Had drugs not been involved, I would have not made a decision like that." The 14 people who Seattle police say helped Keeley with the scheme were charged initially with second-degree theft, but their cases were later dismissed. The dismissal was announced after prosecutors found that the defendants should have been charged with a misdemeanor, but because the crime was nearly three years old the statute of limitations had expired for a misdemeanor charge to be filed, said King County Deputy Prosecutor Angela Kaake. Representatives for Fisher Communications did not speak during the sentencing hearing. In a letter addressed to the court, James Clayton, vice president and general manager, wrote that Keeley's actions have "damaged our reputation and credibility with the FCC, listeners and advertisers and within the community at large."

* A former employee of KMMS-FM, Bozeman, MT, is in jail for stealing broadcast equipment from the station. Travis Patrick Malone, 35, is in the county jail on $10,000 bond after admitting to stealing thousands of dollars worth of broadcast equipment from GapWest Broadcasting Triple-A "The Moose 95.1 FM" KMMS-FM. Malone was terminated by GapWest on June 21, according to court records. On July 28, a radio station employee told police he saw Malone walking along Mendenhall Street carrying a directional antenna and some cable typically used for commercial radio broadcasting. When the program manager went into the KMMS studio that afternoon, he noticed the burglar alarm was not set and that several items were missing including a console worth $12,000, according to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. Station employees then went to the man's apartment, where they saw items that appeared to belong to the radio station, according to court documents. Malone denied taking the antenna but returned a set of Fender speaker stands and some cable he said he "he took as a joke." During a search of the man's residence later, police found an FM transmitter, FM exciter, electronic voice microphone, mixing board, other audio production equipment and clothes that matched those the program manager saw Malone wearing when he was walking along Mendenhall, according to the documents. Waiving his right not to incriminate himself, Malone told police that he went into the building "after seeing the door unlocked and the alarm not activated." He also admitted that he took the items from the engineer's office, making two separate trips to his home. Police said Malone "admitted what he did was wrong and that it was a mistake."

* Chicago officials are not amused by a radio stunt involving "Jack FM 104.3" WJMK and a roadside message board. The Chicago Sun-Times writes: "Lake Shore Drive motorists have grown accustomed to seeing electronic signs that alert them to traffic delays, lane closings and assorted emergencies. What they're not used to seeing is flashing signs with wisecrack slogans that have nothing to do with traffic." Somebody hired a contractor to install an electronic message board promoting a Bon Jovi concert and "Jack FM" – which plays anything they want to. But apparently they thought they could also do anything they want to. The sign was attached to a trailer and positioned between the northbound lanes beneath a permanent electronic sign attached to an overpass. It flashed messages that included, "Jack needs girls" and "104.3 FM needs beer." After complaints were called in, city crews were dispatched to the scene. They turned the sign to face away from traffic and notified the private contractor who owns the sign to remove it. The sign — without city permits that would never have been granted anyway — was gone by early afternoon. "Whenever there's a big event along the lakefront, the city deploys variable message signs to give people traffic information and directions. In this case, it appears this radio station just hired a company to put out a sign without informing the city or obtaining the proper permit," said Transportation Department spokesman Brian Steele. "We would never issue a permit for this type of sign on the public way. Electronic signs are for traffic messages only. They are not intended for advertising, extraneous or out-of-the-ordinary messages. Those have the potential to be hazardous to motorists traveling 40 mph on a busy roadway."

* California Christian radio talker Rich Buhler is diagnosed with an inoperable "mass on his pancreas." Buhler, an ordained minister with a 40-years-plus career in broadcasting, is acknowledged as the "Dean of Christian Talk Radio" in Orange County. He hosts "Talk From the Heart" on Costa Mesa-based KBRT-AM. Dan Wooding, founder of ASSIST Ministries, says in a news release, Buhler "was admitted to a local hospital ... after suffering from severe stomach pains. After a biopsy, it was revealed that he had a 'mass on his pancreas.'" Buhler is quoted by Wooding as saying, "I arrived here not realizing that when I would wake up the next day, I would become a cancer patient. The unofficial report that has been given to me... says that it looks (like) it is malignant and also inoperable. Yesterday, they put a stent in my pancreas, and the doctors have referred me to an oncologist who will possibly treat the 'mass' with radiation."

* University of Evansville sports voice Brandon Gaudin gets play-by-play for Butler University basketball. Gaudin is returning to his alma mater as the Butler basketball voice on Emmis Sports "1070 The Fan" WFNI-AM, Indianapolis. Gaudin, a 2006 Butler graduate, takes over from Joe Gentry, who will continue to oversee radio and television operations as Director of Corporate Partnerships for the school. Nick Gardner returns as color analyst for his fifth season in 2010-11. Gaudin has been handling basketball, soccer, and baseball for the University of Evansville. "With the growth we've seen over the last four years we are excited about this strategic move," says Butler Associate Athletic Director for External Operations Mike Freeman. "Joe has done an outstanding job tripling our corporate partnership program, calling the action as our play-by-play voice and developing our media partnerships with 1070 The Fan and WISH/WNDY-TV. We feel Brandon can step in and do an outstanding job as our play-by-play voice on 11070 The Fan, which will allow Joe to continue building on the success we've already seen with corporate partners, television and radio." Gaudin tells us, "I'm very excited and appreciative for this opportunity to return to my alma mater. It's a unique chance to marry my passion for broadcasting with my affinity of Butler basketball and Butler University. I am anxious to arrive in Indianapolis and begin preparing for the upcoming season." Gentry, meanwhile, adds: "It has been a great privilege for me to be the radio 'Voice of the Bulldogs' the past four seasons. I've really enjoyed traveling with the team and working with Nick. I'm excited about Brandon coming back to Butler to take over and I look forward to working with him and Nick. I also look forward to being able to devote more time to our Butler Athletics corporate partners."

* Triton Digital Media partners with Slacker Radio to represent Slacker inventory to digital and traditional agencies. Triton Digital will also measure Slacker's audience for both desktop and mobile listening, and handle ad insertion, under the new strategic partnership. "We are focused on accelerating the growth and adoption of digital audio by creating dynamic opportunities for both traditional and new media clients. With an in-stream and mobile platform of more than 15 million registered users, Slacker further increases our digital sales footprint and brings highly compelling interactive opportunities to our advertiser and agency clients alike," says Triton EVP Bill Freund. Also, Slacker is partnering with Triton’s Ando Media Group for audience measurement through its Webcast Metrics platform as well as targeted ad insertion. "Slacker is one of the very best examples of taking a technology-forward approach to the streaming marketplace. Now that they’re on Webcast Metrics, agencies can benchmark their audience against the rest of the industry. We believe the results will garner considerable attention," says Ando VP of Sales Mark Rosenthal. "And with their ability to deliver tightly targeted campaigns through our technology, they pick up the wherewithal to capitalize on that interest in a very efficient manner. We’re thrilled." Slacker SVP of Marketing Jonathan Sasse adds, "Triton's breadth and depth in the radio advertising industry is well known," said "Our relationship with Triton will allow their clients to tap into the burgeoning personal internet radio market to reach millions of Slacker listeners on the web and on the go with leading mobile devices or even in the home."

* Peter de Graaff joins Cox Media Group Country WNGC-FM, Athens, GA, as Program Director. He arrives from WEAT-FM, West Palm Beach, where he was an on-air host. de Graaff's previously was at WXKS-FM, Boston and WXXL-FM/Orlando. He began his career in radio at WYNY-FM, New York, in 1984. "We are excited to have Pete on board. His multi-faceted experience in a variety of radio markets and dedication to his craft will make him an asset to Cox Media," says VP and General Manager Scott Smith. "There is a certain consistency and flow when listening to the Cox Radio stations, or when looking back at music monitors and seeing commercial breaks hit defined times... those are things I love to see and admire as a programmer," adds de Graaff.

* Christian radio talk host Janet Mefferd returns to Salem's WYLL-AM, Chicago, where she began her radio career. WYLL-AM becomes the 100th affiliate of “The Janet Mefferd Show,” airing from 3-5 pm weekdays, starting today (Aug. 2). Mefferd, now a Dallas-based syndicated talker, started at WYLL-AM, 20 years ago. Her show replaces local host Sandy Rios, who left WYLL Friday (July 30). Starting August 30, the third hour of Mefferd’s show will air on tape-delay 6-7pm on the Chicago station. Her show, says Salem, takes “a Christ-centered look at the news and events of the day both in the church and in the world.” It's been nationally syndicated since February when it replaced Salem Radio Network’s Janet Parshall, who’s now heard on Chicago-based Moody Radio. Says SRN VP of News and Talk Programming Tom Tradup, “Janet Mefferd has hit the reset button on nationally syndicated Christian talk shows since her premiere in February, and we are thrilled she now adds her native Chicago to the cities enjoying her compelling, cutting-edge programming. Janet’s fresh, upbeat approach to everything from theology to politics to pop culture — drawing on her experiences as a broadcaster, journalist, and mother of four — is tailor-made for Chicago’s afternoon audience.” WYLL General Manager Jeff Reisman adds, “I am thrilled to welcome Janet Mefferd back to Chicago and AM 1160. Janet has worked in Christian radio for more than 20 years; she has a strong command of the issues and will offer unique compelling content every day. Janet is plugged into the pulse of Christian talk and is an ideal addition to the station’s afternoon lineup.”

* AC "Lite 98.7" WLZW-FM, Utica, NY, raises more than $25,000 for the Children’s Miracle Network. The Townsquare Media station held its 10th annual Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon, Thursday and Friday (July 29-30). Proceeds will benefit children’s services at Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare in Utica. According to Program Director Eric Meier, the official grand total was $25,775, better than $1,000 over last year’s total. Meier and Lite 98.7 personalities Mark Richards and Trudy hosted the entire two-day radiothon live from the hospital. Part-timer Dave Wheeler also participated as a co-host for several hours of the radiothon.

* More John Bayliss Broadcast Foundation scholarships are awarded to college students seeking careers in radio. The foundation awards $25,000 in scholarships to five students. The latest "Bayliss Broadcasters" and their schools are: Jessica Brandt, Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY; Caitlin Duffy, Seton Hall University; South Orange, NJ; Thurmon Henry, Five Towns College, Dix Hills, NY; Dallas Osborn, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA; and, Marina Zarya, Syracuse University; Syracuse, NY. Since 1985, the Bayliss Foundation Board of Directors has selected over 345 exceptional students as Bayliss Broadcasters. “These ambitious young people were selected to receive the Bayliss Radio Scholarship because of their academic achievement and extracurricular radio activities, their passion for radio and their desire to contribute to the overall advancement of the radio industry,” says Board Chairman Gary Fries in announcing the scholarship winners. He also reminds broadcasters, “Your tax-deductible gift is a genuine investment in the future of radio.”

* Radio traffic service Skywatch Traffic files suit against Cumulus Media in Tennessee for breach of contract. The lawsuit, filed in Davidson County Circuit Court, claims Cumulus left Skywatch high and dry when it changed the format of 106.7 WNFN, Nashville, at the end of July 2009, reports the Nashville Post. WNFN had been a Sports Talk station known as "The Fan," but it switched to a CHR-Top40 format as "i106." Skywatch had sold advertising to run during its traffic segments in the morning and evening, but it says the station's management dropped its reports when the format change happened — and then went with a competitor, Westwood One Metro Traffic, as soon as the Skywatch contract had run its course. Skywatch says Cumulus has violated the terms of the contract between the two, not least because it was not supposed to work with competing traffic services during the term of the deal and yet had a "business relationship" with Westwood One during the term of the relationship. The company seeks unspecified damages. Nashville attorney Anthony Burns represents Skywatch. The Post says efforts to reach Atlanta-based representatives of Cumulus were unsuccesful.

* Spanish-language Sports Talk comes to Philadelphia on Beasley's WWDB-AM, beginning August 2. Beasley announces that ESPN Deportes Radio, America's only 24/7 national Spanish-language sports radio network, will launch on 860 AM, now airing "Money Talk" programming. “We are thrilled to offer ESPN Deportes Radio to Philadelphia’s large Hispanic sports audience,” says Jim Roberts, Executive Director, ESPN Radio Affiliate Sales. “This affiliate agreement with Beasley exemplifies the growth of our ESPN Deportes Radio platform on the east coast and we are delighted to be working with Beasley, a leader in the Philadelphia market.” Beasley Market Manager Natalie Conner tells us, “The Hispanic community accounts for about 12% of Philadelphia’s population and the addition of ESPN Deportes Radio at WWDB reflects our commitment to bringing listeners in the market the most relevant and entertaining programming. It is imperative for radio broadcasters to offer listeners formats that cater to their interests and the needs of the local community. By doing so, we build successful radio stations and great advertising platforms for sponsors.”

* Former NPR host Madeleine Brand will host her own daily local talk show on KPCC-FM, Los Angeles. A Los Angeles native, the journalist has been on "Morning Edition," "All Things Considered," and gained notice as co-host of the canceled NPR show "Day to Day," writes the Orange County Register's Gary Lycan. "Now she's back as the host of her own daily local magazine-style talk show," to debut at 9am weekdays "in late August or early September on KPCC/89.3 FM." "The Madeleine Brand Show" has a staff of four and a one-year commitment, says Brand, who notes it's not a call-in show. "We don't have NPR or the budget, but we want it to have the spirit of 'Day to Day.' It will be a relaxed way of delivering content to make it more accessible to people. Our staffers will go out and report something, come back, share what they learn, and we will have a conversation on the air about it." KPCC Program Director Craig Curtis says, "The show will use all the radio and online tools we have at hand. We're excited we can build a show that highlights our strong and growing local radio and online talent."

* Clear Channel News-Talk WLW-AM, Cincinnati names Scott Sloan as the new permanent 9am-noon host. Sloan, who hosted nights for 10 years, has been filling in on the late morning shift since Mike McConnell exited, bound for WGN-AM, Chicago. “As of this morning it's official. I’m the new 9am-noon guy,” Sloan tweeted to his Twitter followers before going on the air Friday morning (July 30). In addition to signing Sloan, WLW extended the contract of morning show host Jim Scott. McConnell's new four-hour show on WGN Radio debuts August 9 at 8:30am.

* Report: Univision Radio confirms talks to subscribe to Arbitron’s PPM. Univision’s refusal to subscribe to PPM ratings data, except in Houston, has been holding down revenues for Arbitron, as noted in the ratings company’s quarterly conference call. RBR.com reports: "In his own call with Wall Street analysts, Univision CEO Joe Uva confirmed that his company is talking with Arbitron, but he’s in no hurry to actually use the PPM data until changes being implemented bring it up to Univision’s standards." Uva says of the deal Arbitron reached in April with the PPM Coalition, of which Univision Radio is a member, “We’re pleased that the coalition of minority broadcasters reached an agreement with Arbitron regarding of improved sampling of Hispanics and African Americans. We look forward to concluding a new agreement between Univision and Arbitron so that we may begin obtaining PPM data to monitor Arbitron’s progress in delivering reliable ratings, which are so vitally important to stakeholders in the radio marketplace.” According to RBR, in the Q&A section of the call, Uva told an analyst that the methodology improvements that Arbitron has committed to will be implemented over a one and a half to two year period “to get all of those markets corrected.”   [More »]

* The IRS demands $45 million from Red McCombs for unpaid 2002/2003 taxes from his sale of Clear Channel stock. The Clear Channel co-founder — San Antonio billionaire Billy Joe “Red” McCombs — used a tax strategy similar to one a judge disallowed last week for billionaire Philip Anschutz, reports Forbes. In a previously unreported lawsuit filed in May in U.S. Tax Court, the 82- year-old McCombs is contesting the IRS' assertion that he should have reported $213.4 million in long-term capital gains in 2002 from the sale of 11.3 million shares of Clear Channel Communications, the company he co-founded in 1972. He's also disputing an additional $3.3 million in 2003 capital gains in connection with the same purported sale. In all, the IRS asserts, McCombs had $245 million in taxable income for 2002 and 2003, rather than the $18 million he reported and owed $53 million in income tax, not the $8 million he paid.

* Syndicated "Good Day" host Doug Stephan says using a "stolen" caller excerpt was an honest mistake. As we previously reported, Clear Channel talkers Armstrong and Getty catch another talk show stealing taped calls from their show. The KSTE-AM, Sacramento, and KNEW-AM, San Francisco, talk duo told listeners that "alert listener David" caught Doug Stephan's syndicated "Good Day" show using calls from their show. A&G later got Stephan on the show, who opened with "I got my hands up, I'm under arrest, you got me." Stephan said that "exactly what you said happened was what happened," explaining that the calls were taken inadvertently from clips taken from his "Talk Radio Countdown" show. Now Stephan issues a statement expanding on that explanation: "My company produces several radio programs, including Good Day and the Talk Radio Count Down," says Stephan. "The Count Down program, which is billed as being a review of what happened on the air during the past week in talk radio across the country, uses clips from shows around the country to highlight the top stories in talk radio and has served to promote my fellow hosts and our format for more than ten years. It is our policy on Count Down to give credit to the programs from which we choose those highlights, and we've done a pretty good job on that front. On occasion when there is crossover on a story between Count Down and my Good Day show, we have used some of those same clips on Good Day to reinforce a conversation. Again, it is our practice to give credit for those clips, but on rare occasions that practice has not been followed and some clips have been run without attribution or with the wrong attribution. Obviously there are flaws in our system, and the wrong clip can wind up in the wrong place, as evidenced by what has happened here. This is unacceptable. I take full responsibility and have told my staff in no uncertain terms that it will not happen again. I called Armstrong and Getty to apologize and assure them that I have dealt with this problem. I have been in this business for 44 years and great respect for our profession and my peers."

* Univision Radio will pay $1 million for payola — in settlements with the FCC and the DOJ. The consent decree with the FCC resolves allegations that Univision stations or employees secretly accepted payment from a record label in return for more frequent airplay, without informing listeners as the law requires, according to a news release from the FCC. In a criminal action based on the same information, a federal district court has accepted the plea of Univision Services Inc. The FCC and the Department of Justice coordinated their investigations and enforcement actions in the case against Univision. Says FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, "Payola — the idea of pay-for-play — misleads the listening public. This agreement with Univision underscores the FCC's focus on consumer protection and our commitment to ensuring that broadcasters play it straight with the public." Under the settlement with the FCC and the DOJ, Univision will pay $1 million to the U.S. Treasury. The FCC consent decree also requires business reforms and compliance measures, including a general ban on Univision stations and employees exchanging airplay for cash or other items of value, except under specified conditions and if they meet sponsorship identification requirements; limits on the size of gifts, tickets, and other items Univision stations and employees can accept from labels; and, the appointment of a compliance officer and regional compliance contacts who will monitor and report on Univision's performance under the settlement. Univision will also have to regularly train personnel on payola restrictions. "Broadcasters play a critical role in educating and entertaining the public and along with that special role comes some fundamental obligations," says FCC Enforcement Bureau Chief Michele Ellison. "We will continue to work with other government agencies, including criminal law enforcement authorities where appropriate, leveraging all the tools at our disposal to protect consumers and prevent them from being misled."

The Department of Justice, in a separate news release says "Univision Services Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Univision Communications Inc., pleaded guilty today [July 26] to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud in connection with a scheme to obtain increased radio broadcast time, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S Attorney André Birotte Jr. of the Central District of California." According to court documents, Univision Communications formerly owned Univision Music Group, a collection of entities that produced recordings and published music for the Latin music market. Univision Services admitted that executives, employees and agents of Univision Music Group conspired to commit and did commit mail fraud from approximately 2002 to September 2006. According to court documents, the mail fraud was related to a nationwide scheme in which Univision Music Group executives, employees and agents made illegal cash payments to radio station programmers and managers in exchange for increased radio broadcast time for Univision Music Group recordings. The cash payments were made without on-air acknowledgments or payment of broadcast fees to the radio stations, as required by law. According to court documents, executives, music promoters and agents of Univision Music Group used fraudulent contract invoices and payments to obtain and conceal the nature of the cash that funded the scheme. "Illegal cash payments never make for a good business model. Listeners have a right to know if someone has paid for increased air time or promotions," says Assistant Attorney General Breuer. "The Department of Justice will continue to work cooperatively with our partners at the FCC to ensure businesses operate within established laws and regulations." Under its plea agreement, Univision Communications, which is no longer involved in the Latin music recording and publishing business, agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, to pay a fine of $500,000 and to cooperate fully with the department and other law enforcement agencies in related matters. In a related administrative proceeding, Univision Radio Inc., another wholly-owned subsidiary of Univision Communications, has agreed to pay the U.S. Treasury $500,000 and implement a compliance plan to end a parallel investigation by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau.

* Congressman John Dingell (D-MI) tells FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to "abandon" his broadband plan. Dingell tells Genachowski his effort to reclassify broadband under Title II regulations should be scrapped, and that the FCC Chairman should instead wait for Congress to deal with the issue. Dingell says Genachowski's defense of his plan is insufficient. Dingell made his "suggestions" in a Wednesday (July 28) letter to Genachowski in response to the FCC Chairman's letter Monday. That was a response to Dingell's letter last week saying he had gotten no response to a letter he had sent two months ago. The key to the chain of correspondence: Dingell said Genachowski's response, or more acurately what he called the "paucity of responses" in Genachowski's letter Monday, lacked sufficient detail and confirmed Dingell's "fear" that the Chairman's so-called "third way" proposal was "bad policy" that would lead to "protracted litigation." He said of Genachowski's defense of his plan that it was based on "unsound reasoning and an incomplete record." Dingell has previously made clear that he has major problems with Genachowski's proposal.

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski names Zac Katz as a legal adviser, with responsibility for Internet and wireline. "I am delighted that Zac will be joining my staff," says Genachowski. "His legal and policymaking experience will make him an invaluable member of my team as we move forward on critical wireline and broadband issues, including reforming the Universal Service program." Katz has been serving as Deputy Chief of the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis for the past year. He joined the FCC from the White House Counsel's Office and before that practiced law at Munger, Tolles & Olson in Los Angeles. Katz succeeds Priya Aiyar, who's been appointed deputy chief counsel for the national commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Oil Drilling. Genachowski says of Aiyar, "She will be missed, but I wish her much continued success in her new position with the Oil Spill Commission. They will benefit greatly from her legal brilliance and keen judgment."

* Plaintiffs winning a defamation lawsuit end up with Montana AM station – KGEZ-AM, Kalispell. A bankruptcy court proceeding results in the successful suit initiators — Todd and Davar Gardner, who are in the recreational vehicle business — acquiring the station. KGEZ-AM had been owned by John Patrick Stokes. He was found guilty of using the station to defame the Gardners, who won a judgement of $3.8 million, which forced a bankruptcy filing. The station reportedly has been silent since September 2009. The seller, under approval of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Montana, was Trustee Richard Samson. The Gardners are buying the station under the name Flathead Broadcasting LLC. They will pay $875K for the station and associated real estate, $787,500 of which will go to Stokes creditors under an umbrella group called Boone Karlberg Profit Sharing Trust. The rest will go to cover court costs. The Gardners, whose claim against Stokes had surpassed $4M with accrued interest, agreed to waive all interest and accept a reduction to $1.5M. According to Northwest Montana's Daily Inter Lake News, they feel they are overpaying for the station, but at the same time feel they are under the gun to get it back on the air before it hits 12 months of silence and has its license deleted. They are reportedly looking at options for running it, once it is back on air. According to the newspaoer, they are open to proposals to either purchase or LMA the station.

* MMTC renews its call for relaxed foreign broadcast investment rules, saying restrictions hurt minority broadcasters. The Minority and Media Telecommunications Council renews its call for rules allowing "socially disadvantaged businesses" (SDBs) access to foreign investors. MMTC, in a filing with the FCC, says that not having that access to such capital remains one of the biggest stumbling blocks keeping SDBs out of broadcast ownership. MMTC notes that Azteca International Corporation had argued for a 51% foreign investment cap with accompanying conditions, including one requiring that a foreign-backed station would have to program to an underserved audience. While expressing general agreement with Azteca’s comments, MMTC notes it sought only a 49% cap, and thought that a programming clause was unnecessary since most SDBs would be broadcasting just such programming without one, and that it would be difficult to define the type of programming. MMTC expresses disappointment that the FCC previously rejected a proposal to an increase with no specific explanation.

* Triton Digital ramps up social media presence as it partners with Janrain for its Engage service. Triton Digital will integrate Janrain’s Engage service into their technology platform. Triton Digital will also become an authorized reseller of Engage. Triton Digital says that as social media is becoming increasingly important to the radio sector, it plans to integrate Janrain Engage’s authentication and social publishing capabilities into the Loyalty Program of its technology platform that also includes a CMS, ad serving, and e-commerce components. "Our ability to quickly authenticate users and allow them to share activities and content from a client website back to their social graph has made Janrain Engage a natural fit for all types of media companies," said Janrain CEO Brian Kissel. "Radio stations are no exception. People want to be able to share comments or events from a station’s Website with their friends and our partnership with Triton Digital means we’re now enabling that for millions of listeners nationwide."

* Crystal Cardenas is named Director of Marketing and Promotion for CBS Radio Phoenix, as of August 9. Cardenas arrives from franchising company Kahala, where she was most recently Director of Marketing. "The radio industry is an exciting change of pace for me," saya Cardenas, who reports to CBS Phoenix SVP and Market Manager Tim Pohlman. "I'm looking forward to joining forces with the rest of the team in such a highly innovative and collaborative environment." The three CBS Radio Phoenix stations are Country KMLE, Classic Hits KOOL and Rhythmic KZON.

* Julie Anderson is promoted to SVP Content and Integration at Tribune Interactive. Anderson will oversee both the representation team, which provides strategic assistance to the company's business units as they formulate their digital growth plans and implement new products in their markets, and the market services group, which provides training and support for Tribune Interactive's platforms and products. Anderson will also assist in the continued development of the company's newsrooms. She was most recently VP of Content & Integration. "Expanding Julie's role was a result of her continued success in building more intriguing content for the company's interactive sites and increasing our audience," says Tribune Interactive president Marc Chase. Anderson has also served at Tribune as VP of New Markets and Director of Local Market Operations. She began with Tribune at the Orlando Sentinel, serving as VP and Director of Marketing and Interactive, and VP and Director of Multimedia. "I have had many leadership roles at Tribune, and none more interesting and challenging than the job that lies ahead — deepening the relationships we have with our digital consumers," says Anderson. "We have huge opportunities right now, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."

* Keith Dakin joins Cox Media Group Stamford-Norwalk, CT, as Operations Manager. Dakin will be OM for WSTC-AM, WNLK-AM, "95.9 The Fox" WFOX-FM and "96.7 The Coast" WCTZ-FM. "Keith is a strategic thinker that brings high energy and a genuine interest in sales and marketing to the position," says Market Manager Robin Faller. "We're excited to welcome him to the Cox Media Group Connecticut Family." Dakin spent the last seven years at WFNX-FM, Boston, as Program Director. Before that he worked for Cox Media Group's Alternative WDYL-FM, Richmond, VA, as Music Director.

* Michael Solari segues from Program Director to Promotion Director at KSJO-FM, and sister KFOX-FM, San Jose. Solari had been PD of Alternative "Channel 92.3" KSJO. Previously, Solari spent five years handing promotion at crosstown Classic Rock "107.7 The Bone" KSAN-FM, where he also served as PD. Clear Channel San Jose Station Manager Justin Wittmayer is overseeing KSJO's programming while the search is on for a new on-air/PD combo.

* Alan Burns and Associates: AC music preferences break at age 40. Burns releases more data from the study "Here She Comes: Insights Into Women, Radio, and New Media." This week, the spotlight shifts to a "Deep Dive into AC." Burns suggests that AC listeners under and over 40 years of age have significantly different music preferences. "The over/under line in AC is now Age 40. That's the dividing line between listeners who prefer heritage AC artists and those who are into the newer artists. For AC women, the top artist with 30-39-year-olds is Pink; with 40-49s it's the Eagles. Lady Gaga makes the top five list for Hot AC fans, but with Mainstream P1s the most contemporary artist in the top five is Carrie Underwood." Earlier Burns told us that female AC listeners are more bonded to radio, and less impacted by new media. "AC listeners have a harder time imagining life without radio than do women 15-54 in general," says Burns. "AC’s audience contains fewer early adopters, thus the format has so far been less impacted by iPods, streaming music, and song downloading. Only one in every six AC fans has ever downloaded an app to her cell phone. This means AC has been a little more insulated from new media’s effects. Not immune, but less sensitive, so there’s been less loss to digital media to date. Nonetheless, two-thirds of AC women are likely to be using Internet-only music streams within next year or two." Burns notes that even within AC, there are large technological differences between the youngest and oldest listeners. Alan Burns and Associates interviewed over 2,000 female listeners to Top 40 and AC, and is releasing the results in a series of free Thursday Webinars presented by DMR.

* Arbitron will reissue the Fall 2009 Watertown, NY, metro diary ratings, discarding two diaries. The ratings company explains the diaries “were returned from a household whose participation in the survey was disclosed to a media-affiliated individual.” The diaries, which were in-tab for Fall 2009, will not be included in the in-tab sample scheduled for release on August 4, when Arbitron's Radio Report is re-issued. Also, a revised Spring 2009 report will be issued excluding the diaries. Arbitron says that following the re-release, numbers for CHR-Top40 "The Border 106.7" WBDR-FM could be "substantially affected in some demographics and dayparts." Estimates for stations that received limited amounts of listening in the diaries may also be affected, while estimates for stations that were not recorded in the deleted diaries may be slightly affected.

* Radio One says it has concluded it's necessary to restate the company's financial statements. In an SEC filing, Radio One says the company's management and Board of Directors Audit Committee determined that it needs to restate the company's consolidated financial statements for the years 2009, 2008 and 2007 and for each quarterly financial reporting period from January 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010. The restatements will not affect previously reported net income or earnings per share. "The restatement is solely the result of an error of measurement and classification of a noncontrolling interest in Reach Media, as presented on the consolidated balance sheet and on the consolidated statement of changes in stockholders' equity," says the company in an SEC Form 8-K. "The effects of this error overstated consolidated stockholders' equity and understated mezzanine equity at the end of each reporting period by equal amounts. The adjustment will not affect any previously reported financial results in the consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows for the company, and, hence, will not affect previously reported net income or earnings per share." As part of Radio One's acquisition of a controlling 51% ownership interest in Reach Media in 2005, the non-controlling shareholders of Reach Media were granted the right to require Reach Media to purchase all or a portion of their shares. In its previously filed consolidated financial statements, the company classified the non-controlling interests as a component of permanent equity. Because the non-controlling interests in Reach Media will become redeemable on February 28, 2012, the company must elect to subsequently measure the non-controlling interest to its expected redemption value.

* Clear Channel talkers Armstrong and Getty catch another talk show stealing taped calls from their show. The KSTE-AM, Sacramento, and KNEW-AM, San Francisco, talk duo told listeners Wednesday (July 28) that "alert listener David" caught Doug Stephan's syndicated "Good Day" show using calls about the salary controversy in Bell, CA, that sounded suspiciously like calls to Armstrong and Getty's show. A&G say that Stephan's show was "using clips of our own and passing them off as their own." They also said that the segments appeared to have been trimmed from the show's podcast version, but they had obtained an unedited version. They played the clips late in the show's 6am hour, comparing the calls to calls aired on their show the previous Friday and finding them identical. "It's a 'Good Day' for plagiarism," joked Getty. Later in the show, A&G got Stephan on the show, who opened with "I got my hands up, I'm under arrest, you got me." Stephan said that "exactly what you said happened was what happened," explaining that the calls were taken inadvertently from clips taken from his "Talk Radio Countdown" show. Armstrong and Getty say that's not an acceptable explanation. "Don't BS a BSer," Getty told Stephan, who then apologized. The hosts accepted the apology, but later said on-air "that was not an apology" and it did not explain why the calls were not only "borrowed" but the names of the callers were deliberately changed.

* Frost and Sullivan: Internet – with online radio – will be in five million cars in North America by 2015. According to analysts Frost and Sullivan, “Brought-in apps such as Internet radio are the latest developments in the automotive apps and services market. There is a gradual shift in the United States and Europe from embedded telematics to hybrid connected telematics in terms of allowing features to run from a smartphone inside the car. Within this hybrid connected space, vehicle manufacturers have enough traction to allow Internet radio apps to run inside the car from the smartphone and control it using vehicle Human Machine Interface (HMI).” Says Frost & Sullivan’s Global Program Manager Praveen Chandrasekar, "Gen-Y’ers and technology usage trends in the United States and Europe are driving the use of mobile Internet on new generation smartphones and downloading apps from sites like Apple is becoming increasingly popular. By using safe HMI to allow smartphones to be accessed inside the cabin, vehicle manufacturers are creating a superior brand image since consumers can continue to savour their digital experience inside the car.” In the United States and Europe, Gen Y will continue to account for at least a quarter of the total population until 2030, but in South Asia, Gen Y will likely represent over 40% of the population by 2030, reports Sirius Buzz. "This market is not without its challenges though, with connectivity and driver distraction being the main problems. On the one hand, vehicle manufacturers are looking to offer connectivity and services using consumers’ voice and data connection. On the other hand, telecom operators are objecting to this model and want vehicle manufacturers to put an additional security identity module (SIM) card with a dedicated voice and data plan to power services inside the car.”

* A judge rules against disgruntled Emmis shareholders who sought to put the brakes on the Emmis go-private plan. One week to the day after this case was heard in court, Marion County Indiana Superior Court Judge Robyn Moberly denied a preliminary injunction sought by the Emmis shareholders, July 27. They had sought a temporary restraining order to block the buyout, as we reported last week. The group wants the August 3 deadline for shareholders to accept a buyout offer delayed. That has now been denied. Of course this is only one of a number of legal challenges to the buyout plan put forth by Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition. The judge in this challenge found the plaintiffs "failed to show a likelihood of success on the merits of any of the claims." He said that in order to succeed on a motion for Preliminary Injunction, the plaintiff(s) must show a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits. They didn't. He also ruled that the plaintiffs' alleged disclosure deficiencies — information that shareholders would need to properly evaluate the transaction — "are, based upon the evidence before the court for the preliminary injunction hearing, either not accurate, were disclosed, or is not information that a reasonable investor would consider in deciding how to vote." Last week, Carl Stein, a lawyer at New York-based Wolf Popper LLP said, "We're not arguing the price. What we're saying is that people should have the right to make a fully informed decision on whether they like the price." Stein claimed Emmis board members breached their fiduciary responsibility by not revealing key details to shareholders, such as company debt covenants due in August 2011 which are unlikely to be satisfied by a sale. Citing testimony from board members, Stein argued that the sale of the company is the only option to avoid bankruptcy since it is more than $340 million in debt. In his July 27 ruling, the judge said that there is no probative evidence that insolvency or bankruptcy was likely unless the proposed transaction is consummated, or otherwise. Plus, ruled Moberly, there's no evidence that Emmis faces an imminent threat of bankruptcy whether or not the proposed transaction is completed. Smulyan's JS Acquisition, with backing from Alden Global Capital, is paying $2.40 for each share, or a 12% premium over the closing price of $2.14 on May 26. The Emmis Board of Directors unanimously approved the go-private buyout plan.

* WLW-AM, Cincinnati, afternoon talk host Bill Cunningham gets his TV show with Tribune Broadcasting. "The Bill Cunningham Show" is officially announced by Tribune, to air for an hour daily on Tribune’s TV stations – including those in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Philadelphia – beginning September 2011. It will originate in Chicago. Tribune says it also negotiating for other affiliates in markets where it does not have television stations. Cunningham will continue his radio shows, for WLW and Premiere Radio Networks, while hosting the new TV show, and may at times originate his radio show from Chicago. "I am proud to be an integral part of Tribune's new original daytime programming initiative," says Cunningham. "Chicago soon will be vacant of all existing daytime talk. I am humbled and honored to follow in the footsteps of the great broadcasters that filled the hallways and studios at WGN-TV's Bradley Place in Chicago, once home to 'The Phil Donahue Show." Tribune Broadcasting Programming President Sean Compton tells us, "Bill's show represents a great opportunity for Tribune to get back into original programming production. After a successful test launch we felt The Bill Cunningham Show was a strong complement to the existing programs on our television stations."

* Curtis Media Group names Alex McTighe as Group National Sales Manager, effective August 9. In his new role, McTighe will be responsible for the company's national billing in both the Raleigh-Durham and Greensboro-Winston Salem markets. He joins Curtis Media from McGavren Guild Media where he was an account executive in the firm's Los Angeles and New York offices. "I am very excited to begin the next chapter in my radio career with Curtis Media, a true leader in the radio industry," says McTighe. "Curtis Media's commitment to a local product in this age of consolidation was instrumental in my decision to join the company." Group SVP and Director of Sales Adam Maisano adds, "We've worked closely with Alex on a number of key accounts over his six years with McGavren Guild. It was important to me that we find someone who was exceptionally creative, could function at our rapid pace and wasn't intimidated by the high bar of performance in our national sales area. Alex fits that bill perfectly." McTighe replaces Cameron Poston, who after five years was recruited to join NBC Television Sales in New York. Prior to joining McGavren Guild, McTighe was a local sales rep for Spanish Broadcasting System's WPAT-FM, New York, and a business development sales associate at Clear Channel Radio Sales.

* Darby Cooperman joins McGavren Guild Media as an account executive in the company's Los Angeles office. Cooperman's previous stints include both national and local radio sales in Los Angeles and Dallas, as well as success in print, digital, mobile and out-of-home. Says Los Angeles Director of Sales Michael Projansky, "We are thrilled to add Darby to our team in LA. We have had an eye on her for some time, as we feel she is one of the best reps in our city. Feedback from her clients and customers is that she is top-notch and we know she will be a major contributor to our team immediately." President and CEO Lisa Sonnenklar adds, "Darby is a great hire for McGavren Guild in L.A. She has a great reputation and excellent relationships, plus a nicely varied background. We're confident that she will step right in and help elevate our team to higher levels. We know that our clients will be impressed as Darby starts to handle their business."

* American Urban Radio Networks adds "The Doug Banks Show" to its program lineup. The program, featuring Doug Banks, DeDe McGuire and comedian Rudy Rush, is one of the longest running Urban syndicated program, airing afternoons from 3-7pm. AURN will now distribute, sell and market Banks' show after more than twelve years with ABC Radio, now Citadel Media. "We are thrilled to be working with Doug Banks and to be able to offer stations across the country this music driven afternoon drive show that showcases the wonderfully talented Banks and his team" says President of Program Operations and Affiliations Jerry Lopes. "It's great, entertaining radio and they're not afraid to tackle the issues of the day through their popular Adult Conversation segment. Doug, DeDe and Rudy offer the perfect mix to conversations ranging from romance to finance." Banks adds, "We're delighted to now be part of the AURN family and look forward to growing our listener base. One thing I can promise, no one will work any harder than DeDe, Rudy and I in bringing more fun and excitement to afternoons in urban adult radio. Along the way we hope to educate our listeners by shining a spotlight on the critical issues impacting the African American community."

* Cumulus adds an FM Translator in the Kansas City Market in a deal with Calvary Chapel of Kansas City. Horizon Christian Fellowship of San Diego agrees to sell an FM construction permit along with two translators to Calvary Chapel of Kansas City for a reported $150,000. Following the closing of that deal comes a sale of one of the translators — 102.5 in Bonner Springs, KS — to Cumulus Media Partners. Cumulus plans to rebroadcast the soon-to-launch HD2 format of KCMO-FM on the translator. The deal also calls for Calvary's religious programming to air on the HD3 multicast channel of Classic Rock "101.1 The Fox" KCFX-FM. Calvary is also buying a translator in Lees Summit, KS. The construction permit is for KYLF-FM, Freeman, MO.

* KXBT-FM, Austin Program Director Jeff Wolf is upped to Operations Manager for Border Media Partners Austin. Wolf, the PD of "98.9 The Big Talker" KXBT-FM, adds oversight of Sports "104.9 The Horn" KTXX-FM, True Oldies KXXS-FM, "1530 ESPN" KZNX-AM, and Spanish Sports "1260 ESPN Deportes" KWNX-AM. Previously, Wolf was PD of Talk WINK-AM, Fort Myers. He began his radio career at WINK News Radio as a weekend board op in late 2003 while still in high school. In 2005 he became a full time enployee, producing the morning show. In October 2008 he was promoted to Program Director.

* Sammy Simpson exits as Director of Integrated Marketing for CBS Radio in New York. Simpson joined the group in 2009 after five years with Bonneville's Triple-A "100.3 The Sound" KSWD-FM, Los Angeles, as Director of Marketing. Simpson also served as Bonneville's National Director of Promotions.

* Denver’s new Sports Talk station – the market's fourth – debuts as "87.7 The Ticket." It had been thought "The Ticket" would be on Front Range Sports' new acquisition KCUV-FM at 102.3. A couple of weeks ago, Front Range began an LMA with Syncom Media Group to program the audio signal of KXDP-LP, analog TV Channel 6 (87.7 Mhz). Front Range launched a Spanish-language station on 87.7 featuring ESPN Deportes. Now, that signal moves to 102.3, and the new "Ticket" launches on 87.7 under Program Director Tim Spence. "The Ticket" features local TV sportscaster Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller in mornings. The lineup: Tony D (5-7am), Vic and Gary Show (7-9am), Chad and PW (9am-noon), CJ and Joel (12-3pm) Les, JoJo and Gman (3-7pm) and Nate Kreckman (7-10pm). "We're excited to be Denver's Sports Station," says General Manager Tom Manoogian. "With four pro teams and four division one universities, Denver deserves a live and local sports station and we are here to provide it." Spence adds, "87.7 The Ticket is 'Denver guys...talking Denver sports... to Denver Sports fans' in the best sports city in America."

* "Sports Radio 1260 AM" WNDE, Indianapolis, adds "The Zakk and Jack Show" for mornings with national syndication. Operations Manager Buzz Casey says "The Zakk and Jack Morning Show" kicked off Monday morning (July 26). Dominic Zaccagnini (aka “Zakk Tyler”) had been a drive time radio personality in Chicago and Atlanta as well as an NFL game day host for the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons. Zakk was the co-creator and managing editor for WXIN-TV "Fox 59" News IndySportsNation.com before joining WNDE. Jack Trudeau was the Quarterback for the University of Illinois where he led the Fighting Illini to the Rose Bowl in 1984, then was drafted in the 2nd Round by the Indianapolis Colts in 1986. Jack played eight years with the Colts before finishing his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers. "The Zakk and Jack Show" is being produced in Indianapolis and syndicated nationally by the Fox Sports Radio Network.

* The independent examiner finds evidence of "dishonesty" in the deal that took Tribune Co. private in 2007. The court-ordered examination report of the leveraged buyout that put Sam Zell in control of Tribune Co. says that the examiner found evidence of "dishonesty and lack of candor" in the 2007 deal, and that the buyout "rendered insolvent and without adequate capital" the media giant. Examiner Kenneth Klee says Tribune was not forthright in getting an opinion about the company's solvency, and that management "did not adequately discharge their duties" in preparing financial projections, but mentioned no names. Klee was asked to look into whether Zell's $8.2 billion takeover of Tribune left the company so loaded with debt that it was insolvent. This report could cause problems for Tribune's Chapter 11 proceedings, which date back to a December 2008 filing. According to Reuters, Klee said he had found evidence indicating that Tribune's senior financial management did not apprise the company's board and special committee of relevant information underlying their October 2007 projections upon which independent financial advisory firm Valuation Research Corp relied in giving a solvency opinion. Klee did not find credible evidence against large stockholders, the lead banks, financial advisers, or the Zell Group. Regarding the $3.6 billion in debt Tribune took on as part of the buyout, Klee wrote, "It is somewhat likely that a court would conclude that the Step Two Transactions constituted intentional fraudulent transfers and fraudulently incurred obligation." He also said, however, that other aspects of the projections don't support a conclusion that Tribune senior management acted in bad faith. Tribune, headed by CEO Randy Michaels, owns WGN-AM, Chicago, television stations, and newspapers.

* Entravision Communications closes on its previously announced $400 million offering. That's $400 million in 8.75% senior secured first lien notes due 2017, sold to investors at 98.7% of par. Entravision also announces it has entered into the previously announced new revolving credit facility of up to $50 million. Proceeds from the note offering will be used for, among other things, repaying Entravision's syndicated bank credit facility in full, and for general corporate purposes. The new facility will fund working capital for the company.

* The controversial campaign finance DISCLOSE Act falls short in the Senate, fails to get votes to avoid a filibuster. The DISCLOSE Act failed to get past its first step in the Senate Tuesday (Juy 27), with insufficient votes for cloture to prevent a Republican filibuster. The bill, a response to the Citizens United case ruling that invalidated restrictions on corporate and union campaign expenditures, would impose strict disclosure rules on corporations and some interest groups, but exempted many unions and special interest groups. It also added a provision requiring businesses and groups to state their geographic locations in political ads, but exempted shorter radio ads from the requirement after an amendment was added. The House earlier passed its own version of the bill.

* Harker Research: "Did Radio Leave $7 Billion on the Table?" If you accept the conclusions of Harker Research, the answer is "yes." In a report at their Radio InSights, Harker writes: "Seven Billion more dollars.That’s what we estimate radio stations in the top 50 markets could add to their billing if radio used Nielsen numbers rather than Arbitron PPM numbers. We came up with the estimate after Nielsen released a summary of listening in the 51 markets they survey." The report agrees that "PPM cume estimates are minimally higher than in either Arbitron’s or Nielsen’s diary," but, it adds, "considerably lower in more important measures." An example cited: "PPM estimates that TSL in PPM markets is a little under 12 hours. In markets still measured by diary, TSL is about seventeen and a half hours, almost 50% higher. Nielsen using their own sticker diary estimates TSL at nearly 23 hours a week, nearly twice Arbitron’s PPM TSL." As most broadcasters are well aware, "The most important measure from a sales standpoint is AQH [average quarter hour] rating, and here Arbitron’s PPM estimate is nearly 30% lower than its own diary estimates, and 45% lower than Nielsen’s." The report tells us: "Arbitron admits that PPM estimates are lower, which is why it created the misguided 70 is the new 100 sales campaign aimed at media buyers. Their goal was to convince media buyers that they could buy only 70 rating points in a PPM market with the confidence that they were really getting 100 rating points." Harker Research however calls it "Arbitron’s Fuzzy Math" saying that was previously noted "back in September when we first wrote about it." The current report adds, "Asking media buyers to pay more for less struck us as a little optimistic and maybe even naive." And says Harker, "No official word from Arbitron on how the campaign is going, but word from our clients in PPM markets is that media buyers don’t buy it. Lower PPM ratings means media buyers demand lower rates."

"It stands to reason. Media buyers are not going to pay more for less. In a soft economy, most media buyers are going to try to pay less for more.A radio station switching from diary ratings to PPM who walks in with an AQH rating 30% lower than before is going to get beat up," says Harker Research. "Either the buyer will pay less for the same number of points, or get 30% more spots than she got before. In either case, PPM has cost the station, either in cash or units." Returning to the comparison of Nielsen diary estimates versus Arbitron PPM, the InSight asks: "What would happen if it turned out that Arbitron’s PPM estimates were wrong? What if radio was actually a 16.5 AQH rating medium that Nielsen says it is rather than the 9.1 AQH rating medium that Arbitron says it is? Media buyers would have to pay higher rates, or get fewer spots. In either case, radio wins. Radio wins financially, but equally importantly, it wins psychologically. Lower PPM numbers portray a medium in trouble. The uninformed and those who have a financial interest in perpetuating the myth that radio is in decline can point to Arbitron’s lower PPM estimates and use them to beat radio up."   [More »]

* AFTRA is urging support for Michigan legislation that would ban non-compete clauses in broadcasters' contracts. Two bills introduced in the Michigan legislature would prohibit the non-compete clauses, and AFTRA's Detroit chapter is urging its members to call their representatives to support the efforts. A bill sponsored by State Representative Fred Miller and co-sponsored by 20 other legislators is making its way through the House. The bill, HB 5750, has been referred to the state House Judiciary Committee, chaired by one of the bill's co-sponsors, Rep. Mark Meadows. Another bill, SB 1068, sponsored by state Senator Raymond Basham, has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism. Michigan is one of the states in which non-compete clauses are currently enforceable.

* Memphis authorities charge a sales rep for noncommercial Jazz “U92” WUMR with defrauding the station owner and underwriters. Richard Wrighten, 51, is charged with theft of property and services for defrauding a potential underwriter and the station of money and products worth $1,174. "The Jazz Lover" is the noncommercial station of the University of Memphis. Wrighten allegedly approached the CEO of Omololu International, a company that makes shea butter and soap products, about purchasing underwriting airtime on two occasions in May. According to the Memphis Police Department affidavit, Wrighten sold $350 of underwriter announcements to the company in May, asking the CEO to write the check directly to him. Two days later, Wrighten returned and offered $800 of announcements for $800 worth of Omololu products. Wrighten cashed the $350 check, the CEO told police, and took the products, but the company did not receive its underwriting spots. The station's manager told police that he had granted Omololu $1,200 of airtime because it had paid Wrighten for the services. The case, initially handled by university police, was linked to Memphis Police work when the university detective discovered Wrighten was a suspect in three fraud cases being investigated by Memphis PD. Police said Wrighten had previously used multiple social security numbers and dates of birth. Wrighten is in jail on $30,000 bond pending trial this week.

* Clear Channel CHR-Top40 “Hot 99.5” WIHT-FM, Washington DC: Just bleep the bleepin' promo! “Hot 99.5” got some people hot using the Gulf Coast oil spill to promote a summer contest — win an "amazing five-night cruise to Bermuda" where "the only oil you'll have to worry about is the tanning kind." The heat got hotter when Fox News decided the contest was news. Then several online publications reported on Fox News reports, making things even hotter for "Hot 99.5." Now, "Hot" cools it — and bleeps it. It's now a "Bleep-Free Cruise" that can be won by a lucky listener. Earlier WIHT Promotions Director Kim Sauer told Fox News in an email, "[It] is being taken by our listeners in the spirit in which it was intended – as a joke and nothing more." But Florida Governor Charlie Gris called the promotional spot "unfortunate," saying it spreads "misinformation" and "reinforces the widely believed idea that oil is everywhere." Imagined reax from a certain "Hot" on-air talent: "This whole thing got really bleeped-up."

* CBS Radio's "97.1 The Ticket" WXYT-FM, Detroit, extends broadcast agreements with the Tigers and Red Wings. A news release announces the extensions but terms and length of the agreements were not announced – only that both deals are "multi-year" extensions. "97.1 The Ticket" is simulcast on WXYT-AM 1270. WXYT has been the flagship for the Red Wings since the 2000-01 season and for the Tigers since 2001. Under the new agreement, WXYT-AM-FM will continue to broadcast pre-season, regular-season and post-season games. "Tigers baseball on the radio has long been a tradition for generations of families and a fabric of our community, and we're pleased to continue the tradition with 97.1 The Ticket," says Tigers SVP of Business Operations Duane McLean. Wings SVP of Business Affairs Steve Violette tells us, "Red Wings fans have anxiously followed their team on radio since Foster Hewitt's first national broadcast in 1933. We're proud to celebrate our first 10 years of partnership with 97.1 The Ticket by extending their term as the radio flagship of the Detroit Red Wings."

* Citadel Hot AC "Mix 92.3" WDVW-FM, New Orleans, flips to "Rock 92.3" with new calls WRKN-FM. The entire "Mix" air staff is out with the change. Early first listeners describe the new "Rock 92.3" as "walking the line between Alternative and Active Rock." The station, with a new splash page, is online at the former format's url, www.mix923neworleans.com. Citadel apparently considers the new "Rock 92.3" to be a gap-filler in the market after Clear Channel’s recent flip of “Rock of New Orleans” KYRK, into a “next-generation" Classic Rock station. The now former "Mix" station previously was Rhythmic AC "Diva 92.3" WDVW-FM from 2004-2008 when it flipped from WCKW. In 2008, the station switched to the Hot AC "Mix" format which featured Ryan Seacrest's syndicated show in afternoons.

* Ethan Weiss is the new Director of Affiliate Relations for Envision Radio Networks. Weiss will oversee the company's sales division along with handlling affiliate relations management. He spent the last 13 years working at Dun & Bradstreet. Previously, he was Music Librarian and Assistant Producer at MJI Broadcasting, morning show producer at WCOL-FM, Columbus, and afternoon producer at WTVN-AM, Columbus. "We are thrilled to welcome Ethan Weiss to our team as Envision's Director of Affiliate Relations," says Envision Radio COO Laura Orkin. "Ethan's background in sales management as well as radio experience is a perfect match for our growing company. His enthusiasm and work ethic has set a new standard for our sales culture." Weiss tells us that Envision President and CEO Danno Wolkoff "has been a mentor to me since I started at MJI in 1992. From the day I started working outside of radio I aspired to get the experience I would need to come back. To be able to not only come back to radio but be able to land with Danno, Laura, and the entire Envision Radio Networks team to lead Affiliate Relations is a definite privilege and the completion of a long-time goal."

* Mediabase promotes Nancy Deitemeyer to EVP Operations and Alissa Pollack to EVP Integrated Music Marketing. Deitemeyer, one of the founding partners, has lead Mediabase operations for 25 years and oversees the inner workings of the monitoring service. Pollack has more than 14 years of service with Mediabase, working for the sales team. Says President and CEO Philippe Generali, "We have worked with both Nancy and Alissa for a couple of years now and I am quite impressed by their day-to-day focus on details. Alissa Pollack knows more people in the record business than anyone. And without Nancy at the helm of our ship, we would certainly not be able to deliver the amazing services to our clients and friends. Our hats are off for both of our new EVPs here at Mediabase."

* NextMedia names Patrick Pendergast as General Manager of its Joliet and Aurora, IL, clusters. "After a long search, Patrick was the best candidate. He is a perfect fit for our Joliet-Aurora operation," says Chicago Regional VP Floyd Evans. Pendergast adds, "I'm flattered and honored to join a great organization and looking forward to the opportunities ahead." Most recently, Pendergast was Market Manager for Midwest Communications, Sheboygan, MI. The NextMedia Joliet-Aurora stations include Hot AC WSSR-FM, Classic Hits WERV-FM, Country WCCQ-FM, Classic Rock WRXQ-FM and News-Talk WJOL-AM.

* Jack Johnson joins the National Focus division of Focus 360 as Midwest Regional Manager. Johnson will be based in Detroit and will also oversee Chicago and the state of Ohio. Johnson previously was a Senior Account Execitove at Citadel Media Detroit and a Senior Marketing Manager for Westwood One. He's also served as Director of Group Sales for Greater Media Detroit. "Jack Johnson has had a long and tremendously successful and varied career in radio," says Focus 360 CEO Phil Brown. "He is a great addition to our team and is the ideal person to provide exemplary client service and lead business growth in the Midwest.

* Citadel Media signs with mSnap to provide mobile marketing capabilities to stations on a barter basis. The Denver-based mSnap already provides a text messaging service to Citadel Broadcasting stations and will now offer the same services to other stations under the new marketing and sales deal with Citadel Media. "The barter program presents stations the opportunity to use mSnap's industry-leading technology to boost ratings and increase connectivity with listeners," says Citadel Media President John Rosso. "Additionally, station sales departments will be able to utilize these capabilities to create a source of new revenue." mSnap also includes among its clients Clear Channel, CBS, Entercom, Cumulus, Saga, and Beasley. "Our goal has always been to make our mobile solutions available to all local media companies," says mSnap President Martin Kristiseter. "We currently work with more than 750 broadcasters, and we've worked very hard to help grow their brands, audiences, and revenues. We're proud of the progress we've made so far and believe our relationship with Citadel Media will greatly expand our radio footprint."

* Program Director and morning host Bill Gardner exits trimulcaster "Jill 92.7" KJLL/KHJL/KAJL, Thousand Oaks, CA. Gardner leaves the Amaturo Group trimulcaster after only four months. Gardner says he will be returning to his home in Las Vegas. Owner and President Joe Amaturo says, "Bill Gardner is a real gentleman, and the consummate pro. He and I have done many projects together, and hopefully we still have one or two more to go." The three "Jill FM" stations all are on 92.7 from Fountain Valley, Thousand Oaks, and Adelanto. The station airs a gold-based Hot AC format voice-tracked by a Canadian actress as "Jill." Previously, Gardner was an on-air host at Classic Rock KMZQ-AM, Las Vegas. Before that, Gardner spent nine years in mornings at Oldies/Classic Hits KOOL-FM, Phoenix.

* Michael Castello is named VP and General Manager of Principle Broadcasting Network's WLIE-AM, Long Island. Most recently, Castello was VP of Syndication Advertising Sales for American Latino Syndication-LATV Networks. Prior to that, he was VP of Hispanic Radio for MediaAmerica En Espanol. He's also served as Director of Affiliate Relations, and then Managing Director of Talk for United Stations Radio Network. WLIE, licensed to Islip, airs brokered ethnic programs.

* Former Nielsen BDSradio General Manager Catriona Mcginn joins Media Monitors as Sales Executive. At Media Monitors, Mcginn will oversee new business development and opportunities across advertising mediums. At Nielsen BDSradio she oversaw product development, marketing and national ad sales. "I'm very excited to be joining the Media Monitors team in this newly created position," says McGinn. "The sheer volume, accuracy and timeliness of our advertising intelligence is invaluable to any company. I look forward to exposing new industries to the power of Media Monitors." Media Monitors President and CEO Philippe Generali tells us, "Catriona's sales and market development experience, impressive track record and enthusiasm will serve her well at Media Monitors."

* Envision Radio begins Virtual Weather Reports, a new remote weather service for radio with local forecasts. The service features forecasts by meteorologist and 30-year radio vet "Big" John Wetherbee, and includes 24/7 forecasts and severe weather coverage provided on a barter basis. "Virtual Weather Reports is customized and formatted for each radio station," says Envision Radio President and CEO Danno Wolkoff. "Big John delivers weather reports that your listeners want on a daily basis with the entire nuance and references that affiliate's need to be local. Radio stations will reduce their costs with VWR while increasing advertising and sponsorship sales for each weather report." Adds Wetherbee, "There is a clear need to localize radio platforms with updated weather information. Danno and Envision Radio Networks see that need and the immediate monetary opportunity for radio. Plus, with Envision's super-structure already in place with such an incredible team, my Virtual Weather Reports can do even more."

* Clear Channel "Hallelujah 1600" KATZ-AM, St. Louis, adds programming to reach a younger audience. Gospel music will remain the central programming, but with the addition of two new hosts — Dwight Stone in afternoons and CoCo Brother Live in evenings. Both will also have special weekend shows. "We took a long look at the ways that we could provide a better experience for our listeners," says Program Director Darrel Eason. "This new on-air line-up featuring Dwight Stone and CoCo Brother Live are exciting additions to Yolanda Adams in the morning, Donnie McClurkin, Al MacDonald, The Freeman Bosley Jr. Show and numerous local church programs that we offer."

* The lawsuit pitting Houston-based rapper Trae Tha Truth against Radio One's "97.9 The Box" is dropped. Fox 26 Houston reports the rapper dropped the lawsuit, filed in May, that claimed Radio One prevented him from making a living with an alleged ban on the rapper and his music. Trae has previously claimed the ban began at "97.9 The Box" KBXX, Houston, and then was spread by Radio One company-wide. Trae — real name Frazier Thompson — claimed he was banned after a morning show member alleged he'd caused violence at a public festival he'd sponsored. Thompson then released a mixtape that included a "humorous" reference to the female morning show member's weight. When Trae filed his suit, the legal team for Radio One filed a countersuit to even the legal battle. Both sides have now "simply agreed to drop their lawsuits" without explanation. Warren Fitzgerald, attorney for Trae tha Truth, confirms to Fox 26 News that "both sides agreed to walk away from the legal battle, but there was no settlement of record." Fitzgerald says there are a lot of positive things that Trae tha Truth can do and that he and the rapper will refocus their efforts. He did not say specifically why both sides decided to walk away from the fight.

* Proposed political ad disclosures for federal candidates could see some relief for radio spots. The new disclosures are so lengthy, they'd make shorter radio spots impossible — with the disclosure eating up half of a 30-second commercial for a candidate for federal office. Now Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has introduced a revised bill that would exempt any shorter-length radio spot. TV ads would still be required to include the information on screen, but because of the time needed to voice the long disclaimers, radio would be exempted. The changes were made in hopes of attracting some Republican support for the bill, known as the DISCLOSE Act.

Meanwhile, the ACLU is urging the Senate to vote down the DISCLOSE Act in its entirety. "The ACLU supports the disclosure of large contributions to candidates as long as it does not have a chilling effect on political participation, but the DISCLOSE Act would inflict unnecessary damage to free speech rights and does not include the proper safeguards to protect Americans' privacy," says ACLU Chief Legislative and Policy Counsel Michael Macleod-Ball. "The bill would severely impact donor anonymity, especially those donors who give to smaller and more controversial organizations."

* There's another lawsuit over Jeff Smulyan's plan to take Emmis Communications private. New York securities law firm Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP says it has begun a class action suit in a New York federal court on behalf of Emmis shareholders against Emmis and certain of its officers and directors. The firm says the proposed merger is "the product of an unfair sales process" that would buy the stock at "an unfair price." CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquistion has proposed to pay $2.40 per share for common stock. The suit also claims the plan as announced would deprive holders of Emmis preferred stock of their right to elect two directors. The securities law firm also contends that Emmis filed a "materially false and misleading" preliminary proxy statement in May, and in June filed a Schedule 14D-9 with "several material misrepresentations and omissions," then attempted to "remedy the misleading nature" of the filings with two more preliminary filings that also, the law firm says, omit or misrepresent information necessary for Emmis shareholders to make an informed decision.

* Clear Channel CEO Mark Mays to employees: "We’re Hot!" Mays says of the company's sales teams, "They're hot, just like our media, and they're getting hotter." In an email — titled "We’re Hot!" — to Clear Channel employees, Mays writes: “That may be an understatement given the blistering weather searing the country this past week. But it is the best way to describe the mind sets of our sales teams as they focus on the important work of growing market share in our divisions and across our platforms. They’re hot – just like our media – and they’re getting hotter. Whether you look at radio or outdoor, we know that consumers spend a higher portion of their time engaged with our platforms than the share of budgets that advertisers traditionally invest in our inventory. Television for years has grabbed way more than its share (about half of all ad dollars each week go to network, cable, and local TV), while consumers spend just over one third of their time watching the tube. At Clear Channel, we’re in the trenches working on changing that equation and grabbing a higher percentage of the advertising pie." Mays also writes that "CCR is using innovative content and platforms to deepen and make more visible the engagement radio creates with listeners." And he tells Clear Channel employees: "Our selling fire has been on prominent display in New York these past two weeks, as John Partilla and our Global Media Sales team has partnered with sales and marketing execs across CCR and CCO to take our messages to the heart of the advertising universe, presenting to top agencies and making the case for our platforms."

"CCR is using innovative content and platforms to deepen and make more visible the engagement radio creates with listeners. Like the exciting content we create at our P.C. Richard & Son Theater in New York, and the Artist Personal Experience (A.P.E.) stations on iheartradio that pull listeners into closer relationships with their favorite performers. And investing in research to demonstrate that our 850+ stations connect with 62 million daily listeners, and that our 90 nationally-syndicated personalities are heard by 190 million a week. We can even show that iPod and satellite radio users listen to more broadcast radio than non-users. CCO is in the market building on the out-of-home industry’s new research methodology, Eyes On, that for the first time hands media planners a tool to integrate outdoor advertising into the buying programs they use to dole out dollars across media. It gives us a seat at the main table as ad budgets are carved up and gives us the information we need to rebalance calculations that put only 5% of all ad dollars into outdoor – even though the average consumer spends 25% of their time exposed to outdoor advertising. Combining research with the creative flexibility and immediacy of digital display enables CCO to sell more effectively against rival media.

"Our selling fire has been on prominent display in New York these past two weeks, as John Partilla and our Global Media Sales team has partnered with sales and marketing execs across CCR and CCO to take our messages to the heart of the advertising universe, presenting to top agencies and making the case for our platforms. We’ve invaded the Upfront Selling Season with a first-ever Upfront roadshow, telling Clear Channel’s story directly to the people who control ad spending. That sets the stage for a further sales push when the advertising world gathers in New York for Advertising Week in September, and we’ll have more in the pipeline in October, when Clear Channel is a leading sponsor of the biggest annual event for Chief Marketing Officers, the ANA Masters of Marketing Conference in Orlando. Summer Doldrums? Not at Clear Channel. Thanks for all you do to help fan the flames of our continued success.”

* Canada's Corus Entertainment makes changes to its radio, television and corporate management teams. The reorganization is intended to streamline decision-making and clarify roles and mandates, according to the company. Under the leadership of EVP and interim President of Radio Hal Blackadar, the Radio division is adopting a new organizational structure that includes: Cheryl Bechtel, VP and Controller with a mandate that includes responsibility for oversight of finances, reporting, budgeting and maintaining internal controls for Corus Radio. Dave Farough, VP Brands and Programming with overall responsibility for programming, brand and format decisions including setting standards for programming excellence, and oversight of the on-air talent pool in Ontario and Western Canada. Jack Hoeppner, National Director of Engineering with oversight of all radio engineering matters and radio frequency optimization. David Huszar, VP and General Manager, Interactive and Emerging Platforms with responsibility for interactive content at Corus Radio and delivery of content on emerging platforms.

For Corus' Western Radio properties, Garth Buchko is named General Manager, Corus Radio Winnipeg; Neil Cunningham is Director of Sales, Corus Radio, Western Canada; Garry McKenzie is General Manager, Corus Radio Vancouver; and Doug Rutherford is VP and General Manager, Corus Radio Alberta. In Ontario, Suzanne Carpenter is named VP and General Manager, Corus Radio, Eastern Ontario as well as VP and General Manager, CHEX-TV and CKWS-TV. Victor Giacomelli is Director of Sales, Corus Radio, Ontario; JJ Johnston is General Manager, Corus Radio Cornwall, Kingston and Peterborough; Chris Pandoff is VP and General Manager, Corus Radio Toronto and Hamilton; Chris Sisam is VP and General Manager, Corus Radio, South Western Ontario; and Lars Wunsche is General Sales Manager, Corus Radio Toronto. In Quebec, Mario Cecchini is Regional VP, Corus Quebec. "With these strong leadership teams in place, coupled with our new, state-of-the art technological infrastructure in Toronto, we are well positioned to meet the evolving demands of the marketplace," stated Corus President and CEO John Cassaday. "By streamlining the decision making in our Television, Radio and Corporate divisions and implementing better work flows, we will be able to compete more efficiently and service our customers and our audiences more effectively."

* The FCC is defending its right to change ownership rules in the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Commission's General Counsel files a brief with the court which FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says defends "the Commission's authority to make the changes to our media ownership rules that the Commission adopted in 2008." The 2008 FCC rules change partially loosened the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban. That revision allowed combinations in the largest markets, and established a process for waiver requests in smaller markets. The revision, however, has been on hold during court challenges. The FCC late last year asked the court to keep the stay in place saying the FCC's makeup has changed, and because the 2010 ownership review was set to begin. Genachowski says in his statement on the new court filing: "While the rules being challenged were adopted before I became Chairman, I support our General Counsel in arguing that the order was within the discretion of the Commission and the brief’s general defense of the Commission's authority to make decisions based on the information before it at the time." He also notes that the FCC is now in the midst of the 2010 ownership review which "requires us to look at any changed facts in the marketplace based on a record which the Commission is now assembling, while ensuring that our rules promote the lasting public interest goals of competition, localism, and diversity. Our 2010 quadrennial review will focus on these values, in the interest of an informed citizenry and vibrant media marketplace."

* Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell says the Commission's "fleeting expletives" policy was a mistake. In an Opinion page article for The New York Times, Powell writes: "When Bono used profane language on television, my staff ruled that it was not indecent, and a political firestorm ensued. The Federal Communications Commission reversed the decision and crafted a new policy that fleeting expletives could be indecent. I joined that decision with reservations; worried the commission might become the arbiter of every bawdy word, unrestrained by context or other guiding principle. After leaving the FCC, the commission issued an indecency order that revealed the unguided and subjective nature of its policy and the resulting chill on speech. The fleeting expletive policy was a mistake." Powell adds, "Light years ago, the Supreme Court held broadcast content could be more aggressively regulated because it was a scarce resource that held a 'uniquely pervasive presence in the lives of all Americans.' Broadcasting then was a scarce medium without rival — a time before UHF, cable, satellite, or the Internet. If the case for lesser speech protection for broadcasting was ever sound, that case is eviscerated today by the sheer abundance and accessibility of other media sources, which enjoy full constitutional protection. We cannot have one First Amendment for broadcasting and another one for every other medium. This vestige of a bygone era provides fertile ground for mischief — culture wars, political agenda and moral mandates. It’s high time for the high court to bring our laws into the 21st century."

* Congressman wants an answer from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on broadband "third way." Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.), a member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, wants an answer from Genachowski by the close of business Monday (July 26) to Dingell's May 27 letter seeking more information on Genachowski's so-called "third way" approach to clarifying the FCC's regulatory authority over Internet access service. That involves applying some Title II common carrier regulations. Dingell, the former chairman of the House committee, says in a recent follow-up letter to Genachowski that he wanted to express his "great frustration" that the chairman hadn't responded and was "apparently unwilling to respond" to that letter. Dingell said answers to the questions posed in his initial letter would be "invaluable in informing the debate." He also reminded Genachowski that Congress is the FCC's boss — the House and Senate "are the sole progenitors of the Commission's authorities."

* More from Alan Burns and Associates: CHR-Top40 listeners want to know "what music's popular." The latest release of data from Alan Burns and Associates study of female radio listeners shows "knowing what music's popular" and entertaining personalities have overtaken "finding my favorite song" as the key attributes of CHR-Top40 Radio. The results also show that respondents distinguish between "entertaining talk" and "useless deejay chatter," and that distinction drives much of the behavior that is observed in PPM ratings. "CHR listeners can and do easily find their favorite song immediately on their iPod or other digital device, but CHR’s unique advantage is providing fun and helping listeners plug into shared experiences and tastes," says CEO Alan Burns. "And a station that does those things better than others, wins. Make no mistake – playing the top songs is as important as ever for CHR, but doing that alone is not going to be enough to succeed in the new world." Other findings from the CHR presentation "Here She Comes: Insights into Women, Radio, and New Media" include: CHR’s five most-liked artists are, in order: Lady Gaga, Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, Rihanna and Usher; Ke$ha is CHR’s hottest new artist, almost reaching the top tier of most-liked artists this early in her career; Hip Hop has slid to 4th in popularity for CHR listeners but it still drives Rhythmic CHR listening; CHR P1s say they are more likely to tune out “a song I don’t like” (71%) than “a song I’m tired of” (48%); Top needs in a morning show for CHR listeners are “play a lot of music” (66%) and “make me laugh” (58%). The difference between “entertaining talk” and “useless talk” is key for holding listeners’ interest and getting repeat listening, says the study. More than 2,000 female listeners to CHR and AC were interviewed for the study, and Burns and Associates is releasing the results in a series of free Webinars. Next week's Webinar will focus on AC.

* Former WPOS-FM, Toledo, General Manager Richard Waldron is sentenced to four years of community control (probation). WPOS is a Christian station operated by nonprofit organization Maumee Valley Broadcasting Association. Waldron, 63, pleaded no contest to one count of aggravated theft for stealing $24,000 from the Christian station. He had been charged with grand theft, forgery, tampering with records and tampering with evidence. Waldron was convicted of using company checks and a credit card for personal use as well as writing checks to himself and paying himself more for health insurance than he was entitled. As part of his community control, Waldron was ordered to serve 90 days in work release, perform 200 hours of community service, and submit to random drug and alcohol testing. He was alsko ordered to pay $17,645 in restitution to WPOS.

* The WQED Multimedia Pittsburgh Board of Directors names Deborah Acklin as its first female President. She will oversee two radio stations, three TV channels, digital outlets, and other initiatives. She's been serving as EVP and COO. Acklin, who assumes her new duties September 23, succeeds George Miles Jr, who served for 16 years. "Deborah Acklin has served WQED with loyalty, dignity, passion and dedication since she first came here in 1996," says Richard Stover, Chair of the WQED Board of Directors. "We are firmly committed to continued strong leadership and sustainability, and there is no one more qualified to assume this role at WQED than Deborah Acklin." The board was unanimous in its support of Acklin, he said. "I'm very humbled by this," says Acklin, a Pittsburgh native whose career in television includes producing coverage of the first Pittsburgh Marathon in 1985 for KDKA-TV. She also was instrumental in creating and launching the National Geographic cable channel. Acklin began an internship at KDKA-TV in 1996 while a student at Duquesne University. Acklin joined WQED as an executive producer and later became SVP Production and Technology. WQED operates Classical radio stations WQED, Pittsburgh, and WQEJ, Johnstown.

* Tennessee Association of Broadcasters CEO Whit Adamson praises radio's response during the severe flooding. Adamson says his members are “proud” of the job they did earlier this year during Tennessee flooding. He told a Senate hearing Thursday (July 23) that broadcasters are “proven, reliable tools” during a disaster. He also lobbied to have FM receivers mandated for inclusion in cellphones. Adamson spoke at a hearing held by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. "Broadcasters are proven, reliable tools in the face of disaster," Adamson said. He noted broadcasters' participation in the voluntary EAS system and the AMBER Alert program. "Participation in the EAS is technically voluntary, yet virtually all radio and television stations participate, and do so proudly." Regarding broadcasters' response to the floods earlier this year, Adamson said, "We are proud of the actions of our broadcasters before and after the flooding in Tennessee." Whitman also directed attention to a TAB project with the Office of Emergency Management and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean's office to improve local EAS implementation, saying: "The ongoing reliability and success of the EAS network depends on several important developments. First, funding would help support expanded training of local public safety officials in how to use EAS." Adamson said local authorities' expertise in EAS is at an "unacceptable level," and said FEMA could both distribute funding and design a training and education program. Adamson also said that FM receivers in cellphones would "give consumers important, mobile access to radio services, including EAS messages." He added, "Broadcasters are grateful for the encouragement we have received from Congress in favor of expanding mobile access to radio service."

* Terry Sisisky, 58, the longtime radio voice of the Virginia Commonwealth University Rams, dies of cancer. Affectionately known to fans as the "T-Man," Sisisky died Thursday night (July 22), reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Sisisky had been diagnosed with cancer in April, shortly after doing television broadcasts of the Virginia High School League state championship basketball games. "He was just a great person, a hard-working individual," said Robert Fish, a friend of Sisisky's and a longtime Richmond area broadcaster. "You always knew what you were going to get from Terry: the best. It's a sad day for Richmond broadcasting that we lost a guy like Terry." His wife, Sandy, said a funeral service will be held Sunday in Richmond. "He loved doing sports," she said. "That was his favorite thing to do. He loved high school just as much as college." Sisisky broadcast youth-league games, high school games, college games and professional games in the area. He called his first VCU game Nov. 28, 1980. His tenure with the Rams spanned six coaches, eight NCAA tournament berths and four NIT appearances. "Terry was an institution at VCU for three decades," says VCU Athletic Director Norwood Teague. "Nobody worked harder for this university than he did. He will be sorely missed. We send our sincerest thoughts and prayers to his family." Sisisky retired from VCU in 2008 after 840 basketball games and 28 years. He missed only three Rams games. He became almost legendary for a streak during which he called 567 consecutive games. Sisisky finally missed his first game to attend a nephew's bar mitzvah in 1999. "He was pretty proud of that," Fish said. "All you've got to do is walk in that press room [at the Siegel Center, which is named for Sisisky], and see that picture and article [about the streak]. He was high-fiving fans like he was Cal Ripken."

* Christian AC "88.3 The Wind" KWND-FM, Springfield, MO, Station Manager Ben Birdsong collapses and dies. A well known voice to Christian radio listeners in the Ozarks is silent, following the sudden and unexpected death of Birdsong, who was also heard on-air at the not-for-profit Radio Training Network station. He came to Springfield in the mid 1990s to get the station back on the air, and for a time he was the morning show host. A former coworker says Birdsong was playing tennis when he collapsed and died. Funeral arrangements are pending. KWND has posted an "In memory..." announcement on its Website that reads, "Our 88.3 The Wind family mourns the loss of station manager, Ben Birdsong. Well-wishes and updates are on these Facebook pages here and here. By family request, donations can be made to 88.3 The Wind or Hope Community Church Missions."

* Noncommercial Pacifica Foundation Variety KPFK, Los Angeles considers revamping its programming. The station "is taking a hard look at afternoon, evening and weekend programming," according to the Orange County Register, citing "an internal memo targeting shows that are 'under-performing'" in afternoons, evening and weekends. The Register says the memo is from interim Program Director Alan Minsky. It tells programmers they need to look for ways to increase audience size and raise money in fund drives. No shows are named, but programs possibly in jeopardy, says the Register, may include "The Car Show," "Folk Scene," "Uncle Ruthie," and "The Music Never Stops."

* Christiane Amanpour will conduct a newsmaker interview during the Radio Luncheon at the 2010 Radio Show. This year's Radio Show is being jointly produced by the RAB and NAB. Amanpour is the incoming anchor of ABC News' "This Week with Christiane Amanpour." She will conduct the newsmaker interview in an intimate Q&A session set for Friday, October 1. "This Week with Christiane Amanpour" premieres on Sunday August, 1, when it will also begin broadcasting on ABC News Radio. Amanpour previously was CNN's Chief International Correspondent.

* Daniel Tisch's TowerView increases its stake in Saga Communications stock from 13.86% to 18.5%. That's according to an SEC filing. TowerView now owns 676,400 shares of Saga stock. TowerView also holds stock in Fisher Communications, Emmis, Cox, and other broadcast entities. Daniel Tisch is the son of former CBS CEO Lawrence Tisch.

* Entravision Communications prices its previously announced note offering. Entravision prices its previously announced offering of $400 million aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior secured first lien notes due 2017 at 98.722% of par. The offering is expected to be completed on or about July 27. Entravision will use the proceeds of the note offering for, among other things, paying off outstanding debt under its existing syndicated bank credit facility. Entravision also plans to enter into a new revolving credit facility of up to $50 million.

* Alternative WEQX-FM, Albany, NY, promotes Amber Miller to Program Director, effective immediately. Miller replaces Willobee who exited in March. Miller has been Music Director and midday host since May 2007, joining from "G105" WDCG-FM, Raleigh. Previously, Miller was a producer and on-air contributor for "The Rocky Allen Show" at WDVD-FM, Detroit. "Amber's dedication, hard work and leadership qualities are greatly appreciated by the owners and staff of WEQX," says WEQX VP and GM Mimi Brown. Miller adds, "I'm beyond thrilled to officially step into the position after three-plus years with this rare and beautiful oasis of a radio station."

* Debut Broadcasting reports record second quarter revenues of $1.36 million, up 29% from Q2 2009. Debut Broadcasting, a station owner and content syndicator, reports operating income of $145,758, compared to an operating loss of $53,727 in the same period a year earlier. Second quarter net income was $85,043, compared to a net loss of $127,827 a year earlier. "Our restructuring efforts implemented in February of this year are beginning to show positive results," says Debut Chairman and CEO Ronald Heineman. "Our record second-quarter revenue along with continued rigor on cost management resulted in much improved results." Heineman adds that advertisers are returning to radio ad spending. "While we remain cautious with the overall business climate, customers have begun revisiting their advertising budgets resulting in some increases in the syndicated advertising sales division. Now that our restructuring plan has been implemented, we are strategically evaluating opportunities to grow top line revenue. Our dedicated team of associates are very experienced and are key to establishing the platform for future growth. We look forward to reporting future progress."

* Tribune Interactive promotes Jeff Kapugi to Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Kapugi, who joined Tribune Interactive in 2008, most recently served as SVP of Representation. In his new role as COO, he will be responsible for all aspects of the operations of the company’s publishing, broadcasting and interactive Websites. "Jeff is an important player on our leadership team and an essential part of our future," says Tribune Interactive President Marc Chase. "He’s been driving change efforts for the last two years, churning the pot and keeping us focused on operating effectively and efficiently." Says Kapugi, "We have an incredible opportunity to take the media industry to the next level and I’m excited to help make it happen. My focus will be on implementing innovative efficiencies while maintaining a strong sense of organization." Kapugi replaces Nick Cory, who Chase says is being freed for other responsibilities. "Over "the last six months, Nick has been serving double-duty for the company, leading operations for Tribune Interactive and devoting additional time to the reorganization of certain back-office functions for the company. Now he can devote all of his energy to that project."

* Jeffrey Thacker is promoted to the newly created position Digital Director for Emmis New York. He will oversee digital for the Websites of Rhythmic WQHT (www.hot97.com), Urban WRKS (www.997kissfm.com), and Rock WRXP (www.1019rxp.com); and will work on design, metrics, and content for all three Emmis New York stations . Thacker joined Emmis in 2005 as Interactive Brand Manager for the former Smooth Jazz "CD 101.9." He oversaw the building of WRXP's online brand when the station flipped in 2008. In an email to the staff, Emmis New York Senior Director of Promotions and Digital Media Donyshia Benjamin says, "The last six months have been a journey for the digital department. Emmis New York went from three, two, then one Webmaster (with a strong part-time team) and during the digital restructuring Jeff rose to the occasion and embraced the design and content duties of all three Emmis New York Web brands." Thacker is now given the title that matches the duties he's assumed.

* Listener Driven Radio appoints Gregory Hunt as VP of Affiliate Relations. Listener Driven Radio provides interactive programming tools for broadcasters. Hunt formerly was a digital solutions specialist with Triton Digital Media. He has also held various roles in programming and promotions at Clear Channel Radio in Rochester, NY, and Dalton Media in Charlotte. Says Hunt, "Listener Driven Radio has tremendous momentum, and their commitment for a superior product is clear. I am enthusiastic about joining LDR. It's a company with visionary leaders in Daniel Anstandig, Mike McVay, Lee Zapis, and an unparalleled R & D team. They understand radio, and they get how technology can make it even better." LDR President Daniel Anstandig adds, "Greg has a history of success and creativity in working with broadcasters to reach new accomplishments in the interactive space. We are excited about the experience and energy he brings and are honored to have him join the LDR team." Hunt replaces Lee Cornell who was recently appointed Group Program Director of Canada's Toronto-based Evanov Radio Group.

* "New York Football Live" returns for the 2010 season on "1050 ESPN" WEPN-AM. New York, July 26. The series will air weeknights 7-9pm, hosted by Bonnie Bernstein and Greg Buttle. The program is a New York centered look at the NFL season, featuring in-depth coverage of the Jets and Giants, as well as daily recaps from around the NFL. The program will also feature ESPN network and local talent. Reporter Larry Hardesty and ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini will report live from Jets training camp in Cortland, New York, and cover Gang Green throughout the season. ESPNNewYork.com's Ohm Youngmisuk will report in the same capacity for the Giants, beginning with live coverage from training camp in Albany. A weekend edition of the program will air Sundays 12-2pm with Buttle and Don La Greca.

* Arbitron reports second quarter revenue of $88.3 million, up 1.8% from $86.8 million for Q2 2009. EBITDA was up 6.4% to $12.9 million from $12.2 million in the year ago period. Arbitron's costs and expenses increased 2.1% in the second quarter to $87.7 million from $85.9 million, mostly due to the ongoing PPM rollout, and the company saw a onetime expense of about $1.5 million in the quarter due to the previously reported realignment of the executive staff. Net income for the second quarter was $3.8 million (14 cents per diluted share), compared to $3.5 million (13 cents) a year earlier. "In the second quarter, the radio advertising marketplace continued to improve," says Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr. "As the ad economy brightens, we continue to work with customers to help the radio industry take better advantage of the rebound in advertising dollars. Our efforts in the second quarter also yielded significant progress towards our near-term and longer-term goals." Kerr says of Arbitron's priorities for the rest of the year: "We will work toward the completion of the commercialization of the PPM ratings service. We will continue our programs that are designed to improve key sample quality metrics for our PPM and diary services and further develop our cross-platform measurement capabilities."

* Arbitron's resolution of the dispute with the PPM Coalition was the major achievement of 2010's second quarter. During the Wednesday (July 21) second-quarter conference call, Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr said that resolving the long-running dispute with the PPM Coalition over PPM's potential effects on minority radio was "an important achievement for us." He said the agreement helps the ratings company "to refocus resources from across the company on matters of importance to our core customers." That includes sample quality enhancements, service improvements, and new cross-platform services that will "help fuel our long-term growth." Kerr said he and CFO Sean Creamer have been actively engaged with Arbitron's customer base. "One important desire we are hearing about consistently is the need to work directly with them to promote the radio industry. So beyond enhancing the Arbitron services that radio stations rely on to grow sales and build audiences, we are looking to become an advocate for radio and to increase the medium's profile in the advertising buy-and-sell process. Our goal is to help our core customers prosper, and, as a result, we hope, so will Arbitron."

* Journal Communications' radio revenue was up 3.5% in the second quarter – to $17.7 million from $17.1 million. TV revenue increased 7.5% to $47 million. Journal's publishing segment was down 4.1% to $47.4 million, mainly due to lower advertising revenue. Journal Communications overall reports revenue from continuing operations up slightly at 0.1%, to $104.4 million, year-over-year. Journal reports operating earnings of $14.4 million, compared to an operating loss of $9.5 million for last year's second quarter. The Q2 2009 figure included a $19 million impairment charge for Journal's broadcast licenses. Net earnings are reported at $8.1 million (14 cents per basic and diluted share), compared to last year's net loss of $4.8 million (11 cents). "Improving revenue trends combined with permanent cost-reduction initiatives taken over the last year led to another quarter during which we increased our operating earnings and our operating margin from the prior year," says Journal Chairman and CEO Steve Smith. "We also reduced our debt during the quarter by another $16.9 million. While the economic recovery seems to be somewhat uneven across the country, we were encouraged by the operating results for the quarter at most of our local markets, including Sun Belt markets like Nevada and Florida."

* Disgruntled Emmis shareholders go to court in effort to put the brakes on the go-private plan of CEO Jeff Smulyan. The Emmis shareholders went to court seeking a temporary restraining order to block the buyout, reports the Indianapolis Business Journal. The group wants the August 3 deadline for shareholders to accept a buyout offer delayed. A ruling from the court is expected soon. "We're not arguing the price," says Carl Stein, a lawyer at New York-based Wolf Popper LLP. "What we're saying is that people should have the right to make a fully informed decision on whether they like the price." Stein claims Emmis board members breached their fiduciary responsibility by not revealing key details to shareholders, such as company debt covenants due in August 2011 which are unlikely to be satisfied by a sale. Citing testimony from board members, Stein argued that the sale of the company is the only option to avoid bankruptcy since it is more than $340 million in debt. Smulyan's JS Acquisition is paying $2.40 for each share, or a 12% premium over the closing price of $2.14 on May 26. The Emmis Board of Directors unanimously approved the go-private buyout plan.

* Clear Channel Radio is donating two more stations to the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council. The two additional stations, with four previously announced, bring to six the stations Clear Channel is donating to the MMTC. The newly announced stations are Sports KFXN-AM, Minneapolis, and Oldies WTOC-AM, Newton, NJ. Clear Channel is donating the stations through the MMTC-Clear Channel Ownership Diversity Initiative, a program to provide new ownership and training opportunities to women, minorities, and other underserved groups. Also announced today (July 20), two of the stations donated earlier have been awarded to new minority operators. WNYF-AM, North Augusta, SC, is awarded to Shannon Renee deMedicis of Medici Media; WHJA-AM, Laurel, MS, goes to Jeffrey Hedgemon of Full Spectrum Broadcasting. "Shannon and Jeffrey have demonstrated exceptional work and decades of experience in media and broadcasting," says MMTC Executive Director David Honig. "We're confident that, with the resources provided by Clear Channel Radio and MMTC's cooperation with the NAB Education Foundation, we can further support Shannon and Jeffrey so that they can provide a meaningful resource for news and entertainment to their communities. We're excited to continue our work with Clear Channel to progress diversity in broadcasting." Renee deMedicis is a 25-year industry veteran who's worked in radio sales for Billboard and for several local stations in Georgia, and operated WNRR-AM, Augusta, under an LMA. Hedgemon has 40 years in broadcasting and has worked on-air and in programming, production, sales, and management. The MMTC is working with Renee deMedicis and Hedgemon, who will operate the stations under LMAs pending financing and final diligence.

* Radio shows year-to-year stability, according to analysis of key listening metrics in Nielsen's Spring 2010 ratings. The analysis was based on the ratings which measured radio listening in March and April among 115,672 consumers representing a population of 14 million in 51 U.S. markets. Nielsen say it is the most inclusive sample available to date of its radio measurement marketplace. Data for the reach, ratings, and time spent listening (TSL) in Nielsen's latest survey are consistent with the findings from just one year ago. Listeners ages 25 to 54 continue to thrive as the "sweet spot" for radio, while consumers in cellphone only households continue to listen at a higher rate than the 12+ population. Listening by persons age 18 to 34 also remains consistent in the comparison. "The remarkable consistency of Nielsen's spring 2010 surveys indicates that there's no bounce from last year's results," says Nielsen Director of Global Radio Measurement Lorraine Hadfield. "Nielsen's address-based sampling method — which captures all listeners regardless of whether they have a landline phone, cellphone only, or no phone at all — ensures that our ratings are based on the most reliable representation of the population in the 51 local radio metros."

* Arbitron begins its promised in-person recruitment for PPM. During Arbitron’s monthly conference call for PPM clients, company officials said that Arbitron this month began in-person recruitment. The move was agreed to as part of its settlement of issues with the PPM Coalition and approved by House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY). Arbitron Director of PPM Research Beth Webb says the program has started in Dade County and Miami, Dallas, and the Bronx and Brooklyn. Black and Hispanic sections of the three markets are the focus of the current in-person recruitment. Arbitron will study how the in-person recruitment works there before expanding the program to broader areas of those markets and then into other markets. The plan is to implement in-person recruiting in all PPM markets next year. Webb says Arbitron will be "tweaking the process" and assessing the results of the first three months and then, pending the results of the assessment, will roll out the in-person and address-based recruiting to the high-density Black and Hispanic areas in the top 25 markets over the rest of the year. In 2011, the new approach is set to begin in all PPM markets, and ultimately "all of PPM will have some component of in-person recruitment," says Webb.

* CBS Radio Dallas-Fort Worth cluster SVP and General Manager David Henry exits to join Splash Media. He joins the Internet marketing and video production company as Partner and President. "I am very grateful for my 18 years with CBS Radio in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex," says Henry. "It is been a challenging and highly rewarding experience and one that I will certainly cherish. Splash Media L.P. presents such a unique opportunity to participate in and provide direct leadership to a company that is extremely prepared and well positioned to provide technology solutions and related services to the world of Internet Sales and Marketing." Says Splash Media Co-Founder and Principal Chris Kraft, "We are extremely excited and optimistic about David joining the Splash Media family as our new President dedicated to the vision of becoming the preeminent full service social media and internet marketing firm in the U.S. David's hiring will certainly expedite our progress toward this goal. His experience at CBS Radio properties, specifically over the past five years to Internet Radio and related digital asset management, is very valuable. We also look forward to extending and expanding our direct relationship with CBS Radio through David and his network of highly talented CBS staff and former colleagues."

* An agreement is reached on severance owed former KSFO-AM, San Francisco, morning host Lee Rodgers. Citadel's San Francisco Radio Assets LLC and AFTRA agree on a "Stipulation and Order Agreement," under which Rodgers receives almost $238,000 for damages arising from his termination and failure of KSFO to abide by the terms of his 2007 contract. The stipulation is that Rodgers (Darrell Hicks) "shall have an allowed general unsecured claim in the amount of $237,932.69 for damages arising from rejection of the (Personal Services Agreement)" and is "free to seek and accept employment." The stipulation will be heard by Judge Burton Lifland in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York on August 2.

* Bob Uecker returns to the broadcast booth July 23 during the Milwaukee Brewers' home series. Uecker took a leave of absence at the end of April for heart surgery. The Hall of Fame broadcaster will be back on the air on WTMJ-AM Milwaukee, for the home series against the Nationals, according to the Brewers. The legendary baseball announcer and sportscaster underwent surgery at Froedtert and The Medical College of Wisconsin. Uecker's surgery went smoothly, according to Dr. Alfred Nicolosi who performed the operation. Uecker's return will be within the projected 10-12 week recovery timeframe, says MLB.com. Also Friday, Uecker will hold a news conference at Miller Park to further discuss the details of his return to the booth. The Brewers host Washington Friday night.

* SNL Kagan forecasts overall digital radio advertising revenues will double by 2015. That includes Internet, mobile and interactive. According to SNL Kagan, overall digital ad revenues, while growing quickly, are still a small percentage of total radio revenues. Streaming and mobile applications, however, are considered essential for radio broadcasters future growth. SNL Kagan hosted a Webinar Thursday (July 21) to discuss "The Future of Online Radio Revenue." The panel included SNL Kagan Senior Analyst Justin Nelson, moderator; SNL Kagan Associate Director Robin Flynn, co-moderator; CBS Radio National Digital Sales VP Adam Goldman; Pandora Director of Audio Sales Les Hollander; and Katz 360 Sales VP and Manager Tom Perry. SNL Kagan also says Pandora and other Internet radio providers are breaking new ground, offering profitability without a heavy capital structure model, despite streaming music fees. Terrestrial radio operators are still trying to get streaming mobile technology business models off the ground. But they need to note that iPods and smart phones with unlimited music choices threaten the traditional radio listener base. Mobile, though. is seen as one of radio’s greatest digital opportunities for generating non-traditional revenue.

* Alan Burns and Associates: Top 40 Radio needs to expose more new music. The latest release of data from Alan Burns and Associates study of female radio listeners shows that radio needs to look for more ways to satisfy Top 40 listeners’ demand for more new music. "Fifty-nine percent of the CHR cume says new music is very important to them, and radio is still their number one avenue for discovery of new music and new artists," says CEO Alan Burns. "The format needs to find ways to satisfy that appetite without becoming unfamiliar. And 15-24s are reporting a lot of music fatigue." The study also shows that the most-liked artist currently in Top 40 is Lady Gaga. "She's the #1 artist with all women right now," says Burns. More than 2,000 female listeners to CHR and AC were interviewed for the study, and Burns and Associates is releasing the results in a series of free Webinars.

* Oaktree Capital Management seeks to combine GAP Broadcasting with the new Townsquare Media. TPMedia has now confirmed much of what has been reported elsewhere. However, reports that Townsquare Media — formed from Regent Communications when Regent emerged from Chapter 11 — was seeking a merger with GAP Broadcasting and GAP West may have misled some. Oaktree Capital, which controls both Townsquare and GAP, is attempting to create one new broadcasting company that would own 170 stations in 36 markets. Although the deal is not yet finalized, paperwork has been filed with the FCC to transfer GAP Broadcasting and GAP West stations to Townsquare, under the leadership of CEO Steven Price. Despite the FCC filing, discussions are ongoing and no final documentation has been signed to merge the former Regent and GAP. GAP President George Laughlin and GAP West President Erik Hellum will "have senior roles with the company going forward," says Price. If specifics on what is ongoing were slow in being published, we have confirmed that none had been intended to be published at this time. However, word leaked out, and various reports began emerging — several of them adding new details sequentially. Townsquare employees were told about the possible merger in an email, but were told not to answer inquiries. The media covering media were supposed to await an official announcement once something was finalized, which has yet to happen. However, we are told by a highly reliable source that a news release could be forthcoming "within two weeks."

* Emmis wins appeals court ruling on the loss of its Hungarian Slager Radio license, but still doesn't get it back. A Hungarian appeals court in Budapest upholds a lower court ruling in favor of Emmis Communications that Hungarian radio regulator ORTT, which gave Emmis' license to another operator did so without due cause in a move that was politically connected to the ruling party. The appeals court also agreed the frequency should be given back to the former licensee. However, enforcement of the Hungarian court rulings is not assured. FM1 took over Slager Radio's frequency for its Neo FM. Emmis has indicated it intends to continue the fight to get the license back and return Slager to the air in Hungary.

* Mt. Wilson FM Broadcasters owner Saul Levine tells the FCC to just say no to Clear Channel expansion plan. Levine files a comment with the Commission, and tells them: “Mere words alone cannot describe the disaster that will destroy what is left of the Broadcast Industry if Clear Channel is given the opportunity to carry out what it seeks from the FCC. America will not be the same and it will not be a better place.” As previously reported, Clear Channel proposed that a single owner be allowed to hold up to a dozen licenses in a single large market. "The terrestrial radio broadcast industry is in dire need of an economic jumpstart," wrote Clear Channel, in comments filed with the FCC's ownership proceedings. "Easing the local radio ownership limits, at least in the largest markets, will recapture investors’ interest in radio broadcast companies. It will also stimulate the long-dormant market for radio station transactions."

* Saga Communications CEO Ed Christian is at odds with Bruce Reese on his "Let's make a deal for PRA" position. "I do believe that Bruce Reese speaks for Bonneville and not necessarily for the radio industry," says Christian in a memo currently being circulated. As we previously reported, Reese, Bonneville's CEO said, "the odds are stacked against us" on the Performance Rights Act, at the Conclave Learning Conference in Minneapolis, last week. Reese warned that Congress really wants "to do something for the artists." Reese added: "I would love to cut a deal" that would trade a royalty for certainty in the amount to be paid. Said Reese, "I can't tell you how badly the odds are stacked against us." Christian, who also chairs the Radio Music License Committee — currently locked in litigation with ASCAP and BMI over their music licensing fee schedules for radio stations — says he disagrees with Reese. "'Congress really wants to do something for artists' is indeed puzzling," says Christian in his memo. "If that were the case why are roughly half of the proposed monies being directed to the music companies? If there is such an overwhelming concern for the artists..... If Congress cares so much...do it right and send them 100%." Christian, thoroughly refuting the position espoused by Reese, concludes: "Where is the line in the sand? Next, will we have royalties for the club DJ's who say 'I should be compensated because of my skills and abilities to mix and blend music'." The full memo is available here from TPMedia.

* The NAB announces the finalists for the 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Awards. The awards honor radio stations and on-air personalities for excellence in broadcasting. The winners will be announced on September 30 at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show held during the 2010 Radio Show at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Washington DC. The finalists in 21 categories are led by those for "Legendary Station" — KBCO-FM, Denver; KSHE-FM, St. Louis; KSL-AM, Salt Lake City; WBZ-AM, Boston; and, WTOP-FM, Washington DC. The full listing of all finalists in all categories is available here from the NAB Website.

* MIW says the nomination process is open for their second annual Achievement in Programming Award. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group explains the award is designed to encourage the advancement of women in radio programming and to reward and recognize those who have achieved success in the field. The winner will be recognized at the 2010 Fall Radio Show in Washington DC. To enter, women must be at the Program Director level or higher (for example, Regional Program Director, Vice President of Programming) to be considered. Candidates must be currently active in the field, and primarily responsible for programming a radio station, group, or individual or group of programs. Candidates should also have at least five years' experience in programming. Candidates or those nominating candidates for the award must complete and submit the entry form at www.radiomiw.com. Anyone who would like to submit a recommendation of a potential candidate is encouraged to do so by August 6.

* Cumulus "Talk Radio 570" KLIF-AM, Dallas-Fort Worth, names Paul Duckworth as Program Director. The veteran News-Talk programmer fills the position left vacant by the death of Steve Nicholl in May. Previously, Duckworth programmed Citadel's News-Talk WMAL-AM, Washington DC, from late 2005 until May 2010. Prior to that, his programming resume includes stops at KPAM-AM, Portland, and KVI-AM and KOMO-AM, Seattle.

* Timeless Cool expands it's affiliate efforts with the appointment of three new regional directors. Joining Timeless Cool are Bill Kreutz, Dennis Soapes and Rob Magaziner working under Manager of Affiliate Operations Scott Gilreath. Kreutz, whp most recently served as Senior Affiliate Sales Manager for Dial-Global's 24-7 Digital Formats, will oversee the Midwest region, which is the same region he worked for three years for Unistar/Westwood One before being appointed VP Affiliate Sales. Soapes brings over 20 years of format syndication experience with both Broadcast Programming and Jones Radio Networks to his Western region. Magaziner, who spent over 20 years in Affiliate and Business Operations management at Westwood One, Unistar, United Stations and Dow Jones, will work the Eastern region. Gilreath tells us, "The new team brings extensive format syndication experience and credibility to our efforts, as well as a familiarity and history with their regions. With our focus on providing affiliates with a quality product designed to grow both ratings and revenue and provide the best customer service and support in programming syndication."

* Glenn Beck says he's been diagnosed with macular distrophy, a disease that could cost him his vision. The syndicated talk show host, in telling fans of his diagnosis, turned his situation into an opportunity to criticize President Obama’s health care reform plan. He told the 6,000 people in the audience, “I went to the best doctor I could find, while I could still go to the best doctor I can find.” Beck says he went to the doctor a few weeks ago, after losing the ability to focus his eyes. He told fans the doctor was unable to give Beck a firm prognosis as to exactly how much worse his vision will become, or when.

* Former syndicated "Follow the Money" host Pat Kiley files a lawsuit against two Minneapolis newspapers. Kiley, who was targeted by the SEC after promoting investment opportunities that turned out to be fraudulent, has filed suit against the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press, and his former co-host Bob Chapman, in Minneapolis' U.S. District Court. In his suit, according to the Business Journal, Kiley says he was unaware that former money manager Trevor Cook's currency trading scheme was a fraud while promoting it on his show. Cook admitted running a $190 million Ponzi scheme in April and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. Kiley, who was not been indicted, said he, like his listeners, was conned by Cook. Kiley is accusing the media of defaming him after the SEC named him as a Cook co-defendant in a civil action. In its complaint, the SEC said Cook and Kiley sold the unregistered investments through shell companies. Kiley is asking for the Star Tribune to pay damages of $6 million, the Pioneer Press $3 million and his former co-host $10 million. The suit also names several specific reporters for the two newspapers and Cook associates. Altogether, Kiley is seeking $42 million.

* Missing KBNG, Montrose, CO, morning host Richard "Rick" Steele is confirmed dead by Colorado authorities. Authorities in Colorado confirm a body which was found is that of Steele who has been missing since the beginning of July, and has been the subject of extensive searches. Cherry Creek Radio Montrose reports that the body found over the weekend is confirmed to be that of the “103.7 The Blast” KBNG morning host, who had been missing since July 1. Steele's death has been ruled an accidental drowning. Authorities say it appears he fell into the canal while walking his dogs. The Website for the Hot AC KBNG and its two sister stations — ColoradoRadio.com — has been posting updates on their missing friend since the start of the month. The latest reads: “We would like to thank everyone for their selfless work in trying to locate Steele. We also thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers as we go through this tragic time. Many thanks goes out to the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff’s Posse for their endless work on this case. May the fun loving guy that we knew in our hallways and inside our radio always be remembered.”

Earlier we reported that Grand Junction's The Daily Sentinel wrote that the Montrose County Sheriff’s Department over the weekend discovered a male body in the South Canal near where Steele went missing. “The body has not been identified at this time, but the circumstances surrounding the search for missing DJ Rick Steele are consistent with this case, pending autopsy results,” says Sheriff Rick Dunlap. Steele, 48, was last seen July 1 between 7:30 and 8pm along the canal near Miguel Road east of town. Deputies and the Montrose County Sheriff’s Posse began a search using scent dogs and helicopters for several days afterwards, but found nothing. There were no other clues pointing to his whereabouts, department spokeswoman Kristin Scuderi said. The Colorado National Guard even pitched in at one point, and so have volunteers from around town, including his co-workers at KBNG and its two sister stations.

* Alternative "CD101" WWCD, Columbus, OH, Program Director Andy "Andyman" Davis dies in drowning accident. The tragic weekend accident occurred while he was on a family vacation in Michigan. Davis, also "CD101" afternoon host, had been with the station for 19 years. WWCD posted the sad news on its Website: "It is with much sadness that CD101 announces the passing of John Andrew “Andyman” Davis – programming director and beloved dee jay at CD101. Andy was vacationing with his family in Michigan and tragically drown this weekend. Andy is survived by his wife, Molly, and their three sons Johnny, Oliver, and Sammy. Andyman Davis started at CD101 in June of 1991 as on on-air personality and became CD101’s Programming Director in 1998. Andyman was the voice of CD101’s afternoon drive program and was voted Columbus’ favorite DJ on numerous occasions. No further details regarding Andyman’s memorial services are available at this time but information will be announced as it is made available."

* Spanish Broadcasting System names Marko Radlovic as Chief Revenue Officer for the SBS radio unit. He replaces Frank Flores who exited in June. Radlovic will also continue as General Manager of SBS Los Angeles. Radlovic moves into the new position immediately, monitoring sales in local markets and supervising all SBS GMs, as well as overseeing relations with McGavren Guild and Citadel Media Network. Before becoming COO in 2005, Radlovic was SBS's CRO. He previously served as GM for the company's New York cluster.

* Cumulus WWWQ-HD-2 and "99X At 97.9FM" W250BC, Atlanta, is the new flagship for Atlanta Hawks basketball. The Hawks' former home, Dickey Broadcasting Sports "680 The Fan" WCNN-AM , will continue as the flagship for Atlanta Thrashers hockey. Hawks voice Steve Holman will return to call the basketball action, with pre- and post-game shows and a weekly coach's show airing on "680 The Fan." Dan Kamal returns for his 11th season calling Thrashers games. "We've enjoyed a long-standing partnership with 680 The Fan as our flagship radio station for the Thrashers," says Hawks and Thrashers Chief Sales Officer and SVP of Sales and Marketing Tracy White. "As a result of the success of that partnership, we are thrilled to have created a platform through which we can increase Hawks exposure to fans within the greater metropolitan Atlanta area and extend our reach to fans outside of the city." Cumulus Chairman, President, and CEO Lew Dickey says, "This partnership represents an exciting new chapter in our platform strategy to bring Atlanta's best content assets to our listeners and advertisers. We are extremely pleased to announce this multi-year agreement with the Hawks and Thrashers which will provide an unprecedented level of coverage designed to bring the fans closer to the teams than ever before." And says Dickey Broadcasting President David Dickey, "Dickey Broadcasting Company is very excited about extending and growing our partnership with the Hawks, Thrashers and Philips Arena. Serving as the official broadcast partner of both the Hawks and Thrashers will enable 680 The Fan to continue to strengthen its position as the region's dominant sports station, and will allow us to deliver more team-oriented content, to Hawks and Thrashers fans, than ever before."

* Cumulus Rock WRQQ-FM, Nashville, flips to “Classic Hits 97.1 RQQ.” The station, which previously aired the format, returns to Classic Hits as Arbitron's PPM ratings system is about to arrive in the market. The syndicated Bob & Tom show remains in morning drive. WRQQ previously aired Classic Hits from 2007-2008, in one of a number of format changes over the past ten years.

* Entravision sets a senior note offering, releases early second quarter estimates. In the first of two announcements, we are told: "Entravision Communications intends to offer $385 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured first lien notes due 2017, and to enter into a new revolving credit facility of up to $50 million." Entravision will use the proceeds of the note offering for, among other things, paying off outstanding debt under its existing syndicated bank credit facility. In the second announcement, the company provides preliminary estimates for its second quarter results. Entravision estimates that second quarter revenue was between $53.3 million and $53.5 million, up 9-10% from the second quarter of 2009. Entravision will release its full, formal second quarter results July 30.

* KNX-AM, Los Angeles, sportscaster and well-known radio-TV figure Chuck Madden has died at the age of 61. It's reported he had been recovering from recent strokes, but had also recently been diagnosed with leukemia. "Chuck's warm and personable style of sports reporting was heard most recently here on KNX – in fact, he's worked at the station twice in his career as well as other top Los Angeles stations, including KABC, KMPC, and Fox Sports Radio," says KNX and KFWB Program Director Andy Ludlum in a news release. The Orange County Register's Gary Lycan writes that listeners knew Madden for his sports and feature reporting on KABC-AM's "Ken Minyard and Peter Tilden Show," and for feature stories on the "Peter Tilden and Tracey Miller Show" on the old KMPC-AM. He moved to KNX in 1999 to sit in for the retiring Fred Gallagher, and eventually got a full-time sports job there. In later years, he did acting and voice-overs, including a recent appearance on the TV show "Criminal Minds." There was no immediate word on services. Before he came to the Southern California airwaves, Madden had worked for stations in Dallas, San Jose and Monterey, according to a report on KNX.com.

* Bryan Hollenbaugh is named Market Manager for Bustos Media's Eastern Washington station group. That group includes stations in the Yakima, Tri-Cities and Wenatchee markets. Hollenbaugh replaces President and CEO Jay Meyers who was handling those duties on an interim basis. "Running Eastern Washington is an important position in this company," says Meyers. It's the largest Hispanic population base in the state, and covers a geography that will require a dedicated manager who will literally live in his car and be a presence in all three places each week. Because of the steep cost of housing on Grand Cayman, Bryan has already been living in his car for the past three years so if you think about it, he's a natural for the position." Hollenbaugh, who previously was Market Manager of dms Broadcasting in Grand Cayman for three years, adds: "Moving from Grand Cayman to Yakima is like a dream come true. My wife and I are wine enthusiasts, so that's a plus. All we can do down here is hang out at the beach, and trust me, no one wants to see me in a bathing suit. I'm also pretty excited to get to a place where if you get in the car and drive an hour you're not right back where you started." Hollenbaugh has also managed a cluster of English and Spanish stations in Punta Gorda, FL, along with management stops in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Reno, NV. He started his radio career in programming as a Program Director in New Mexico.

* Citadel Media signs Michael Baisden to a new multi-year extension. "The opportunity to continue our partnership with Michael is a tremendous win for our affiliates and advertisers," says Citadel Media President John Rosso. "He is a dynamic host and has repeatedly proven his ability to connect with his listeners who are fiercely loyal to his brand. I’m proud we will be working with him well into the future." Baisden, meanwhile tells us, "Every day my goal is to engage our audience with a meaningful discussion on the topics that matter most in their everyday lives. I’m pleased to know I’ll continue doing that with the team here at Citadel Media. For the last five years, we’ve been able to grow the program — not just in markets and ratings — but also in the way we touch our communities. Our listeners are among the most responsive in radio and have truly stepped up to address the key issues facing our country. It’s extremely gratifying to realize what we’ve accomplished so far and also to know we’ll keep doing more together."

* John Boy and Billy renew with Premiere Radio Networks in a new long-term contract. The duo, approaching their 30th year together, air weekdays 6-10am. Their syndicated morning show is heard on 70+ affiliates. Speaking with one voice, John Boy and Billy tell us, "Premiere is the best in the biz, and we're tickled to death that they've asked us to continue doing... whatever the heck it is that we do." PRN President of Content and Affiliate Relations Julie Talbott says, "John Boy and Billy have put their unique stamp on morning radio and it's no surprise the show continues to attract listeners, stations and sponsors alike. We're extremely proud of John Boy and Billy's continued success and look forward to extending our relationship into the next decade."

* Clear Channel proposes that a single owner be allowed to hold up to a dozen licenses in a single large market. "The terrestrial radio broadcast industry is in dire need of an economic jumpstart," writes Clear Channel, in comments filed with the FCC's ownership proceedings. "Easing the local radio ownership limits, at least in the largest markets, will recapture investors’ interest in radio broadcast companies. It will also stimulate the long-dormant market for radio station transactions." Ars Technica, reporting on the Clear Channel filing says: "It's time once again for the Federal Communications Commission to consider its broadcast ownership rules. That means another huge petition from Clear Channel Communications calling for the elimination of any restrictions on the number of radio stations that the company can buy." The Clear Channel filing adds, "Broadcast radio remains one of the least consolidated of the country’s major industries," claiming the landscape of the business has changed. "Today, satellite radio and Internet-radio based services are robust competitors to terrestrial radio stations. ... None of these powerful competitors are limited in the number of outlets or program streams they can provide." Given broadcast radio's "past dominance as a purveyor of audio content," Clear Channel adds, the presence of these new competitors "axiomatically reduces radio broadcasters' share of the market," making the FCC's ownership restrictions outdated. Clear Channel also proposes what it calls "ownership tiers." These tiers would allow an increase in the number of stations owned from 8 to 10, if the market had between 55 and 64 stations. If the market had 65 or more stations, the number of stations one company could own would jump from 8 to 12.

* CBS Interactive Music Group and CBS Radio launch a new streaming platform. Based at the url Radio.com, the site includes "scrobbling" music discovery technology from CBS's Last.fm. CBS creates what it calls "the simplest, most listener-friendly online radio experience in the industry." The rich-data Website has the flexibility to allow consumers to listen, learn, discover, as well as build their music profiles. Advertisers will also benefit from the redesign and resulting increase in page views with more ad placement opportunities, including a visual history of audio spots heard while listening to the stream, and improved audience measurement. Following in the footsteps of CBS Radio's more than 90 updated music station Websites and the Radio.com iPad app launched in April, the new streaming media player is built to provide the audience with an environment where they can receive information about their favorite station, band, or artist, and read more on the latest developments in the world of music, sports, politics and local news.

* Half of all the women and 73% of "early adopters" of technology would buy a different cellphone if a radio receiver is included. That's according to data released by Alan Burns and Associates. Some 54% of those surveyed said they'd listen to radio more if they could listen on a cellphone. "This is great news for the radio industry," says CEO Alan Burns, "because now we have hard data to show cellphone manufacturers that putting radio receivers in their products would benefit them financially. It's a huge opportunity, because over half of the 2,000 women we interviewed said they'd listen to more radio if they could listen on their phone."

Some 25% of women say radio doesn’t understand them, according to data from Alan Burns and Associates. The study shows that one-quarter of all women who listen to Top 40 or AC radio say there’s no radio station in their market that sounds like it really understands them. "And that," says Burns "leads to erosion in radio usage." He adds, "Two thirds of the women who say there’s no radio station that 'gets' them are listening to radio less as a result. Either their interests and values have changed, and radio hasn’t kept up — or radio has changed in ways they don’t appreciate." Alan Burns and Associates conducted what is said to be the largest-ever study of female radio listeners. The data for "Here She Comes: Insights Into Women, Radio, and New Media" is the result of interviewing over 2,000 female listeners to AC and Top 40 stations regarding their attitudes toward – and usage of – radio, digital and social media, and their own personal priorities. What would make radio more enjoyable for the women? Some 68% said fewer commercials, while 60% said fewer "obnoxious commercials." Another 37% would like more information on songs and artists, and the same number would enjoy more new music, while 36% asked for less music they're tired of. Burns says "content improvements can help address all of radio's biggest consumer challenges. It improves the price/value relationship with regard to commercials, it improves relevance, it creates incentive to stay with or come back to radio vs. new media, and it can generate higher interest and loyalty among the very vulnerable young end."

* FCC Commissioner Michael Copps says he's "shocked" at the U.S. Court of Appeals "anti-family decision." Says Copps, "Sadly, the court focused its energies on the purported chilling effect our indecency policy has on broadcasters of indecent programming, and no time focusing on the chilling effect today's decision will have on the ability of American parents to safeguard the interests of their children. I hope that this decision is appealed — and ultimately reversed. Earlier this week, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals threw out the FCC's indecency enforcement policy saying it "violates the First Amendment because it is unconstitutionally vague." In reacting to that ruling, Copps says: "In the meantime, as even this court recognizes, the FCC has the power to create a constitutional and enforceable indecency policy. I'm convinced we already have one. In light of the uncertainty created by today's decision, I call on this Commission to move forward immediately to clarify and strengthen its indecency framework to ensure that American parents can protect their children from the indecent and violent images that bombard us more and more each day. These parents — millions of them — are waiting."

* Radio One extends its pending exchange offer of senior subordinated notes until the end of July. Radio One extends the expiration date of its previously announced offer to exchange its 8-7/8% senior subordinated notes due 2011 and its 6-3/8% senior subordinated notes due 2013 to July 31. As of July 15, about 90% of the outstanding existing notes had been tendered into the exchange offer and not withdrawn. The conditions necessary to consummate the exchange offer were not satisfied and as a result, Radio One extended the offer.

* Bonneville CEO Bruce Reese: "the odds are stacked against us" on the Performance Rights Act. On the opening panel of CEOs on the second full day of the Conclave Learning Conference in Minneapolis, Reese warned that Congress really wants "to do something for the artists." He said of the PRA: "They really want to pass this legislation." Praising the NAB leadership's lobbying effort, he nevertheless said that the law might be attached to a "must-pass" piece of legislation, especially by an outgoing lame-duck Congress. "I would love to cut a deal" that would trade a royalty for certainty in the amount to be paid, said Reese. "I can't tell you how badly the odds are stacked against us."

* KOCD, Okemah, OK, flips from Smooth Jazz to a new Adult Variety Hits format from Audience Bakery. Says Audience Bakery CEO Phil Hall, "We used Doug Jones Research to help us craft the station that is really designed by heavy radio users tired of the limitations and repetition radio has chosen to implement regardless of listener needs and desires. We’re excited to have Oklahoma’s New 103.7 as our flagship station." Dallas-based Audience Bakery’s Variety Hits format Radio 2.0 debuted this weekend on KOCD, which now bills itself as "OK103.7" or "OKlahoma's 103.7" and tells listeners it's the "New Version of FM." On the station's new OK1037.com Website, visitors are told KOCD is "Building The Playlist You Always Wanted." KOCD previously aired Broadcast Architecture programming.

* "Wired 96.5" WRDW-FM, Philadelphia, "Chio in the Morning" co-host G-N Kang is out. She says her contract was due to expire in October, which would have been her fourth anniversary at WRDW and her eighth in radio, reports Philly.com's Michael Klein. "I'm handling this pretty well," Kang, 28, told Klein. "I always look at the bright side. I have to admit I was shocked, because we'd been getting bonuses for our ratings." She said she was not sure what her next move would be, but would be open to transitioning to TV. In his Philadelphia Inquirer Inqlings column Klein writes, "Show host Chio is leading a talent search that on paper is leaning female but may be pointing toward one Diego Ramos, his on-air foil at his old station, Q102. Ramos got out of the radio business in early 2009 and now owns a bar in the city. Neither man returned my messages, but Chio is supposed to address matters on the air Monday." As it turned out, Monday morning (July 19), Chio announced he has renewed his deal with Beasley Broadcasting's WRDW for three more years. He did say a "nationwide search" has begun for Kang's replacement, but Ramos' name was not mentioned.

* Chicago radio personality Jonathon "Johnny B" Brandmeier is being sued by his former agent for $312,000. Chicago Breaking Business reports the former agent, Lisa Miller, and her Miller Broadcast Management are seeking to recover $185,000 in unpaid fees plus more than $100,000 in attorney’s fees and interest. Miller went to Cook County Circuit Court to enforce a June 10 arbitrator's decision. Brandmeier was ousted from mornings at Emmis Classic Rock WLUP-FM, Chicago, last November with three months left on his contract when the station decided not to renew him. WLUP, which had been Brandmeier’s home from 1983 to 1997, brought him back in 2005. Miller Broadcast Management entered into a contract to represent Brandmeier in 2003, according to the suit. At some point, a dispute arose regarding unpaid fees. The company went to arbitration to resolve it, according to the terms of the agreement. Brandmeier has not complied with the arbitrator’s ruling, claims the former agent. Miller Broadcast is entitled to interest in the amount of $29.60 per day since the June 10 ruling, says the suit.

* Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw – DSC – will return to San Diego mornings on "100.7 Jack FM" KFMB-FM. Dave Rickards, Shelly Dunn and Cookie Chainsaw Randolph take over mornings on the Adult Variety Hits station August 2. The trio left San Diego's KGB-FM in January after they were unable to reach a new deal with the Classic Rock station, even though KGB said they'd made "a very lucrative, multi-year offer." DSC indicated at the time they hoped to be back on morning radio in the market before the year was over. KFMB Program Director Mike O'Reilly says that being able to add the trio is an opportunity for the station. "Opportunities like this are few and far between. This is a big win for the fans, the show and Jack. The addition of DSC is the x-factor that will catapult the Jack FM listening experience in San Diego to another level entirely." VP and General Manager Gina Landau adds, "With Jack's attitude, playfulness, and quirkiness, DSC is a natural fit for the Jack FM brand. DSC and Jack FM are a match made in radio heaven. We are thrilled to welcome them to the KFMB family of stations."

* Former "102.3 Jack FM" KCUV to become Denver's fourth Sports Talk station as KDSP. The former Adult Variety Hits station, will launch its new format featuring talent from the market's other Sports Talkers, the week of July 19. Manager and co-owner Tom Manoogian tells The Denver Post that former "ESPN Radio 1600" KEPN-AM hosts Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller of KCNC-TV will host mornings using the same format and time period the duo featured for a year on KEPN-AM. That show, produced and marketed by Manoogian (known on radio as Lou from Littleton), ended its KEPN run two weeks ago and was replaced by Dan Patrick's ESPN show. The Post writes that Manoogian declined to elaborate on other sports talent and programming, saying the schedule is a "work in progress." However, a source at "Mile High Sports Radio" KCKK-AM said that Joel Klatt and Nate Kreckman have left their afternoon show and have moved to KCUV as single show hosts. Working with Manoogian as Program Director is Tim Spence, who for many years held a similar position at KEPN. He departed the station recently when Nate Lundy, hired in February, took over programming duties for both KEPN and "104.3 The Fan" KKFN-FM, which features both local and ESPN programming. Manoogian and a group of 20 investors recently purchased KCUV and "105.5 The Jack" KJAC-FM from NFC Broadcasting. The FCC approved the sale at the end of May. The two stations will operate as Front Range Sports Network. However, "The Jack" will continue with Classic Rock, according to Manoogian.

* Clear Channel names Gator Harrison as Operations Manager for the company's four-station Chattanooga cluster. Harrison is also named direct Program Director of Country WUSY-FM. Harrison joins Clear Channel August 2 from his previous post as morning personality for WGSQ-FM, Cookeville, TN. Previously, Harrison was Program Director at WYHY-FM, Nashville. Says Clear Channel Chattanooga Market Manager Jared Stehney, "We are extremely pleased to have someone of Gator's caliber as the new Operations Manager of CC Chattanooga and PD of WUSY. Gator's talents and expertise have been widely recognized by numerous 'Station of the Year' and 'Personality of the Year' awards from various industry groups. We look forward to his taking this cluster to whole new heights." Harrison adds, "Anyone who has said 'there's no place like home,' has apparently never been to Chattanooga. Great City, Great People, Great Stations, Great Company, and an opportunity to pin on the Legendary WUSY Shield. That's an adventure I couldn't refuse."

* Union Radio appoints Javier Cortezon as Managing Director and Javier Viroomal Carreno as Digital Director. Cortezon was previously the company's Associate Director since 2006. Cortezon joined Grupo Prisa in 1996 as Financial Controller of the newspaper El País, a position he held until 2000 when he became CFO of GMI. In 2002 he became Managing Director of Media Management Control Spain, and in 2004, Director of International Operations for Prisa. Carreno will oversee the digital development of Spanish language broadcaster Union Radio in all of its areas of activity, including talk radio and music, live music, music television and brand development, in addition to strengthening existing, Web and mobile channels. Union Radio, whose Grupo Latino de Radio owns "W Radio 690" in Los Angeles and "Radio Caraco" WSUA, Miami, is part of Spain's Grupo Prisa, and has more than 1,200 stations in 10 countries.

* Renda Broadcasting Tulsa names Jet Black as Operations Manager for CHR-Top40 KHTT-FM and AC KBEZ-FM. Most recently, Black was with Citadel in Oklahoma City. Previously, he was Program Director and afternoon host at Rhythmic CHR WHZT-FM, Greenville-Spartanburg. He's also served as Assistant PD and Music Director with crosstown KTBT-FM.

* Emmis Communications reports total net revenue for the quarter ended May 31 increased 1% to $60.34 million. That's up from from $59.8 million for the same period in 2009. The year-to-year comparison shows radio net revenues up 1.9% to $44.4 million. That includes the company’s foreign radio operations as well as domestic. Domestic radio net revenues were up about 2% to almost $41 million; foreign radio net revenues declined slightly to $3.37 million. With the proposed go-private buyout by CEO Jeff Smulyan pending, Emmis is not conducting quarterly conference calls. However, it has posted the financial results on its Website, and offers a summary analysis in its quarterly financial filing with the SEC: “Radio net revenues increased in the three-month period ended May 31, 2010 as compared to the same period of the prior year principally due to the continued improvement in the general pace of business. We typically monitor the performance of our domestic stations against the aggregate performance of the markets in which we operate based on reports for the periods prepared by Miller Kaplan. Miller Kaplan reports are generally prepared on a gross revenues basis and exclude revenues from barter arrangements. Miller Kaplan reported gross revenues for our domestic radio markets increased 5.7% for the three-month period ended May 31, 2010 as compared to the same period of the prior year. Our gross revenues as reported to Miller Kaplan fell short of the performance of the markets in which we operate, posting an increase of 3.1% compared to the prior year. Our gross revenues grew more than the market average in three markets (New York, Indianapolis and Austin) and trailed the market average in three markets (Los Angeles, Chicago and St. Louis). Revenue declines at KPWR in Los Angeles and in our Chicago radio cluster caused us to fall short of the performance of the markets in which we operate. Miller Kaplan does not report gross revenue market data for our Terre Haute market. For the three-month period ended May 31, 2010 as compared to the same period of the prior year, our average rate per minute for our domestic radio stations was unchanged and our inventory utilization was up 2%.”

* Ford launches a marketing campaign for its 2011 Edge highlighting the benefits of HD Radio technology. The 2011 Edge is set to hit dealerships in the fall and will offer the world's first automotive implementation of iTunes Tagging in a factory-installed HD Radio receiver. Ford is promoting the benefits of HD Radio to potential Edge buyers with both a dedicated Web page and an 11-week radio campaign that began July 13 and will be heard on more than 600 stations in the top 100 markets. The campaign features five 30-second spots that will run through September 26. "Ford's Edge marketing campaign will demonstrate the great point-of-sale value HD Radio Technology provides our brand partners, and builds on growing awareness and adoption by consumers," says HD Radio developer iBiquity COO Jeff Jury. "New rollout benchmarks are being set by the automotive industry, enabling many new car buyers to experience new HD Radio Technology services and capabilities for themselves."

* Mike McConnell is proven correct on shift he said he'd have at WGN-AM, Chicago, despite earler denials. McConnell, late of WLW-AM, Cincinnati, starts at WGN Radio August 9. Before leaving Cincy, he said he'd be on WGN-AM at 9am. Actually, under a revamped scheduled at the Chicago talker announced today (July 14), while he will be on at 9am, he will start his new show a half hour earlier at 8:30am, as morning host Greg Jarrett loses 30 minutes from his show. McConnell will be on until 12:30pm, when John Williams will air until 3pm. Williams is being displaced from a 9am start. In a statement announcing the changes, WGN VP and General Manager Tom Langmyer says, “Mike and John back-to-back make an extraordinarily strong team, and our listeners will be well-served with the best in news, information and engaging conversation.”

* Beasley's "Sports Radio 560" WQAM-AM, Miami, will launch a nationally syndicated sports show with Michael Irvin. The Football Hall-of-Famer will host a daily three-hour show with co-host Kevin Kiley beginning July 26. A three-time Super Bowl champ with the Dallas Cowboys, Irvin previously aired on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, and is currently appearing with Marshal Faulk and Deion Sanders on the NFL Network's Game Day shows. Irvin has also created, owned, produced, and starred in the syndicated cable program "Fourth And Long." In an agreement with Beasley and WQAM, "The Michael Irvin Show" will be based in Miami and syndicated nationally. As the top college football analyst for ESPN in the 1980s, Kiley broadcast a number of Miami Hurricane games, including Miami's 1987 National Championship Season. As a lead broadcaster for TNT's NFL coverage Kiley has been involved in covering a number of Super Bowls.

* The University of Pittsburgh signs agreements with both CBS Radio Pittsburgh and Renda Broadcasting. Beginning this season, CBS Radio's "Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan" KDKA-FM will serve as the flagship for Pitt football and men's basketball radio broadcasts. The new exclusive radio home for Pitt women's basketball will be Renda's WJAS-AM. In addition to game broadcasts, KDKA will air a wide array of ancillary programming focusing on the Panthers, including weekly shows featuring football coach Dave Wannstedt and basketball coach Jamie Dixon. Says Athletic Director Steve Pederson, "The University of Pittsburgh is incredibly proud to partner with KDKA, truly one of the legendary names in radio broadcasting," "The launch of Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan has been a feast for sports fans throughout Western Pennsylvania and beyond. With 24-hour local programming, the Panther Nation will enjoy plenty of Pitt sports news and talk throughout the year. Our arrangement to have WJAS carry every women's basketball game live is also an exciting development. Whether it's a Pitt football Saturday or the excitement of March Madness, the Panthers are going to enjoy comprehensive and unprecedented radio coverage thanks to this new partnership."

* Former Indiana University basketball player and radio commentator Todd Leary pleads guilty to fraud. Originally charged with 17 felonies, Leary, 39, was to stand trial this month in Superior Court. The only charge to which he admitted was an 18th count that was added for a plea agreement — conversion or misappropriation of title insurance escrow funds, according to the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. Leary played for coach Bob Knight’s Hoosiers from 1990 to 1994; the team advanced to the NCAA Final Four in 1992. After Allen County, IN, prosecutors charged Leary in early February, he was arrested at Assembly Hall in Bloomington moments before the IU-Purdue basketball game, which he was scheduled to call as an analyst for the IU Radio Network. In an agreement with prosecutors, Leary will be sentenced in October to no more than three years in prison, or half that time if he pays the nearly $295,000 in restitution by the date of his sentencing. The sentence could be served on work release or home detention. Leary was originally accused of conspiring with Joseph Garretson, a local mortgage broker and title company owner who was sentenced in June to 11 years in prison on charges of corrupt business influence, conversion or misappropriation of title insurance escrow funds and unlawful loan origination activities.

* Preferred Emmis shareholders opposing Jeff Smulyan's buyout may be able to derail the go-private plan. According to two SEC filings, two groups of preferred shareholders plan to vote against the proposal by Smulyan's JS Acquisition with backing by Alden Global Capital. According to RBR.com, Texas investor Geoffrey Raynor says in an SEC filing that he and firms affiliated with him plan to vote their preferred shares against the amendments necessary for Smulyan to take the company private. However, at the same time, Raynor has been selling off his Emmis common stock for less than the $2.40 that Smulyan is offering if the buyout goes through. Another filing says: “On July 9, 2010, Double Diamond Partners LLC, Zazove Aggressive Growth Fund, L.P., R2 Investments, LDC, DJD Group LLC, Third Point LLC, the Radoff Family Foundation, Bradley L. Radoff, and LKCM Private Discipline Master Fund, SPC (collectively, the ‘Locked-Up Holders’) entered into a written lock-up agreement (the ‘Lock-Up Agreement’) pursuant to which, among other things, each of them agreed, subject to certain exceptions, to: (1) vote or cause to be voted any and all of its Preferred Shares against the Proposed Amendments; (2) restrict dispositions of Preferred Shares; (3) not enter into any agreement, arrangement or understanding with any person for the purpose of holding, voting or disposing of any securities of the Company, or derivative instruments with respect to securities of the Company; (4) consult with each other prior to making any public announcement concerning the Company; and (5) share certain expenses incurred in connection with their investment in the Preferred Shares, in each case during the term of the Lock-Up Agreement.” The combined preferred shares of Raynor’s Amalgamated Gadget and ‘Locked-Up Holders’ may be enough to prevent approval of the amendments to the articles of incorporation. That requires approval of two-thirds of the preferred shares. According to RBR: "In all, those entities hold 969,858 of the 2.8 million preferred shares, which is more than enough to keep the amendments from receiving the required two-thirds approval in the voting on August 3rd. They also left the door open for other preferred shareholders to sign-on to their lock-up agreement."   [More »]

* Black Crow gets more time to file its Chapter 11 reorganization plan, over the objections of lender GE Capital. A federal bankruptcy court judge in Jacksonville agrees to extend to November 8 Black Crow's deadline to file its reorganization plan. Black Crow’s attorneys asked for an additional 120 days to present its plan. The judge further ordered that Black Crow and GE Capital submit to mediation, but Black Crow said it will continue to work toward confirmation of its plan to reorganize under Chapter 11 in the event that the mediation is unsuccessful. "Once again, we want to thank the court for its fair ruling," says Black Crow founder and CEO Mike Linn. "We intend to enter into the mediation in good faith, as we explore all opportunities to continue to operate our group of radio stations. Our family of 135 employees wants to continue to service their local communities as they have for the last 15 years, and I want to make sure that they have every opportunity to do so." Last month the judge required Black Crow to update GE Capital on a weekly basis about ad sales, collections and disbursements. Every month, the lender is entitled to see balance sheets, including data on capital expenditures and corporate overhead. Black Crow — which owns and operates 22 radio stations in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Florida — has found a new debtor-in-possession lender in Paul Stone, who is offering up to $1.5 million. Black Crow originally filed for Chapter 11 status on January 12.

* For the third time this year Interpublic’s MagnaGlobal raises its 2010 advertising revenue growth forecast. MagnaGlobal updates its U.S. Media Advertising Revenue Forecast, increasing its year-to-year growth expectation for media suppliers from 1.6% to 2.1%. Those suppliers are now expected to generate $169.9 billion in advertising revenues in 2010. MagnaGlobal expects the growth to come on the back of continued improvements to the economy and in the absence of a double-dip return to recessionary conditions. MagnaGlobal is also raising its long-term forecast slightly, from 3.5% to 3.6% for average growth expected between 2010 and 2015.

There are several reports of increasing advertiser optimism at present. Some are asking if that might make the ad industry a "leading indicator" for a general economic recovery, or whether it is a "lagging" indicator of more systemic macro economic problems. MagnaGlobal Director Of Forecasting Brian Wieser says, "The answer is pretty simple. It's tightly related, but it's concurrent - not leading, not lagging. Between changes in virtually any economic variable and total advertising revenues are always concurrent (comparing same quarter to same quarter or same year to same year). The correlations are much lower when you look at it on a lagging or leading basis, and whether you look one quarter or two quarters ahead or behind."

* The Second Circuit Court of Appeals throws out the FCC's indecency enforcement policy as unconstitutionally vague. The Supreme Court had overturned the Second Circuit Court's original decision that the policy was an arbitrary and capricious change in policy and remanded the case back to the appeals court for reconsideration. Tuesday (July 13), a three-judge panel of the court said the FCC's decision finding swearing on awards shows on Fox indecent is "impermissibly vague." That could result in the FCC's entire indecency enforcement policy going to a Supreme Court review, say legal experts. "We now hold that the FCC's policy violates the First Amendment because it is unconstitutionally vague," reads the decision, "creating a chilling effect that goes far beyond the fleeting expletives at issue here. Thus, we grant the petition for review and vacate the FCC's order and the indecency policy underlying it." The written decision adds, "By prohibiting all 'patently offensive' references to sex, sexual organs and excretion without giving adequate guidance as to what 'patently offensive' means, the FCC effectively chills speech, because broadcasters have no way of knowing what the FCC will find offensive." Andrew Schwartzman, of the Media Access Project, says: "The score for today's game is First Amendment one, censorship zero." MAP represented the Center for Creative Voices and the Future of Music Coalition as interveners in the case. "Media Access Project entered this case on behalf of writers, producers, directors and musicians because the FCC's indecency rules are irredeemably vague and interfere with the creative process," says Schwartzman. "Today's decision vindicates that argument. The next stop is the Supreme Court, and we're confident that the Justices will affirm this decision." While the current case is centered on television indecency, a forced change of the FCC's policy would also have major implications for radio broadcasters.

Commenting on the court ruling, NAB EVP of Communications Dennis Wharton says in a statement: "NAB supports today's appellate court decision. As broadcasters, we will continue to offer programming that is reflective of the diverse communities we serve. We believe that responsible decision making by network and local station executives, coupled with program blocking technologies like the V-chip, is far preferable to government regulation of program content." FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in a brief statement: "We're reviewing the court's decision in light of our commitment to protect children, empower parents, and uphold the First Amendment."

* Rush Limbaugh calls George Steinbrenner a 'cracker,' says icon 'fired a bunch of white guys.' As New Yorkers mourn the loss of Yankee icon George Steinbrenner, right-wing radio host Rush Limbaugh offered his own inflammatory version of a eulogy, reports New York's Daily News. "That cracker made a lot of African American millionaires," Limbaugh bellowed on his syndicated radio show Tuesday (July 13). "And at the same time he fired a bunch of white guys." In a clip, posted by Media Matters for America, Limbaugh offers his rambling thoughts on the passing of the New York legend, saying "What a man he was. What a feature and a character he was in major league baseball."

The Rev. Al Sharpton says Limbaugh's comments on Steinbrenner were "repugnant," according to a separate report from the Daily News. "The statements made by Rush Limbaugh about George Steinbrenner were repugnant and offensive whether they were intended to be facetious or tongue and cheek. The fact that he could make these comments less than 24-hours after Mr. Steinbrenner's death makes it even more offensive. For the last 20-years I have known George Steinbrenner and we have quarrelled over diversity and community programs but I always found him fair, direct, and genuinely prone to do what he felt was right. He generated a lot of money for a lot of players as well as for baseball as a whole and should not be disparaged in any matter. In later years, in a twist of irony, his granddaughter and my daughter became close, which only brought me closer to knowing him and we developed a mutual respect. Mr. Limbaugh and his broadcasters owe his family an apology that the first day of their mourning to have to be subjected to this type of rhetoric. To think that just a year ago Mr. Limbaugh sought to be an owner of an NFL team and has now said this about a legendary baseball team owner. This says more about Mr. Limbaugh than it does Mr. Steinbrenner."

* Citadel Media is realigning sales networks, launching 10 new ones and consolidating others into the new lineup. The 10 new networks are designed to provide advertisers with more targeted audiences and prime inventory during key dayparts. The nationwide networks will consolidate similar station formats within the network’s lineup based on consumer behavior while maximizing top market distribution and providing increased average ratings. "This effort represents a fundamental change in how we target and allocate inventory, which will result in a greater return on investment for our advertisers," says Citadel Media President John Rosso. "We are realigning our network of affiliates into sales networks that are more responsive to the needs of client and agency requests. Our inventory will be matched with the lifestyle attributes of stations’ listeners as opposed to individual shows or products." The new networks are Contemporary FM; Contemporary FM Weekend; Family FM; Boomer FM; Boomer FM Weekend; News & Info; Upscale Adult; Entertainment Weekend; Metro Latino; and Nuestra Familia. "Our research coupled with direct feedback from our advertisers has led to the creation of a more efficient, transparent grouping of our networks, says SVP of Sales Edwin Rivera-Searles. I "Now when advertisers come to market needing a Female 18-49 audience, we can deliver a more targeted offering yielding stronger results. Similarly, our Hispanic and News/Talk categories are far more refined with separate networks dedicated to serving specific needs." The new nationwide networks will be in place beginning in the fourth quarter of Citadel Media’s current fiscal year.

* Ft. Myers-Naples, FL, is getting All-News radio, utilizing the resources of a TV station and two local newspapers. The new WINK News Radio owned by Fort Myers Broadcasting Company will operate on two AMs – 1200 and 1460 – WPTK covering the north end of the market, and WNPL covering the south. The AM stations currently simulcast a mostly syndicated Sports Talk format. Beginning August 2, the two AMs will launch the “All News All Day” format, drawing on the resources of co-owned WINK-TV, along with Gannett’s Ft. Myers News-Press and Scripps’ Naples Daily News. “This makes the station Southwest Florida’s largest news operation powered by the knowledge and experience of over 200 local news professionals providing the most up to the minute local news, national news, breaking news, weather, traffic, sports, financial news, political news, and interviews with local news makers," says a news release from Fort Myers Broadcasting Company. "This in addition to the stations' national partners: Marketwatch.com, Bloomberg Radio, and CNN Radio News will give the station the credibility as Southwest Florida’s ONLY Radio News station.” Fort Myers Broadcasting VP and General Manager Wayne Simons tells us: “The WINK name has been synonymous with news in Southwest Florida for over half a century and now is the perfect time to expand that brand to radio. When news happens, Southwest Florida shouldn’t have to wait for details; they should get the information immediately and that’s what WINK News Radio is designed to do.”

* Boston's WBIX-AM is set to become Catholic EWTN Radio affiliate WQOM-AM, November 1. As we previously reported, "The Business Station AM 1060" owner Alex Langer has filed an application to transfer WBIX, licensed to Natick, MA, to Buffalo-based Holy Family Communications. Holy Family President Jim Wright now says plans are set for the new format and new call letters, adding: "Cardinal Sean O’Malley and the Archdiocese of Boston have longed for a Catholic radio presence, and we are thrilled to help make this a reality. With the acquisition of WBIX 1060 AM, we will broadcast the fullness of truth with clarity and charity." Holy Family, which operates stations in Buffalo and Rochester, is paying $1 million in cash for WBIX, and Langer will receive a $500,000 tax deduction certificate for donating the rest of the value of the station to Holy Family. EWTN President and CEO Michael Warsaw says, "We are grateful for the valiant efforts of Holy Family Communications and for the support of Cardinal Sean O’Malley."

* "Magic 102.3" WMMJ, Washington DC, describes its new format as "hybrid Urban" targeting a younger audience. The Radio One station, which had been Urban AC, has jettisoned most of its older gold category and has placed its new focus on fresher recurrents, 80’s and 90’s. Under Radio One SVP of Programming Jay Stevens and new Operations Manager Jamillah Muhammed, WMMJ has begun its move toward seeking younger demographics. That began in earnest after ousting the entire former air staff, retaining only the syndicated Tom Joyner morning show. "Magic 102.3" is currently in the process of installing new on-air hosts.

* WLBE-AM, Leesburg, FL, is back on the air after being struck by lightning earlier this month. The station returned after a 10-day absence from damage, which General Manager Mac McNair says "was so severe that we had to spend thousands of dollars on parts and repair." He says they had "hundreds of phone calls and dozens of walk-ins" — people who were concerned about the station being off the air. "There were some that even called the sheriff's department." The station, says McNair, has listeners from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, and as far north as Gainesville and south as Winter Haven. WLBE-AM has been in operation since 1967.

* "Kidd Kraddick in the Morning" syndicator Yea! Network names Mark Pollitt as Director of Affiliate Relations. Pollitt joins Yea! Network from Rainmaker Pathway Consulting. He's also served as the National Format Director for Cumulus' CHR stations, Program Director of KQXT-FM, San Antonio, and as a programming specialist with Stratford Research. Says Pollitt, "I'm ecstatic to work with Kidd and his entire team to expand the brand and drive new business. Kidd's proven talent as one of the leading personality morning shows is unsurpassed. I'm delighted to have this opportunity to help take his syndication to the next level." Kraddick adds, "We are extremely fortunate to find someone with Mark's experience. There's no one better to talk to program directors about our show than a talented, fellow PD."

* Ricky Tatum is named Market Manager for Bustos Media Seattle, including KDDS-FM and KTBK-AM. Tatum also retains oversight of the company's Portland, OR, cluster. "From the first time I met Ricky, I knew he was the kind of radio pro that we needed in this company going forward," says President and CEO Jay Meyers. "Ricky's big market experience and Northwest knowledge from his time in Portland make him the natural choice to lead Seattle to the next level of success. Ricky's arrival in Seattle is a game changer and I look forward to his building a great operation which will take full advantage of the opportunity in Spanish language once the new census comes out." Tatum adds, "I cannot explain how excited I am to be coming to Seattle. Jay Meyers has brought a brand new spirit to this company, one that is based on performance and not process, where we're expected to use our best judgment, make our numbers and have fun. How refreshing is that!"

* Mapleton Communications promotes Mark McGee to Regional Director of Country Programming for Northern CA. "Coyote" McGee continues as Mapleton Chico, CA, Operations Manager; and Program Director and morning host at Country KALF-FM. McGee will now also oversee Country KNNN-FM, Redding, CA, replacing former PD Ryan James. McGee was elevated to cluster OM in March 2008. He joined KALF from KFBK-AM, Sacramento, in 2004.

* Syndicated financial talk radio host Dave Ramsey is offering a free "Ask Dave Ramsey" iPhone application. The app is available for download from the iTunes Store. It allows users to access more than 2,000 calls to "The Dave Ramsey Show" and search over 20 categories of topics related to life and money, among other features. Users can either read Ramsey's answers or listen to the original audio streamed via the iPhone's Wi-Fi connection. "Many of Dave's 4.5 million listeners are iPhone users — including myself," says Ramsey show EVP Bill Hampton. "They've been asking for an app that lets them access Dave's advice by topic, and we delivered just such a tool."

* Florida's Fire Marshal wants criminal felony charges for "93.3 FLZ" WFLZ turkey stunt that got out of control. And the Tampa Fire Department says Hillsborough State Attorney Mark Ober's Office is dragging its feet in filing the charges. The stunt occurred in December when "The M.J. Morning Show" on Clear Channel's CHR-Top40 WFLZ, Tampa Bay, tried to fry a frozen turkey in oil, which was ignited inside a van. The van caught fire and the Tampa Fire Department had to be called. WTSP-TV, Tampa Bay, reports: "While the radio station was 'yukking' it up on the air, Tampa Fire Captain Bill Wade was not amused." At the time, Wade angrily said "When you put a cooker inside a van, you put furniture inside that van and you know you are going to start a fire, you are doing it intentionally." That is the same conclusion the state fire marshal came to, and it issued an 8-page report recommending two criminal felony charges for arson and injuring a firefighter because of the arson. The report also recommends two misdemeanor charges be filed. Wade says the State Attorney's Office has had the information for six months and he can't understand why it is taking so long. According to Wade, the Tampa Fire Marshal has been down to the State Attorney's Office several times and hasn't had a specific answer to what the hang-up is. A Clear Channel spokesman says the company will not comment, but on the day of incident, a staff member knew he might be in trouble. He can be heard on an aircheck asking M.J. — whose wife was a former Hillsborough Assistant State Attorney — if he could be charged with arson. M.J. replied he didn't know. The Tampa Fire Department says it should be a fairly cut and dry case, and that is why it is doing a slow burn over a stunt it believes is criminal and where it says charges should be filed.

* The Colorado Attorney General’s office sues credit repair radio advertiser Real Talk Network. A temporary restraining order has been issued against a company that runs infomercials on radio stations in Colorado and California that pledge to help consumers get out of debt. The restraining order was entered after the Colorado Attorney General’s Office filed suit against the company and two men connected with the business, according to Denver Business Journal. The complaint names Real Talk Network Inc., doing business as Real Talk Network and Get Real with Dave, Real Talk LLC, Real Talk Radio Show Network LLC, Institute of Consumer Economic Education LLC, and David Allen Burke and Eric Sale. Burke, 42, is identified in the complaint as president of Real Talk Network. Sale, was in charge of sales at Real Talk Network and conducted most of the company’s sales presentations, according to the lawsuit. The suit alleges the defendants “have deceived, misled, and financially injured consumers both within and outside Colorado.” The complaint further alleges the defendants misrepresented the types of services offered and the type of results to get “thousands of consumers to enroll in their debt reduction and credit repair program …” Real Talk Network, according to the lawsuit, has been operating as a credit repair organization in violation of state and federal laws.

* The NAB urges the FCC to eliminate the cross-ownership ban and relax radio rules. Broadcasters "must have the flexibility to form competitively viable ownership structures," says a Monday (July 12) filing by the NAB in the FCC's Notice of Inquiry on its 2010 quadrennial media-ownership rules review. The filing calls for a "continuing relaxation of local radio restrictions." The broadcasters association is urging the Commission to eliminate the newspaper-broadcast and radio-television cross-ownership restrictions. The NAB says the FCC review should focus on the competitive environment, pointing to the "deregulatory intent" of Congress when it required the "repeal or modification of existing ownership regulations if they are no longer necessary in the public interest as the result of competition." Says the NAB in its filing: "In a multichannel environment dominated by consolidated cable and satellite system operators and burgeoning online outlets, undue market power is not a plausible rationale for restricting ownership of local broadcasters but not their competitors. Indeed, the primary competition-related concern in today's multichannel, multiplatform marketplace is the continued ability of local broadcasters to compete effectively and to offer free, over-the-air entertainment and informational programming upon which Americans rely." The NAB says it's seeking a "level playing field" with competitors that have no ownership restrictions and that may be bringing in both subscriber fees and ad revenue. The NAB also notes that the FCC itself has acknowledged that localism is "an expensive value." The filing says, "By establishing an appropriate paradigm that allows efficient combinations of broadcast outlets, the Commission can ensure that its localism and diversity goals will be met, because competitively viable local stations will have both the resources and the incentives to offer programming that meets the needs and interests of local communities." The NAB also expresses its support for the continuing relaxation of local radio restrictions "in light of the increasingly fragmented audio marketplace and the financial challenges facing local stations." The NAB points out that "the current local radio limits were established nearly 15 years ago in a less competitive marketplace, before the emergence of satellite radio, online streaming, and iPods and MP3 players.

* The FCC issues its regulatory fee assessment report for FY 2010, will collect $335.79 million in regulatory fees. The Commission follows up on its April 10 notice of proposed rulemaking, saying it will keep the same assessment methods used in 2009. The Commission will collect $335,794,000 in fees, down about 2% from 2009, revising the fees to reflect that change and other factors, such as "waivers and exemptions that may be filed in FY 2010, and fluctuations in the number of licenses or station operators due to economic, technical, or other reasons." The FCC received nine comments and five reply comments to the notice of proposed rulemaking, including a comment from Robert Bittner, who argued that the fee structure unfairly favors the largest operators and proposed a flat percentage of a station's income as a fairer method for assessing fees, or, alternatively, that fees be assessed on a per-person basis, based on the station's contour. Edward Schober of Radiotechniques Engineering suggested that the Commission base fees on the amount of spectrum being used, with AM stations assessed 10% of the fee for an FM covering the same population. The report and order calls the recommendations "interesting." Bittner's idea, it says, is "not without precedent." But, notes the FCC, station revenue isn't currently reported to the Commission; and it would be difficult to collect and maintain that information, or to base fee projections on amounts that fluctuate from year to year. As for the per-person suggestion, the Commission says it would be "very burdensome for both the Commission and the licensee" and wouldn't improve on the current method. About Schober's suggestion, the Commission says, "There is a dearth of data in the record to support a correlation between the amount of bandwidth occupied and the appropriate amount of regulatory fees to be assessed." The FCC report and order also says the proposal may not be consistent with current law.

* And the survey says: 'FCC is "most improved" agency across the entire federal government.' That's according to the 2010 OPM Viewpoint Employee Satisfaction Survey released Monday (July 12) by the Office of Management and Budget. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says in a statement, "I am delighted that the FCC has been recognized as the 'most improved' federal agency. The survey results reflect the hard work being done throughout the agency to make the FCC a model of excellence in government. The FCC's reform agenda, which builds on the impressive strides made by Commissioner Copps as acting chairman, includes creating new opportunities for employees to provide feedback; improving employee communication through technology and new media; and focusing on leadership development and opportunities for employees. I applaud the work of the FCC management and staff and look forward to more great things to come."

* Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "97-3 Radio Now" WRNW, Milwaukee names Dave Adams as its new Program Director. He joins from PD at Regent heritage CHR-Top40 WBNQ-FM, Bloomington, IL. Adams will host middays, while afternoons will be occupied by new Imaging Director Riggs. He's inbound from "Radio Now 100.9" WNOU-FM, Indianapolis. Former "104.1 Jack FM" KZJK, Minneapolis, Imaging Director Jesse Mitchell takes nights and imaging duties for Oldies WRIT-FM and News-Talk WISN-AM. Previously, he hosted late nights for crosstown "103.7 Kiss" WXSS for several years.

* Los Angeles market veteran Jack Silver is named Operations Manager at Citadel "TalkRadio 790" KABC-AM. Silver, who is also named Program Director, replaces David G. Hall, who plans to concentrate on his consultancy, and exits immediately. Most recently, Silver was Director of Integrated Marketing at crosstown CBS Classic Hits "K-Earth 101" KRTH-FM and Smooth Jazz "94.7 The Wave" KTWV-FM. He previously served as VP of Programming for Infinity's eight FM Talk stations. Silver rejoins KABC President and General Manager Bob Moore. Silver and Moore were together at former CBS talker KLSX (now "Amp 97.1") for 11 years. “I have had the pleasure of working with Jack for the past 11 years. Together we experienced numerous successes and I look forward to him bringing that winning way to KABC,” Moore tells LARadio.com. According to a news release: “Jack Silver’s responsibilities are to build a very focused, produced and executed adult radio station that compliments the success of Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and the Los Angeles Dodgers. KABC is fortunate to have Peter Tilden, Frosty, Heidi and Frank and John Phillips on staff, along with Doug McIntyre, Don Imus and John Bachelor.”

* Hot AC "Wink 104" WNNK, Harrisburg, News Director John Beaston is found dead in his apartment. Sue Gleiter of Patriot News reports Beaston, 35, was found dead Monday morning (July 12) in his apartment after not showing up for work. That's according to Cumulus Media Market Manager Ron Giovanniello. The cause of death is not known, and an autopsy will be performed, he said. "We are all shocked," says Giovanniello . "It's really tragic. I think the staff here has taken it pretty hard. Whenever you lose someone unexpectedly it always hits everyone pretty hard." Beaston started on the Wink morning show in 2006, taking over the seat of John Paul Shaffer, who left the area to work at a Las Vegas station. "The new job brought Beaston back to the Wink family," writes Gleiter. "He had worked at the station part-time from 1995 to 1996. Through the years he also held radio jobs with WRBT Bob 94.9 FM, where he was known as Wes Shore, and at Philadelphia's WIOQ-FM," says the Patriot News report. "John was probably one of the most easy-going people you'd ever find. He was a top notch professional. He did a great job," Giovanniello said. WNNK has set up a Memorial page on the station's Website: "We are very saddened by the sudden passing of our friend and colleague, John Beaston. Please join us in remembering the wonderful person John was and his contributions to the WINK Wake Up Show."

* Dan Halyburton joins McVay New Media as VP of Innovation. Halyburton will work with broadcasters to innovate beyond current traditional business models to more profitable digital multi-media models, and will also work with technology companies. Halyburton has been a pioneer in the adoption of digital media by broadcasters. His experience includes launching digital business units for radio. He launched Susquehanna Radio’s digital platform in 1997. Susquehanna Radio tapped Halyburton in 2001 to head its new media and technology efforts. His background also includes VP and Market Manager for Susquehanna in Dallas and overseeing the Emmis New York City station group. Most recently, he was President of RadioTime, the search engine for streaming radio, which he will continue to consult as part of his new role at McVay New Media. Says Halyburton, "McVay New Media is on the cutting edge of where broadcasting needs to be in the 21st century. I am excited to be a part of McVay New Media’s team of innovators as we continue to build online marketing and sales strategies for our clients. Their innovation, resources, and leadership represent the best of what this industry has to offer." McVay New Media President Daniel Anstadig adds, "Dan Halyburton is one of the most respected and progressive thinkers in the industry. His track record speaks for itself — strong strategies, powerful brands, and profitable success." McVay President Mike McVay tells us: "We've always tried to assemble the best minds, most successful talent and most innovative thinkers in our companies. Dan brings all of these skills, an amazing track record and the level of credibility that validates the innovations emanating from McVay New Media."

* Greater Media Detroit Market Manager John Gallagher exits the company. Philadelphia VP and Market Manager John Fullam adds interim Market Manager duties in Detroit until a replacement is named. In a statement, Greater Media VP of Corporate Communications Heidi Raphael says, "We are grateful for John's dedication and many contributions to the cluster, and we wish him the very best." Reports out of Detroit say Gallagher's exit comes after he and Greater Media “decided not to renew" their employment agreement. Previously, Gallagher spent 23 years with Citadel, most recently as President and General Manager of WLS-AM, Chicago. Before that he was Director of Sales at co-owned News-Talk WJR-AM in Detroit.

* "The Kidd Chris Show with Marconi" debuts on Alpha Broadcasting's Active Rock KUFO-FM, Portland, OR. Portland market vet Marconi joins Kidd Chris for what Program Director Ditch calls "a Rock radio show done the way it should be: local." The new wake-up duo announced their new partnership on their first show together, Tuesday morning (July 13). Marconi has been with KUFO since 2005, most recently hosting nights since last October. He joined KUFO in 2005, under the previous CBS Radio ownership where he hosted afternoon drive until 2008. Marconi returned to the KUFO airwaves in October, and is also an audio imaging producer and voiceover talent. Marconi has been a market voice since 1997 when he was first heard on KNRK. Kidd Chris was hired by Alpha Broadcasting for mornings after acquiring KUFO. He has traveled throughout the country over the course of his career, with stints in Syracuse, Wichita, Sacramento, San Antonio and then Philadelphia at WYSP-FM where he first hosted afternoons in 2005 before being promoted to mornings two years later. He's also been a frequent contributor to the Howard Stern Show. "While other stations in town pipe in national shows via satellite, we have paired up two incredibly talented guys right here in Portland," says Ditch. "They each bring something different and unique to the show and I can't wait to see how this evolves over time. It's already great!"

* Arbitron signs the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins for custom Portable People Meter ratings in Pittsburgh. They're the first NHL team to sign for custom PPM ratings. As part of the agreement, the Penguins will receive individual game and season estimates along with pre-game and post-game estimates. Regular season estimates have already shown the team to be a large draw on the radio. And, most recently during the playoffs, the Penguins showed even greater increases for key advertiser demographics. Across the Penguins playoff broadcasts on WXDX-FM, Men ages 25-54 averaged a 4.9 rating per game. Men ages 18-34 averaged a 5.0 rating per game. "The Penguins numbers are impressive for the NHL radio broadcasts," says Arbitron Sports Manager Chris Meinhardt. "As we've seen with the playoffs, these premium advertising events deliver larger targeted audiences than primetime dayparts across the week." Says Pittsburgh Penguins VP of Corporate Partnerships David Peart, "Pittsburgh Penguins fans have once again underscored their passion for the team with the way they follow our radio broadcasts on 105.9 'The X' and the Penguins Radio Network. We look forward to continuing that strong radio performance as we enter an exciting new era in CONSOL Energy Center."

* NFCB receives a grant from CPB to provide services for African American public radio stations. The National Federation of Community Broadcasters says it has received a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to provide services in the areas of training, community engagement, local programming, licensee relations, development, and Community Service Grant assistance. NFCB plans to hire a full-time project manager. It will also offer the African American pubcasters “unique strategic partnerships with industry consultants and organizations including, but not exclusive to, the Development Exchange Inc. (DEI) and the National Center for Media Engagement (NCME). “This new service effectively positions NFCB as a central convener to organizations and stations primarily serving audiences of color. NFCB currently serves as fiscal sponsor for the Latino Public Radio Consortium and is incubating the Native Public Media project – collectively impacting over 90 nonprofit community and university licensed stations serving African American, Native, and Latino audiences,” NFCB says in announcing the grant. NFCB members include both full-power and LPFM station operators. “NFCB is in a position to significantly impact the future of public media by contributing to the forward progress of media organizations most directly aligned with the growth opportunity for our industry – people of color,” says NFCB President and CEO Maxie Jackson III.

* Comedienne and entertainer Sheryl Underwood joins the syndicated "Steve Harvey Morning Show."
Underwood will be a weekly contributor on the show and will serve as "guest host" when Harvey is away. She will also continue to host "The Sheryl Underwood Show" on Jamie Foxx's The Foxxhole on Sirius XM. "The Steve Harvey Morning Show" airs on more than five dozen stations in 64 markets.

* Canada's Astral Radio selects Jacobs Media to consult its Rock radio stations in five key markets. The stations include CHOM, Montreal; Virgin Radio 1069, Ottawa; "The Bear" CFBR, Edmonton; CJAY, Calgary; and, CHTZ, St. Catharines. "We are thrilled to work with a quality broadcaster like Astral," says Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. "They place a high priority on station content, and we’re looking forward to developing a long lasting relationship. It’s also great to be back in Canada." Astral EVP of Content Rob Farina, who made the selection, says: "We couldn’t be more confident in Jacobs Media’s ability to take our rock brands to the next level. We’re equally excited to be working with them."

* Radio talker Michael Savage is still not welcome in the U.K., despite a new goverment there. The new Conservative Party-led government of Prime Minister David Cameron informs Savage it will continue the ban on his entry into the United Kingdom. Savage is told the only way he can get the ban lifted is if he repudiates statements on his radio shows that were deemed a threat to public security, according to WorldNetDaily. The U.K. Border Agency told Savage through a letter from the treasury solicitor's office that his "exclusion" from the U.K. that began last year under the Labour Party government of Gordon Brown will continue "in the absence of clear, convincing and public evidence" that he has "repudiated his previous statements." Former British Home Secretary Jacqui Smith announced in May 2009 that Savage was one of 16 people banned from entry because the government believed their views might provoke violence. Most on that list were terrorists or neo-Nazis.

* WGAC-AM, Augusta, is named Georgia Association of Broadcasters mid-sized market "Radio Station of the Year." The Beasley News-Talk station takes the honor for a ninth consecutive year. GAB's "Gabby" awards were awarded to four WGAC staffers: News Director and morning host Mary Liz Nolan for Best Newscast; Austin Rhodes, host of "The Austin Rhodes Show" for Personality of the Year; Sports Director Ashley Brown for Best Sportscast and Best Sports Feature; and Production Director Michael Lane for Best Commercial. VP and Market Manager Kent Dunn tells us, "WGAC has been named station of the year for nine years in a row. No other station in Georgia can claim that distinction and I think this year's win demonstrates the heritage and legacy of WGAC."

* HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital: HD Radio expands its share of the automotive aftermarket. iBiquity Digital says today (July 12) that major automotive aftermarket device manufacturers are increasingly featuring HD Radio as a core integrated offering across their product lines. "As competition in the automotive aftermarket segment intensifies, HD Radio Technology is growing market share in both high-end and mid-range brands," says iBiquity Digital COO Jeff Jury. "This expanded availability in aftermarket devices indicates HD Radio Technology has reached critical mass and further demonstrates leading brands' vision and long-term commitment to HD Radio products." Increased adoption from brand leaders such as Alpine, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, Clarion, Dual and Jensen confirms the advantages HD Radio offers to the aftermarket category with services like HD2/HD3 channels, iTunes Tagging, and real-time traffic. More than 2000 AM/FM HD Radio stations and 1150 HD2/HD3 channels are offering music, news, sports and other formats. JVC and Jensen Mobile are currently offering three new receivers that feature HD Radio. These latest entries come on the heels a winter season with a wide range of aftermarket product launches from Clarion, JVC, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Sony, and further extends the adoption of HD Radio technology across the category's leading brands.

* Clear Channel is donating four AM radio stations to the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council. The MMTC will receive the stations to use as training facilities and to incubate new minority and female broadcasters. Clear Channel files applications with the FCC to donate WHJA-AM, Laurel, MS; KYHN-AM, Ft. Smith; KMFX-AM, Wabasha, MN; and WYNF, North Augusta, SC, to the MMTC. KYHN requires a waiver, because it's an expanded band station, at 1650, operating side-by-side with KWHN-AM, which Clear Channel plans to keep. Under current FCC rules, KWHN would have to be shut down after a "transitional period" of side-by-side operation. However, the pair has a waiver to operate beyond the shut-down date, but that waiver would be normally lost with a transfer of one of the stations, and definitely wouldn't be allowed if they are split. Both MMTC and Clear Channel are requesting "permanent life" for KWHN. "Grant of the waiver requested herein would further the Commission's important goal of increasing participation in the broadcasting industry by new entrants and small businesses, including minority- and women-owned businesses," they write in the FCC filing. Clear Channel and the MMTC say the FCC's action in this case could set precedent to allow similar arrangements for other standard band/expanded band pairs when used to increase diversity in the ranks of broadcast ownership. At the moment, 1650 is silent due to storm damage.

* Catholic radio is coming to Boston in a big way – as "The Business Station AM 1060" WBIX is sold. WBIX-AM owner Alex Langer has filed an application to transfer WBIX, licensed to Natick, MA, to Buffalo-based Holy Family Communications. It was announced today (July 12) , that the station has been sold, subject to FCC approval, to Holy Family, and is expected to switch to all-Catholic programming. North East Radio Watch is reporting that Holy Family, which operates stations in Buffalo and Rochester, will pay $1 million in cash for WBIX, and Langer will take a $500,000 tax deduction for donating the rest of the value of the station to Holy Family.

* Arbitron: News-Talk captures nearly half of all public radio listening, remaining most-listened-to format. Arbitron releases the 2010 edition of "Public Radio Today," an analysis of audience demographics and listening patterns of the nine most popular public radio formats: News-Talk, News/Classical, Classical, News/Music, Triple-A, Jazz, News/Jazz, Variety Music and News/Triple-A. "Public radio continues to be a vibrant and relevant part of many Americans' lives," says Arbitron's Chris Meinhardt. "The medium plays an important role in today's media landscape by providing important programming not available anywhere else. Public radio is also meeting the challenges of a crowded media landscape by taking full advantage of technological innovations, including podcasting, Internet streaming and HD Radio multicasting." According to the study, News-Talk added 12 more stations in 2009. News/Classical lost 13 stations – from 263 in 2008 to 250 in 2009 – but increased its share by one percentage point from 20.2 in 2008 to 21.2 in 2009. The addition of nine Classical stations, combined with a steady decline in the number of commercial Classical stations, increased from a 13.7 share in 2008 to 15.4 in 2010. Triple-A had 11 fewer stations in Fall 2009 compared to a year earlier, but its numbers are relatively stable. Some 26 new Variety Music stations helped boost the format from a 1.7 share to a 2.2 share of the public radio audience in 2009. And 39 stations that were formerly recognized as News, Triple-A or News/Music are now classified as News/Triple-A. "Public Radio Today" also includes Scarborough consumer data to present a consumer profile of public radio listening across America.

* National Public Radio: "Just call us NPR." The Washington-based organization has quietly changed its name to its familiar initials. Now the initials stand for the initials. NPR says it's abbreviating the name it has used since its debut in 1971 because it's more than radio these days. Its news, music and informational programming is heard over a variety of digital devices that aren't radios; it also operates news and music Web sites. "NPR is more modern, streamlined," says NPR CEO Vivian Schiller. She points to other "re-brandings" by media organizations, such as Cable News Network, which has been plain old CNN for years, reports The Washington Post, which apparently still wants us to use its name and not shorten it to TWP. NPR hasn't formally announced the change, but has told its staff and some 900 affiliated stations in recent months to use only the initials on the air or online. "There's a little bit of tension in those three initials," writes TWP. "NPR's affiliates, which contribute about 40% of NPR's $154 million operating budget, are still primarily in the radio business. Some station managers have grumbled that NPR has invested in digital operations at the expense of more and better radio programs."

* Rush Limbaugh reportedly sells his 10-room Upper East Side condo for $11.5 million. That's less than the final $12.95 million asking price, but Limbaugh has long been railing about the high tax burden on wealthy New Yorkers, and declared last year he'd "get out of New York totally" because of high taxes. According to the Wall Street Journal, Limbaugh's 10-room condominium, which features a 30-foot-wide living room with fireplace and four terraces overlooking Central Park at East 86th Street, has gone into contract for sale. WSJ reports that one broker familiar with the transaction says the final price was about $11.5 million. Limbaugh paid just under $5 million for the apartment as well as a maid's room and a storage locker, in 1994. At that price, city officials say that the sale would usually trigger a payment from the seller at the closing of about $325,000 in transfer taxes, including about $164,000 for New York City and $161,000 for New York state to help close the state's huge budget deficit. Last year when New York state adopted a temporary income-tax surcharge to raise more than $3 billion a year, Limbaugh said on his radio show that he was going to "get out of New York totally" and sell his Manhattan apartment. Limbaugh didn't return a call from WSJ for comment.

* Steve Weed to join Clear Channel Fresno as Operations Manager. Weed replaces Paul Wilson and will oversee the eight-station Clear Channel Fresno cluster. Weed most recently was Operations Manager for Main Line Broadcasting's five-station Dayton cluster where he also handled day-to-day programming of "Fly 92.9" WGTZ. Says Clear Channel Fresno VP and Market Manager Jeff Negrete, "I am proud to announce that Steve Weed will join our organization as the new Operations Manager. Steve has extensive experience in leading multiple platforms and has a stellar reputation of developing teams and talent. He will begin his duties the first part of August." Before Main Line, Weed spent nine years with Entercom in Sacramento.

* Jay Noble exits the Moby Network to join Citadel Media. Noble exits the Moby Network as Program Director to join Citadel Media as Affiliate Relations Director West for the company's 24/7 formats and other network offerings in non-metro areas. Noble joined the Moby network last September as VP of Sales and Affiliate Relations. Noble left TM Century at the end of 2008 after eleven years as VP of Sales. He's also held similar positions at Westwood One, Unistar and the Satellite Music Network. Noble has also been a major market PD and air talent.

* M&M Broadcasters silences Christian "The Voice of Truth 1110" KVTT-AM, Dallas-Fort Worth, July 11. The station discontinues operations as "a casualty of the economic downturn and of dwindling AM listenership." Six fulltime staffers and two parttimers are out, as the heritage station comes to an end. "We prayed hard about our situation so we believe that the 'season' for KVTT has come to an end at God's bidding. For the staff here, we are grateful for the time of ministry we enjoyed and are asking God to reveal our next steps," said General Manager Doug Price on the station's Website, before it went down Friday (July 9). KVTT was on 97.1 FM until last year when its parent company sold the frequency to North Texas Public Broadcasters. It has been operating as an AM daytimer since. "We attempted to build an audience for 1110," says Price, "but we were unable to build enough of an audience to get the financial support we needed in sufficient time to keep us on the air." With its FM years, KVTT will cease operation after some 34 years as a Dallas-Fort Worth Christian station.

* Saga Communications Milwaukee President and General Manager Tom Joerres is retiring at the end of August. SVP Warren Lada will step into the position September 1 on an interim basis as he conducts an inside/outside search for Joerres' replacement. Joerres began his radio career in 1977 at WOKY-AM as an Account Executive. In 1979 he went on to WTMJ-AM where he served as Local Sales Manager. In 1982 he was recruited to become GM by the then owners of WFMR-FM, using an equity position as incentive. Joerres also guided the Milwaukee group's growth when deregulation came in 1993 and in 1997 with the passage of the Telecommunications Act. Joerres' says he plans to stay connected to the radio industry on a consulting basis.

* Dick Broadcasting names Jason Goodman Director of Programming for the Greensboro-Winston Salem group. Goodman will continue as Program Director and afternoon host at Dick's CHR-Top40 WKZL-FM, Greensboro-Winston Salem, but will also spend more time working with clustermate "Rock 92" WKRR-FM. Prior to joining WKZL in February 2005, initially as Assistant PD, Goodman was APD and Music Director, and night host, at "94.9 The Point" WPTE-FM, Norfolk.

* Clear Channel rebrands CHR-Top40 Kiss FM (WZKF), Louisville as 98-9 Radio Now. The move coincides with a signal upgrade, and a "flavor" revision for the station, now blending both Mainstream and Rhythmic CHR. "The new name and logo will be a great fit for the new sound," says Program Director Mike Klein. "The station is being re-branded with the Now moniker to give a fresh new approach to delivering hit music to the people who need it Now." The lineup features Kane in mornings; syndicated Ryan Seacrest, middays; Mike Klein in PM drive and Diaz in nights.

* Gilford Securities analyst Jim Boyle on radio ad growth: "What of 2011 revenue growth?" Boyle says the closer we get to 2011, the more investors will be concerned that the 6% growth anticipated by the RAB will will drop off dramatically to a 3.5% gain. The Gilford Securities analyst weighs in on radio ad growth, noting that "even as radio industry revenue growth has revived, the mounting debate is what of 2011 revenue growth." Gilford has surveyed top 20 market radio executives in both public and private companies, asking them: "What would be their 2011 forecast if 2010 Radio revenue increased 5%-6%?" The forecast showed a 3.5% revenue growth in 2011 for radio, if the economy continues in a positive direction. The radio execs surveyed see lesser growth in 2011 than in 2010, but aren't forecasting that revenue will fall back to flat or negative, says Boyle. "Ironically, I had expected the public CEOs to be typically more optimistic than the several private CEOs in their 2011 forecast as private groups do not have a stock price to defend or investor perception to be spun."

The Gilford Securities analyst notes: “Assuredly, the CEOs can be prone to Lake Woebegone tendencies where all their children are viewed as above average. Thus, one could logically temper the 2011E [estimated] forecast. Nevertheless, I think many investors are very concerned that the roughly 6% growth anticipated by the Radio Advertising Bureau for the first half of 2010 estimated will drop off dramatically in the second half estimated (H2E) when the very easy comps become less easy; as well the bearish potential for 2011 estimated (2011E) to be flat or much worse." Boyle goes on to add, "To date, the anecdotal evidence I confidentially gather from about 50 markets (comprising over 40% of the Industry revenue) does not indicate any H2E plummet in bookings, or pacings to date. When you combine that with the CEOs’ 2011E forecast, it appears quite possible that investors have overshot in their bearish perceptions of the embryonic Radio industry revenue growth revival disappearing in the next several quarters. It is almost as though investors fleeing radio stocks feel the industry is still too much like newspapers or Greece.”

* Clear Channel says it will hold the first upfront meetings ever for the radio and outdoor industries. Clear Channel plans a new push to sell "upfront" advertising to clients, designing a series of presentations to advertisers and agencies to serve as a showcase for its programming and marketing prowess, similar to the way that television networks sell advertising in advance for their upcoming TV seasons. The first meetings will be held starting Monday (July 12) in New York, for two weeks. Subsequent meetings are scheduled for Boston, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Among those already scheduled to meet with Clear Channel are Universal McCann, Aegis/Carat, Horizon, Mediaedge:CIA, and OMD. The agencies will see presentations that cover all Clear Channel platforms — radio, digital, and outdoor. Clear Channel talent will be on hand. As with TV upfronts, space can be reserved early, and volume buys will drive added value. Clear Channel will also officially unveil the new "Clear Channel Create" group at the upfront meetings.

The new "Clear Channel Create" is a creative council for national clients, currently being unveiled, as the company designates a group of executives from across Clear Channel's divisions for the council. "Clear Channel Create" will work to generate recommendations across the company's various platforms for current and prospective national clients, says EVP and President of Global Media Sales John Partilla. "We're bringing together the top experts in developing creative that drives engagement across our industry-leading radio, outdoor, and digital platforms. This is a powerful complement to the creative resources inside our leading agency partners." Initially chaired by Bob Potesky, SVP and Executive Creative Director for Clear Channel Global Media Sales, charter members of the "Clear Channel Create" team include: Clear Channel Radio Creative Services Group President Jim Cook and SVP Bob Case; Clear Channel Radio Digital VP and Creative Director Josh Klenert; Premiere Radio Networks SVP of Marketing and Communications Hosea Belcher; and Clear Channel Outdoor SVP of Creative Marketing and PR Tony Alwin and VP of Spectacular Development Mike McGraw. The team, says Partilla, has already produced "outstanding recommendations for a number of leading brands, like Visa, Geico and NBC, that have been enthusiastically received over the past several months." He adds, "Formalizing this unique resource will increase the regularity with which we can bring this outstanding level of service to current and prospective clients."

* Cox Media Group names Gene Vidler as VP and Market Manager for its Tulsa cluster. Vidler replaces Dan Lawrie, who moves to CMG San Antonio in the same position there. "I am excited to lead CMG Tulsa and look forward to continuing to work with all of the outstanding people who work here," says Vidler. "All of CMG Tulsa's stations have great positions in the community, and our people are well respected. Tulsa is a great place to live and work, and I look forward to representing our stations here." Says Group VP Ben Reed, "Gene is a proven leader in our Tulsa cluster, having served as General Sales Manager for each of our stations over his career with CMG. We will all continue to benefit from Gene's leadership. Gene is ready to assume the leadership role in Tulsa, and he will continue to grow our strong teams, our listener base and customer-focused brands." Also, Mary Rogers is promted to VP of Sales at CMG Tulsa, along with day-to-day GSM responsibilities for KRMG-AM-FM. Lisa Hizer is promted to GSM of KRAV-FM, and Matt Ledbetter is upped to GSM of KWEN-FM and KJSR-FM. "These collective appointments are possible because our leaders in Tulsa have always been dedicated to recruiting and identifying talent, putting that talent in a position to grow, monitoring performance, and rewarding those accomplishments," adds Reed. "I am proud that we are able to recognize the talents of this management team and put them in a position to grow our brands in Tulsa."

* Katz Radio Group promotes Shaunagh Guinness to SVP of Research and Marketing in New York. She began her career at Katz as a Research Assistant in 1990. During her 20-year tenure, Guinness has held the positions of Market Research Specialist, Assistant Research Director and Research Director with Christal Radio. "Through hard work and determination, Shaunagh has become a leading industry expert in media research," says Katz Radio Group President Mark Gray. "Under her direction, our Research and Marketing department delivers the most effective tools to maximize the benefits of radio for our customers and clients. The skill and knowledge Shaunagh has collected over her two decades at Katz make her an incredible asset to our entire organization."

* United Stations Radio Networks adds Leslie Sturm to its ad sales department as Senior Account Executive. Sturm will handle both the network's ongoing clients as well as new business development and will be based at the radio network's New York offices. Sturm joins USRN following a recent stint as Senior Account Manager at Sirius XM. Prior to that, Sturm spent a combined ten years with Premiere Radio Networks and MJI Broadcasting in similar capacities handling ad sales for national accounts. She was also the VP and Associate Director of Network Radio at NW Ayer, Inc/Media Edge. Says USRN Executive VP of Sales Rich Baum, "We are very excited about Leslie joining the United Stations team. Her great wealth of experience on both the advertising sales and agency side will help play a significant role in the growth of our company."

* Cy Young exits as Radio One Raleigh Operations Manager. Young joined Radio One Raleigh in 1988, and became Program Director of Urban AC WFXC and WFXK-FM, and Urban WQOK in 2001. Radio One Richmond Operations Manager Jeff "Uzi" Anderson will oversee the Raleigh group until a permanent replacement for Young is named.

* Veteran radio programmer Mike Stern launches Talent Mechanic. Stern, whose background includes more than a decade of programming experience in small and large markets, says he's offering one-on-one coaching to air talent at all stages of their careers through his new Talent Mechanic. He will review airchecks with a focus on mechanics and personality, and offer coaching on adjusting to PPM, incorporating social networks, and fine-tuning a tape and resume, either in single sessions or on a ongoing subscription basis. "Every champion athlete has a coach," says Stern. "Successful students have tutors. Most major corporations use consultants. Yet so often you ask an on-air talent when their last aircheck was and the answer is 'I can't remember.' In many cases that isn’t because the PD doesn't want to work with their talent, it's that he or she is running two or more radio stations and simply doesn’t have time."

* Envision Radio Networks and radio2dot0 Ltd. launch new VirtualNewsCenter service. That's a service that collects and produces local radio news, for barter basis syndication, providing local news for stations that's gathered, written and delivered by a team of remote anchors. VirtualNewsCenter President Scott Roberts says the new service "marks a great stride in our ability to deliver our outsourced news content to stations across the country. We couldn't have chosen a better partner than Envision Radio Networks to help us grow by helping more stations meet the challenges which make VirtualNewsCenter the right solution for those needing a high quality product while still being cost-effective." Envision Radio President Danno Wolkoff adds, "VirtualNewsCenter has been specifically designed for radio stations. The customized news service delivers content that your listeners want and need on a daily basis with no additional needs placed on your current newsroom. Radio stations' sales departments can still sell local advertising and sponsorships for each newscast delivered."

* Ando Media releases its May Internet audio Top 20 Ranker of the top-performing Internet radio stations/networks. The May Webcast Metrics audience measurement shows most of the key metrics were flat to down one to two percent among the top Webcasters. Pandora continues to see positive gains in Average Active Sessions (402,978), or the average number of streams of one minute or more that are active within a time period. CBS Radio pulled a 166,644 in AAS, followed by Clear Channel (117,828), Citadel (38,400) and Entercom (25,383). Ando Media offers charts of the results here.

* The Kellar Radio Talent Institute at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, marks its fourth year. The Institute has received partial sponsorship from the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters (NCAB) for the 2010 program, to be held July 12 -21. The NCAB is one of the top associations for broadcasters in the nation in terms of legislative victories, education, services, benefits and legal assistance. This year marks the first year that the Institute is accepting students from other colleges and universities. In prior years only Appalachian State students were admitted. This year, the Institute will have its largest number of guest professional faculty, with a total of 32. The Kellar Radio Talent Institute was created in 2007 by industry veteran and founder of Vallie-Richards-Donovan Consulting, Dan Vallie. The Institute’s mission is to attract, train and coach talented students who have a passion for the broadcast industry as well as possible ownership. The program has received rave reviews from industry professionals and program graduates. “Now as we are about to hold our fourth Radio Institute, it’s as apparent as it was the first year that there are many talented, intelligent and well-rounded young adults that aspire to be in radio,” says Vallie. “They come with enthusiasm, questions, ideas and a developing passion for the business. I’m thrilled the NCAB is sponsoring the Institute this year. These students/young broadcasters will benefit greatly. It’s just one more indication of how the successful professionals in our industry have an altruistic heart regarding helping young people get into the business, as well as their grasp of the vision of this talent farm system and seeing this as an investment in the future of our industry.”   [More »]

* NAB Show and BIA/Kelsey will work together to feature the latest advancements in telecom access networks. They are making plans for the April 9-14, 2011 NAB Show in Las Vegas. Combined with NAB's existing coverage of video technologies, the expanded telecom elements will provide a single gathering place for everyone in content creation, delivery and distribution. The NAB Show's expanded telecom focus will create a permanent home for the vibrant telecom access community serving each segment of the supply chain, from telecom technologists to content creators. As telco video revenue increases, service providers are ramping up their networks and are looking for greater interaction with the broadcast community and other content providers. Increased HDTV and 3D programming will further fuel the need for high-capacity networks. This initiative will bring the content community together with the companies building, planning, and investing billions of dollars in next-generation broadband networks. "The NAB Show is the essential destination for professionals across the entire content lifecycle, a key component of which is the rapidly-growing broadband access network arena," says NAB EVP Chris Brown. "As broadcast networks, stations and other video content providers look to complementary distribution platforms, the NAB Show is the perfect place to gather all of these technologies and content professionals in one place." [More from NAB »]

* KMBH-FM, Harlingen, Texas, remains off the air due to damage from Hurricane Alex. High winds snapped guy wires and damaged a 300-foot station tower, located between Harlingen and Brownsville, reports the Valley Morning Star. The top of the tower and a supporting tower section are now on the ground, says RGV Educational Broadcasting President, General Manager and Director of Engineering John Ross. RGV operates KMBH’s radio and television stations. “Arrangements are being made to resume KMBH-FM broadcasting from another tower site,” says Ross. “We hope to return to the air within approximately two weeks.” He estimates the cost of replacing the tower, which is insured, at between $100,000 and $150,000. It could take two months for crews to take down the remnants of the old tower and erect a new one, but says Ross, it’s less of an expense to replace the entire tower than try to salvage parts of it. The tower was likely damaged by one of the tornadoes spawned by Alex.

* "NewsTalk 100" WNOX-FM, Knoxville, will remain News-Talk when its LMA with Citadel ends. In a surprise announcement WNOX says it will begin its own Talk format when Citadel exits the 100.3 FM frequency for its own 98.7 FM,WOKI, Oliver Springs. The Citadel format will air on both frequencies until the end of the month, beginning Friday (July 9). “As of midnight July 31, when our marketing agreement with Citadel Communications ends, WNOX will continue broadcasting a full schedule of local and network news and talk programs to serve all the people of Knoxville and surrounding states,” says WNOX General Manager Ed Brantley, the former manager of the Citadel stations in Knoxville. He was "hired by WNOX owner John Pirkle to create Knoxville's only locally owned and operated 100,000 watt FM station, which will remain on its 100.3 frequency once the agreement with Citadel and its programs ends," says a news release. "Brantley," says the news release, "who made his name with WIVK as an air personality and host of the 'Sound Off' program for almost 20 years, will host the morning drive talk show on WNOX." Brantley adds, “We have the largest-wattage transmitter and the highest antenna allowable under FCC Rules, giving WNOX Knoxville radio's largest coverage area, and one of the strongest signals in the nation. We are excited to continue providing quality news and talk programing to parts of several states. As much as I like the business side of broadcasting, I have, in recent years, found myself missing also being on the air,” Brantley says. “My new role allows me to start each day doing talk radio, then spend the remainder of the day in management, sales and community involvement. After several years in absentee-owned corporate radio, this is like a dream come true for me.” A bonus for the Knoxville community, Brantley says, is the creation of new jobs. “We are currently interviewing applicants for approximately a dozen jobs, most of them in advertising sales. “We hope the listeners will like the quality programs we will be offering, including Neil Boortz, Michael Savage, liberal commentator Alan Colmes (formerly of Hannity and Colmes) and other nationally known names.” Brantley says the station will also offer something that is not otherwise available on Knoxville News-Talk radio. “We will include sports in our mix of news and talk, offering listeners a balance they cannot get on a single FM station.” Brantley says discussions with several sports anchors are underway, and their names will announced in the near future. Meanwhile, several reports indicate a battle is shaping up for the WNOX call letters.

* Sirius XM Radio adds over 583,000 net subscribers in the second quarter of 2010. The satcaster says today (June 7) it added 583,249 net subscribers in the second quarter of 2010, compared to a net subscriber decline of 185,999 in the second quarter of 2009. In the first half of this year, Sirius XM added 754,690 net subscribers compared to a loss of 590,421 net subscribers in the first half of 2009. The company ended the second quarter with a record-high 19,527,448 subscribers, an increase of more than 1.1 million subscribers from June 30, 2009. Sirius XM also announces additional second quarter 2010 subscriber metrics: Gross additions increased by 46% and deactivations decreased by 8% compared to the second quarter of 2009; Self-pay churn improved to 1.8% for the second quarter of 2010 from 2.0% for the second quarter of 2009; and, The conversion rate from a trial subscription included in the sale of a vehicle to a self-pay subscription improved in the second quarter of 2010 to 46.7%, up from 44.3% for the second quarter of 2009. In addition, Sirius XM Radio says its third increase this year in subscriber guidance shows it now expects net additions of approximately 1.1 million in 2010. "Our subscriber results mark the best quarter of gross additions, deactivations and net additions since the merger of Sirius and XM in July 2008. The strong execution in both adding subscribers and retaining them resulted in our record-high 19.5 million subscriber milestone, despite continued economic uncertainty," says CEO Mel Karmazin. "The further improvement in our guidance reflects the attractiveness of satellite radio but maintains a cautious outlook for continued improvement in the economy." Sirius XM plans to release full second quarter 2010 financial results in August.

* The U.S. Court of Appeals rejects an attempt to delay the due date for stations to file Form 323 ownership reports. A group of broadcasters and six state associations argued the reports violated federal privacy laws, in a filing by Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth. But the three-judge appeals court in DC rules in favor of the FCC. The broadcasters argued that the requirement to provide Social Security numbers for all parties with an "attributable" ownership interest was a violation of federal privacy law. However, the federal appeals court ruled that there is no problem because the FCC has provided an alternative. When objections to the use of SSNs were first presented to the FCC, the Commission agreed to allow a special Federal Registration Number (FRN) on the new enhanced disclosure ownership Form 323 to protect the actual SSN from being displayed. The broadcasters' filing claimed the use of the special FRN isn't sufficient, and that the procedure was not properly adopted by the FCC. The U.S. Court of Appeals sided with the FCC in its ruling. The Commission adopted changes to increase the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the minority and female ownership data collected. The Form 323 ownership reports were due Thursday (July 8).

* Emmis Communications commences preferred stock exchange offer and calls a special shareholder meeting. Emmis Communications begins an offer to exchange any and all shares of Emmis' outstanding 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock for 12% PIK Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 at a rate of $30.00 principal amount of New Notes for each $50.00 of liquidation preference (excluding accrued and unpaid dividends) of Existing Preferred Stock. Emmis also announces a special shareholders' meeting to be held Tuesday, August 3, for the purpose of voting on amendments to the terms of the Existing Preferred Stock. The Exchange Offer is scheduled to expire at 5pm ET August 3, unless extended in accordance with its terms, and is subject to the conditions set forth in a Proxy Statement/Offer to Exchange dated July 6, 2010. Copies of the Proxy Statement/Offer to Exchange and the related letter of transmittal are being mailed to holders of Existing Preferred Stock and are available without charge at www.sec.gov or from BNY Mellon Shareowner Services. In addition, Emmis has been informed that JS Acquisition, owned by Emmis CEO and President Jeff Smulyan is extending until 5pm August 3, its offer to purchase all of Emmis' outstanding shares of Class A common stock for $2.40 per share in cash in order to coordinate the timing of the deadlines of the JS Acquisition Tender Offer and the Exchange Offer. The completion of the Exchange Offer will be subject to certain conditions including, the approval of the Proposed Amendments and the minimum number of shares of Class A common stock, which as of June 16, 2010 would equal 32.8% of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock, having been validly tendered and not withdrawn in the JS Acquisition Tender Offer. Exchanging holders of Existing Preferred Stock will not be entitled to receive any dividends with respect to their exchanged shares, including unpaid dividends accumulated to date. The Proposed Amendments will not become effective unless two thirds of the shares of Existing Preferred Stock are voted in favor of the Proposed Amendments and more shares of Emmis common stock are voted in favor of the Proposed Amendments than against. In addition, the Proposed Amendments will not become effective unless all conditions of the Exchange Offer have been satisfied or waived.   [More from Emmis »]

* The Regent Trust closes on the transfers of all but two of its broadcast licenses to Townsquare Media. The transfers were effective July 1. The Regent Trust had been operating the stations under a time brokerage arrangement with Townsquare Media, which took over the former Regent Communications after Regent exited Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. The Regent Trust is overseen by Broadcast Management & Technology CEO Jay Meyers, who says the last two Regent Trust licenses — for Classic Rock KARS-FM, Ft. Collins, CO; and Alternative KFTE-FM, Lafayette, LA — have been transferred to the new Fort Collins-Lafayette Divestiture Trust, also overseen by Meyers. "As the trust name would indicate, both of these properties are for sale," says Meyers. "I invite all interested parties to get in touch with me as soon as possible to express their interest." Meyers' contact info is available at www.bmtllc.com. Meyers also says that anyone who has previously been in touch with the original Regent Trust about the two specific stations does not have to reach out again. The two stations must be sold to meet current FCC ownership limits, because Regent's grandfathered status was lost with the change of licensee. Regent had already owned the two stations when the FCC changed the rules in 2003.

* NPR names Radio One Finance SVP Deborah Cowan as its Chief Financial Officer. Cowan, who starts at NPR August 2, will report to SVP of Strategic Operations & Finance Debra Delman. "I am thrilled to have Debbie join the NPR team," says Delman. "Her financial expertise, radio and media experience, and her passion for the NPR brand will be a tremendous asset to the organization and will contribute to our future success." Prior to joining Radio One in 2001, she served as a senior financial manager for IBM, where she held several "increasingly responsible CFO positions for significant divisions." Before that, Cowan, who is a CPA, worked for Coopers & Lybrand, performing audits for large and medium-sized nonprofit and for-profit companies. Says Cowan, "As a financial professional with a passion for and commitment to this industry, I look forward to joining this prestigious media organization. These are exciting times for NPR, and I am enthusiastic about taking part in its strategic initiatives."

* TM Studios hires Patrick "Ricky Roo" McLaughlin as its new VP of Creative. He will oversee all creative aspects of TM Studios, both current product creation and new product development. Roo joins TM Studios from Clear Channel's KDWB-FM, Minneapolis, where he served as Creative Services, Production and Imaging Director for close to two years. "We are excited to add a talent of Ricky's caliber who will continue to grow TM's creative output into the future," says TM Studios VP and General Manager Chris Long. Says Roo, "I have dreamed of writing this very quote for a long time. The opportunity to join the legendary TM Studios is literally a wish come true. I'm very excited to work with the people at Dial Global as well as the wonderful staff at TM Studios. I can't wait to get started."

* "1050 ESPN" WEPN-AM, New York, signs New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. The NFL player will do an exclusive, live interview segment this season as a look ahead each Thursday at 5pm during the afternoon drive "Michael Kay Show." The weekly feature debuts the week of September 6. "Mark Sanchez showed significant poise and leadership last year and he and Michael Kay demonstrated tremendous chemistry in their interviews," says VP and General Manager David Roberts. "We expect this weekly preview to be appointment listening for New York football fans on the official radio home of Jets football."

* The FCC is suing Saga Communications to collect an unpaid forfeiture of $4,000. The suit filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan stems from a Commission forfeiture order over a contest with a top prize of a two-year lease on a Buick or its cash equivalent and Aerosmith memorabilia. The contest was run by Saga's WAQY-FM, Springfield, MA, July 17 2005. The winner complained to the FCC in December 2005, saying the station promised he'd receive all the prizes by July 22, but he didn't receive the cash until August 18 and still hadn't received the Aerosmith memorabilia. The FCC Enforcement Bureau began an investigation, and Saga responded that the one-month delay in delivering the cash was "within the zone of reasonableness" and the failure to award the memorabilia until February 2006 was a problem that had been resolved. Saga said it added more prizes because of the delay. The Commission sent a $4,000 notice of apparent liability to Saga in 2007, saying the station had not conducted the contest "substantially as announced" because it didn't meet timeliness requirements, and saying Saga's own contest rule said prizes would be awarded within 30 days. Saga sought to have the fine canceled,saying "promptness" is not part of the FCC's contest rules for licensees, and that it didn't act willfully or try to avoid its obligations. The FCC affirmed its fine with a forfeiture order in 2009, and Saga then filed a petition for reconsideration. That was denied this April, after which Saga filed an application for review. The federal court filing says, "The monetary forfeiture remains unpaid up to and including the date of this complaint." The FCC is suing for the forfeiture amount, interest, and the costs of the lawsuit.

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski appoints Rick Kaplan as Chief Counsel and Senior Legal Advisor. Kaplan succeeds Bruce Gottlieb, who will be leaving the Commission at the end of July, after four and a half years of service. Kaplan will manage the Commission's overall agenda, responsible for policy coordination among the Bureaus and Offices, and will have particular responsibility for wireless, engineering and technology, and public safety issues. "Rick brings a wealth of experience and achievement to the Commission -- as an attorney, public servant, and successful entrepreneur," says Genachowski. "He has a keen intellect, great judgment, deep insight into the challenges and opportunities of the modern communications landscape, and the ability to build consensus among a wide variety of stakeholders." Kaplan has served as the Chief of Staff for Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. Of Gottlieb, Genachowski adds, "I also would like to recognize Bruce for his exemplary service to the Commission. He has a brilliant mind and a unique ability to solve some of the most challenging problems we face, which has earned him respect and affection inside and outside of the FCC."

* FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn announces staff changes. Clyburn appoints Angela Kronenberg as Chief of Staff, and Eloise Gore will be on detail from the Media Bureau to advise Clyburn on media and consumer issues. Kronenberg has been serving as the Commissioner's Wireline Legal Advisor since December 2009 and provides advice on a wide variety of wireline, broadband, and universal service matters. Previously, Kronenberg served as Special Counsel in the Spectrum & Competition Policy Division of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Gore has been Associate Bureau Chief in the Media Bureau since 2008 and oversaw the Digital Television transition, which was completed last year. She has also been responsible for cable and satellite carriage issues, including implementation of the new Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act. Gore succeeds Rick Kaplan, who is named Chief Counsel and Senior Legal Advisor to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski.

* According to Mediaguide AdMonitor, first week July retail brands radio advertising was down from last year. The top retail brands are tracking at lower levels compared to the same period a year ago. Home Depot was down 2%, McDonald's declined 3% and SafeLife Auto Glass fell 29%. Geico Insurance, bucking the trend, was up 21%. Says Mediaguide Advertising Sales EVP Joan Gerberding, "Other than radio enthusiast, Geico, there isn't anything in this report that really shouts 'the economy is doing better!'" Also in the top 20 advertisers, but spending less than in the year-ago period for radio are Verizon Wireless, Lowe's Home Improvement, Wendy's, Taco Bell, AT&T and Sam's Club. The top 20 advertisers spending more in 2010 include Autozone Auto Parts Store and Kohl's Department Stores. Missing from the top 20 list from 2009 vs. 2010 are Wells Fargo/Wachovia Banks, Farmer Insurance Group and Onstar.

* Media Monitors: BP radio advertising hits a record for first week of July. Media Monitors reports that 2,608 spots ran for BP between June 29 and July 5 – up from 2,251 the previous week, and almost twice the number of radio spots run for the week of June 8, soon after BP launched its current post-spill spin campaign. In the weeks after the explosion in the Gulf on April 20, 2010, BP pulled all its ads until they readied a campaign to address the issues of the Oil Spill. On June 3, BP launched their first campaign 'BP Has Taken Full Responsibility' on TV that featured Tony Hayward, their CEO. On June 19, 2010, Tony Hayward was pulled out of the BP operations in the Gulf, and was also replaced as the face of BP in its media campaigns. The current campaign on radio features one of their local owners of a BP station talking about standing behind BP and appealing to the local business aspect of the relationship with the company. Media Monitors estimates BP spent $171,421 for June 29-July 5 – twice the level of the week of June 8.

* A search continues for missing western Colorado radio personality Richard "Rick" Steele. The search began after Steele failed to show up for his Friday morning show on Cherry Creek Radio Hot AC "103.7 The Blast" KBNG, Montrose. Steele was last seen Thursday (July 1) when he parked his white Ford Ranger truck a few miles east of Montrose. “We’re not focused in on just one scenario or conclusion,” Montrose Undersheriff Kevin Walters said about the search. Steele was reported missing after co-workers found his vehicle along the South Canal Road east of Montrose. It was a place Steele frequented with his two dogs, a co-worker said. Co-workers went searching for Steele after he didn’t show up for his show Friday morning. One dog was found by Steele’s truck, the other several miles down the road, both in good condition, but there was no trace of Steele. Coworkers immediately called the Montrose Sheriff’s Department, which starting a search of the area Friday afternoon. Steele has been at the station since 2006. KBNG General Manager Jay Austin says Steele's failure to show up for work "is out of character" for him. Posting at ColoradoRadio.com, the Website for "103.7 The Blast" and two sister stations, News Director Janine Mayfield adds, "Investigators and Posse members believe Steele somehow wound up in the high, swiftly moving canal waters either as the result of a fall or in trying to rescue a dog that fell in. No personal items of Steele’s were found and there is no indication of foul play." Mayfield, who oversees news for the three-station cluster, adds: "The station would like to thank ALL those involved in the search of Rick Steele and getting the word out about his disappearance. By all means, if you think you have seen him or have any information that would lead to his location, call the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office."

* Former AOL exec Mike Rich joins Radio One's Interactive One division as Chief Product and Operating Officer. Rich will lead strategy and direction for the Interactive One Websites and brands, and will also head a multiplatform digital initiative with radio, video, and mobile in partnership with Radio One. He was most recently SVP and General Manager for AOL Entertainment, overseeing product strategy, management, marketing, editorial, and other areas, and was responsible for AOL BlackVoices, Moviefone, AOL Radio, AOL Latino, and AOL Studios. "We are excited to have Mike join the team and leverage his background to enhance our users' experience and to build upon our strong growth and success," says Interactive One President Thomas Newman. "We have a very large and highly engaged member base, and we look forward to seeing Mike apply his proven talents to build upon our existing products and to create new offerings online and across mobile, video, and other platforms." Says Rich, "I am thrilled to join the Interactive One team and to further expand the opportunities for the current and future audience, so that they can enrich their lives with a compelling product and content experience," Rich said. "Radio One and Interactive One have built a truly cross-platform media company that is well-positioned to take advantage of the growth of digital on all platforms including mobile and next-generation IP-connected products." Interactive One includes BlackPlanet and content sites NewsOne, TheUrbanDaily, and HelloBeautiful.

* Sirius XM names John Marks as Senior Director of Country Music Programming overseeing ten music channels. Marks, who resigns as Program Director of Lincoln Financial Media's Country KSON-FM, San Diego, will oversee Sirius XM's five Country music channels, plus Elvis Radio, The Village, Bluegrass Junction and two Christian music channels. Marks' appointment is effective August 2 and he will be based out of the company's Nashville studios. "We are thrilled to welcome John to the Sirius XM team," says Sirius XM's Music Programming SVP and General Manager Steve Blatter. "His years of leadership, programming creativity and passion for Country music will further enhance the listening experience for our millions of subscribers across our national platform." Marks adds, "I'm eager to work on a more broad spectrum of Country music through the many channels available on Sirius XM. I'm also looking forward to representing the Sirius XM brands of Country music to the Nashville music community."

* Lotus Entravision Reps appoints Don Parsons Southeast Region VP, Jose Villafane Northeast Region Senior AE. Parsons joins from CaribeVision to oversee the firm's Spanish-language stations in the Southeast Region, based in Miami. Villafane joins from Univision Television, and will oversee sales in the Northeast Region. "Adding knowledgeable and experienced sales professionals who are well-versed in the Spanish-language media industry like Don and Jose demonstrates our ability to attract the best and brightest to serve our clients," says LER President Phillip Woodie. "We're pleased to welcome Don and Jose to the company and look forward to their contributions." Previously Parsons was President of Sales at CaribeVision, where he led the sales division of the Spanish-language television station group with properties in New York, Miami and Puerto Rico. Villafane was Local and National Sales Manager for Univision Television in Atlanta.

* Digital content provider AirKast signs to deliver iPhone and BlackBerry mobile apps for Radio One. Apps for both iPhone and BlackBerry will be available to Radio One's radio station listeners by the end of this summer. Android mobile apps will be available soon thereafter. "Since the majority of our Urban listeners are often 'on the go,' we knew Radio One stations needed to get into the mobile app game. AirKast will help us get there quickly and with a great offering," says Radio One General Manager of Digital Dan Shelley. "We considered developing our own apps, but the barriers to entry are huge for the broadcasting market. AirKast offers the features and monetization opportunities that our stations need to attract both listeners and sponsors." Developed and delivered using both AirKast AirBridge and TuneKast, the Radio One mobile apps will allow listeners to hear live broadcasts as well as view song lyrics, see artist and album information, read reviews, watch videos, listen to station podcasts, hear samples of recently played songs and even buy music through iTunes and Amazon.com. There is no registration required and each application will be free to download.

* Katz Media Group: The National Spot Radio market is strong going into the third quarter. National Spot Radio revenues were "very strong" for the first half of 2010, and "more importantly, that momentum is carrying into the third quarter." Revenue through June 30 is pacing up more than 16%, while Q3 is pacing up 18% with July up 13% percent. Katz says August is pacing up 16%; September, up 28%. The numbers reflect business on the books as of now, but, Katz says, "they are a strong indicator the third quarter is building on first-half performance. National Spot Radio’s top seven categories – excluding political – represent 90% of all revenue and are all are pacing up in the third quarter over 2009, with the exception of entertainment. Consumer Products, Auto, Professional Services, Retail and Telecom are all up double digits in the second and third quarters. Radio’s continuing momentum is evident across the country as all market groupings are pacing up double digits in the third quarter. "Leading the revenue charge" in the third quarter are, among others, Verizon, Safeway, Geico, AT&T, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Allstate, Comcast, Fox, Honda, and Dodge. Katz says, "Radio's continuing momentum is evident across the country as all market groupings are pacing up double digits in the third quarter." Of the top 100 markets, 85 are pacing ahead of this time last year, with Boston pacing up 72%, Dallas 47%, Miami 54%, Denver 56%, and Kansas City 65%. The top 10 markets are pacing up 13.3% in Q3 — with markets 11-25 indicating a 27.5% gain, 26-50 pacing up 24.5%, 51-75 pacing up 22.3%, 76-100 pacing up 23.6%, and markets 100+ pacing up 31%. Overall, markets are pacing up 20.9%. Katz says demand and pricing are up. "While demand and pricing vary by market, the increase in demand is forcing up pricing. Based on a tracking of markets representing about 90% of the industry’s sales, June YTD pricing is up mid-to-high single digits. The increased demand from core advertisers is likely to intensify with the August-October political rush."

* Emmis Communications go-private buyout: 1.34 million shares tendered; about 29.16 million to go. Emmis files an update with the SEC on the tender offer by Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition, backed by Alden Global Capital, for the purpose of determining the filing fee for the buyout, showing that as of the last day of June, approximately 1,335,101 shares have been tendered in and not withdrawn. The offer contemplates a total buyout of approximately 30.5 million non-Smulyan/non-insider shares and 2.8 million preferred shares. The tender offer is open until July 30. The company faces a series of shareholder suits over the proposed buyout aimed at the CEO and the company's Board of Directors, most of which claim the price offered per share is too low. Although no date has yet been set for a shareholders vote, Emmis Communications filed a preliminary proxy with the SEC for the vote on whether to sell the entire company to Smulyan. The buyout had been delayed by SEC staff questions about documentation for the exchange offer for Emmis’ preferred stock. Amended documents have now been filed.

* Dallas radio personality Russ Martin will return to "97.1 The Eagle Rocks" KEGL-FM, Dallas, July 12. After weeks of rumors and days of teases, Russ Martin has confirmed that he will return to KEGL-FM, the station he left more than 10 years ago, with a morning show that will begin July 12. The Dallas News reports that Martin, who had been one of the most popular radio personalities in Dallas-Fort Worth during his tenure at KLLI-FM, says the show will air from 6-10am weekdays on Clear Channel-owned KEGL and will have the same rowdy "boys in the clubhouse" feel his show did on KLLI-FM. Although "The Eagle" is a hard-rock music station, Martin says his show will be all talk. Martin, who did afternoons during most of his time at KLLI-FM, hasn't done a morning show since late 2000 and had said he'd never work mornings again. In a phone interview, he said: "I wanted to go back on the air. That's really the long and short of it." Martin had also indicated that he wouldn't return to Clear Channel, but he has reasons for changing his mind there, too. "It's funny, the general manager of The Eagle is the same general manager that was there in the late '90s," says Martin, referring to J.D. Freeman. "I always liked J.D. a lot. It was upper management I had issues with." Because he's been off the air since 2008, Martin doesn't expect to get his peak audience back immediately. "If you have the mentality that you're just a stellar talent, and people will follow no matter what, that's going to be the demise of almost any talk-show host," he said, pledging to work hard to pull listeners in.

* Classic Rock "105.9 The Edge" WVRX, Washington, adds the "Kirk McEwen and Mike O'Meara Morning Show." The new morning show begins July 7, as McEwen moves to mornings from afternoon drive; and O'Meara, who was half of the syndicated Don & Mike with Don Geronimo until 2008, joins the Citadel station, licensed to Woodbridge, VA. Joining McEwen & O'Meara is DC and Baltimore veteran radio producer Jeff Shamrock. "In a city known for its monuments, this is monumental," says McEwen. "I couldn't be more amped." O'Meara adds, "For the first time in my career, my favorite music will be on the same station with my favorite personality — me." Operations Manager Kenny King tells us, "Kirk and Mike are two extremely popular radio personalities that each have an incredible DC and Baltimore fan base, and it’s so exciting to be able to put them together on The Edge. However, I feel the need to apologize in advance for what's about to happen on 105.9-FM because I can't predict the type of trouble these guys are gonna get us into. I guarantee it'll be entertaining, though." O'Meara, as half of “Don & Mike” aired on CBS Radio’s WJFK-FM, Washington, which at the time as News-Talk (now Sports Talk "The Fan"). Kirk joined "The Edge" when it launched last year, already well known in the market from a decade in mornings on “98 Rock” WIYY, Baltimore.

* Clear Channel Conservative Talk KNEW-AM, San Francisco, axes the "John and Ken" afternoon show. KNEW is replacing the duo, who originate at KFI-AM, Los Angeles, with Fox News Radio's John Gibson. Rich Liberman calls the "John and Ken" show a "dreadfully innocuous ratings disaster," as he reports the change at San Francisco's newest conservative talker. But Lieberman doesn't seem to think Gibson will do much better. "Gibson, a nice enough guy who knows how to create a ruckus for the sake of ratings, won't last a year. Just like John and Ken were supposed to make everyone forget Michael Savage, remember that guy?" The Liberman Report adds, "KNEW hasn't recovered since Savage was 86ed out of its afternoon drive position in Sept. 2009, (a money deal) and lately has been trying out every conservative tonsil from Dennis Miller to Bill O'Reilly."

* Clear Channel Radio's “The Rock Of New Orleans” KYRK flips to 80s-based Classic Rock “104-1 The Brew.” A message posted at www.therockofneworleans.com tells visitors: "Thank you for listening to and supporting the Rock of New Orleans since we were born on November 13, 2006. On July 1, 2010- 104.1 FM became '104-1 The Brew' - playing the Next Generation of Classic Rock from artists like Van Halen, The Police, Tom Petty, Def Leppard, Journey, and U2. We invite you to check it out at 104.1 FM in southern Louisiana or online at 1041thebrew.com where you can listen live right now. If you're looking for the music that was played on the Rock of New Orleans, we've made it available HERE. You can also access it with an HD radio at 104.1 FM-HD2 or with the IHeartRadio app on your Blackberry, iPhone, or Droid. Many of you asked us to play more new music on the Rock of New Orleans. By accessing THIS LINK, you'll not only continue to hear the best of 90's rock, but a higher amount of new rock as well."

* Atlantic Broadcasting launches new CHR-Dance "Wild 102.7" WWAC, in the Atlantic City, NJ, market. "Wild 102.7" made its debut Friday night (July 2), replacing Rock WJSE-FM. "We are very excited to debut the market's first high energy station in the party capital of the North East, Atlantic City," says Atlantic Broadcasting’s John Caracciolo. Adds Vic Canales — better known as DJ Vic Latino — also part of the station's new team, "There is a huge hole in this market for this music, we have created a radio station that is exciting, fun and local, this is what radio used to be." Atlantic is launching an extensive marketing campaign throughout South Jersey, with many announcements in the next few weeks of "Wild 102.7" live broadcasts, appearances and concerts. In addition to the new format and call letters, "Wild 102.7" also debuts an upgraded on-air signal. "We have invested a significant amount of money to improve the signal of 102.7 FM, moving the antenna into downtown Atlantic City and adding all new digital transmission equipment. This will be one of the best FM signals in the market," says Director of Engineering Mike Ferriola. The station also has changed its licensed location from Petersburg (in Cape May County) to Ocean City. "Wild 102.7" is online at wild1027.com.

* Cumulus Myrtle Beach, SC, makes changes at three stations; "Power 100.3" becomes "i100–Today’s Hottest Hits." After stunting through the holiday weekend, WSEA replaces Urban with a return to CHR-Top40 under the "i100" brand. The station was CHR-Top40 "Hot 100" before flipping to "Power 100.3" about 15 months ago. At the same time, Cumulus announces WSEA will be simulcast on WXJY-FM, Georgetown, SC, which ends a simulcast of Sports "The Team" WJXY-FM. Meanwhile, Urban returns to "98.5 Kiss-FM" WDAI-FM, which has been airing an Urban AC format. The syndicated "Ricky Smiley Morning Show" moves from WSEA, replacing Tom Joyner on WDAI. Local afternoon host Dougie Stylz moves from WSEA to WDAI, replacing Michael Baisden's syndicated show. Sports Talk "The Team" continues unchanged on WJXY-FM and WIQB-AM.

* Detroit radio veteran Jay Towers returns to mornings in the Motor City, July 12 on AC WNIC-FM. "Detroit listeners will hear a popular radio voice when Jay Towers signs on as the new host of 100-3 WNIC’s morning show starting on Monday, July 12th, with co-host Renee Vitale," says a news release. “WNIC represents the essential heritage of radio in Detroit,” says Towers, adding, “I’m beyond excited to make WNIC my new radio home.” Clear Channel Detroit Operations Manager Todd Thomas tells us: “Jay Towers IS Detroit. I can’t think of a better person to take the morning reins at legendary WNIC. His track record speaks for itself – not to mention that everyone in town loves him. I know I’m not the only one who will be happy to have Jay back on the radio in Motown.” Towers’ on-air duties at WNIC expand his role with Clear Channel Radio, where he will also serve as Program Director of 106-7 The Beat, WDTW-FM. “The Beat is a unique station in Detroit, with a talented staff and a mix of upbeat hits from today and back in the day that is the perfect formula for making you feel good,” says Towers. “Jay is also the perfect guy to program our newest radio station, The Beat (106.7 FM). There is no one more passionate about the rhythmic format,” adds Thomas. “We are excited to get someone like Jay to do double-duty for the Detroit team. The hardest working man in the business will have a few more things on his plate, but he is more than up for the challenge. It is truly an exciting day for CC-Detroit.” Jay Towers has been on the radio for more than 20 years – starting at the age of 14 working on the Jersey Shore at WJRZ, and WAYV/WBSS in Atlantic City. Prior to his move to Detroit eleven years ago, Towers was also on-air in Grand Rapids and Philadelphia. In addition to his on-air and programming roles in the Detroit market, Towers is a National Talent and Programming Consultant for Clear Channel Radio. He also anchors a local television program “Fox 2 News Weekend” in Detroit, and voicetracks a daily afternoon radio show for Clear Channel’s My106.1 in Philadelphia. "Having worked with Jay so closely on consulting projects I've learned first hand that he's one of those rare individuals that's gifted both on and off air,” says , Clear Channel Radio SVP of Programming Tom Poleman. “To have that much starpower, passion, and programming intelligence rolled into one is a dream come true."

* It's now official — Talk KSL-AM-FM, Salt Lake City, will drop Sean Hannity's syndicated radio show. The announcement comes from the KSL Website: "KSL Newsradio announced Thursday [July 1] it has ended its relationship with syndicated talk show host Sean Hannity, effective this fall. The move is intended to make room for more local programming, according to KSL Broadcasting Chief Executive Officer Mark Willes. He said the company believes its future success depends on creating unique local content." However, as we previously reported, insiders at KSL said that Hannity, even though he has a large and passionate listenership, will be gone from KSL "sooner rather than later" because he doesn't meet the new values code insituted earlier this year by Willes. Deseret Media is owned by the LDS Church. Willes' new mission statement includes pledges like: "I seek to lift, inspire, and help others find enduring happiness" and "I promote integrity, civility, morality, and respect for all people," and "I seek to instill light and knowledge in my work." Hannity "has a large problem in the civility-respect area," wrote the Salt Lake Tribune's Glen Warchol. He quoted Hannity statements such as "I'll tell you who should be tortured and killed at Guantanamo – every filthy Democrat in the U.S. Congress." Still, in KSL's official announcement, Willes says, "We acknowledge the great partnership we've had with Sean Hannity and appreciate his contributions to furthering public dialogue. At the end of the day, we simply feel our future success and competitive advantage reside in creating unique local content, and that is our objective for developing replacement programming." Hannity has been on KSL Newsradio since October 2001. The Sean Hannity Show, on the air from 1-4pm, will remain on KSL until October 1.

Meanwhile, crosstown Clear Channel “Family Values Talk Radio” KNRS, announces it will add Hannity’s daily show to the station’s lineup on October 4th. Eric Stanger, Premiere Radio Networks' VP of Operations for Hannity’s radio show says, "This will be a smooth transition." To make room for Hannity, Clear Channel will move Talk Radio Network's Dr. Laura Schlessinger — whose show is currently heard on KNRS from 1-4pm — to co-owned SLC Talk "Freedom 570" where she will air in the same time slot.

* ESPN Radio launches a new Android platform application. Similar to the iPhone app, it offers allows ESPN Radio listeners access to live audio streams, fan favorite shows, the latest SportsCenter updates every 20 minutes, popular podcasts and play-by-play broadcasts. The app also allows text messaging and call-in capabilities directly to affiliates. The ESPN Radio app is available for $4.99 and averages more than 793,000 unique listeners per month, according to Ando Media. It also generates 3.9 million total sessions per month with an average session from ESPNRadio.com lasting 1.24 hours.

* Jerry Delcore is named Market Manager for the Bustos Media Sacramento stations. Delcore, who previously spent five years in Sacramento as the manager of the Clear Channel stations there, is named by interim CEO Jay Meyers, the President and CEO of Broadcast Management & Technology, who is overseeing Bustos Media pending the transfer of all Bustos stations to NAP Broadcast Holdings. Most recently Delcore was Market Manager for the Border Media Austin Texas cluster. The Bustos Media group in Sacramento includes three radio stations and one television station. "Jerry Delcore is one of the best market managers in the country and we are extraordinarily lucky to be able to attract him to this company," says Meyers. "Jerry’s arrival will show everyone how committed we, and our future owners, NAP Broadcast Holdings are to the future growth of all our properties and the opportunity ahead for Spanish language media." Says Delcore, "This is an incredible opportunity. I inherit a great staff and a great programming line-up. I look forward to working with my team to build the top Spanish Broadcasting company in town." Regarding a return to Sacramento, he says, "My wife and I just loved our time in Sacramento and it’s a true joy to now bring our young family back to experience some of that joy. And to be able to do that while being on the ground floor with future owners who believe in winning is just spectacular." As we previously reported, Bustos Media has filed to transfer all of its radio and television licenses to NAP Broadcast Holdings, a group formed by Bustos Media's three senior lenders: NewStart, Atalaya and Prudential, for whom NAP is named. CEO Amador Bustos and VP of Operations John Bustos both resigned as part of the agreement, and Meyers was named interim CEO.

* Rock WXTP, Portland, ME, becomes Catholic talk radio “The Presence” under new owners. Nassau Broadcasting has sold the station to Presence Radio Network, which will flip the station to its lineup of Catholic programming July 7, under an LMA. The station’s talk programming will be provided mostly by the EWTN Global Catholic Radio Network, and include programs such as “Catholic Answers,” “Open Line” and “Catholic Connection.” Presence works with but is independent of the Diocese of Portland. A mass to mark the station’s first day of broadcasting will be held July 7 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland.

* A suspect is arrested on charges of vandalism at a Fort Smith, AK, Clear Channel Radio station. Allen Craig is believed to be responsible for allegedly throwing a brick through a Clear Channel Radio window – and, about two weeks later, slashing several tires in the parking lot and throwing another brick at the building. Craig is charged with criminal mischief for the vandalism incidents. No motive is given.

* The July 4 holiday weekend marked the 40th anniversary of Premiere Radio Networks' "American Top 40." As part of the special anniversary weekend, host Ryan Seacrest commemorated the milestone with a tribute to the show's creator and original host Casey Kasem, as well as announced the top artist of the last 40 years. In addition to counting down the current 40 top songs, Seacrest revisited some of the greatest moments over the last four decades. The anniversary celebration continues online with the re-launch of www.AT40.com. Serving as a one-stop shop for AT40 fans, the new site features pop culture, entertainment, music and fashion news, artist bio pages and archived charts with direct links to iTunes; photo galleries and more. "American Top 40 is the soundtrack to life; it sparks emotion and memories, and has a huge impact on pop culture," says Seacrest. "This show is really special to me. Not only because it's the biggest countdown in the world, but because it's the one show I grew up listening to as a kid, so I take a lot of pride in hosting the program every weekend." AT40 was created by Casey Kasem in 1970 and became the gold standard of music programming. Seacrest debuted as host of the program in January 2004.

* CBS Radio Country "US 99.5" WUSN-FM, Chicago, names Buddy Scott as its new Program Director. Scott, who replaces Bill Gamble who exited in March, previously was a Regional VP of Programming at Clear Channel and Director of AC Programming for Clear Channel's Houston group. Scott also prgrammed CBS Radio's Rhythmic CHR "B96" WBBM-FM, Chicago, from 1982 to 1990. "I am pleased Buddy has agreed to rejoin CBS Radio Chicago and program the premier Country Station in America," says CBS Radio Chicago SVP and Market Manager Rod Zimmerman. "His experience, leadership, skill set and passion for the format, make him the perfect choice to lead WUSN to new levels of success."

* Los Angeles-based "Go Country 105" KKGO-FM launches GoCountryNY.com for the Big Apple. This announcement closely follows WOR-AM’s announcement that it is launching a digital-only Country format. New York has no FM over-the-air Country station. The Web-based streaming radio service GoCountryNY is set to launch Saturday (July 3), "based on Go Country 105's signature music mix." The customized New York programming will feature local content for New York listeners. A smart phone app for the new service is also planned. "We're delighted to be the only established Country radio station to serve New York's country music fans," says Mt. Wilson Broadcasters President Saul Levine. "We look forward to reaching millions more as we deliver locally focused country programming coast to coast." Buckley “News Talk Radio 710” WOR-AM might dispute the "only" claim. Just days earlier, it announced the Friday (July 2) launch of a new online-only Country station, WOR Country, branded as "The Elephant." WOR's announcement said its online station would be "the market's only locally-programmed Country outlet." It will be available online 24/7 at WORcountry.com, as well as through WOR Country's iPhone and Blackberry apps, and Internet enabled radios. So, in a couple of days, Market #1 will have two online Country stations — but still no over-the-air outlet airing Country.

* Citadel Broadcasting names Jeff Davidson as Director of Media Strategy. In the newly-created position, Davidson will supervise all research projects across Citadel's terrestrial radio, network and digital platforms, beginning July 6, reporting to VP of Programming Scott Shannon. Davidson most recently was National PPM Account Manager for Arbitron. "Jeff's background in radio and extensive experience in ratings and research uniquely qualify him to lead our corporate research efforts," says Shannon. "Our industry remains highly competitive, which makes it vitally important for our company to completely understand our audiences and develop new strategies to meet their needs. We are confident his leadership will produce tremendous results within our stations and networks." Davidson's radio background includes on-air personality, programming, sales, and management positions.

* Clear Channel flips Adult Standards "The Breeze 590 AM" WDIZ-AM, Panama City, FL, to Sports as "590 ESPN." "The Breeze" blows gently saying "Goodbye" at on its www.thebreeze590.com Website. The new format is a full line-up of ESPN programming, with the exception of Tampa Bay Buccaneers football and Florida State University sporting events. The farewell tells Website visitors: "All if us here at 590AM The Breeze want to thank you for years of listening." It goes on to refer them to to iHeartRadio or MusicOfYourLife.com, then adds: "While we are sad to have to go, we hope you will enjoy our new ESPN Sports Talk format." The "goodbye" message includes a link to the station's new Website at ESPN590.com.

* The Alliance for Women In Media (formerly AWRT) names Erin M. Fuller, CAE, as its new President. Fuller, a women’s advocate and non-profit strategist, serves as group president at The Coulter Companies, a firm that specializes in working with non-profit organizations in transformative ways and serves as the professional management company for the Alliance for Women in Media. Fuller previously served as the chief staff executive for former Coulter client the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). “Erin is a known leader and expert in business planning, market analysis and brand development for high potential non-profit organizations – and we look forward to her leadership during this pivotal time of organizational change and growth,” said AWM Chair Sylvia Strobel. “As a proven leader in the women’s community, Erin appreciates our organization’s past ground-breaking achievements, and how best to pair them with a new plan to accelerate the power of all women in media.” Says Fuller, “I am deeply honored to serve and lead the Alliance for Women in Media during this dynamic time of change and opportunity. As a blogger, speaker and consummate consumer of all types of media, I recognize the importance of both protecting and honoring the important contributions that women have made – as well as shining a light on those that are blazing a trail in front of us via cutting edge content, new methods of delivery and exceptional talent.”

* Midwest Communications closes on Rubber City Radio Group's four-station Lansing, MI, cluster for $4 million. The stations are Active Rock "Q106" WJXQ-FM, Alternative "94.1 The Edge" WVIC, Classic Hits "92-X" WQTX, and "92.9 Smooth Jazz" WJZL. Rubber City Radio Group, headed by President Thomas Mandel, also owns the a cluster in Akron, OH. Midwest Communications, headed by President and CEO Duke Wright, owns 43 other radio properties, including Michigan clusters in the Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids markets. Dick Foreman of Richard A. Foreman and Associates served as the exclusive broker.

* Bustos Media files to transfer all of its radio and television licenses to NAP Broadcast Holdings. NAP is a group formed by Bustos Media's three senior lenders: NewStart, Atalaya and Prudential, for whom NAP is named. CEO Amador Bustos and VP of Operations John Bustos both resign as part of the merger agreement. Broadcast Management & Technology President Jay Meyers will serve as interim CEO. Meyers says that no format changes are planned and all of its employees will remain in place. In a memo to the staff, Amador and John Bustos expressed confidence that "with the support of the new ownership the staff will continue to build these stations to their fullest potential." Bustos Media earlier this year acknowledged that it was in default with its lenders and a solution was being sought. Meyers has been serving as an adviser to Bustos Media while it has attempted to work through its financial difficulties. In an email, Amador Bustos confirms that Bustos Media reached a point where it could not overcome those financial difficulties, noting "the economic downturn and the timing of our station purchases were not favorable." Effectively, Bustos Media reached the point that it is now out of business, with the senior lenders taking over. Says the former CEO, "We appreciate the trust our equity partners placed in us and the patience our senior lenders had while we restructured our debt." In an email to Bustos Media staff, Amador and John Bustos thanked staffers, saying they're "confident" that with the support of the new ownership "the staff will continue to build" the stations to "their fullest potential." They also expressed support for the board's decision to put Meyers in charge, saying, "Jay is an experienced broadcaster, but also he now has the company's and your best interest at heart." NAP Broadcast Holding will operate the Bustos TV and radio stations in California, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Wisconsin. Amador Bustos is also the founder of Z-Spanish Radio Network, which merged with Entravision in 2000 where he served as COO of its radio division until 2001.

* Townsquare Media adds five to its management team; Operations SVP John King retiring. Townsquare Media, formerly Regent Communications, adds to its management team, bringing in executives from media investment firm FiveWire. Townsquare Media is now headed by FiveWire Ventures co-founder Steven Price. Alex Berkett comes in as SVP of Business Development, Mergers and Acquisitions, responsible for strategic transactions and joint ventures. He comes over from a Managing Director position at FiveWire. Previously he worked at JP Morgan's technology, media, and telecom investment group. Dhruv Prasad, named SVP of Strategy and Operations, will work on strategic business initiatives with Townsquare local and regional management. He's a Managing Director at FiveWire, and most recently was with private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners. FiveWire Principal Scott Schatz is the new VP of Finance and Information for Townsquare. Before joining FiveWire he was with the investment banking division of Bear Stearns' technology media and communications group. Greg Yudkin comes to Townsquare as VP and Controller from CBS Radio, where he was market controller for the New York cluster. Christina Frey comes in as VP and Project Manager of Digital Strategy from McKinsey & Co, where she was in the media and entertainment practice. She's also worked in corporate finance, strategy and operations for Sirius Satellite Radio. SVP of Operations John King retires Wednesday (June 30), ending a nearly 40-year radio career. Berkett, Prasad, Schatz, Yudkin and Frey join Chairman and CEO Steven Price, and EVP and CFO Stuart Rosenstein, who joined the company May 3. "I am excited to be able to add such talented, dedicated and creative people to our company’s senior leadership. They will help us create a culture of excellence and a commitment to seeking new opportunities throughout our company," says Price. "We thank John for his distinguished service to Townsquare Media and wish him well in retirement." Says King, "The Townsquare team has acquired an excellent group of radio properties, each boasting market-leading brands that have continuously dominated their markets, and exceptional people who run them. I wish them nothing but continued success."   [More from Townsquare Media »]

* Black Crow Media Group is seeking a second extension of the exclusive right to propose a reorganization plan. The closely held owner of 22 radio stations says its time has been consumed since the beginning of the case in January with litigation against General Electric Capital Corp., the secured lender owed $38.9 million at the outset, reports Bloomberg. Black Crow, based in Daytona Beach, Florida, won the first round in March when the bankruptcy judge denied motions by Stamford, Connecticut-based GECC to dismiss the case or allow the lender to foreclose. Black Crow says it spent almost three months in litigation with GECC over financing, which the bankruptcy judge approved on a final basis at the end of May. GECC appealed that order and sought a stay pending appeal. GECC’s motions for stays were denied in both the bankruptcy court and the federal district court. Bankruptcy law requires obtaining a stay pending appeal to overturn financing approval. GECC therefore withdrew the financing appeal this week, saying it was unlikely to be given significant relief even if it won the appeal. Black Crow wants so-called exclusivity extended by three months, to November 8. Black Crow filed for Chapter 11 protection in January, two days before a hearing in U.S. district court where GECC was seeking appointment of a receiver following default on the term loans and revolving credit. Black Crow’s stations are in five markets in Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. In addition to the GECC debt, there is another $6 million owing to unsecured creditors. Black Crow had revenue of $12.9 million in 2009, a 23% decline from 2008. The case is in U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida (Jacksonville).

* Nexstar Broadcasting Group and LeSEA Broadcasting Corporation join the National Association of Broadcasters. According to the NAB, the addition brings Nexstar's 34 local television and LeSEA's seven TV stations and three FM radio stations into NAB membership, bringing the association's TV membership to an all-time high of 1,198 member stations. "Broadcasters are facing a range of critical issues at this time and we're also presented with a host of opportunities to leverage our local platforms into new businesses," says Nexstar Broadcasting Chairman, President and CEO Perry Sook. "NAB has strong leadership in Gordon Smith, and we look forward to working with his team to advocate on behalf of free and local broadcasting." Nexstar Broadcasting, owns or operates TV stations in more than 30 markets across the U.S., including Jacksonville, Little Rock, Shreveport and Washington, DC (Hagerstown, MD). "LeSEA is proud to rejoin NAB at this critical moment for our industry," says LeSEA Broadcasting President Peter Sumrall. "With a multitude of issues facing free and local radio and TV broadcasters, it is paramount that we speak with a united voice." LeSEA Broadcasting owns seven television and three FM radio stations in the U.S., broadcasting religious programming in markets that include New Orleans, Indianapolis, Honolulu and South Bend. The new announcement follows recent news that CBS Corporation and Fox Broadcasting, along with 90 additional radio and television stations have joined or rejoined the NAB.

* Another Emmis Communications shareholder files suit to block the company from going private. The shareholder is suing the company's directors and founder Jeffrey Smulyan to try to block a proposal by Smulyan's JS Acquisitions to take the company private. The Indianapolis Star reports that besides two suits previously filed in Marion County courts, a third suit has now been filed in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis claiming Smulyan and the board are breaching their fiduciary duty to all of the shareholders by selling Emmis stock to a company controlled by Smulyan at prices that may be far too low. The federal suit says the sale price offers stockholders a premium of less than 5% compared with averages of 47% or more for other recent merger and acquisition buyouts by company executives. The suit filed by Ted Primich seeks to become a class action on behalf of all shareholders. Smulyan, the directors and others associated with him control about 60% of the current outstanding shares, the suit says.

* The MMTC asks the FCC to suspend enforcement of its broadcast equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules. In a June 29 letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Minority Media and Telecommunications Council President and Executive Director David Honig writes, "As the leading civil rights organization in the media and telecommunications industries, we herewith take an extraordinary step: we ask the Commission to direct the Media Bureau suspend enforcement of its broadcast equal employment opportunity (EEO) rules." Honig notes: "Today marks the passage of a full year since Commission last issued an EEO decision.1 On June 29, 2009, three such decisions were reached – and those decisions failed to advance equal opportunity, since each was leveled against a diverse broadcaster for technical rule violations." Honig says the last 12-month period without EEO enforcement was June 1968-June 1969, before the EEO rule was adopted, and that the lack of enforcement is "an indication that EEO has been a low priority at the Commission for far too long." The letter points to analysis of data: "MMTC’s analysis of Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA) data shows that by 2006, minorities had virtually been purged from English language, nonminority owned radio journalism. The Commission has not responded to this crisis." Honig also calls the EEO audit program "a meaningless exercise in paperwork and postage," saying that the Commission's never having found that a single station engaged in discrimination means "discriminators have been passing their audits with ease." He writes that an MMTC study of 20 randomly selected, racially diverse radio markets found that 40 out of 141 reporting units did not use minority sources, but that the FCC's audits over five years have identified only 24 licensees nationwide that "supposedly were not compliant." The proposed suspension of the EEO rule would allow time, says Honig, to "revitalize the program and reaffirm the agency's commitment to ensuring opportunities for minorities and women in broadcasting and all of the commission’' regulated industries." The MMTC recommends 10 specific steps for the FCC to take, including relocating EEO staff from the Media Bureau to the Enforcement Bureau and tripling EEO enforcement staff to bring it back to mid-1990s levels, revising the EEO rules to reflect the Diversity Committee's recommendations, and quadrupling the percentage of licensees audited each year, with revisions designed to uncover discriminatory applicant screening and some audits including on-site reviews of documentation. Honig also tells Genachowski: "Finally, to ensure that the industry knows that the Administration is serious about civil rights enforcement, we respectfully request that you deliver a major address affirming your commitment to diversity in all communications industries." The full MMTC letter, in pdf format, is available here from TPMedia.

* Alternative Rock “CD-101” WWCD, Columbus, OH, is on the move to 102.5 FM, beginning with a simulcast. The second frequency will become its new home by October, but for now “CD-101” begins airing on both dial locations. The 101.1 FM signal is being sold by WWCD owner Roger Vaughan to Ohio State University, which plans to move its Classical programming there from 89.7 FM, converting that signal to an NPR outlet. Vaughn is moving “CD-101” to 102.5 under a deal with the owner of WCVZ, which had been airing a Country format on 102.5, licensed to Baltimore, OH. The Columbus Dispatch reports that WOSU will pay WWCD a total of $4.8 million for the 101.1 FM signal. The deal will allow the publicly-supported WOSU stations and the commercially-supported WWCD to achieve long-sought goals: WOSU-FM will once again be able to air classical music 24 hours a day, moving up the dial to 101.1 FM to do so. WOSU-FM, which began airing classical music in 1980 on 89.7 FM, began carving out large chunks of its schedule in January 2008 to offer news shows from NPR on weekday mornings, afternoons and on weekends. WOSU-AM's News-Talk format, which includes some local programming, will be simulcast on 89.7 FM, making it central Ohio's only 24-hour FM NPR news station and allowing it to tap the FM audience, which is much larger than the AM crowd, writes The Dispatch. And WWCD will take over the WCVZ (102.FM) signal, providing the Alternative Rock station with better coverage in areas of the Columbus market that have long experienced difficulties in tuning in to the station. WWCD began broadcasting in August 1990 and the station's best or city grade signal has always ended well south of central Ohio's northern suburbs of Dublin, Powell, Worthington and Westerville.

* Clear Channel Radio Minneapolis signs a multi-year contract extension with longtime programmer Rob Morris. He's Operations Manager of CHR-Top40 KDWB-FM and News-Talk KTLK-FM, as well as day-to-day Program Director of KDWB. Morris has been with Clear Channel's Twin Cities market cluster for 16 years. Says President and Market Manager Michael Crusham, "When I am in battles to win radio wars I am very glad that Rob Morris will continue to be on our team. He has a strategic mind, is fiercely competitive, and fights like a junk yard dog. I am delighted that Rob has re-upped with Clear Channel -Twin Cities." Morris adds, "I love the Twin Cities and even though I am a Buckeye through and through, it took me about two seconds to fall in love with the Twin Cities when I came here in 1994. I couldn't be more thrilled to continue to be a part of the Clear Channel Twin Cities team. There's no other staff like it in the country."

* Director of Sales Tom Herschel is named CBS Radio Cleveland Market Manager. Herschel takes over from Steve Carver, who, as we told you earlier this week, is named CBS Radio West Palm Beach SVP and Market Manager. CBS Radio EVP of Operations Scott Herman announces the promotion for Herschel. In West Palm Beach, Carver replaces Rolf Pepple, who exits.

* Kobe joins Cox Media Group Athens, GA, as Program Director of "Magic 102.1" WGMG and "Power 100.1" WPUP. "Kobe’s dedication to radio, strong programming and on-air skills bring a wealth of knowledge to our programming staff here in Athens and position us to take WGMG-FM and WPUP-FM to the next level," says Cox Media Group Athens VP and General Manager Scott Smith. Kobe – whose driver's license reads Anthony Fargo – says he's "absolutely thrilled" to be joining Cox Media Group’s radio team in Athens. "I can't wait to get started and work with these two great stations. Magic 102.1 stands as the premier station for women in Athens. Power 100.1 is the newest radio station in Athens and the only local radio station playing today’s biggest hits. There is a huge opportunity for Power 100.1 in the Athens market. I cannot wait to roll up my sleeves and get my hands dirty building a brand that is Power 100.1 along with all the great tools and programming minds Cox has to offer."

* "1050 ESPN" WEPN-AM, New York, is looking for a new Program Director, following the exit of Aaron Spielberg. He recently quietly departed the PD position he'd held for about three years. News of Spielberg's exit comes only as WEPN announces the search for his replacement. Qualifications include a minimum five years major market or network management experience with a track record of ratings success; minimum five years experience with radio and digital audio platforms; talent development; and knowledge and understanding of Arbitron PPM ratings. Spielberg joined the station as afternoon producer in 2004, was promoted to Executive Producer in 2005, and then became Program Director in 2007.

* The Altitude Group, CBS Radio's in-house marketing unit, teams with Jeep for a summer campaign. More than three dozen CBS Radio stations are featuring vignettes, live reads by station personalities, and branded promotional spots on the air, and video prerolls, streaming commercials, and banner ads online. Also, contests and photo galleries will drive listeners to events for the 4th of July to see the Grand Cherokee firsthand. Depending on the location, the Jeep experience may include a vehicle showcase, Wii games, rock climbing, music, and prizes. Those who register at www.jeepsweeps.com will be eligible to win a 2011 Grand Cherokee. CBS stations will participate at Macy's Fireworks in New York, the Huntington Beach Festival in Los Angeles, Taste of Chicago in Chicago, Harbor Fest in Boston, QueFest in Dallas, Welcome America in Philadelphia, Stars & Stripes in Detroit, Fort Meade 4th of July in Baltimore, and the Berea Grindstone Festival in Cleveland.

* The FCC says Missouri broadcasters don’t have to air commercials from a white supremacist candidate. The broadcasters won’t be required to run any more campaign commercials from white supremacist and write-in Senate candidate F. Glenn Miller, says an attorney for the Missouri Broadcasters Association. Mark Sableman says the FCC told the association that Miller isn’t a “bona fide” candidate, and therefore doesn’t qualify for uncensored access to the airwaves, reports The Kansas City Star. “We’re glad to have clarity,” says Sableman. “The Miller commercials certainly don’t meet the suitability requirements of most stations.” Miller caused a furor when he bought time to air commercials that disparaged Jews and minorities. The stations said they had to run the ads under the law. The broadcasters and Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster wrote the FCC in April, arguing Miller wasn’t legally qualified because he didn’t have a campaign committee, regular news releases or an office, as the rules require. The FCC agreed with that analysis, says Sableman.

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski names Douglas Sicker as the Commission's Chief Technologist. Sicker will reside in the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis and will advise the agency on technological issues. "I am delighted that Dr. Sicker is returning to provide the FCC with his broad and deep knowledge about the communications networks and technologies of today and tomorrow," says Genachowski. "His technical expertise will help the FCC pursue policies that spur investment, create jobs, promote innovation, and advance our nation's global technology leadership." Currently Sicker is Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Colorado at Boulder with a joint appointment in the Interdisciplinary Telecommunications Program. He recently served on the Omnibus Broadband Initiative working on matters related to research and development. Prior to this he was Director of Global Architecture at Level 3 Communications. Before that, Sicker was Chief of the Network Technology Division at the Federal Communications Commission.

* BMI is making commemorative donations to the Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFA). The Board of Directors of Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) has decided to establish a new tradition of commemorating and honoring the service of deceased BMI Board members with $10,000 contributions to the BFA. The first contributions will total $20,000 — honoring Frank Melton, who died in May 2009, and Don Thurston, who died in October 2009. "BMI directors are distinguished members of the broadcast community whose participation on the BMI board exemplifies the highest standards of service to the broadcast community," says BMI Board Chairman Jack Sander. "Don and Frank made significant contributions to both the creative and finance aspects of BMI's business and played an important role in guiding BMI to its current position of leadership in the world of music copyright. These gifts in their names permit us to extend their legacy of service by enabling the Broadcasters Foundation to assist broadcast professionals in their hour of need." The board will contribute to the Broadcasters Foundation on the death of any current, retired, or honorary director who has served within 10 years of his or her death. "BMI is pleased to have a long history of support for the important work of the Broadcasters Foundation, tracing back to our role in providing New York City headquarters offices for the Broadcast Pioneers Foundation for more than a decade," says BMI President and CEO Del Bryant. "Broadcast leaders established BMI 70 years ago, and these contributions will continue to honor that heritage by assisting the Broadcasters Foundation to support those who helped build the industry and now, in turn, need our support." BFA President Jim Thompson tells us, "This initiative recognizes the valuable contribution of those who serve on the BMI Board of Directors while providing assistance to broadcasters in need,. We are grateful to BMI and its board of directors for their appreciation and generosity in support of our mission."

* Bridge Ratings: "Is Terrestrial Radio Ready for a Digital Future?" A new study reflects an industry's awareness of the need for rapid digital transition and its frustration with an inability to act. "The word has been out for some time now; the warning to all entertainment and media companies is 'adapt to the consumers' preference for online and mobile platforms or be forgotten,'" says the report on the study. Terrestrial radio has been exposed to the potential of increasing audience and advertising revenue through digital platform transition, but this new study by Bridge Ratings pinpoints just how unprepared they are. In a study released earlier in June, Bridge Ratings focused in on the impact that social media marketing can have on any business. Terrestrial radio was included in this study. Results of a very specific four-week marketing process called "The Social Marketing Hierarchy" showed that over time and with repeated and proper messaging terrestrial radio's tune-in occasions were positively impacted. (see chart here). Yet, whether the tool is social network marketing, loyalty clubs or increasing online listening, terrestrial radio executives seem to have their hands tied. Bridge Ratings spoke with 242 general managers and/or market managers in the top 150 radio markets to better understand what's preventing them from being more proactive when it comes to digitally transitioning their businesses. The study was conducted during the month of May and June 2010 and while there are some market size variances the general complexion of the study can be ascertained by looking at the average among all executives that were interviewed. When asked "What is preventing your station(s) from having all the digital resources they need to build audience and increasing billing?", the responses break out as shown in this chart. While these key obstacles rate very high for all stations, the two of greatest concerns are Budget (92% of GM's responding) and Know-how (91%) or having the properly trained and managed personnel dedicated to their digital efforts. A simultaneous national Bridge Ratings study conducted among 2612 persons ages 12 and older underscores the urgency related to terrestrial radio's rapid adoption of all things digital. This chart shows media use among this sample. Two findings are quite clear, says Bridge Ratings. For the immediate future terrestrial radio should maintain it's weekly listenership penetration; and, Internet radio and social networking show the greatest growth.   [More from Bridge Ratings »]

* Ryan Seacrest doesn't think he'll stay with Clear Channel Radio past the end of this year. According to Forbes, in an article-ending profile of Seacrest, the syndicated radio host and "American Idol" host says that when his three-year Clear Channel contract ends at the end of the year, he doesn't think he'll sign another one. In recent weeks rumors have ricocheted that he is being courted by CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves to fill a TV talk-show hour that will be left vacant by Oprah Winfrey in 2011. Seacrest will say only that he's considering "several different things." The future of Idol is similarly in flux with the loss of signature judge Simon Cowell, who is launching another talent competition show on Fox in the fall of 2011, and the loss of 9% of its audience. There are also frequent whispers that Seacrest will succeed Larry King when the ratings-troubled CNN host retires, or gets pushed out. Seacrest says he could do King's show. "What [King] does is a radio show on television with newsmakers," says Seacrest. "It's a great show and a format that's comfortable." The profile of Seacrest accompanies Forbes' annual “Celebrity 100” list.

Since this article was first published, Larry King has announced he will indeed be leaving his longtime CNN TV show. In a Tuesday night (June 29), announcement King said: "I talked to the guys here at CNN and I told them I would like to end Larry King Live, the nightly show, this fall and CNN has graciously accepted. I’ll still be a part of the CNN family, hosting several Larry King specials on major national and international subjects." Both a transcript and a video of King's announcement is available from CNN.

* Ryan Seacrest is off the "Star 94" WSTR, Atlanta, weekday lineup months before two-year syndication deal is up.
The loss of the Atlanta outlet is especially significant. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Rodney Ho reports that Dunwoody High School, Atlanta, grad Ryan Seacrest began his career at "Star 94" in the early 1990s. "As an ambitious high school student, he became an eager student to Tommy Sullivan, then an evening jock. He eventually got a job as a fill-in and weekend jock for the station while still in high school," writes Ho. WSTR is now opting for an all local weekday line-up. "Star 94" still airs his weekend countdown show.

Seacrest originates his daily show at Clear Channel's "102.7 KIIS FM" Los Angeles. It is syndicated by Clear Channel's Premiere Radio Networks. Speculation has already begun on whom KIIS might pick to replace Seacrest if he does quit when his contract ends at the conclusion of this year.

* Westwood One picks veteran NFL broadcaster Kevin Harlan as lead Monday Night Football play-by-play voice. Harlan, who will join Boomer Esiason for Monday Night Football and Super Bowl XLV, becomes only the fifth regular Monday Night Football play-by-play announcer since the CBS Radio/Westwood One national radio broadcast began in 1978. Harlan follows in the footsteps of Marv Albert (2002-2009), Howard David (1996-2001), Jack Buck (1978-1984, 1987-1995) and Don Criqui (1985-1986). "Anyone who has ever heard Kevin call a game knows exactly why we are thrilled to add an announcer of his caliber to our NFL talent roster – full-time," says Westwood One Network President Gary Schonfeld. "Fans, stations and advertisers are going to be very happy this fall." Says Harlan, "I am honored to have been selected as part of Westwood One's Monday Night Football broadcast team with Boomer Esiason. I am truly humbled by the great voices that have held this position, including one of the legends of broadcasting, Marv Albert." Executive Producer of Westwood One Sports Howard Deneroff tells us, "Kevin's detailed descriptions and infectious energy will have NFL fans nationwide huddled around their radios. I am looking forward to a super season as Kevin and Boomer continue the long legacy of great broadcast teams that have brought the game to life for millions of listeners on Monday nights." Harlan was the play-by-play voice of select Monday Night Football games during the 2009 NFL season. Harlan currently calls NFL games for CBS Sports, where he has worked continuously since 1998.

* ESPN Radio Senior Program Director Steve Harris will join Radio One's Cincinnati group as Operations Manager. Harris, an Ohio native, will take over from Radio One President Barry Mayo, who has been temporarily overseeing the Cincinnati cluster. "It's been an honor to be part of the ESPN Audio team, but it's time for me to move back to the Buckeye State and chant O-H-I-O," says Harris. Prior to ESPN Radio, Harris was VP of Radio Operations for Reach Media in Dallas.

* Butler University signs with Emmis Radio "1070 The Fan" WFNI-AM, Indianapolis, for Butler Men's Basketball. The multi-year deal begins this fall and includes all exhibition, regular season and post-season games. "Butler is so pleased to announce that beginning this coming season, our men's basketball games will be broadcast on 1070 The Fan," says Butler Director of Athletics Barry Collier. "We are delighted with the Butler – 1070 The Fan partnership and know that our fans will enjoy listening to the Bulldogs games on Indianapolis' leading sports radio station." Emmis Radio Indianapolis VP and Market Manager Charlie Morgan adds, "The entire country became fans of our hometown heroes last year during Butler's storied NCAA run to the championship game," added "We're thrilled they have chosen to partner with the leader in Indianapolis' sports radio." The Butler Bulldogs are coming off a record-setting men's basketball campaign, compiling a school-record 33-5 season, winning the West Regional title in the NCAA Tournament.

* Bloomberg Radio signs with USRN for national syndication of Bloomberg Businessweek programming. Bloomberg Radio, a 24-hour digital all-news service, will distribute the Bloomberg Businessweek programming via United Stations Radio Networks, expanding on existing Bloomberg Radio and current USRN offerings to provide updates and in-depth feature programming. "We're extremely pleased to offer this new general market business content, which includes consumer-friendly updates as well as a weekly two-hour show with news and analysis adapted for radio from the writers of Bloomberg Businessweek magazine," says Bloomberg Radio Station Manager Al Mayers. "The new content helps us reach a wider audience, with stories that impact not just investment professionals but listeners interested in the business community at large." USRN President and COO Jim Higgins adds, "Bloomberg Businessweek is known for delivering the kind of comprehensive insight that business leaders depend upon. We are very excited to now be providing Bloomberg Businessweek branded content to a much broader spectrum of radio station formats and their listeners across the U.S." The new content offerings for weekends and weekdays include 60-second "Bloomberg Businessweek Updates" featuring editors and reporters from the magazine, produced multiple times each day, Monday through Friday, with additional updates available for weekend airings.

* Shannon Burke will be returning to talk radio with a show on Talk WEUS-AM, Orlando, Monday (July 5). Burke will host a noon-3pm show on WEUS, according to the Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell. Burke is the former "Real Radio 104.1" WTKS midday host. He last hosted a brokered show on crosstown Talk WORL-AM, before doing jail time for a shooting incident and a probation violation. He has since undergone alcohol abuse treatment and has reconciled with his wife. Burke says his new show will be conservative talk, similar to what he used to do at WTKS — except “without all the fart jokes.” Two weeks ago we reported that Burke – out of jail, 'at peace with things' – would be back on the air in July. But at the time he said he couldn't reveal which station. He did say that in general, life was good — “great,” in fact. And that sobriety was “pretty damn awesome.” Burke says his No. 1 priority is his marriage — that he and wife, Cathy, are both working hard to make it work.

* NAB HD Radio Multicast Award nominations are now open. The NAB announces the start of the nomination process saying the deadline for submitting entries is July 30. Established in 2007, the award recognizes an HD Radio multicast station at the forefront of "creating unique, innovative or groundbreaking programming." The award will be presented during the 2010 Radio Show, September 29 through October 1, in Washington DC. Previous award recipients include KBCO-FM, Denver, "The Studio C Channel"; WRIF-FM, Detroit, "Riff2"; WHUR-WORLD, an extension of Howard University's WHUR-FM and WAMU-FM for its Bluegrass Country station, 88.5-2. Stations must submit their entry online at www.nab.org/events/awards betweem July 1 and 30. (Note: That url will not be active until July 1.)

* Rock KDKB-FM, Phoenix, hires Paul "Neanderpaul" Marshall as its new Program Director replacing Steve King. Marshall previously was Music Director and afternoon host at KQRC-FM, Kansas City. "This is a unique opportunity to program a great rock station in great rock city," says Marshall. "I'd like to thank GM Chuck Artigue and Station Manager Bob Weaver for the vote of confidence. I look forward to working with the very solid KDKB staff and the new morning show with Sludge." Marshall starts at KDKB, July 12. King exited after two-and-a-half years.  

* Steve Carver is named CBS Radio West Palm Beach SVP and Market Manager. Carver replaces Rolf Pepple, who exits. Carver will oversee AC WEAT-FM, Country WIRK-FM, Rhythmic CHR WMBX-FM, Urban AC WNEW and Alternative WPBZ-FM. Most recently, Carver was SVP and Market Manager at CBS Radio's Cleveland group, since January. Before that, Carver spent 11 years with Tribune, the last three as Publisher, President and CEO of the Hartford Courant. Carver also was General Manager of Tribune's WGN-AM, Chicago, from 1998-2003.

* Pacifica's KPFT-FM, Houston, is back on the air, after copper thieves caused about $10,000 worth of damage. After several days of silence on 90.1 FM in Houston, KPFT returned to the air. A message on the station's Website from General Manager Duane Bradley says, "I am happy to report the return to air of 90.1 FM. We received numerous calls of support and concern during the outage. The site manager for Crown Castle, the tower owner, estimated total damages at around $10K. He also mentioned a pattern of similar theft at tower sites around the country. Thank you for your support of Pacifica in Houston." Harris County sheriffs are continuing an investigation. During the outage of 90.1, the station continued to air on its translator at 89.5 and through its online stream.

* The RMLC and BMI reach an interim agreement for radio's fee rate, with a further reduction. The Radio Music License Committee and BMI agree on an interim fee effective August 1 calling for an industry fee reduction from $217 million to $192 million. This follows BMI's voluntarily agreeing to provisionally lower fees paid by the industry from $233 million to $217 million as of January 1, 2010. The parties agreed to those terms in order to expedite court determination of an appropriate final fee retroactive to January 1, 2010. The agreement was reached by the parties without prejudice as to final fee consideration. That means, ultimately, radio could end up owing some or all of the reductions granted.

* BP radio advertising is again on the rise. BP's radio advertising continues to rise, as the oil company uses radio spots to promote its spin regarding the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the efforts to stop the flow of oil, and the clean-up. BP is also publicizing how it's helping those affected by the oil spill. This week, Media Monitors tracked 2,251 spots nationally, up from 1,820 spots last week. Those commercials cost BP $185,502, for a 10-week total of $609,078 spent on radio.

* WOR-AM, New York, is set to launch a new online-only Country station, WOR Country, Friday (July 2). Branded as "The Elephant," the station will be available online 24/7 at WORcountry.com, as well as through WOR Country's iPhone and Blackberry apps, and Internet enabled radios. It will be the market's only locally-programmed Country outlet. Along with the music, the locally programmed stream will feature concert listings and local artists, and will be involved in area country events. "The Elephant" will feature BMI's most popular country artists prominently in its playlist, including CMT Music Award winners Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith and 2010 Grammy Best Song Award winner Taylor Swift. "New York has been seeking a local country music station for years, but has been limited by the available distribution options," says WOR Director of Interactive Jared Lapin. "The pervasiveness of smart phones and other portable Internet devices mean that the options for radio listenership are no longer limited by the frequencies available on the dial. With the Elephant, WOR is proud to continue to be at the forefront of content and distribution innovation."

* Report: Sean Hannity likely to be 'puritanical purge' victim, and dropped by Talk KSL-AM-FM, Salt Lake City.
Insiders at KSL say that Hannity, even though he has a large and passionate listenership, will be gone from KSL "sooner rather than later" because he doesn't meet the new values code insituted earlier this year by Deseret Media CEO Mark Willes, according to the Salt Lake Tribune's Glen Warchol. Deseret Media is owned by the LDS Church. Willes' new mission statement includes pledges like: "I seek to lift, inspire, and help others find enduring happiness" and "I promote integrity, civility, morality, and respect for all people," and "I seek to instill light and knowledge in my work." Warchol writes, "As you can imagine, Sean Hannity, who is beloved by his listeners for saying things like 'I'll tell you who should be tortured and killed at Guantanamo – every filthy Democrat in the U.S. Congress,' has a large problem in the civility-respect area." You can read the Code of Deseret Media here. This forced reawakening to righteousness in church media reportedly was behind a series of "reorganizations" at the Deseret News that replaced experienced reporters and editors with younger, more light-filled and devout (and often cheaper) people, writes Warchol. He offers a "minor KSL example." Jeff Bell, a left-leaning Saturday talk host, was bounced because he was out of step with the mission statement. Bell blogged: "The excuse from management is that I 'don't fit into the new Corporate Mission Statement' but I'd argue that I never really did fit into the old corporate mission statement. Whatever."

* Broadcasters express concern over Lowest Unit Charge (LUC) provisions of the Senate version DISCLOSE Act. NAB Joint Board Chair and Commonwealth Broadcasting President-CEO Steve Newberry and National Cable & Telecommunications Association President-CEO Kyle McSlarrow have written to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) with their concerns. The DISCLOSE Act would rewrite well-established political advertising laws and expand the scope of the Lowest Unit Charge (LUC) that broadcasters already provide to federal candidates. The bill is an attempt to take some of the teeth out of the Supreme Court's decision to lift the ban on direct corporate and union funding of election ads. The bill passed the House of Representatives last week without changes to LUC obligations. But those changes remain in the Senate version. Title IV of Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections – DISCLOSE – in the Senate would expand the lowest-unit charge broadcasters provide to federal candidates for office to political parties and political committees. Newberry and McSlarrow write, "This change to current law could have the unintended effect of displacing local advertising business during the election cycle." The letter adds, "Furthermore, this provision would retroactively expand the LUC window, require priority placement of certain federal candidate ads, and impose burdensome and unworkable reporting regulations on your local content distributors." Newberry and McSlarrow say the expanded LUC window "raises serious constitutional concerns," citing a Supreme Court ruling that said, "We see no principled means under the First Amendment of favoring access by organized political parties over other groups and individuals." The full letter, in PDF format, is available here.

* WMGK, Philadelphia, Program Director Charley Lake takes on interim PD for sister "95.7 Ben FM" WBEN. The Classic Rock "102.9 MGK" PD will handle both stations until a successor – possibly Lake – is named for John Cook at Adult Variety Hits WBEN. Greater Media Philadelphia let go of Cook. "Greater Media Philadelphia has chosen not to renew John Cook's contract. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him the best," said a statement released Friday (June 25). Today (June 28), they tell us: "Charley's a perfect fit for Ben FM because he is an accomplished programmer, a brilliant brand strategist and a true leader within our organization." VP and Market Manager John Fullam adds, "We are very grateful to have him on our team." Prior to joining WMGK in January 2009, Lake was the PD of CBS Radio Oldies KOOL, Phoenix. Cook took over as PD of "Ben FM" last October when Jules Riley exited. Cook had been PD of now-dead Hot AC "Now FM" WNUW-FM until it flipped to Sports Talk "The Fanatic" WPEN-FM. Cook joined Greater Media Philadelphia in July 2009.  

* Mike McConnell will replace Steve Cochran on Tribune's Talk WGN-AM, Chicago. McConnell was hired earlier this month from WLW-AM, Cincinnati. He will begin hosting the 1-3pm shift in August, according to the official announcement. Cochran exits immediately. There was much speculation as to whether McConnell would replace Cochran or 9am-1pm host John Williams. Now the official word is that Williams is staying. "Mike McConnell and John Williams make a great team to take our listeners through the events of the day," says VP and General Manager Tom Langmyer. "Entertaining talk, news, current events – they can do it all, and engage listeners like no one else in Chicagoland." Cochran's contract, which expires at the end of this month, was not renewed. "We want to thank Steve for his service at WGN Radio and wish him the best," says Langmyer. "Beginning Monday, June 28th, a series of guest hosts will fill the 1-3pm shift on days when WGN is not airing Cubs baseball." Meanwhile, there's already speculation in the Windy City that McConnell will host more than 1-3pm, that the shifts in the 9am-3pm might be redivided, possibly into two three hour blocks. And there's also published speculation that Williams may yet be in for a surprise — that McConnell will host 9am-1pm, while Williams actually replaces Cochran in the later two hours.  

* John Cook is out as Program Director at Greater Media's "95.7 Ben FM" WBEN, Philadelphia. The company released a statement that says, "Greater Media Philadelphia has chosen not to renew John Cook's contract. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him the best. Details on a successor will be forthcoming in the days ahead." Cook took over as PD last October when Jules Riley exited. Cook had been PD of now-dead Hot AC "Now FM" WNUW-FM until it flipped to Sports Talk "The Fanatic" WPEN-FM. Cook joined Greater Media Philadelphia in July 2009.  

* Dave "Chachi" Denes is named VP of Programming at Black Card Radio, effective July 1. He's been serving as an audience engagement adviser for Triton Loyalty, and will keep his duties as President of Benztown Branding. He previously spent 10 years with Clear Channel Los Angeles, where he also served as Operations Manager and Program Director of Hot AC KBIG-FM and AC KOST-FM. "Chachi is the consummate radio pro," says Black Card Radio President Saville Kellner. "Everyone in the radio business that's worked with Chachi is better off for having done so. We're all thrilled that Chachi is not only a partner, but will also be heading the day-to-day operations of Black Card Radio." Denes tells us, "Joining the Black Card Radio team, becoming a partner in the business and working with Saville is an absolute thrill. The ideas, passion and the overall approach he brings to this industry are like no other."

* KKGO-FM, Los Angeles, Senior Programmer Charlie Cook steps down, moves to an outside consultant position. Cook will also continue as VP of Country at consulting firm McVay Media. "Go Country 105" KKGO Program Director Tonya Campos remains in place, and Mt. Wilson Broadcasting Los Angeles President and General Manager Saul Levine says he will become more active in the day-to-day programming and music decisions at the station.  

* Lotus Classic Rock KLPX-FM, Tuscon Assistant PD and midday personality Larry Mac is named Program Director. Prior to joining KLPX in December, 2007, Mac programmed Alternative "Area 108" KVGS-FM, Las Vegas. Mac joined KVGS in December 2005. Before that he was with KUPD-FM, Phoenix and also was PD of crosstown KUKQ-AM.

* American University Radio WAMU-FM 88.5, Washington DC, launches WRAU 88.3 FM, Ocean City, MD. The new station is billed as "Eighty-eight-three Ocean City, NPR news and information on the Delmarva Peninsula." Its program schedule will largely mirror the current WAMU 88.5 schedule; however, it's also planning to include local content, including news, traffic, and weather. "Eighty-eight three Ocean City" will expand the reach of WAMU-FM's signature brand of civil discussion of public affairs to a new audience on the peninsula, as well as serve existing Washington listeners who vacation there. "We know that many Washingtonians take advantage of the beautiful beaches and relaxing atmosphere of the Delmarva peninsula when the weather warms up," says WAMU General Manager Caryn Mathes. "Our audience has long expressed a desire to 'take us across the bridge' with them, and 88.3 Ocean City allows them to do just that."

* Cumulus Media Fort Walton Beach names Charles "Chuck" Sullivan Jr. as Market Manager. He previously was President and Managing Partner of Ocean Broadcasting LLC, which operated four radio stations in Wilmington, NC. "I am excited by the opportunity to join Cumulus and the great team here in Fort Walton," says Sullivan. "The market and cluster of radio stations are very similar to my previous company, which makes this transition a great fit. I also look forward to working the local businesses and getting fully engaged in the community." Sullivan has also served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters.  

* Rock KDKB-FM, Phoenix, Program Director and morning personality Steve King exits after two-and-a-half years. Previously he was Operations Manager at Clear Channel Bakersfield including Rhythmic CHR "96.5 Kiss FM" KKXX-FM and AC KKDJ-FM. While there, he also was PD of Spanish Oldies KDFO-AM and Classic Rock "98.5 The Fox" KDFO-FM. His previous stops include programming duties at WXMM-FM, Norfolk-Virginia Beach.

* Former "Q105" WRBQ-FM, Tampa, owner and General Manager Michael Osterhout dies of cancer at 61. Osterhout had been COO of the MCC Radio broadcast division at Morris Communications since 2001, and was a member of the boards of the RAB and Country Radio Broadcasters. He was best known as GM – and later owner – of WRBQ; and President and COO of Edens Broadcasting. As GM, he introduced the Morning Zoo format in Q105's Top 40 days. An Air Force veteran, Osterhout began his radio career at Tampa's WDAE. He is survived by his wife, Marsha, and daughter, Sidney. Information on services and and memorial contributions may be found here.

* FCC to WZOO-AM, Asheboro, NC: 'Oops! Our mistake. Forget that $7,000 forfeiture.' The FCC cancels a $7,000 forfeiture order issued in 2007 to Faith Enterprises for a late license renewal for WZOO-AM, and for unauthorized operation of the station after its license expired. The station's renewal was due in August 2003, but the FCC said it didn't receive the filing, and the license expired on December 1, 2003. The FCC then informed Faith Enterprises that the license had expired and that it had no authorization to operate the station, deleting the call letters. Faith Enterprises filed for a Special Temporary Authority (STA) to remain on the air, telling the Commission it had filed its renewal application in June 2003, before it was due. The FCC granted the STA but sent Faith a notice of apparent liability for $7,000. Faith then acknowledged that it hadn't sent the filing fee with its June submission, but it did send in the money three weeks later. In its response, Faith said that it believed as long as the money was in by August, it was on time, and notes that the Commission kept the fee, leaving Faith "with the impression that all was well." The FCC now acknowledges that Faith filed its application on time and that the broadcaster acknowledged its mistake and paid before the FCC took any action. The agency has now canceled the forfeiture and instead imposed a 25% penalty on the late filing fee.

* Bonneville's "Federal News Radio" WFED-AM, Washington, will become an affiliate of the Baltimore Ravens. The station adds the NFL's Ravens to its coverage of Washington Nationals baseball and Washington Capitals hockey. Any conflicting Ravens games will air on co-owned WBQH-AM, the former WTOP-AM. Says Senior RVP Joel Oxley, "We are excited to work with one of the NFL's premier franchises. This latest addition to our programming further increases WFED's profile as the top place for radio play-by-play sports in the Mid-Atlantic." Ravens VP of Corporate Sales and Development Mark Burdett adds, "It's outstanding to have such a well-established station and station group as Bonneville become our network affiliate in Washington, DC. We are pleased to be able to serve our many and growing number of fans in DC and to complement the already outstanding lineup of live play-by-play team broadcasts."

* Glenn Beck's multimedia production company Mercury Radio Arts promotes Carolyn Polke to VP of Digital. In the new position, Polke, who is upped from Director of eCommerce, will oversee all online initiatives, including advertising, subscriptions, and merchandising at GlennBeck.com and for Beck's free daily email newsletter. Polke was instrumental in the launch of Beck's Insider Extreme subscription service, which includes the GlennBeck.TV simulcast of Beck's daily radio show, a fourth hour of the show featuring Pat Gray and Stu Berguiere, and other features. "Carolyn has been critical to building GlennBeck.com into the robust online business that it is today," says Mercury President and COO Christopher Balfe. "Considering some of the digital initiatives we have planned, her continued leadership in delivering engaging online experiences will be more important than ever."  

* Pacifica's KPFT-FM, Houston, is forced off the air, apparently by copper thieves causing damage. The station tells visitors to its Website, "KPFT off the Air today. The power line to the KPFT transmitter tower was cut during the night, most likely by copper bandits. Harris County sheriffs are conducting an investigation at this time. The building housing our transmitter was damaged and must be repaired before the electrical service can be restored. It is possible we may be off-line for the remainder of the day, maybe longer. We are, however, still on in Galveston (yay 89.5!) and available thru our stream at www.kpt.org. where the Kagan nomination hearings are ongoing at present. Thank you for your support and patience."  

* Large radio companies are increasing their spending on lobbying the federal government. CBS Corp. spent $1.55 million on lobbying in the first quarter of 2010, up from $1.06 million in the same period last year, and from $1.35 million in the fourth quarter of 2009. CBS Corp.'s lobbying effort mostly centered around defeating the proposed Performance Right Act, which would impose royalties for local radio airplay. Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings spent $940,000 in the first quarter this year on lobbying. That's up from almost $819,000 in the fourth quarter and from $760,000 in the first quarter of last year. The majority of Clear Channel's lobbying involves local radio ownership, digital billboards, and broadcast indecency standards. The lobbying expenditures are according to reports filed with the House clerk's office.

* A new study finds radio is the best medium to influence consumers in the minutes prior to shopping. A Nielsen-funded Council for Research Excellence study — "Video Consumer Mapping" — was conducted by Ball State University. It finds radio, as opposed to TV or the Internet, is the medium for advertisers to reach their customers right before they begin their shopping. Nearly two-thirds of consumers listen to radio just prior to shopping, significantly ahead of TV. Some 62% of shoppers said they were listening to the radio an average of 14 minutes just prior to shopping, while only 48% of shoppers viewed TV in the 42 minutes prior to shopping. Even fewer – 36% – were exposed to a TV commercial just before shopping. The study finds that 90% of shoppers were in their cars an average of 5 minutes and 40 seconds before shopping.

* WPP's GroupM raises its projections for global ad revenues, but says U.S. revs will be down by 1.3% this year. The global forecast is for revenues to be up 3.5% this year to $451 billion, a significant increase from the 1% gain predicted six months ago. The gain will be driven mainly by emerging markets, such as Russia, India, and China, says GroupM. For 2011, GroupM predicts ad spending will increase 4.5% worldwide. In the U.S., GroupM predicts 2010 ad spending will drop 1.3% to $145 billion, but projects an increase of 2.5% in 2011 to $149 billion. "The U.S. media marketplace has clearly bottomed out earlier this year and we expect moderate growth in 2011 consistent with GDP improvement," says GroupM Chief Investment Officer Rino Scanzoni. "Television and online spending will outpace other media as they lead with return-on-investment metrics."

* The 2010 Radio Show will debut "Ask the Experts" engineering program, show organizers announced June 28. That's a series of sessions designed specifically for radio engineers and broadcasters interested in learning about radio from a technology perspective. The sessions will be held September 29 to October 1 during the 2010 Radio Show at the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel in Washington DC. The three-day program will include panel sessions with industry experts who will answer questions about HD Radio services and products, audio processing, transmitter developments, antenna modeling and critical technical regulatory issues. Attendees will have a unique opportunity to network with their peers and major broadcast suppliers while learning how advances in technology are shaping the future of radio. Advice for station upgrades and construction, strategies for successful investments and ways to negotiate lease concessions will also be examined. The 2010 Radio Show is being produced by the RAB and the NAB.   [More »]

* FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell tells broadcasters that journalism doesn't need government's help. "In a free society, the government has no business attempting to influence the Fourth Estate watchdogs of state action, whether the ostensible impetus is good or bad. The practice of journalism, a constitutionally recognized freedom, is better off without big government offering the 'helping hand' of state intervention," McDowell said in an address, Friday (June 25), at the Virginia Association of Broadcasters' Summer Convention. McDowell spoke about the Commission's 2010 review of the media ownership rules. "Today's mix of promise and uncertainty leads me to think of this time as the adolescence of digital media. However the future may play out for individual entities, I am confident that participants in the media marketplace as a whole will figure out ways to survive and prosper. My job at this juncture, I believe, is to try to keep Washington out of your way as much as possible while you figure out what works. Journalism especially does not need the government's 'help.'" McDowell told the Viirginia broadcasters that he does not believe the relaxation or elimination of existing ownership restrictions would bring more consolidation. "To the contrary, recent history has illustrated that modernizing FCC regulations may be meaningless because traditional media owners now prefer to spend their time and resources on new, unregulated outlets rather than acquire any more of the heavily regulated ones." McDowell told the broadcasters that comments on the just-issued Notice of Inquiry (NOI) in the Commission's media-ownership rules review might well be "your best shot for making the case that the current restrictions need substantial amendment" — and that they need to "detail precisely what kind of changes we should make."  

* Satellite radio provider WorldSpace closes a deal to sell its assets to WorldSpace CEO Noah Samara. He owns Yazmi USA, which pays $5.5 million under the agreement announced by WorldSpace. The satcaster filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2008. Samara gets the assets for a fraction of the $28.8 million that his Singapore-based firm, Yenura, agreed to pay in early 2009. That deal was later terminated by the company's lenders. Liberty Media, which had been providing WorldSpace with debtor-in-possession financing, ended talks about a possible acquisition of WorldSpace three months ago. WorldSpace provides service to subscribers in eastern and southern Africa, the Middle East, and much of Asia with 96% coming from India.

* Former WGN-AM, Chicago, morning host says WGN is "no longer the station that mid-America knows and trusts." Spike O'Dell says, "WGN is becoming 'just another station' on the dial with what is going on." O'Dell offers his unequivocal support for ousted midday host Steve Cochran, reports the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal. "Well Steve," O'Dell, who retired from WGN-AM and broadcasting in December 2008, posted on Cochran's wall at Faceook, "as long as they are making all these changes, I hope they will change the call letters too." O'Dell adds, "I don't know if I am mad or sad. Sorry partner." O'Dell's note was in response to Cochran's status update hours after learning his Friday show was his last at Chicago Tribune parent Tribune Co.'s radio station. Cochran's exit from WGN-AM after a decade was not completely unexpected, writes Rosenthal. His contract expires at the end of the month and the station had trimmed his show by one-third to two hours when it moved it to 1pm this spring. He had posted a note on Facebook on June 12 that he expected to be gone after June 30.

This is just the latest change at WGN-AM since parent Tribune Co. was taken private in a deal engineered by real estate billionaire Sam Zell in late 2007. That transaction brought several former Jacor and Clear Channel radio executives into leadership roles with the Chicago-based media concern. Changes have included removal of midday personalities Kathy O'Malley and Judy Markey and discontinuation of the station's long-running "Sports Central" program, moving host Dave Kaplan to expanded duties on Chicago Cubs postgame and pregame programming. O'Dell, long a top-rated morning radio host in Chicago, planned his departure long before any of the changes in Tribune Co. management. He had told the company when he signed his contract renewal in November 2006 that it would be his last because he wanted to walk away after his 55th birthday, when he was still young enough to enjoy himself.  

* The last lawsuit against WELE-AM, Ormond Beach, FL, over a now defunct travel show has been resolved. That's according to talk show host Big John, the soon-to-be-owner of the station. One of the defendants said he's the only one of 13 defendants who have been dropped from the federal case, reports The Daytona Beach News-Journal. WELE-AM serves the Daytona Beach area. The Premier Travel Show in 2008 prompted a storm of complaints — and a federal class-action suit — after people bought gift certificates and travel vouchers from the show they said they couldn't redeem. Six people sued in U.S. District Court in Orlando alleging those associated with WELE-AM committed fraud and racketeering through the Premier Travel Show. The allegations were the start of financial troubles for the station's former owner, Doug Wilhite, whose property has gone into foreclosure. John is now in the midst of applying to have the station's license transferred to him. "My belief is that we have settled and we have settled under an agreement that has a confidentiality clause," says Scott Rost, an Orlando lawyer representing John. Rost says the agreement was reached early this month and a "notice of settlement" filed with the court on June 9. But, last week, the plaintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration of that motion. Murray Steinberg of Ormond Beach said John's attorney made a mistake including all 13 defendants in the notice of settlement. "With the other defendants, the mediation process has not been completed," Steinberg said. Other defendants are Wings Communications, Wilhite, Sherry Wilhite, Becky Wilhite, Kristen Wilhite Cobb, Cassie Wilhite Simon, Trisha Lynn Wilhite Weatherford, Kenneth Weatherford, Corey Cobb, Michael J. Johnson, F. Douglas Wilhite III and John Wilhite.  

* Clear Channel Talk WLW-AM, Cincinnati, bans the voice of former WLW traffic reporter John Phillips on spots. WLW tells advertiser Target World the station will no longer air spots voiced by Phillips, who has been voicing their commercials for more than 15 years. The Cincinnati Enquirer's John Kiesewetter reports that Target World was told to remove Phillips, who was ousted in a round of budget cuts in 2007. He now works for Tribune Co. Phillips started as a traffic reporter at co-owned Talk WKRC-AM in 1975, before moving to WLW-AM in 1983. In an email to Kiesewetter, Phillips says, "The small minds at the Death Star [Clear Channel] have done it again. I've been doing the Target World commercials almost as far back as the groundhog episode and that was 15 years ago. They told the owner he'll have to start using someone else." Kiesewetter writes today: "First Mike McConnell, and now John Phillips. You won’t hear the voice of Phillips, the long-time traffic reporter, doing Target World advertisements any more on WLW-AM. The petty vindictiveness (is that redundant?) continues at WLW-AM towards people who now work for Chicago’s Tribune Co. and Randy Michaels, the former WLW-AM/Jacor/Clear Channel radio executive."

* Former Radio One Rhythmic CHR KBXX-FM, Houston, midday host Brandi Garcia calls her firing ''unethical.'' Garcia, who left middays suddenly at "97.9 The Box" last week, posts a video message on WorldWideHipHop.com alleging that she was fired for playing a remix featuring one line from Trae Tha Truth at a concert for which she was hired by an independent promoter, which was not a KBXX event. "I go into work the next day and they tell me that I was fired because I played that song," says Garcia on the video. She also said her firing was "wrong, it was unethical, it may have been legal, but it is unethical." A judge rejected a lawsuit last month filed by Trae against KBXX. His lawsuit accused the Radio One Urban outlet of issuing a ban on his music, which, in fact, it has. Rapper Trae previously posted an entry on his MySpace blog saying that "97.9 The Boxx fallout grows" and attacking Radio One's ban of his recordings. Posted prior to Garcia's firing, he talks about "casualties" of the fallout for ignoring that ban and airing his recordings. Garcia is reportedly not the first Radio One air talent to lose her job for violations of the ban, but may be the first to face termination for violating the ban off-air at a non-station event.

* Univision Communications realigns sales and operations for three units into one, headed by Peter Walker. The new division, Univision Local Media, is the merged result of what has been sales and operations units for Univision Radio, local television, and local interactive. Walker is named President of Univision Local Media. He starts July 12, work closely with President of Advertising Sales & Marketing David Lawenda and Univision News President Alina Falcon to streamline local programming operations. Walker most recently was with investment firm Auvergne Holdings. Before that he spent 17 years in various posts at Tribune Co., including the last three years as SVP of Tribune Broadcasting. "Organizing all aspects of our local operations under Univision Local Media will enable us to provide seamless service to our local advertisers, identify new ways to grow our relationships with our clients and partners, and leverage our local programming and content across the company's platforms to enhance our local offerings for our audiences," says Univision President and CEO Joe Uva, to whom Walker will report. "Peter is the ideal person to lead this important charge for our company, and we are thrilled to have someone of his caliber and industry reputation join the Univision family. We are confident that his visionary leadership, unique local sales and operations expertise, and track record of success will be instrumental in guiding the growth of our centralized local operations." Walker says, "Univision has an extremely unique and enviable position in the overall media landscape, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to help further the company's growth through the potential inherent in the company's local operations. Univision is deeply woven into the fabric of Hispanic communities in local markets across the country, and its television, radio, and local-specific interactive properties are an integral piece of the Company's overall value proposition. I look forward to working with David, Alina, and the leadership teams in television, radio, and local interactive to deliver superior programming to our audiences and outstanding integrated service to our advertisers." Univision also tells us that Univision Television Station Group President Joanne Lynch, a 20-year company veteran, will retire at the end of August.  

* Cox Radio parent Cox Enterprises is restructuring its corporate Legal department, effective July 1. The department will continue to be overseen by VP of Legal and Corporate Secretary Shauna Sullivan. However, the Legal department will be split into three specific areas: Operations, Disputes and Corporate Matters. Sullivan will continue reporting to SVP of Legal Affairs and Strategic Investments Dale Hughes, with the heads of the three specific areas reporting to her. Steve Rosenboro will serve as Managing Attorney of Operations; Lance Lovell will serve as Managing Attorney of Disputes; and, Charles Bowen will be Managing Attorney of Corporate. Charles Parker continues as Assistant General Counsel, reporting to Sullivan. "The restructuring of our department creates new efficiencies and puts customer service at the forefront of our operations to help us support COX's strategic goals," says Sullivan. "I'm excited that this also provides new opportunities for our team members."  

* Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings Chairman and CEO Mark Mays gets a good deal to step down as CEO. As Mays said in his announcement earlier this week, he will remain as Chairman when he exits the CEO position later this year. Under an amended contract, Mays now has the right to purchase Clear Channel's Gulfstream IV jet at the end of his employment, will continue to work for Clear Channel through July 31, 2013 as Chairman with a base salary of not less than $1 million annually, is entitled to a 2010 target bonus of $2 million if the company hits its OIBDAN target with a ceiling of $4 million; and, Mays will have the right to exercise options relating to his 200,000 and 355,556 shares of restricted stock respectively. Details of the new deal are provided in an SEC filing. A copy of the amended contract with the filing says Mays will continue to serve as CEO "until the date on which the Company and Holdings hire a new Chief Executive Officer to succeed him, and thereafter shall continue as an employee of the Company and Holdings in the position of Chairman." Mays will, indeed, as he said previously, remain active with Clear Channel after exiting the CEO position. The new agreement specifies that "it is the expectation of the parties that [Mays] shall work no less than 20% per month, on average of the average level of services  

* Five promoted, two out, as Arbitron restructures its executive leadership team. The new management structure is designed to build "a stronger partnership" with customers "and to continue to enhance Arbitron's focus on the value and quality of its services," says Arbitron. "Over the past several months I have made it a top priority to meet with many of our customers and other key stakeholders," says Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr. "I have found that feedback invaluable and I have incorporated it into this realignment. I believe this new structure is customer-focused and collaborative – and can help support the growth of both the radio industry and of the Company." Effective immediately, Arbitron is implementing several shifts in leadership positions; realigning key organizational groups reporting directly to Kerr. Sean Creamer takes on a newly created position of EVP of U.S. Media Services, responsible for the company's radio and cross-platform services and operations. By consolidating these functions, Arbitron expects to enhance its ability to address the converging and integrated media strategies of our customers. Creamer will continue to lead the finance organization while Arbitron initiates a search for a CFO.

Tim Smith has an expanded role as EVP of Business Development and Strategy. Smith continues to lead the company's legal and regulatory matters with an additional focus on directing the company's domestic and international strategy and identifying productive partnerships and business relationships. Scott Henry has been named EVP Technology Solutions, which integrates his current responsibilities for Information Technology with oversight of the company's Engineering and Service Supply Chain groups in order to further strengthen the company's process and quality initiatives and streamline the evolution of the Portable People Meter technology from hardware design to software development. Carol Hanley has been named EVP of Sales and Marketing which integrates the company's marketing initiatives into her current responsibilities for the company's sales. These combined responsibilities further the seamless execution of the company's marketing and sales strategies. Marilou Legge has been promoted to the new position of EVP for Organization Effectiveness and Corporate Communications with responsibility for the Company's talent and communications strategies.

As a result of these changes, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer Alton Adams and EVP Customer Solutions Robert Henrick are leaving Arbitron. On an interim basis, Smith will also have the company's research department reporting to him while the company initiates a search for a Chief Research Officer. "I thank both Bob and Alton for their contributions and their commitment to Arbitron, and wish them well in their future endeavors," says Kerr. He adds, "It is an exciting time at Arbitron as we have made progress over the past several months. We look forward to an enhanced level of partnership with our customers and believe strongly that these changes have the company well-positioned for growth and to maximize new opportunities."  

* The search is on – as Clear Channel begins seeking a successor to Mark Mays as CEO. Now that Mays has confirmed speculation that he would step down as CEO, Clear Channel hires executive search firm Egon Zehnder International to help find the next chief executive. The company says it expects to name Mays’ replacement later this year. A number of speculative reports about Mays future began circulating Tuesday, spurred by the Wall Street Journal reporting that Mays "will step down ... as soon as a replacement is named, according to people familiar with the matter." Hours later Mays himself confirmed the speculation in an email to staff: "I wanted to share with you a personal decision I have made about our future. Having devoted the vast majority of my time and attention to Clear Channel for the last 21 years, I have decided to relinquish my CEO responsibilities at the end of 2010, but will remain Chairman of the Board at the Company I love." The full text of that email is available here from TPMedia. WSJ said that Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital, who took Clear Channel private, "want to install an executive who is well positioned to bolster the company's digital strategy." In his email, Mays, however, says: "While you can imagine this was not an easy decision for me, it was made collaboratively and amicably with the full support of our financial sponsors. I have asked the Board of Directors to initiate a search for my successor. When a new CEO is named, I will focus my attention on continuing to serve as Chairman of the Board, and will remain actively involved with the company." Randall Mays, Mark Mays' brother, stepped down as President and CFO last October. Randall Mays is to remain Vice Chairman until 2013. Mark Mays took on the title of President when his brother stepped down.  

* Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition extends until July 30 its offer to purchase Emmis' stock to go private. JS Acquisition June 23 announced the extension until 5:00pm ET, Friday, July 30, 2010, its offer to purchase substantially all of Emmis' outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock for $2.40 per share in cash. The tender offer is being extended in order to be able to coordinate the timing of the planned deadlines of the offer with those of an exchange offer by Emmis of 12% PIK Senior Subordinated Notes due 2017 for Emmis' 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Emmis has not yet commenced the exchange offer but has announced that it expects to do so shortly after completion of review by the SEC. JS Acquisition also announced today that it has removed the condition to the tender offer that its parent, JS Acquisition, LLC, an Indiana limited liability company that is wholly-owned by Smulyan, receive the financing to be provided by an affiliate of Alden Global Capital Limited, a private asset management company, pursuant to the Securities Purchase Agreement, dated May 24, 2010, by and among JS Acquisition, Smulyan, Alden and certain of its affiliates. The tender offer will be conditioned on the Alden Purchase Agreement remaining in full force and effect and the conditions to the closing of the transactions under the Alden Purchase Agreement having been satisfied or waived. As of 5pm Tuesday (June 22), approximately 193,943 shares of Class A Common Stock have been tendered in and not withdrawn from the offer.  

* Borrell Associates releases a study showing social network marketing is a big grabber of online ad spending. According to "The Social Networking Explosion: Ad Revenue Outlook" June 2010, social networks are increasing their ad revenues at a tremendous pace and before long it could take a toll on ad spending at local media Websites. More than 1.5 million local businesses participate in social networks, according to the report. Borrell estimates that social network marketing spending totaled more than $4 billion nationwide in 2009, with about half coming from national companies and the rest from local businesses. This year, Borrell Associates projections call for a 68%, propelling marketing spending on social networks to almost $7.5 billion. About 11 cents of every marketing dollar spent online will go to social network campaigns. In five years, social network marketing is forecast to reach almost $38 billion, a full third of all online marketing spending in the U.S. Borrell says that social media are fundamentally different from the mass media that most marketers — including online marketers — have been educated to use. "The winners in this new and burgeoning arena are going to be those who can forget the past and embrace the new," says Borrell.

* Wild weather – now confirmed as a tornado – affects two Cumulus stations in Bridgeport, CT, Thursday (June 24). Talk WICC-AM and AC "WeBe 108" WEBE-FM were both affected by the severe weather. WICC was knocked off the air by the tornado, while WEBE went on automation and was playing only music, and the stations' studios were evacuated. Reports from Bridgeport said the Cumulus building was cleared after an air conditioning unit blew off the roof, leaving a large hole in the roof.

* WCHS-AM, Charleston, WV, afternoon talk host Michael Agnello is charged with domestic battery. That follows an argument with his girlfriend, according to The Daily Mail, which reports the 57-year-old Agnello is accused of grabbing his girlfriend by the arms and then "threw her down on the floor several times." Police say Amy Dorsey had reddish marks on the back of her arms and fresh bruising on her left hip and leg. Dorsey was later arrested for driving under the influence following a traffic accident when she failed a field sobriety test. The accident occurred on the same street where the alleged domestic battery incident happened. Agnello is one of the hosts of talk show "58Live" on WCHS.  

* Bonneville ends a 1050 AM simulcast of WTOP, Washington, with an LMA with United Media Group. United Media will air a Regional Mexican format on the former WTOP-AM, now WBQH-AM, which had been simulcasting WTOP since the demise of Air America. The now defunct progressive talk network had aired on 1050 AM under an LMA as WZAA. With the new deal, United Media General Manager Homero Huerta brings in Program Director Gina Leyva and News Director Jose Angel Aguirre. Syndicated Eddie Sotelo with the "Piolin por la Manana" show will air in mornings on the new "La Mera Mera 1050."

* Univision Radio flips Spanish CHR "La Kalle 98.3" WRTO-FM, Miami, to "Mix 98.3." The music is essentially the same, although there's a somewhat wider variety. TPMedia has verified that new url Mix983.com is redirecting to the "La Kalle" Website, which is now rebranded to "Mix 98.3." Univision Radio is changing the station's call letters to WURM. The FCC application was filed earlier this month, and an announcement of the new identity on the Website says, albeit in Spanish, that the new station is WURM 98.3FM, branded as ''Mix 98.3'.'

* Jeff Apodaca is named VP and General Manager for Entravision's TV and radio properties in Albuquerque. He will have two radio stations under his oversight — "105.9 Jose FM" KRZY-FM and "La Tricolor 1450" KRZY-AM. Apodaca joins Entravision from Tribune where he was Director of Interactive Strategy & Partnerships. In Albuquerque he replaces Margarita Wilder, who was recently named VP and GM for Entravision San Diego. "Jeff brings extensive experience in managing integrated media properties for both English- and Spanish-language platforms, and he'll be a great asset to the Albuquerque team," says Entravision President and COO Philip Wilkinson. "His strong track record of success at Tribune, Univision, AOL and Excite, and his close relationships with business and community leaders throughout New Mexico speak volumes about his leadership and business acumen." Apodaca tells us, "I'm thrilled to return to Albuquerque where I started my broadcasting and media career. This vibrant market presents tremendous opportunity for Entravision's leading television and radio properties and growing digital platforms."  

* Dave Dillon is named Station Manager for the Main Line Broadcasting Richmond four-station cluster. Dillon will oversee programming and operations. The cluster consists of WWLB, WBBT, WARV, and WLFV. Dillon is a past VP of Programming for SFX, Capstar, and others, and has programmed KOSI, Denver, and KODA, Houston. "Dave is a winner, and I'm excited about having a leader like him in the building," says Main Line Richmond Market Manager Russ De Vries.

* CBS Radio Sacramento Operations Manager Byron Kennedy is promoted to VP of Programming for the cluster. Kennedy is also the direct Program Director for Rhythmic CHR KSFM-FM and Adult Top 40 "Now 100.5" KZZO-FM. Kennedy has programmed KSFM-FM since 2000. Dillon previously programmed KPTY-FM, Phoenix. He's also handled PD duties for Sacramento sister Classic Rock KXOA-FM.

* New sessions, 'Exhibitor Marketplace' to be unveiled during 2010 Radio Show. The 2010 Radio Show, jointly produced by the RAB and the NAB, will feature a collaborative programming lineup examining the key issues and innovations impacting today's radio business. This year's Radio Show will also feature an integrated Exhibitor Marketplace designed to complement a full schedule of engaging and interactive sessions and networking opportunities available to attendees. Held September 29 - October 1, the 2010 Radio Show will take place at the Grand Hyatt Washington hotel in Washington DC. In addition to The Marketplace, which will feature the latest in radio technology developments, the Radio Show will debut informative sessions examining the key issues facing radio today. Topics include: Sales and Marketing; Finance; Legislative/Regulatory; Digital Media; Programming; and Management.   [More »]

* Smooth AC "94.7 The Wave" KTWV, Los Angeles, General Sales Manager Bob Scott exits after less than a year. Scott will be replaced by Lisa Hornick, who joined the station about a year ago as Local Sales Manager. Scott tells LARadio.com that the situation was "not a good fit" and that he's more suited for AM stations. "I am an AM guy,” he says. Previously, Scott spent 13 years with Clear Channel in southern California.

* New World Broadcasting is selling brokered Ethnic WURN-AM, Miami, for $7 million. The sale agreement is with Actualidad Licensee 1020 AM LLC, a subsidiary of Union Radio Network Of Florida which has brokered and operated the station since October 2008, and is now exercising an option to buy. Union Radio is headed by Jorge Gonzalez, Enrique Nicolas Cusco, and Eduardo Guillermo Cusco. This is the first radio outlet for the company. New World principal Adib Eden bought WURN in 2001 for only $260,000.

* The FCC will accept ownership report Form 323 waiver requests from some transferees. The FCC's Media Bureau will accept written requests for waiver of the biennial Form 323 ownership report filing for stations that have been assigned or transferred, with the exception of pro forma transfers of control, between November 1, 2009 and June 23, 2010. The Bureau's change reflects a concern on the part of the affected transferees that they cannot obtain the ownership information from the previous licensees necessary to file Form 323, and/or that they will be unable to certify as to the accuracy of the information. Licensees with pending assignment and transfer of control applications and licensees of applications filed between June 23 and July 8 will be required to file Form 323 on or before the July 8 deadline as a condition to the grant of the pending application.

Meanwhile, the FCC asks the U.S. Court of Appeals to keep its revised Form 323 ownership reports as they are, including the disclosure of Social Security numbers for all “attributable” principals. The Commission also tells the federal court it wants to be allowed to require all stations to file the by the July 8 deadline. Last week, that court gave the FCC one week to explain why it needs Social Security numbers for ownership reports. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ordered the Commission to respond to claims that the revised Form 323 filing requirements – and particularly the requirement for SSNs – were not imposed lawfully. The Court’s involvement was sought by Fletcher Heald, together with a number of state broadcast associations and broadcasters. They had filed a petition for writ of mandamus asking the Court to step in to compel the Commission to comply with required procedures before forcing anybody and everybody with any “attributable” interest to provide their SSNs to the agency.  

* The Broadcasters Foundation of America elects four new members to its board. New board members include Cox Media Group President Sanford Schwartz, ABC Owned Television Stations President Rebecca Campbell, Dispatch Broadcast Group Vice Chairman and CEO Michael Fiorilem and Metan Development Group Chairman I. Martin Pompadur. "We are delighted that these four broadcast industry leaders will give their time and energy to advancing the mission of the Broadcasters Foundation," says BFA Chairman Philip Lombardo. "Their leadership experience will be a great contribution to our efforts raise money to help colleagues in need."

* Mark Mays is resigning as CEO of Clear Channel parent CC Media Holdings, but is remaining as Chairman. In a memo to staff, Mays writes: "I wanted to share with you a personal decision I have made about our future. Having devoted the vast majority of my time and attention to Clear Channel for the last 21 years, I have decided to relinquish my CEO responsibilities at the end of 2010, but will remain Chairman of the Board at the Company I love. I have thought carefully about the steps we need to take as a company to realize our full potential over the long-term. We have significantly strengthened our management team, and we are fortunate to have robust leadership in place in our businesses. After many hard decisions over the last year, we are well-positioned to continue leading and succeeding in the marketplace. Given the positive trends we are seeing, I am very optimistic about the future of Clear Channel. That’s why I feel this is an opportune time for a new CEO to work with the management team in leading our terrific company forward.

"While you can imagine this was not an easy decision for me, it was made collaboratively and amicably with the full support of our financial sponsors. I have asked the Board of Directors to initiate a search for my successor. When a new CEO is named, I will focus my attention on continuing to serve as Chairman of the Board, and will remain actively involved with the company. In the interim, I am dedicated to ensuring solid financial performance, and to achieving a seamless transition. I will remain a significant shareholder, with aligned interests and a deep commitment to the success of Clear Channel. I am grateful to all of you for your dedication, focus and commitment in the many successes we have achieved, and in meeting the many challenges we have faced. I ask for your support in assuring our continued success by effectively serving our customers with the Clear Channel service that we have become famous for. With best regards, Mark Mays."

Earlier, the Wall Street Journal reported: "CC Media Holdings Inc. Chief Executive and President Mark Mays will step down from the radio broadcaster as soon as a replacement is named, according to people familiar with the matter. CC Media was known as Clear Channel Communications until Bain Capital LLC and Thomas H. Lee Partners LP took the media company private in 2009." According to WSJ, no new CEO has been selected, but Thomas Lee Partners and Bain want to install an executive who is well positioned to bolster the company's digital strategy. Mays is expected to stay on as Chairman of the company until at least 2013. Randall Mays, Mark Mays' brother, stepped down as CC Media's President and CFO last October. Randall Mays is to remain Vice Chairman until 2013. Mark Mays took on the title of President when his brother stepped down.  

* Radio One Urban AC "Majic 102.3" WMMJ, Washington DC, releases entire air staff. "DC's #1 R&B Station" now lists syndicated Tom Joyner M-F, 6:00-10:00am – and My Majic, M-F, 10:00-6:00am. All mentions of local hosts are gone from the MyMajicDC.com Website. Midday host Olivia Fox, afternoon driver Mike Chase and night talent Alvin John Waples are all out. Jammillah Muhammad was recently named Program Director of WMMJ, after Kathy Brown's ouster as PD. So far, no comment from the new PD on the house cleaning of air talent.  

* Ousted Chicago radio hosts Kathy and Judy fight back, disputing comments by WGN-AM PD Kevin Metheny. "We did not lie to our listeners," says the angry duo, who were forced out in May 2009 after a highly successful 20-year run as WGN’s midday hosts. Always on top of such situations, Chicago media reporter Robert Feder writes, at Vocalo.org, "In all the years I’ve known them personally and professionally, I don’t think I’d ever heard Kathy O’Malley and Judy Markey as upset as they sounded on the phone together Wednesday. I mean they were fit to be tied." Feder explains the reason they were so angry was on-air comments made Tuesday by their former boss, WGN-AM Program Director Metheny. Appearing on Garry Meier’s afternoon show, Metheny took calls from listeners, including one who asked about the ouster of Kathy & Judy. “You may want to get that straight. What they did was retire," said Metheny. "They retired of their own volition. They gave us that notification, and then at that point, after they decided they didn’t want to continue any longer, we did control the timing of it, but we didn’t show them the door unceremoniously and, as I’ve often been accused of, we didn’t give them the word that morning. . . . That was actually how they chose to portray it. They knew quite a while in advance actually, and the manner in which you learned it — and the timing at which you learned it — was not WGN’s decision.” Feder points out the response implied that O’Malley and Markey misled their listeners when they said it was not their decision to leave — with more than a year to go on their contracts. It also contradicted the official announcement by Tribune Co. that WGN was "discontinuing the ‘Kathy & Judy Show.’ ” In the station’s own press release dated May 22, 2009, writes Feder, VP and General Manager Tom Langmyer was quoted as saying: “This was a business decision,” and “This is the time to move in a new direction.” Kathy & Judy respond: “Yesterday, Kevin Metheny said on the Garry Meier Show that it was our choice to leave our show and WGN in May of 2009. It was not our choice, and we want that to be clear. Over 20 years on the air, we established a bond of trust with our radio girlfriends that we all valued. We never lied to them about the circumstances of our leaving, and we’re just tired of hearing that it was our idea. It wasn’t.”  

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski appoints Josh Gottheimer as Senior Counselor to the Chairman. Gottheimer — the former speechwriter for Bill Clinton and John Kerry — will serve as Genachowski's strategic advisor on a wide range of policy and legal matters, and will have oversight for the legislative, communications, intergovernmental affairs and public liaison functions of the agency. Gottheimer will also focus on the Commission's innovation agenda and the steps the FCC can take — including considering the recommendations in the National Broadband Plan — to help facilitate American global competitiveness, economic growth and job creation. Says Genachowski, "We're at a crossroads. The decisions we make today will help drive America's competitiveness, innovation and job creation in the decades to come. As part of my team, Josh will play a key role in helping me and the FCC achieve our critical mission: building the 21st century communications infrastructure our country needs to compete and win in the global economy. I'm thrilled that he's joining the Commission." Gottheimer currently is the Worldwide EVP at global communications firm Burson-Marsteller.  

* Darren Pfeffer is upped to Director of Marketing and Promotions for the Clear Channel Radio New York cluster. Pfeffer will be responsible for overseeing promotional and marketing efforts at CHR-Top40 "Z100" WHTZ, Urban "Power 105.1" WWPR, AC "106.7 Lite FM" WLTW, Classic Rock "Q104.3" WAXQ. and Rhythmic CHR "103.5 KTU" WKTU. Pfeffer who is also the Executive Producer of Z100’s Jingle Ball and Lite FM’s Broadway in Bryant Park, will report to SVP of Programming Tom Poleman and President/Market Manager Joe Puglise. "Over the past 15 years, Darren has held virtually every position in marketing and promotion at all five of our New York radio stations," says Poleman. "From driving the station van to producing Z100’s Jingle Ball, Darren has done it all, and at the highest of standards. He is an outstanding leader with a wealth of experience and creativity. We look forward to having him lead the New York cluster to new heights in this role." Pfeffer adds, "Since joining Clear Channel Radio, I have experienced first-hand the traction that the New York radio stations have been gaining with both listeners and advertisers, and am very fortunate to have witnessed this unprecedented success. I look forward to taking on this new role and continuing to work with the talented team here."  

* Former Interep President Mike Walsh joins Farrell Media Group as Director of Business Development. The 25-year sales veteran most recently was Special Projects Coordinator for ESPN Radio's five company-owned stations. Prior to that he was President and COO of the now defunct Interep. "I will be working with our existing clients on developing and executing their media and advertising plans," says Walsh of his new position. "I will also be responsible for helping to grow our business by soliciting new clients. I was recommended for this position by a former client of mine at Interep. This is a definitely a new and different direction in my career. I am extremely excited about this new challenge." Walsh spent 14 years at Interep, serving in a senior executive capacity from 1998 through 2009. In 1998, Walsh was named VP and General Manager of Interep's dedicated sales division for the former Susquehanna-owned stations, and was named President of that division. Walsh was named President and COO of Interep in July 2007, a position he held through the company's end.  

* Greater Media wins a stay and arbitration in the Lynne Woodison Lyman sex discrimination lawsuit in Michigan. A federal judge grants Greater Media's motion to stay the proceedings initiated by Woodison, stemming from her former employment as Classic Rock WCSX, Detroit, morning co-host. Greater Media (as Greater Boston Radio) asked U.S. District Judge Paul Borman "to Dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint or, in the Alternative, to Stay the Action and Compel Arbitration." Borman approved the motion. Lynne Woodison Lyman had acknowledged that her contract compelled arbitration to settle disputes, but claimed that since the contract expired on February 29, 2008 and she continued to work for the station, the contract and its arbitration provision would not apply. Greater Media noted that while it cannot produce a written renewal of the agreement, it continued to employ Woodison with a pay increase as if the option was exercised for another year, and the memo terminating her employment referred to her agreement and the company paid her for the full one-year renewal term. Borman ruled the arbitration clause survived any claimed expiration of the contract, and accepted Greater Media's argument that the contract was effectively renewed. The latest court filing, with the judge's order, dated June 21, 2010, is available here from Leagle.com.

* It ain't just radio anymore! Bonneville's Washington DC News station drops "WTOP Radio Network" ID. The word "Radio" is no longer cool at WTOP. VP of Programming Jim Farley has made the decision to stress WTOP's multi-platform availability, emphasizing "news, traffic, weather, on-air, online, mobile," from the Washington outlet. This he indicates gives WTOP an identity for providing content for all media, and not just pushing over-the-air broadcasts. The station has discarded all “WTOP Radio Network” positioning from top- and bottom-of-the-hour IDs.

* Oaktree Capital Management is dissolving Gap East Broadcasting. That's the operating company created a year ago to geographically complement sisters Gap Central and Gap West. Gap East President Jim Donahoe says the process of “unwinding” the company is underway.  

* BP's problems continue to benefit radio, as the oil company buys spots to attempt spin control of its image. The beleagured British oil company continues heavy ad buys, airing spots to apologize and attempting to counter the negative publicity against the company, even as it attempts to stop the flow of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. Last week, BP ran 1,459 spots nationally; this week, Media Monitors tracked 1,820 spots. The radio commercials cost BP $163,326, for a nine-week total of $423,576.  

* Private equity firm VSS and Ares Capital team for financing for small and middle-market media companies. VSS – Veronis Suhler Stevenson – is well known in radio and other media circles. They say teaming with Ares Capital will enable flexible debt capital to be provided. VSS and Ares Capital will team up to provide senior debt financing to companies in select industries with $5 million to $35 million of EBITDA, a market which they note is currently underserved by financial institutions. VSS has brought in Bill Archer, the former Chief Credit Officer of Bankers Trust and Chief Debt Underwriter for Goldman Sachs, as Partner VSS Debt Capital to head up its senior lending activities. “We view this strategic relationship with Ares Capital as a significant benefit to our industry because of the current lack of capital available to lower middle market companies. Ares Capital’s efficient access to capital, scale and demonstrated credit expertise is a perfect complement for our strong, proprietary deal flow and demonstrated industry knowledge within our market segments,” says Archer. “We look forward to a very productive strategic relationship with the well-established and highly regarded industry experts at VSS,” says Ares Capital President Michael Arougheti.

* The Society of Broadcast Engineers gets its invite for the FCC's Friday engineering forum. RadioWorld, which covers the technical side of radio, is reporting, "Apparently thinking better of leaving out the only national membership organization of broadcast engineers, the FCC has now invited the Society of Broadcast Engineers to take part in its engineering forum this Friday covering television spectrum issues for mobile broadband. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss technical aspects of the FCC’s plan to reclaim and reallocate 120 MHz of free broadcast television spectrum for broadband services allocated by auction." Last week we reported that the SBE expressed "dismay and serious concern" that's it's not invited to the FCC's June 25 Broadcast Engineering Forum. SBE President Vincent Lopez wrote to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski that it was "a surprise that no one directly associated with or representative of SBE was contacted about the forum or invited to participate." Apparently that letter got the Commission to rethink its "oversight."

* Tribune Co. bankruptcy independent examiner asks for more time to review the case. Examiner Kenneth Klee asks for a 15 day extension of time to investigate some creditors' claims of fraud in Sam Zell's takeover of the company. Klee, in his Wednesday (June 23) request cited the "enormity" of the record in the case. The original deadline was July 12. That would be extended until July 27, and the motion, if granted might delay the hearings on confirming Tribune's reorganization plan. The confirmation hearings are currently set to start August 16. Tribune is not opposing the examiner's motion.  

* Broadcast Affiliate Sales signs an exclusive sales representation agreement with Hippie Radio. The new 24/7 format is set to launch August 1. Hippie Radio specializes in music from 1964-1973 but is broadening its playlist with the latest move. Says Broadcast Affiliate Sales President Mike Tyler, "Hippie Radio is a great format for any size market and we are proud to represent this quality product." Hippie Radio will not be asking for network commercial inventory, says Tyler. "Hippie Radio will charge a small monthly fee and provide 24/7 great radio."

* All News 1010 WINS-AM, New York, will add Andrew Ross Sorkin's business briefs, Monday, July 12. That's when Sorkin's features, produced and distributed by United Stations Radio Networks, launch nationwide. The weekday series of short-form programs will feature Sorkin's insights and perspectives on the daily activities in the world of business and finance. WINS will broadcast the reports three times each day during morning, midday and afternoons on-air, online a www.1010wins.com and via mobile devices. Sorkin, a journalist and author, is the New York Times chief mergers and acquisitions reporter and a columnist. He is also the founder and editor of DealBook, a financial-news Website and email newsletter published by the newspaper.  

* Radio talker, and TV hopeful, Bill Cunningham is being sued over a TV pilot taping by kid guests parents. Cunningham, who is staying at Talk WLW-AM, Cincinnati, but doing the television-hopeful for Chicago-based Tribune Broadcasting, is the target of a lawsuit by the parents of child beauty pageant contestants who say they were mistreated during the June 12 pilot taping. The Cincinnati Enquirer's John Kiesewetter is reporting that the parents – who say they were promised they would be portrayed in a positive light – say instead they "were accused of physically and sexually abusing their children." They're seeking at least $50,000 in a suit filed in Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois. They've also asked the court to prevent Tribune from airing their likeness, and to provide all video and other media from their show so they could be destroyed. Cunningham is declining comment. The WLW-AM talk host has taped five "Big Willie" test shows at WGN. Tribune plans to air them in the next few weeks on Tribune TV stations. After reviewing ratings and research, Tribune executives will decide whether to start production of the weekday show this fall for Tribune stations and eventually national syndication. The suit alleges that Cunningham and the audience "continued to verbally accost" the women after their children were taken backstage. When the parents joined the girls in the green room and locked the door "to protect their children," TV producers "began kicking in the door," the suit says. Some people in the "Big Willie" studio "described the tapings as a fiasco," according to Chicago media reporter Robert Feder. Tribune CEO Randy Michaels, who hired Cunningham at WLW-AM in 1983, was "personally urging Cunningham to abuse and berate his unwitting guests. One segment featured ... parents of child beauty pageant contestants who found themselves blindsided when they were suddenly attacked by Cunningham," wrote Feder.  

* Livio Radio further moves into the car with the Carmen, being unveiled in New York this week. The Carmen, officially being unveiled at Pepcom’s Digital Experience, joins the recently debuted Livio Car Internet Radio app for the iPhone as Livio Radio offerings for the auto. Compatible with the Mac or PC, the Carmen connects to the computer with a USB cable and, using the client software, records and stores content from over 42,000 AM/FM and Internet-only radio stations streamed from around the world. Users may then connect the portable Carmen to the vehicle’s 12-volt socket and play back the stored audio library through the car stereo using an open FM channel or auxiliary input. Shipping to retail stores nationwide this summer, the Carmen is designed to make Internet audio programming available on the road and on-demand. “We designed Carmen with DVR in mind. It gives users access to local stations from across America and around the world – their music, news and talk radio – plus genres that you can’t find anywhere on AM/FM for plug-and-play listening and enjoyment in any vehicle.” Livio says Carmen is simple to use out of the box and easily records the programming users want, in the same manner that DVR revolutionized TV consumption and behavior. The client software allows users to browse stations by genre, language, location or keyword for radio recording, in addition to other common audio files including music and podcasts. In the vehicle, Carmen’s user-friendly interface includes fast-forward, rewind, and skip functions. “The Carmen is all about further expanding Internet radio consumption to the car,” Livio Radio founder and chief operating officer Jake Sigal said. “We designed Carmen with DVR in mind. It gives users access to local stations from across America and around the world – their music, news and talk radio – plus genres that you can’t find anywhere on AM/FM for plug-and-play listening and enjoyment in any vehicle.”   [More »]

* Hot AC "100.5 The Zone" KZZO, Sacramento relaunches as Adult Top 40 "Now 100.5" Tuesday afternoon. The station's new positioner is "Today's Best Hits Without The Rap." The station's new Website at now100fm.radio.com tells visitors, "After talking to listeners all over the Sacramento area, we found that you wanted a new radio station that plays today’s best hits without the rap, and no sleepy elevator music or old songs from the 80's or 90's. Now 100.5 plays music from artists like Train, Katy Perry, Daughtry, Rob Thomas, The Script, Lady Gaga, and Kris Allen just to name a few." Listeners are invited to join the “Now Nation where you’ll be the first to learn about upcoming concerts, giveaways, and special offers exclusively for Now 100.5 listeners!" TPM founder Mark Harris tells TPMedia NewsPage, "Looking at what the station is playing, it appears to be very close to what they had been playing as The Zone, but minus older titles that no longer legitimately qualify as recurrents. My best assessment is that it's a repositioning much more than what one might call a format flip. Virtually all of the songs now airing are ones from our TPM Super Sixty and Hit Music Recurrents listings, although they don't include all of what I have included in our Mass Appeal Hit Music format."  

* New York Public Radio hires Graham Parker to head Classical WQXR-FM in a newly created VP position. Parker is the Executive Director of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. New York Public Radio added WQXR to its portfolio in a three-way deal with New York Times Co. and Univision last year. President and CEO Laura Walker, who believes Parker's experience with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra will help in his new position, says, "A leader of a conductor-less orchestra needs to have a sense of respect for the collective as well as the individual." Parker says his plans include making WQXR.org a digital hub so classical fans can "take the station anywhere."

* Programming changes at noncommercial WTJU-FM, Charlottesville, VA, may prompt walkouts by on-air hosts. Charlottesville News and Sports C-Ville reports the problems at the station started with a change of GMs, and escalated with changes initiated by new General Manager Burr Beard, who replaced recently departed GM Chuck Taylor. "It’s not enough to expose people to new music when it’s just a smattering of all kinds of music," reads an email from Beard. The overhaul is a response to a downturn in fundraising and low station listenership—"7,500 weekly, the smallest of any noncomm station serving Charlottesville," the email says. An anonymous WTJU DJ forwarded some of the station's internal communication that referred to new programming plans as "The All New Consistent and Reliable WTJU." The email suggests that songs will be placed in rotation—four songs in a 12-song block would be pulled from a list intended to foster familiarity between DJs and the audience—and programming will be organized into more coherent blocks. Beard writes in a separate email to C-Ville that changes will be "announced and specified internally at a meeting Thursday" (June 24). Though they won't be effective until early next month, they have already spurred at least one walkout from a longtime DJ at the station. Another DJ, Tyler Magill, launched a blog at savewtju.blogspot.com: "WTJU In Crisis. A clearing-house for the community to encourage full transparency of the changes that are being made to WTJU, The Sound Choice in Central Virginia."

* Arbitron introduces PPM 360 – its new generation of audience measurement. The new technology is, says Arbitron, "a flexible, convenient solution to measuring media by extending the Portable People Meter (PPM) technology onto a wireless platform." The ratings company explains that by migrating to a wireless platform, Arbitron is better able to follow the media habits of on-the-go consumers. The new approach, says Arbitron, lays the foundation for the development of future applications for the patented, proprietary PPM technology on multiple consumer devices. "This innovative approach further liberates audience measurement from the home and enables media, brands and marketers to follow the mobile consumer more closely – which is particularly important for brands appealing to younger demographics," says Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr. "This platform is designed to be an integrated component to our existing radio services and drive future innovation for media measurement."

The new device design resembles a simple cell phone and is sleeker and smaller than the current meter. The inclusion of cellular wireless technology in the meter eliminates the need for an in-home docking station and a communications hub, creating an enhanced, streamlined experience for a panelist. The meter is ready out-of-the-box and can be charged with a simple USB cord. Arbitron can communicate with panelists through a text screen on the meter. It also retains a motion detector to monitor compliance, similar to previous versions of the PPM meter. "The PPM 360 technology is a combined approach to measurement and data retrieval that enables future development of applications for multi-platform measurement, including cell phones, wireless devices and computers providing flexibility for future services that better reflect the industry need to follow the consumer," says Arbitron Chief Technology Officer Taymoor Arshi. "Our new technology is designed to position us to meet the research needs of a network, station or advertiser, including seeing data closer to a major event."

In a related development, Arbitron acquires the technology portfolio, patents and trade name of Integrated Media Measurement, now known as Audience Measurement Technologies. Terms are not disclosed. The Integrated Media Measurement technologies include cellular phone-based technology, which is designed to capture consumer cross-platform media usage. Arshi says Arbitron will begin a slow transformation of linking its new PPM 360 to mobile platforms such as smartphones and netbooks. Arshi cautions that Arbitron needs to monitor any "changes in user behavior of the device." He notes, "A multi-functional device has an influence on how people use it, especially when you're talking about smartphones and netbooks," he said. "We're going to do a lot more research to understand all these aspects before we get a solid plan in place — but it's definitely on our radar screen."

* Arbitron releases RADAR 105:   Network Radio reaches more than 189 million persons each week. Arbitron reports in its June 2010 RADAR (Radio’s All Dimension Audience Research) radio network audience ratings that more than 189 million Persons aged 12+ heard one or more network radio commercials each week of the survey period. Arbitron posts RADAR Radio Network Ratings for Persons aged 18-49 and Persons aged 25-54 on its Website at: www.arbitron.com/national_radio/radar105_network_rankings.htm. Some selected audience results from RADAR 105 include: The RADAR 105 survey period saw an increase in the number of people reached by network radio from the RADAR 104 period for key buying and selling demographic groups. Among the prime audience demographics sought by advertisers, the commercials aired on the 51 radio networks reached: 73.8% of Persons aged 12+ (189,990,000 Persons); 74.3% of Persons aged 18+ (172,706,000 Persons); 73.7% of Persons aged 35+ (119,360,000 Persons); 76.5% of Persons aged 18-49 (103,336,000 Persons); and, 76.9% of Persons aged 25-54 (97,489,000 Persons).

The PPM data included in the RADAR 105 release are from the Houston-Galveston, Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, Riverside-San Bernardino, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Atlanta, Washington DC, Detroit, Boston, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood, Seattle-Tacoma, Phoenix, Minneapolis-St. Paul and San Diego Metro markets for the Spring 2009, Summer 2009, Fall 09 and Winter 2010 surveys; from Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, St. Louis, Denver-Boulder, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, PA, for the Summer 2009, Fall 2009 and Winter 2010 surveys; and from Portland, OR, Sacramento, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, San Antonio, Kansas City, and Las Vegas for the Fall 2009 and Winter 2010 surveys. The ratings used cover the period April 2, 2009 through March 31, 2010. RADAR 105 marks an increase in sample size to 377,044 respondents.

Among 18-49s, the top five networks in RADAR 105 are Dial Global Complete FM, tied with Dial Global Contemporary Network with an average rating of 3.4; Dial Global Adult Power, with a 2.3; Premiere Modern Women Network, 2.0; and Premiere Young Influencers, with a 2.0 average rating. Among 25-54s, Dial Global Contemporary topped the rankings, with an average rating of 3.4, followed by Dial Global Complete FM Networks, with a 3.2; Premiere Informed Network, 2.6; Dial Global Adult Power, 2.4; and Premiere Modern Women Network, 2.0.

* Social network usage doesn’t reduce radio usage, according to a report from Edison Research and Arbitron. Actually, according to the new research paper, radio listening among social networkers is more than that of non-users of Facebook and MySpace. Frequent social networkers are found to listen to online radio in a much higher percentage than typical Americans, with 52% of the total population saying they've heard online radio, versus 76% of social networkers. The report — available here from Edison Research — says, however, social networkers watch less television than the typical American. "The Social Habit" report finds Pandora is "the dominant online audio brand with frequent social networkers. These consumers’ propensity for posting status updates and other content, combined with Pandora’s recent moves to integrate with Facebook, will likely position Pandora as the dominant music discovery brand online." The research study is also discovers that "frequent social networkers embrace digital music purchases."

* Simmons Media Group tells the FCC it's restructuring its board, provides details for spin-off trusts. According to paperwork filed with the FCC, Simmons details for the Commission its plans for Salt Lake City spin-off trusts with its acquisition of the three Millcreek Broadcasting stations there. The current structure of Simmons board has three of the five members chosen by the Simmons family trusts, and two by partner Goldman Sachs. The restructuring will give the company's partner-lenders a majority of the board's seats, with Goldman Sachs appointing two directors, one appointed by existing Simmons Media Group members, and two named by various parties to the Restructuring Agreement as "Independent Managers." The new board will consist of David Simmons for SMG, David Horowitz and Gregory Kunz for Goldman Sachs, and Chris McMurray and Dennis Davis as Independent Managers. In Salt Lake City, where the Millcreek acquisition puts SMG over the limit, it will place three stations in trusts to be spun-off — Country KDWY, licensed to Diamondville, WY; Adult Variety Hits "103.1 Jack FM" KJQN, licensed to Coalville, UT, along with its six boosters; and Sports KZNS-AM, Salt Lake City. A second trust will spin off Simmons Country KEGH, Brigham City, UT; and 3 Point's Soft AC KMGR, Delta, UT, along with K274AV/Rural Juab County, UT. Rhythmic CHR KUUU, KUDD plus three boosters, Triple-A KYLZ plus three boosters, Salt Lake City, and K283AO, Smithfield, UT, are being acquired by Simmons in a complicated deal that forbears loans and debts owed by Millcreek and subsidiary 3 Point Media. As we reported Friday (June 18), Simmons Media Group agreed to acquire three radio stations in Salt Lake City from Millcreek Broadcasting and its subsidiary, purchasing "U92" KUUU, CHR-Top40 "Mix 107.9" KUDD, and Triple-A "104.7 The Point" KYLZ. Simmons will also acquire certain other assets from Millcreek Broadcasting and affiliate 3 Point Media. Simmons already owns KXRK, KEGA, KYMV, KJQN, and KZNS-AM in Salt Lake City, so to meet FCC ownership limits several SMG Salt Lake City or Millcreek/3 Point stations would be put into divestiture trusts and managed independently of Simmons until they can be sold.

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announces the return of Geoffrey Blackwell to the FCC. Blackwell will lead the FCC’s efforts to work with Native Nations and carry out the National Broadband Plan’s recommendations for bringing broadband to all Native communities. Among his other responsibilities, Blackwell will be charged with helping to implement the recommendations outlined in the National Broadband Plan, including establishing a new office dedicated to addressing Native needs and overseeing a new FCC-Native Nations Broadband Task Force. He will also be responsible for developing and implementing a robust policy of meaningful dialog and consultation with Tribal entities. “It is essential that the FCC work closely with Native communities to address the unique communications challenges they face,” says Genachowski. “No one is better positioned to lead our efforts than Geoff. I look forward to working with him to ensure that all Americans, especially those living in Native communities, can enjoy the benefits of a modern communications infrastructure.” Blackwell is a recognized expert in the fields of Tribal economic infrastructure development. In April 2009, Blackwell was appointed to the FCC’s Federal Advisory Committee on Diversity for Communications in the Digital Age.  In September 2009, he was elected to be the Commissioner representing the United States on the Indigenous Commission for Communications Technologies in the Americas. From 1999-2005, Blackwell served at the FCC as Senior Attorney and Liaison to Tribal Governments. While at the FCC, he played a central role in the FCC’s initiatives to stimulate Tribal telecommunications and broadcast services, including the development of the FCC’s 2000 Statement of Policy on Establishing a Government-to-Government Relationship with Indian Tribes, adoption of the enhanced Lifeline and Link-Up support for residents of Tribal lands, and rules for cultural preservation review of Tribal sacred sites in tower siting. Since his previous service at the FCC, Blackwell has been the Director of Strategic Relations and Minority Business Development for Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc., which oversees a family of companies wholly-owned by the Chickasaw Nation. In addition, Blackwell has chaired the Telecommunications Subcommittee of the National Congress of American Indians for five years. He has also served on the boards of the National Small Business Association, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, the Acoma Business Board of Acoma Pueblo, and Native Public Media.  Earlier in his career, Blackwell practiced law in Boston at Hale and Dorr LLP.   

* WLS-AM, Chicago, reunites Eddie & Jobo as a weekend talk team. "It’s comeback time for Eddie Volkman and Joe Bohannon, the eternally youthful duo who defined contemporary-hit radio in Chicago for two decades. But this time, instead of playing the hits, they’ll be talking up the issues of the day," writes Robert Feder at Vocalo.org. Eddie & Jobo have been hired as weekend hosts at Citadel Broadcasting News-Talk WLS-AM. Starting this weekend, they’ll be on from 7-9pm Saturdays. The new gig is an outgrowth of Eddie & Jobo’s fill-in stint for afternoon host Roe Conn last March. They’re part of an enhanced lineup of local personalities on weekends. Says WLS Operations Director Drew Hayes, “WLS is Chicago through and through, and Eddie & Jobo are Chicago through and through, too. We are excited about them joining our ever-expanding lineup.” Until they were ousted in November 2008, Eddie & Jobo hosted mornings on CBS Radio Rhythmic Top 40 "B96" WBBM-FM during two stints over a 20-year run. Feder notes: "Their combined $3 million-a-year salaries — which continued to be paid out for eight months after they were ousted — put them among the highest paid radio personalities in the market."

* Entravision names Michelle Morawiec as General Sales Manager for the company's Colorado radio stations. Morawiec has been National Sales Manager TV & Radio for Entravision's Denver properties. The company's Colorado radio stations include KJMN-FM, KMXA-AM, KXPK-FM, KPVW-FM. "Michelle has proven leadership abilities, strong local relationships, and a successful, decade-long sales and marketing track record, making her the ideal fit for this position," says VP and General Manager for Entravision's Colorado markets Mario Carrera. "Her enthusiasm and customer service-oriented approach during her tenure as National Sales Manager were instrumental in helping our advertisers reach their target audiences on our leading properties, and we look forward to Michelle bringing her experience to our radio sales team." Morawiec tells us, "For the past ten years, I've been helping advertisers interested in Denver make the right marketing decisions across TV, radio and digital, and this new role is a great step for me to further use my knowledge to support Entravision radio sales in Denver. I am grateful for the promotion and am eager to get started in my new position."

* Emmis New York SVP and Market Manager Alex Cameron is the new Chairman of NYMRAD. Cameron replaces Frank Flores, who vacated the New York Market Radio Advertising position when he left SBS in New York last week. CBS New York SVP and Market Manager Don Bouloukos ascends to Vice Chairman from Secretary and Clear Channel New York President and Market Manager Joe Puglise joins the Committee as Secretary. Says Cameron, "I welcome the opportunity to work with Deborah and our radio colleagues to advance the value of NYMRAD to its members and aggressively pursue increasing the profile and revenue share of New York Radio. I have much respect for Frank Flores, his contributions and reputation in our industry. We are like-minded in numerous ways, particularly in an open and collaborative approach to bringing new leadership to NYMRAD." NYMRAD Executive Director Deborah Beagan tells us, "I am very excited about working with Alex in this seamless transition of the Executive Committee. Alex has brought energy in her contributions to NYMRAD's exciting fall event we are planning, and under her leadership we will continue to develop initiatives that will advance radio in the vibrant New York marketplace."

* Operations Manager and PD Tod Tucker exits Renda Tulsa "106.9 K-Hits" KHTT and "92.9 Bob FM" KBEZ. "It was a great run! I outlived the life expectency of a programmer by a bunch," says Tucker, who was with the stations for more than eight years. "It's always best to leave on top, and I'm very proud of the staff I leave, and their contributions to making K-Hits one of the best Top 40 radio stations in America. I love these people and will miss them." Prior to joining Renda Tulsa in January, 2002, Tucker was Program Director of two Shreveport, LA, stations – KRUF-FM and KXKS-FM. He's now seeking a new opportunity.

* Arianna Huffington and Mary Matalin join for a new syndicated weekend talk show, ''Both Sides Now.'' The new show launches June 26. It was created and is hosted by Mark Green. The show has run as a pilot-to-air weekly over the past month, including a two-hour special live show at WABC-AM, New York with Matalin and Green interviewing, Liz Cheney and Ralph Nader, respectively. Huffington, co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of news and opinion Website "The Huffington Post," is the author of more than a dozen books. Matalin, a CNN contributor and Editor-in-Chief of Simon and Shuster imprint Threshold Editions, served in the Reagan, Bush 41 and Bush 43 administrations, and is a best-selling author. Green is a veteran of such programs as "Firing Line," "Crossfire" and "Hardball," as well as the author/editor of 22 books. He was the elected Public Advocate for New York City and is currently a columnist for The New York Observer. "We strongly believe that there's a desire for a program that highlights two engaging and politically-astute women debating and discussing a range of topics," says Green. "Then, instead of partisan monologues telling listeners what to think, they can decide for themselves. As for me, I'm just the Y-man in a X chromosome program." The new "Both Sides Now" will be distributed by the Media Management Group of New York and advised by Gabe Hobbs Media.

* Bob Lonsberry is fired by "Family Values Talk Radio 105.7" KNRS, Salt Lake City. In his daily Web column, Lonsberry indicates that KNRS attributed his firing to his lower ratings following the introduction of PPM ratings. But the conservative talk host suggests that his opposition to Republican primary candidate for U.S. Senate Mike Lee, a Utah-based attorney, may have been a factor in his firing. Lee's employer is a law firm whose clients includes one of KNRS's advertisers. Lonsberry writes, "Of course, being suspicious is my stock-in-trade, and the timing of my termination and the stand I’ve been taking on the looming senatorial primary and the fact I’ve been opposing a candidate who made $600,000 from one of our largest advertisers last year, does make me wonder. Strings get pulled in the real world, and politics is hardball, and our program’s effort helped tip the nominating convention, so it’s not impossible that I lost my job in Salt Lake so that somebody else could get a job in Washington." Lonsberry has vocally supported Mike Lee's primary-election opponent, Tim Bridgewater, a businessman and former Chairman of the Utah County Republican Party. The Bridgewater Campaign has subsequently pulled all its ads from KNRS, which adds Glenn Beck to Lonsberry's former time slot, and is now airing only syndicated programming. Lonsberry remains in middays on WHAM-AM, Rochester, NY.

* Rush Limbaugh is set to be the latest celebrity featured in The Golf Channel's "Haney Project." His only conservative angle in this project will be his golf game which he will open up for critique – and improvement – by golf instructor Hank Haney, who is Tiger Woods' former swing coach. The Golf Channel announces that the right wing radio host will be the latest celebrity to star in "The Haney Project." Filming on the third season of the series begins later this year and will air next spring. Recently remarried Limbaugh, 59, is the third celebrity golfer to appear in the series, following NBA Hall of Fame player Charles Barkley and comedian Ray Romano. Limbaugh, who's been known to play in celebrity tournaments in the past, has said that friends introduced him to golf in 1997 after he moved to Florida. The biggest strengths of his game, he told badgolfer.com, are "perseverance" and "stubborness."

* Oldies WCBS-FM, New York, is rated number one for the first time in almost 16 years, the first time ever with PPM. Arbitron PPM data for May shows WCBS-FM in the top position for total listeners 12+. The station has not held the top spot not since the Fall of 1994. With a 6.4 average share, 12+ overall ratings, WCBS-FM unseated the reigning leader, AC WLTW-FM, who had held on to number one in the number one market since December 2008, in the early days of PPM ratings in New York. Since switching back to Oldies from "Jack FM," WCBS-FM has been rising in its ratings until the latest report shows the station once again on top. "Watching this station grow its share of audience for the past three years has been thrilling," says Program Director Brian Thomas. "Knowing how far we've come from where we were a few years ago makes this number one finish nothing short of remarkable." The station first launched its 'CBS-FM Oldies format in 1972 until swithing to the ill-fated Adult Variety Hits "Jack" formula in 2005. Two years later, the Oldies identity was reborn, although WCBS-FM gradually moved to a Classic Hits format, featuring "New York's Greatest Hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s." Thomas adds, “Today’s news confirms, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the music we grew up listening to still has a place in the daily lives of millions of New York area residents Our on-air personalities have done a tremendous job in appealing to that passion and enthusiastically incorporating it everything we do.” With a 5.5 average share in May, WCBS-FM has now finished among the first five stations in the 25-54 demographic for the past 13 months.

* Emmis Communications and the Indiana Pacers sign a new long-term deal for Indianapolis radio broadcasts. Under the new agreement, terms of which are not disclosed, Pacers radio broadcasts will move to WIBC-FM, and Indiana Fever games will be aired on WFNI-AM. This will be the 15th season Pacers games have been on Emmis stations. Mark Boyle will return for his 23rd season. He will be joined again by Bob "Slick" Leonard, who will offer game analysis in his 26th year. Says Pacers Sports and Entertainment President Jim Morris, "We are very pleased and grateful that our relationship with Emmis is entering a new chapter. This relationship has special meaning for us because Emmis was an original partner in building Conseco Fieldhouse. Like us, they are a hometown company that shares our commitment to be an active partner in community life." Pacers games also will continue to be carried on the Pacers Radio Network through Network Indiana.

* Shannon Burke – out of jail, "at peace with things” – to be back on the air in July. Burke tells the Orlando Sentinel's Scott Maxwell the station on which he will return to daily radio hosting hasn’t yet given him permission to release details about when and where. But he said the show will start in July — conservative talk in the middays. Maxwell writes that Burke also talked about his time in jail, the events that put him there and what he learned, in a telephone call to the "Radio Daze" columnist. In general, Burke said life was good — “great,” in fact. And that sobriety was “pretty damn awesome.” Burke says his No. 1 priority is his marriage — that he and wife, Cathy, are both working hard to make it work. "That may be hard for some people to understand … with good reason," writes Maxwell. "Burke was arrested and imprisoned, after all, after he fired a bullet that grazed his wife’s head and hit her dog. Both he and she now say it was all an accident. But in the days after the incident, Cathy Burke went to great lengths to say that it was intentional — part of a pattern of behavior, in fact. She even filed legal papers to that effect. Both now say that was a mistake as well. In fact, Cathy Burke repeatedly defended her husband in court. And a marriage counselor testified at one point that the couple had made great progress, saying that it would be safe for the two to resume living together." Burke tells Maxwell: “It was not a domestic violence incident. It was a drunken idiot handling a gun.” Burke says he's now attending AA meetings three times a week, and that it keeps getting “easier and easier” and that he’s tried to stop making excuses for himself and start accepting responsibility. As for the radio gig, he said he recently signed the deal — formal details to be announced when allowed, probably within a week or so. But, says Burke, the deal will have him on the air for several hours a day. He hasn't had that opportunity since he was fired by Orlando's "Real Radio 104.1" WTKS, when the charges were first lodged. “Getting back to the format I love,” he says. “Conservative talk.” And, as for life in general, he says, “I’m at peace with things.”

* Conservative radio talk show host Mark Williams is stepping down as chairman of the Tea Party Express. The Sacramento-based Williams says his decision stems from his involvement in two other major projects. One is opposing the construction of a mosque near the site of Ground Zero in New York, where the twin towers of the World Trade Center were destroyed by Islamist hijackers on September 11, 2001. The other is leading a recall effort against some members of the Sacramento City Council and running for a spot on the local body himself after the council voted to boycott Arizona over its new immigration law. "What I'm doing is thinking globally and acting locally," says Williams of his bi-coastal commitments. He told CNN, over the weekend, he will continue to be involved with the Tea Party Express as a spokesman, a featured speaker at the group's events, in television and print media and generally as a public face of the organization. But Williams will take a back seat when it comes to the Tea Party Express' day-to-day managerial responsibilities. "I'll still be shooting my mouth off and appearing on TV," says Williams. "I just won't be as critical in strategy which is fine by me."

* The FEC rejects "illegal campaign donation" complaint, clears J.D. Hayworth and "Newstalk 550" KFYI, Phoenix. The Federal Election Commission says Clear Channel's KFYI-AM didn't make an illegal corporate in-kind campaign donation by allowing Hayworth to remain on the air until the former talk host declared his candidacy to run against John McCain for McCain's U.S. Senate seat. A complaint with the FEC was filed by former Arizona Attorney General Grant Woods on behalf of the McCain campaign. The FEC has now told Hayworth's campaign that it concluded that Clear Channel didn't give, nor the campaign accept, an illegal in-kind contribution. In a statement, Hayworth says the Woods complaint was what led to his show's cancellation, calling the FEC complaint "a waste of taxpayer dollars" and "more of the same pattern of fear and intimidation practiced by [McCain]." A McCain campaign spokesman called Hayworth's current candidacy "proof" that he used his KFYI talk show as a campaign platform. A complaint filed by the McCain campaign with the FCC is still pending.

* There's yet another confirmation that P1s drive radio ratings in a PPM world. Research Director Inc. releases a new study using Arbitron PPM data from 16 major markets, demonstrating that "First Preference, or P1 listeners, are THE primary driver of Average Quarter-Hour audience." This is equally or more true with PPM ratings than was the case with diary books. A station's P1 or First Preference listeners tune to that station longer than they listen to any other radio station. According to the new study, while only 22% of all Persons 6+ cume listeners are P1 to the typical station in PPM, those listeners produce more than half – 52.4% – of the Average Quarter-Hour audience to those stations. As overall cumes in PPM have dramatically increased, so has the percentage of a station's cume that is P4+. Half of the typical station's cume audience is made up of P4+ listeners in PPM, yet those listeners represent less than one-fifth (19.6%) of the station's Average Quarter-Hour audience. In 2000, Research Director conducted its last P1 study in diary markets and concluded that, on average, P1 listeners comprised 35.7% of a station's cume, and 70.4% of its Average Quarter-Hour audience. This new study looks at P1 listening in PPM markets and provides new preference-level benchmarks by demo, ethnicity and format, based on a 10-survey average (June 2009-February 2010) in the selected markets.   [More »]

* Several reports suggest HD Radio is in Apple's future, reversing previous refusal to include FM radio in iPhones. The latest speculation is fueled by word that a new patent application from Apple centers around HD Radio. Harker Research says the application suggests that future handsets from Apple, such as the iPod or iPhone, could embrace HD Radio technology to allow users greater flexibility when listening to broadcast media. The system describes an external radio receiver, wirelessly transmitting audio and data to the portable device. It also suggests that such data could be shared with a stereo system in a vehicle. "Bloggers once declared that Apple would never put a radio receiver in an iPod," says Harker Research's Radio InSights. "When one appeared in the new Nano, the pundits back-peddled a bit, but still maintained that Steve Jobs had no interest in putting receivers in other Apple products. This patent suggests otherwise." Other reports note that Apple Insider's Neil Hughes is reporting that Apple has filed a patent application for "Digital Radio Tagging Using an RF Tuner Accessory." The application says users could use a handheld device to scan all stations, or only stations with digital content. A list of digital stations and "raw digital data" would let users scan and search for currently playing content. So far, Apple's fifth-generation iPod nano remains the only iPod or iPhone model with a radio tuner.

* An FCC Broadcast Engineering Forum without the Society of Broadcast Engineers? SBE expresses "dismay and serious concern" that's it's not invited to the FCC's June 25 Broadcast Engineering Forum. SBE President Vincent Lopez writes to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski that it was "a surprise that no one directly associated with or representative of SBE was contacted about the forum or invited to participate." Lopez tells Genachowski the forum was not announced until June 9, and by then the participants had already been invited. SBE inquired at the Media Bureau, he writes, and was told that participants were already "firmed up." Lopez says the "surprise" is the result of "the extensive record that SBE has of interaction with the Commission" and "the fact that SBE is the one organization chartered to represent the interests of broadcast engineers." Lopez says the Media Bureau said the forum would involve individuals, not organizations, but notes that "multiple employees" of the NAB and the Association for Maximum Service Television as well as employees of broadcast networks and licensees were included. He says, "In other words, the broadcast owners are being represented on this panel, but not broadcast engineers." That, according to Lopez, indicates the forum was organized "in a manner that is not conducive to an effective study" of broadcast engineering. The SBE President adds that "it appears that the participants in the panel were chosen in order to provide the Commission with the appearance of an industry consensus, evidencing a predetermined outcome." Lopez is asking Genachowski to review the procedures for the forum and allow public participation, or to postpone the hearing with broadcast engineers better represented.

* The FCC plans nine empirical media studies to be done by independent companies. As part of the Commission's 2010 Quadrennial Media Ownership Review, the FCC is commissioning nine economic studies to evaluate the current marketplace and the state of the media industry. Also, the Commission issued a Request for Quotation for each of the nine studies. Each will define a relevant performance metric with respect to one or more of the three public interest goals of competition, localism and diversity that the FCC seeks to promote through its media ownership rules. The studies will then examine how results vary across markets with differing ownership structures. The Commission's primary but not exclusive focus is on empirical work. When the studies have been completed, the Commission will release them to the public subject to the terms and conditions of a protective order, seek formal comments, and provide for a formal peer review process. The studies will cover: Media usage as a function of local market structure; Consumer survey and consumer valuation of media as a function of local market structure; Civic knowledge/engagement as a function of local market structure. Quantity of local television news and public affairs programming provided as a function of local market structure; Quantity of radio news and public affairs programming provided and audience for radio news programming as a function of local market structure; Local content on the Internet; Impact of minority ownership on minority-targeted radio programming; Empirical analysis of the impact of local market structure on viewpoint diversity; and, Theoretical analysis of the impact of local market structure on the range of viewpoints supplied.

* Entercom Milwaukee Market Manager Michael Keck will add the Madison, WI, three-station cluster next month. He will be VP and Market Manager for both groups as of July 19. Keck has headed the Milwaukee stations since January. He will begin double duty when he takes over from Milwaukee Market Manager Cris Orr, who's moving to Chicago to take the position of COO of pediatric cancer nonprofit Bear Necessities. Orr has been on the board of Bear Necessities for the past eight years. Keck already is familiar with Entercom's Madison cluster — WOLX-FM, WCHY-FM, and WMMM-FM. He served as VP and General Manager of the cluster from 2002-2003, before moving to Entercom's Kansas City group in 2003-2007. He then moved to sales and management slots with Adams Outdoor and Clear Channel Outdoor. Keck rejoined Entercom at the beginning of this year as VP and Market Manager in Milwaukee. "With Cris' decision to return to Chicago, it was a natural to have Michael extend his leadership to both markets," says Entercom Regional President Weezie Kramer. "Given his past tenure as market manager in Madison and his knowledge and contacts in the market, this represents a unique opportunity. Having worked with Michael in several Entercom markets, I know his passion and commitment to staff and clients. Michael will be a great part of the continued outstanding culture in both markets."

* David Presher joins Radio One Columbus, OH, as VP and General Manager starting in July. He spent the last four years with Riviera Broadcast Group Las Vegas as VP and GM of Smooth Jazz KOAS-FM and Alternative KVGS-FM. Previously, Presher was Director of Sales at KGW-TV, Portland, OR. Says Radio One Radio President Barry Mayo, "We are fortunate to have enticed such an innovative and motivational manager as Dave to join the Radio One family." Presher will oversee Urban Oldies WXMG-FM, Gospel WJYD-FM and Urban WCKX-FM.

* Richard Topper is out as General Manager at "1560 The Game" KGOW-AM , Houston. GOW Communications President David Gow says, "As we look at the diverse initiatives we are undertaking, we just decided to go in a different direction." Gow said Topper, who helped launch the station after directing sales at "SportsRadio 610" KILT-AM, will not be replaced. Says Topper, "I’ve loved the last three years (with the station). It’s been an adventure, and I’m looking forward to the next adventure." KILT, meanwhile, has acquired the Houston market affiliation rights for Westwood One Radio, and will air the network’s national NFL package beginning with the Hall of Fame Game next month and running through the Super Bowl.

* Citadel Broadcasting promotes Robert Mathers to the newly created position of VP of Digital Operations. Mathers most recently was Senior Director of Digital Content for Citadel. In his new role, he will be responsible for managing all existing digital partnerships while working closely with the company's network division, Citadel Media. "As new capabilities continue to become available for radio, we're well positioned to harness those technologies and put them to work for our stations and our clients," says Sales EVP Mike Pallad. "I'm confident in Robert's abilities to lead this critical function for our company and I'm proud to have him on our team." Mathers joined ABC Radio Networks in 2006 as Director of Digital Content. He was promoted to Senior Director of Digital Content following Citadel's acquisition of ABC Radio. Previously, he spent eight years with Clear Channel in New York, where he oversaw digital operations. Mathers also managed online digital for WZLX-FM, Boston. "I truly appreciate the opportunity to lead the digital efforts for Citadel as our company continues to evolve," says Mathers. "Our goal is to offer a broad array of innovative solutions that ultimately benefit our stations, listeners and advertising partners. We have a talented team committed to driving the overall success of our company."

* Clear Channel San Diego Operations Manager Bill Pugh exits after two years in the position. He also was direct Program Director of "New Country 95.7" KUSS. Following Pugh's exit KUSS Assistant PD and morning host Cindy Spicer and sister CHR-Top40 "Channel 93-3" KHTS PD Jimmy Steele are sharing programming duties for KUSS. Steele is also handling OM duties on an interim basis. Prior to joining the CC San Diego cluster in 2008, Pugh was Program Director of Sporting News Radio. Previously he was VP of Programming for The Broadcast Companies of America in San Diego where he oversaw the re-launch of the "Mighty 1090" as "XXSports Radio." Earlier Pugh was Director of AM Programming for Jacor (now Clear Channel) in San Diego, running the day-to-day operations of "XTRA Sports 690."

* Dial Global's ''Lia Show'' to broadcast from Nashville locations to support the "Nashville Rising" benefit concert. Dial Global says the show will air from the Dial Global Studios on Music Row and from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, June 21-22, to raise awareness for the benefit concert. The concert for the Nashville flood recovery is organized by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill and will feature Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Brooks and Dunn, Miranda Lambert and other Country stars. "I am honored to be involved with this event. I'm a Clarksville, TN girl and my town was also underwater, like Nashville," says Lia. "The people of Middle Tennessee have set an amazing example of how a community can come together after such a devastating event and rise above." "The Lia Show" airs weeknights 7pm-midnight on 150+ affiliates.

* The FCC votes 3-2 to consider reclassifying broadband so the Commission can enforce net neutrality. The FCC's June 17 vote to consider reclassifying broadband access as a "Title II" telecommunications service was met with cheers by neutrality advocates and leading Democrats, but is already facing pushback from Internet service providers and some Republican lawmakers. MediaPost reports that within hours of the split vote, Reps. Cliff Stearns (R-FL) and Joe Barton (R-TX) wrote a letter to Democratic House leaders requesting a hearing "on the legal validity and policy consequences" of the plan — which they described as a proposal "to regulate the Internet." The two Republican Congressmen wrote: "With 95 percent of the country having access to broadband, and 200 million subscribers and counting, we do not see any urgency to legislate." Leading Democratic lawmakers, on the other hand, expressed support for the proposal. "In the short term this is the right course and the right thing to do," said Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. He added that in the long term, "we need to develop consensus to update the law, further safeguard consumers, and spur universal broadband deployment."

* U.S. online advertising spending is expected to reach $25.1 billion in 2010, a year-over-year increase of 10.8%. That's according to digital researcher eMarketer which raises its forecast for online ads from an earlier projection of 5.5%. Research shows the increase will largely be the result of an improving economy coupled with a shift in marketing strategies, as companies forgo traditional marketing venues. "Spending growth online is partially attributable to economic instability," says Senior Analyst David Hallerman. "The anxiety attached to the still-healing economy encourages marketers to bet more on sure things, and the ability to measure Internet ads, especially search, makes them more sure than most traditional ad spending." According to Hallerman, Internet advertising will steadily increase over the next five years. His research estimates the Internet’s share of total media ad spending will jump from 15% this year to over 20% by 2014. If the estimates prove correct, online ad spending will soon surpass print-based ad spending. "As marketers look to engage their audience with relevant, trustworthy messages, that means smaller shares of marketing budgets going to traditional forms of advertising," says Hallerman. Brand marketers, in particular, are moving to online from traditional media, says eMarketer, as they "recognize more than ever that connecting with target audiences means more spending for interactive." However, eMarketer notes that corporate worries about a possible renewal of the recession could put a damper on ad spending; but the digital researcher says it's clear that even if overall spending is stagnant, online's share will continue to grow.

* Radio One's refinancing package is saluted by Moody’s Investors Service with a promise of an upgrade. Moody’s says it will give Radio One’s debt an upgrade once the pending exchange of notes and debt financing is completed. When it is completed, Radio One will have about $730 million of debt rated by Moody’s, which says it will upgrade Radio One's Corporate Family Rating to B3 from Caa1 and its Probability of Default Rating to B3 from Caa2. The upgrades will come when Radio One closes a proposed note exchange, and completes its debt refinancing and purchase of additional interests in TV One. As we previously reported, Radio One announced a series of moves to "refinance substantially all of its existing indebtedness." The financing transactions will also enable Radio One to purchase an additional 19% of TV One. The transactions, detailed in an SEC filing, include a commitment from Deutsche Bank affiliates for a new senior secured credit facility with $50 million in revolving credit and a $350 million term loan. Those funds will enable refinancing Radio One's debt under its existing senior credit facility. Also planned are note exchange offers and a subscription offer to current noteholders to buy an aggregate of $100 million in new senior secured notes due 2016. The proceeds of the subscription offer, which will expire June 30 unless it's extended, will mainly be used for the TV One acquisition, which is expected to cost around $82 million. Reacting to the Radio One announcement, Moody's says, “The upgrade will be driven by the extended maturity of the new debt, increased flexibility under its financial covenants as well as expectation of stronger performance going forward. The ratings outlook will also be revised to stable.”

* Citing improving revenues, Times-Shamrock Communications is lifting pay cuts to managers, July 1. Both radio and newspaper managers of the company will benefit, reports the company's Scranton Times-Tribune. Times-Shamrock instituted 3% or 5% cuts, depending on managers' salaries, in April 2009 after the Scranton-based media company experienced declining revenues. In a meeting with managers, Scott Lynett, CEO of Times-Shamrock Communications and publisher of The Times-Tribune, thanked managers for helping bring the company through the tough times. "Across the company, we have seen consistently improving revenue trends that indicate the economic recession is ending," said Lynett. The pay restorations will take effect a month after the company ended an employee furlough program on June 1. The furloughs had been in place since May 1, 2009. The company has radio stations in Scranton-Wilkes Barre, Maryland, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Nevada.

* Former WABB, Mobile, AL, Program Director Jay Hasting is arrested, accused of spying on women in a restroom. Hasting, currently the tourism director at the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce, which serves the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, AL, is facing charges that he secretly used a digital camera to record a pair of women in a restroom at the chamber's Scenic Overlook Welcome Center. The Mobile Press-Register reports Hasting is a well-known member of the Daphne community. "It was kind of a shocker for everybody," says Daphne police spokesman Lt. Jud Beedy. Hasting was suspended from his chamber duties according to Chamber President Darrelyn Bender. Police say two women, both visitors from out of state, stopped at the welcome center to use the restroom, and when they went inside, Hasting told them that the women's restroom was out of order and they would have to use the employees' restroom. One of the women saw what appeared to be a small, cell phone-sized camera partially concealed by rolls of toilet paper, coffee creamer and other items on the bathroom counter, says Beedy. The woman put the camera in her purse and took it to the people she was traveling with. When they played back the video, the women found they had been recorded in the restroom. Daphne police were called, and Hasting was charged with installing an eavesdropping device and two counts of criminal eavesdropping. Installing an eavesdropping device is a Class C felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Criminal eavesdropping is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail, according to Alabama state law. Efforts by the Press-Register to contact Hasting and his attorney were unsuccessful.

* Radio One announces a series of moves to "refinance substantially all of its existing indebtedness." The financing transactions will also enable Radio One to purchase an additional 19% of TV One, upping its equity in the TV operation from 37% to 56%. The transactions, detailed in an SEC filing, include a commitment from Deutsche Bank affiliates for a new senior secured credit facility with $50 million in revolving credit and a $350 million term loan. Those funds will enable refinancing Radio One's debt under its existing senior credit facility. Also planned are note exchange offers and a subscription offer to current noteholders to buy an aggregate of $100 million in new senior secured notes due 2016. The proceeds of the subscription offer, which will expire June 30 unless it's extended, will mainly be used for the TV One acquisition, which is expected to cost around $82 million. Radio One indicates it has a support and backstop agreement with noteholders representing about 80% of the principal amount of its existing notes, with the noteholders agreeing to tender all of their existing notes into the exchange offer and to subscribe to the new note offer for up to $100 million. With that support agreement, Radio One has agreed to increase the interest rates on the notes if rates payable on the term loan in the new credit facility are higher than agreed floor levels.   [More from Radio One »]

* Spanish Broadcasting System Chief Revenue Officer Frank Flores leaves the company. Flores surprised everyone with the unexpected announcement of his exit. In addition to serving as SBS CRO, Flores had been General Manager of the company's two New York City stations — "Mega 97.9" WSKQ-FM and “Amor 93.1” WPAT-FM. Earlier this year, the NAB Radio Board chose Flores to serve a two-year term, beginning this month. Apparently not only were staff members taken by surprise by Flores' announcement, but also were company execs who did not have a successor ready to be named. There's no word yet on what Flores' future plans might be, but we hear an announcement may be forthcoming "in the near future." New York Local Sales Manager Mickie Reyes is overseeing the stations in that market on an interim basis. Flores became the Chief Revenue Officer of the SBS radio segment on April 1, 2009, also continuing as General Manager of the New York radio market. Previously, he was the General Manager and Vice President of the New York radio market from January 2005 to March 2009 and VP & Director of Sales from July 2004 to January 2005. Flores was responsible for overseeing the revenue and profit performance of all of the SBS radio stations and the day-to-day operational matters of the New York radio market. Prior to joining SBS, he was the general sales manager from 2003 to 2004 and local sales manager the previous twelve years for WXRK-FM with Infinity Broadcasting Corporation (now CBS Radio).

* Cumulus' Lew Dickey says radio should be able to maintain if not increase its share of local ad dollars. The Cumulus Media Chairman and CEO addressed the SNL Kagan Radio and TV Finance Summit Wednesday (June 16). He said local radio should "at the very least maintain, if not increase, its share of local business because local ad dollars directly correlate to retail sales." He added, "If you think we're going to have a positive GDP over the next five years, then radio's ad sales have to follow suit." Dickey also says radio has an advantage over competing media. "Radio's advantage is that consumers want free push content with local connectivity, and radio offers that." The Cumulus Media chief says, however, radio must get its rate cards back up from the deep discounts that were adopted during the economic downturn. "We had all our eggs in categories such as automotive and housing, and those were categories that were some of the hardest hit during the economic downturn. So we were talking to a lot of the wrong prospects as a result. We were talking to the ones who were suffering the biggest declines. So we dropped our prices to accommodate them, whereas we should've been fishing in other ponds." Dickey says radio should expand its pool of prospects and talk to other categories. On performance royalties, Dickey said he sees an "extremely remote chance" that the Performance Rights Act will pass, "because the opposition is very strong and the NAB and the broadcasters have done an excellent job in bonding together to counter this bill." He said efforts to put the royalties in as a rider in another bill haven't been successful, and that, depending on what happens in the November elections, additional efforts to impose a royalty on broadcast radio may be even less successful. But he warns the issue will not just go away: "Never count it out," said Dickey.

* The Radio Television Digital News Association announces the 2010 National Edward R. Murrow Award winners. The awards honor excellence in electronic journalism. NBC News earned five Murrow awards, including the award for Overall Excellence in the network television grouping. NBC also won Murrows for Best Newscast, Breaking News, Writing and Hard News Reporting. CBS News earned four Murrow Awards in the network television grouping this year, including two for “60 Minutes,” (Feature Reporting and Investigative Reporting) and two for CBS News (News Documentary and News Series.) For the first time in 2010, RTDNA honored audio and video news produced exclusively for online news organizations. The Associated Press won every award presented to an online news organization with a national audience, including the award for News Series with the entry, “Marine’s Diary,” an interactive, three-part video essay. In all, 59 news organizations are being honored with 89 awards. The entire list of 2010 National Winners is available here from RTDNA.

* Beasley Broadcast Group's Caroline Beasley is unanimously elected NAB Radio Board Chair. Emmis President of Programming Rick Cummings was elected Radio Board First Vice Chairman, also by a unanimous vote. The NAB Joint Board of Directors held meetings in Washington DC, Tuesday and Wednesday (June 15-16). NAB Radio Board Chairman Charles Warfield oversaw the meetings. Tri-State Communications President and CEO Randy Gravley was re-elected Radio Board Second Vice Chairman. Cumulus Media Chairman and CEO Lew Dickey was elected as the Radio Board's major group representative. The Joint Board officially approved Gordon Smith as NAB President and CEO, and elected NAB COO & CFO Janet McGregor as Secretary/Treasurer and Commonwealth Broadcasting CEO Steve Newberry as Joint Board Chair.

* The FCC fines non-commercial KUFW, Woodlake, CA, $12,500 for airing "prohibited advertisements." Regional Mexican “Radio Campensina 90.5 FM" KUFW parent Farmworkers Service Center acknowledges in a reply to the Commission that it ran four different spots over 2000 times between March and December 2006, for sponsors Mario's Auto Sales, Muebleria La Tapatia and Big Brand Tire. According to the Enforcement Bureau, these spots appeared to constitute prohibited advertisements because they "distinguish favorably" the respective for-profit companies from their competitors by implying they offer superior service, products or price.

* Clear Channel expands its partnership with the Miami Dolphins to the Palm Beach - Treasure Coast area. Talk "Real Radio 94.3 & 101.7" WZZR-FM - WCZR-FM, and Talk WJNO-AM, West Palm Beach, are included in a new multi-year deal with the Dolphins to air the team's games in English, while co-owned Spanish AC "Mia 92.1" WRLX-FM will air the Dolphins' games in Spanish. "We are thrilled to be broadening our Clear Channel Communications partnership to include West Palm, Fort Pierce and the Treasure Coast where we have a significant and ever growing fan base of Dolphins 'finatics'," says Dolphins CEO Mike Dee. "This partnership not only allows us to reach more of our fans throughout Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast but will also serve as a great megaphone for informing our fans about our many community programs." The Clear Channel Radio outlets will sell local ad inventory and the Dolphins Integrated Media Group will sell network availabilities. "It was very important for us to secure a long-term agreement with one of the most preeminent sports franchises in the World," says Clear Channel VP John Hunt. "When you are presented with these types of prized opportunities, you jump at the chance to take it off the table. We're really excited to add the Dolphins to our roster of market dominant stations."

* United Stations Radio Networks introduces a new desktop radio imaging service called "Phantom Producer." Billed as "The World's First Desktop Radio Imager," it enables subscribing stations to create their own customized production elements with no need for pro audio software. "Phantom Producer" is the brainchild of producer Jeff Thomas who has developed the service in conjunction with programming execs at USRN. "Phantom Producer" provides users with the ability to choose, mix and create imaging elements via a password-protected Website. It works via an online user interface that accesses customized elements created just for the client station and allows anyone at the radio station to sequence those elements into perfectly mixed production elements that can be immediately downloaded, ready for on-air use. It's described as: "A complete jingle and sweeper package that can be controlled, customized and assembled from your computer .. by anyone in just seconds!" A full demo is available at www.phantomproducer.com.

* Dance Naked Media (DNM) releases its May Radio DOPLR monthly research report for Los Angeles. "The passion for rock and roll remains in L.A.," says DNM President Howard Kroeger. The "Most Listened to Radio Station for Music" report shows there's still strong passion for KROQ-FM, Los Angeles. The CBS Radio Alternative station takes the number one position with Adults 18-54 and Adults 25-54. In second place is Clear Channel's KIIS-FM with CBS Radio's "Jack FM" third. "What makes the Radio DOPLR research so valuable is that we measure the listener's passion," says Kroeger. "When it comes right down to it, passion and choice are the two huge factors for the long term success of any radio station. This is in comparison with PPM's passive, exposure measurement rating." Other highlights of the May report include: "Amp Radio 97.1" gets top scores as the station in L.A. that "Plays the Most Music" followed by "Jack FM." KROQ's breakfast team of Kevin & Bean come out on top as "Best Morning Show," followed by KIIS-FM's Ryan Seacrest. When it came to "Best Variety," CBS Radio's "Jack FM" comes out on top, followed by Clear Channel's KBIG-FM. For "Listen to at Work," Clear Channel AC KOST-FM takes the top spot. "Radio DOPLR was introduced to the industry in April and we have been very excited about the response we have received to date," adds Kroeger. "Los Angeles is off to a great start and we are currently negotiating with parties in several other markets to get started this summer."

* Dial Global cracks open Wolfgang’s Vault. Dial Global announces a partnership with Wolfgang’s Vault, the online music company known for its vast archive of live concert recordings, vintage merchandise and rock memorabilia. The Wall Street Journal heralded Wolfgang’s Vault as "the most important collection of rock recordings and memorabilia ever assembled.” The company began with the acquisition of the Bill Graham Archive. Graham is considered a legendary concert industry figure, and he recorded thousands of the performances he produced by the greatest rock bands in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Since the BGA started it all, Wolfgang’s Vault has added multiple other collections of live concert recordings. Under this agreement with Dial Global, radio stations can now feature individual live songs and concerts from classic rock superstars. Many of these live recordings have never been played on the radio. Says Dial Global’s EVP Programming Beau Phillips, “Wolfgang’s Vault is the holy grail for Classic Rock fans. It’s the ultimate treasure chest of live concert audio and is a rock & roll superstore of band memorabilia.” Dial Global has packaged Wolfgang’s Vault’s recordings into daily features and weekend concerts. Each performance will air in synch with significant dates in the artists’ careers. Prior to playing the live song, stations will receive the inside story that sets up the song, voiced by Dial Global’s evening host, Greg Kihn. Phillips adds, “Dial Global’s alliance with Wolfgang’s Vault allows stations to celebrate historic days in rock music with amazing live performances from the biggest rock bands, captured in their prime. Stations can take ‘this day in rock history to another level.” Wolfgang’s Vault President & COO Eric Johnson comments, “We are very excited to work with the pros at Dial Global to bring these historic moments in live music to a larger audience. Classic Rock radio listeners will be amazed to hear these shows they have likely never heard before."

* Mediaguide adds the Syracuse, NY, Metro Survey Area (MSA). Ranked as market #84, Syracuse has a 12+ population of over 643,000, an unemployment rate less than the current national average and a median household income of nearly $50,000. The market brings Mediaguide's reach into 43 out of 50 states, over 150 markets and over 2500 radio outlets. Says Mediaguide EVP of Advertising Sales Joan Gerberding, "In response to many requests for competitive insight by radio stations and advertisers who consider this a vibrant market, as of today, Mediaguide has installed and is operating our monitoring services in the Syracuse MSA. Mediaguide now monitors 105 stations in six MSAs in New York state. We will continue to add radio markets as the need for essential competitive music and advertising intelligence for radio grows."

* A federal court gives the FCC until June 21 to explain why it needs Social Security numbers for ownership reports. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit has ordered the Commission to respond to claims that the revised Form 323 filing requirements – and particularly the requirement that all “attributable” principals provide their SSNs – were not imposed lawfully. The Court’s involvement was sought by Fletcher Heald, together with a number of state broadcast associations and broadcasters. In May they filed a petition for writ of mandamus asking the Court to step in to compel the Commission to comply with required procedures before forcing anybody and everybody with any “attributable” interest to provide their SSNs to the agency. A petition for mandamus, according to CommLawBlog, is what the Court terms an “extraordinary” request in which the petitioner asks the Court to force the agency to comply with statutory requirements which the agency appears to be ignoring. Attorney Harry Cole, a member of the law firm of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth, writes at CommLawBlog: "While it’s impossible to predict what the Court will ultimately do, the fact that it has asked the FCC for its side of the story suggests a level of judicial interest which should be of concern to the Commission." The current FCC deadline, after multiple delays, for filing the Form 323 ownership reports, is July 8.

* Former Boston radio talk host, investment adviser Gregg Rennie sentenced to seven years in prison for fraud. Under a plea agreement, Rennie, 44, was sentenced for defrauding clients of at least $3.2 million through a Ponzi scheme. He also faces three years of supervised release and must pay $3.78 million in restitution to his victims, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Boston said. Rennie was convicted in federal court in January. The former host of the “Your Money” radio talk show on "The Business Station" WBIX-AM, Natick, MA, pleaded guilty to 13 counts of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud. “Your Money” also aired on several other Massachusetts stations. According to the Boston Herald, Rennie offered clients a guaranteed return rate for their investments in “risk-free” federal housing certificates and annuities. But instead of investing the money, he used it to cover his own expenses. “I am completely entrenched in my guilt and shame, and have crawled in the ashes for a long time over this whole mess,” Rennie said in a letter to his victims, made public in a court filing. Rennie attributed his fraud to a family friend who reappeared in his life after Rennie’s brother died in a 2004 car accident. “This friend came to me with many ideas on how to invest in real estate projects that would help bear the costs of raising my family, and unfortunately it was a scam on me, and I bit on it,” his letter stated. Rennie asked to be sentenced to a residential detention facility, home confinement, probation and supervised release, saying he wanted to support his wife and three children and repay victims. He had been working at Stonemakers, a landscape design and construction company in Manchester, N.H., where he had the ability to earn $250,000 a year and pay 35% toward restitution, according to court documents.

* Former "Sports Radio AM 1130" KFAN, Minneapolis, host Jeff Dubay is in trouble again for drug use. Dubay is headed back to the Ramsey County Workhouse where he will serve 87 days after he admitted to using cocaine last month, reports KAAL TV. This is Dubay's second probation violation since being arrested for drug posesssion in 2008. The former radio host also failed to complete a diversion program and drug court. Dubay was fired by KFAN.

* More than 239 million people listen to radio every week according to the Arbitron RADAR 105 report. The RADAR 105 National Radio Listening Report releases Monday, June 21, 2010, but Arbitron gives us some advance highlights today (June 15). The report says radio reaches more than 239 million Persons aged 12 and older over the course of a typical week. Since the December 2007 RADAR 95 report, the RADAR national radio listening estimates and network radio audience reports have been based on the Portable People Meter respondents from markets where Arbitron has commercialized the PPM ratings service and on diary respondents from the balance of the United States. The combination of PPM and diary respondents have shown more listeners to radio over the course of a week versus the 2007 RADAR listening reports which were based on diary respondents alone. As additional radio markets transition to electronic ratings, total radio reach is revealed to be larger than in previous surveys, says Arbitron. Listening to RADAR Network Affiliate stations has also risen year over year. Over the course of a typical week, nearly 220 million Persons aged 12 and older tune to more than 7,200 RADAR Network Affiliated stations, up from 213 million listeners one year ago in RADAR 101. Despite the adoption of MP3 players and the growth of mobile and Internet-only stations, radio reaches 93.1% of Persons aged 12+ each week. Even 91% of the youngest radio audience, teens aged 12-17, who are most accustomed to using new technologies and forms of media, continue to tune in each week. Network radio reaches 87% of Adults aged 18-34 who are ad elusive and media multi-taskers, up from 85% one year ago.   [More »]

The diversity of formats in radio attracts advertiser-coveted demographics in both Black Non-Hispanic and Hispanic persons. More than 93% of Black Non-Hispanic persons and 95% of Hispanic persons, aged 12 and older tune into radio over the course of a week. Radio reaches more than 94% of both Black Non-Hispanic persons and 96% of Hispanic persons aged 18-49 over the course of a week. Network affiliated stations reach 90% of Black Non-Hispanic persons, and 86% of Hispanic persons, aged 12 and older. Radio reaches 96% of college graduates aged 25-54. Some 96% of adults aged 25-54 with a college degree and an annual income of $50,000 or more tune into radio over the course of a week. Network affiliated stations reach 88% of college graduates aged 18-49 with a household income of $75,000 or more. All radio stations reach 96% of this age group. On Monday, June 21, Arbitron will release the complete RADAR 105 Radio Network Audience Report results. RADAR, the standard currency for national network radio ratings, measures 51 individual radio networks. These networks are operated by American Urban Radio Networks, Citadel Media Networks, Crystal Media Networks, Dial Global Inc., Premiere Radio Networks, United Stations Radio Networks and Westwood One Radio Networks.

* MagnaGlobal releases a new advertising spending forecast that nearly doubles 2010 growth expectation. The new report, released today (June 16), calls for a 4.2% increase in global ad spending, to $377 billion. MagnaGlobal's previous forecast called for a 2.4% increase. Spending was down 11.3% in 2009. For radio worldwide, MagnaGlobal projects 2.1% growth in 2010, to $27.5 billion. With an expected compound annual growth rate of 3.1%, radio would reach an estimated $32 billion by 2015. For radio in North America, MagnaGlobal projects 1.2% growth this year, to $15.7 billion. A compound annual growth rate of 1.7% would bring radio advertising to $17.1 billion by 2015. For North American advertising overall, the projection is $58.7 billion in 2010, up 9.4%. With a compound annual growth rate of 3.8%, that would move up to an estimated $70.1 billion by 2015. Spending on all media in 2010 is expected to total $147.3 billlion, up 3.4%, with $138.9 billion of that in the U.S.

* PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) says better times are here again — and that includes radio advertising. PwC, in its annual Entertainment and Media survey report, predicts that terrestrial radio advertising in North America will rise at a 3.5% compound annual growth rate through 2014, reaching $18.5 billion. It bases its comparisons from 2009, when it fell 17.6%. Of the total, PwC foresees broadcast advertising moving up at a 3.3% compound annual rate through 2014, while online will increase 10.7%. Satellite radio ad spending is projected to grow by a 12.5% compound annual increase rate to $110 million by 2014. PwC foresees the overall North American radio market at $22.7 billion in 2014, with a 4.6% compound annual increase from 2009. In just the United States, PwC projects a 4.6% annual growth rate for the total radio market — terrestrial and satellite — forecasting a rise to $21 billion in 2014 from $16.8 billion in 2009. The Canadian market is expected to rise 4.1% compounded annually, to $1.7 billion in 2014 from $1.4 billion in 2009. PwC says that HD Radio doesn't offer much content beyond standard radio, and that "niche channels" will become more widely available over the next years. The report says, "While we do not expect HD Radio to match the offerings of satellite radio, it will become a competitor to satellite radio." For HD Radio to become a major, or more significant competitor to satellite radio, PwC says several things must happen. "The prices of the receivers must come down. There must be a significant number of niche channels not available on traditional radio. And HD Radio must become a more common feature of new cars. Until those impediments have been surmounted, we do not expect HD Radio to have a major impact on the radio industry." PwC also takes note of online streaming and its increasing usage, with audiences also growing. That necessitates a reliable means of measuring such listening. "The emergence of Ando Media's Webcast Metrics as Internet radio's primary audience measurement service will help the industry," says the PwC report.

* SNL Kagan updates ad spending projections for radio and television, now projects 6.4% growth for radio in 2010. With its revised projections, SNL Kagan expects radio ad spending to reach $17.1 billion this year. This would become the best year-to-year increase since 2003, if the forecast proves true. The estimate includes online ad spending, which is forecast to increase 15% this year, rising to $552 million. SNL Kagan is predicting that local spending will increase 17% while national rises 4.3% in 2010. SNL Kagan is hosting a financial conference this week in New York, where it unveiled its updated projections. SNL Kagan also says it expects radio station ad revenue will reach $19.8 billion by 2016. "TV and radio station advertising revenues are poised for recovery, with 2010 ad revenues expected to climb 14.3% and 6.4%, respectively," says the company. "While the massive declines experienced by both industries in 2009 create a favorable year-over-year comparison, increased spending on political and auto advertising, tighter inventory and growing rates are also expected to drive revenues." Says Senior Analyst Robin Flynn, "The bounceback in ad revenues, combined with other positive trends, such as growing digital dollars, have reassured investors, who have bid radio station stocks up 36% and TV station stocks up 26% year to date."

* Mediaguide's AdMonitor report shows a large increase in radio auto advertising. According to the report for June 8-14, auto companies have responded significantly to bad press received earlier this year and the continuing consumer dissatisfaction with the industry as a whole. Toyota leads with 4,676 ads compared to only 185 for the same weel last year. Chrysler Jeep leaps from 11 ads in 2009 to 2,106 ads this year. GM Chevrolet has the smallest increase, up to 339 ads from 29. Looking at the month of May, Mediaguide reports that theme parks are also using radio more heavily, with Cedar Fair Entertainment — owner of Dorney Park, Knotts Berry Farm, and others — increasing its ads nearly tenfold compared to May 2009. Six Flags Theme Parks and Magic Mountain combined for an 8% increase in spots year-to-year. In the beer, ale, and malt beverages category, the top three radio advertisers were Samuel Adams, followed by Bud Light and Budweiser Beer. Samuel Adams ran no radio advertising in May 2009, but ran an average of 6,283 ads per week on stations across the nation for May this year. "Radio is considered a 'must buy' medium for the beleaguered car makers, as well as for the traditional summer theme parks and beer advertisers," says Mediaguide EVP of Advertising Sales Joan Gerberding. "With the official start of summer just a week away, these categories continue to get their brand messages to the consumer in a big way."

* Bill Cunningham signs a new long-term contract with Talk WLW-AM, Cincinnati. "Cincinnati is my home," says Cunningham. "The first air I breathed. The first milk I drank was from Cincinnati." Clear Channel Cincinnati President and Market Manager Chuck Fredrick tells us, "We are extremely pleased that Willie will remain part of the 700WLW team for many years to come. "The Big One is one of America's great radio stations because of its personalities. Willie and 700WLW are synonymous. Our audience expects the very best — and 700WLW works relentlessly to exceed their expectations." Cunningham hosts WLW's noon-3pm show, which the station says has been rated #1 in midday's for over 10 years. As reported here Tuesday (June 15), the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Kiesewetter wrote that Cunningham says he's staying at WLW-AM under a new contract being worked out "in the next day or two," which would allow him to resume his top-rated noon talk show later this week. Cunningham, 62, was not on WLW-AM Monday (June 14) because of his refusal to commit to staying at the station when his contract expires this month. He had considered jumping to Chicago's WGN-AM with longtime WLW-AM co-worker Mike McConnell. Cunningham last weekend taped a week of daytime talk show pilots, called "Big Willie," for Tribune's WGN-TV. Cunningham tells Kiesewetter, "In my mind, I'm going to stay in Cincinnati. The lawyers are working on the ifs, ands and buts. I believe I'll be back on the air in the next day or two."

* Janenne Remondino is named Digital Program Director for the Clear Channel Washington-Baltimore market. Her duties, starting Monday (June 21), will be to enhance the digital assets in the market including station Websites and Clear Channel initiatives such as iheartradio. "Janenne's talent and experience make her a welcome addition to our two markets. Her strategic focus and leadership experience will take our already superior Digital team to the next level," says Operations Manager Thea Mitchem. "Our four million-plus weekly listeners expect us to make our compelling content available online as well as on-air," says President and Market Manager Hartley Adkins. "We are excited to respond by creating this high profile digital leadership role that will improve content access and quality for our fans. Janenne really impressed me with her experience and vision of how much better we can be. She will blaze new trails for our audience to enjoy." Previously, Remondino has worked for Choice Hotels, Travel Channel and AOL. Most recently she was an executive consultant for Ticketmaster, redesigning Websites, content platforms and implementing social media strategies. Says Remondino, "The digital space has become essential to every organization and adding more strategic focus to that space will only enhance the user experience and offer up significant opportunity for growth."

* The murder trial of former WGNU-AM, St. Louis, conservative radio talker Leonardo Drisdel is set for next year. The 51-year-old Drisdel, who is accused in the brutal beating death of a woman he allegedly smoked crack cocaine with while celebrating his birthday, is charged with first degree murder and armed criminal action in the killing of 28-year-old Cassandra Kovach. Police investigators say Drisdel and the victim allegedly smoked the drugs at a home in south St Louis in June 2005, according to KSDK-TV. Police were called after Drisdel arrived home in the middle of the night, covered in blood according to his wife. The wife also told police her husband claimed a "voice" in his head told him to kill Cassandra Kovach. Police reports show Drisdel showered and left his home before being located and arrested at a south city bus stop. Police say the victim was repeatedly punched and kicked, beaten over the head, slashed, and badly bitten on her nose and cheeks. She was pronounced dead at the crime scene. Drisdel was a former radio talk show host for WGNU-AM where he hosted a show called "The Human Factor." The show had a conservative slant that made headlines from time to time due to Drisdel's opinions and guests. Drisdel is expected to enter a mental health defense when he stands trial in May 2011.

* Ryan Seacrest's 26-year-old stalker Chidi Benjamin Uzomah is jailed for two years, after pleading no contest. Uzomah, who was sentenced Monday (June 14), was also ordered to stay a minimum of 500 yards away from Seacrest and his workplace for 10 years, Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Wendy Segall said. Uzomah, who had already been ordered to stay away from Seacrest after an incident last year involving one of the radio and television host's security guards, was arrested last October after visiting a studio where Seacrest works. Yahoo! reports that the six-foot four-inch 200-pound former member of the National Guard was carrying a pocket knife at the time of his arrest, police said. A police detective testifying at an earlier hearing said Seacrest had been "very intimidated by Mr Uzomah's presence, by his size. He was very much in fear of him," detective Rosibel Smith said. A lawyer for Seacrest praised authorities after Monday's hearing. "Ryan is extremely appreciative of the work of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in this matter," said attorney Blair Berk.

* Black Radio Network is suing the New York City Police Department for violation of its civil rights. BRN claims the NYPD violated its civil rights by denying the renewal of its working press credentials. The lawsuit was filed in New York Federal District Court. According to a news release from BRN, the minority news service says it had been fully accredited by the NYPD for the past 40 years while serving radio stations with daily newsfeeds. "It appears the standard now used by the NYPD to deny the vital press credentials of Black Radio Network differs from the standard applied to non-minority oriented media," says BRN attorney Earl Ward. "We have waited more than a year to have our credentials renewed so that we can cover New York news, in our own style, on a equal footing with other media companies," says BRN President and News Director Jay Levy. "We have held up the worldwide distribution of our daily Minority News report at blackradionetwork.com until such time as we gain the renewal of our working press credentials by the NYPD."

* Clear Channel New York Director of Marketing Susan Bacich exits in a restructuring. Bacich has been with Clear Channel New York for 13 years. "Today is Susan Bacich's last day with Clear Channel New York," writes Market Manager Joe Puglise in a memo to the staff. "She has been a fixture of our Promotions department for several years and a friend and confidante to many in the building. We wish her nothing but the very best in her future endeavors."

* Salem Communications' online division acquires Christian Websites tangle.com and GodTube.com. Salem Web Network says the two sites will complement Salem's portfolio of faith and family-themed content sites, including Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, OnePlace.com and Crosscards.com, and add to the largest online Christian advertising platform. "Both of these brands have pioneered new content and community interaction in the faith-based market and give Salem a strong presence in the rapidly growing web 2.0 video and social networking space," says Salem Web Network SVP Tom Perrault. "We are excited about adding these sites and combined audience to our network, and we have plans to aggressively grow both over the next several years." In a news release, Salem notes that according to ComScore, video is now larger than search, with 33 billion video views — vs. 15 billion searches a month. U.S. consumers are watching an average of 12.71 hours of online video each month. Salem's New Media EVP Rick Killingsworth says, "Professionally produced and user generated inspirational videos were a significant gap in our content offerings. This acquisition gives us the leadership position overnight, while also opening up important new multi-media advertising opportunities." In addition to music, comedy, inspirational, and theological video sharing, GodTube.com and tangle.com also provide an interactive online Bible, prayer wall, social networking, and a national Church directory.

* Norsan Multimedia is acquiring control of WIST-FM and WBLO-AM, Greensboro-Winston-Salem, NC. The Charlotte-based Spanish-language Norsan Multimedia signs an LMA with licensee GHB Broadcasting to take over operation of the two stations, with an option to buy. The agreement increases Norsan's station count to 12, including stations in Charlotte, Columbia, Jacksonville and Knoxville. Norsan President Norberto Sanchez says WIST-FM will probably flip from Classic Country to a Regional Mexican format as "La Raza." WBLO will remain an English-language Sports Talk station, at least in the short run. outlet. WIST will also become an affiliate of Norsan's Spanish-language broadcasts of the NFL Carolina Panthers.

* WPP/GroupM signs a multi-year contract for Arbitron's PPM and Diary radio ratings services across all markets. "We are thrilled to announce this agreement with GroupM, a leader in global media investment," says Lung Huang, Arbitron Advertiser Agency Services. "With the Arbitron ratings services, GroupM can now support its clients' needs with improved audience intelligence." Lyle Schwartz, GroupM, Managing Partner, Director of Implementation Research & Marketplace Analysis, adds, "Our clients need high quality measurement tools to guide their media buying strategies and help track the return on their investments. Arbitron's quality research and insights help us make our decisions with confidence. With the Arbitron ratings services, GroupM can now support its clients' needs with improved audience intelligence." GroupM is a global media investment management operation, which serves as the parent company to WPP media agencies including Maxus, MEC, MediaCom, and Mindshare.

* Report: Former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer approached WABC-AM, New York, for a possible media comeback. The former governor, who resigned amid a scandal, is now reportedly talking with CNN about a possible hosting job. But New York Magazine says he first considered radio. WABC Program Director Laurie Cantillo is quoted as telling the magazine's Gabriel Sherman that Spitzer's agent approached the Citadel station, bringing Spitzer and ad exec/Spitzer confidante Dan Levinson to a meeting with the PD. According to the published report, Cantillo said she offered only a Sunday 4-6pm guest opportunity, talking in a debut show about the scandal that ended his administration. She says that after that meeting, she only received one more call from Spitzer's camp. "I agreed to meet with him as a courtesy to the former governor," Cantillo told Sherman. "We had one meeting. I think he had it in his mind he would host. That was not our interest." Current speculation centers on Spitzer joining CNN as a possible Campbell Brown replacement, but so far there's no official word that's even being seriously considered.

* A group of media advocacy organizations asks the FCC to deny the transfer of Tribune Co.'s FCC licenses back to Tribune. Those licenses are currently classified as debtor-in-possession, and Tribune must seek to have them transferred back to the reorganized company when it emerges from Chapter 11 reorganization. Free Press, Media Alliance, NABET/CWA, the National Hispanic Media Coalition, and others, filed a petition to deny the transfer of Tribune's license back to the company. Tribune, a major publishing company, owns WGN-AM, Chicago, and a number of TV licenses. The group's petition asks the Commission to deny the Chicago-based company’s request to receive waivers to Commission rules so that it can keep licenses for two TV stations in Hartford, CT, and a radio, TV and newspaper combo in Chicago. Tribune, which owns the Chicago Tribune as well as WGN-TV and WGN Radio in Chicago along with media outlets in other cities, didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment, by Crain's Chicago Business. The petition says: "Commission policy contemplates that common ownership of newspapers and broadcast stations in the same community should be terminated upon the sale of the broadcast properties to a new owner. The circumstances leading to the proposed transaction are self-inflicted wounds. Tribune went bankrupt because of unwise financial decisions. The properties involved are profitable on an operating basis, and salable as free-standing entities."

* Grand Slam Sports converts its LMA to a purchase of "590 The Fan" KFNS, St. Louis, for $1.4 million. Grand Slam Sports is headed by Dave Greene and James Oelklaus, and has been operating the station under a local marketing agreement. Now it exercises the option to acquire the station from Atlanta-based Big League Broadcasting's Big Stick One LLC. Grand Slam began operating the station eight months ago.

* A half dozen radio stocks are added to the Russell 3000 Index. The small cap stock index is reworked annually, with nearly 500 additions and deletions due to take effect June 25. Among the radio stocks being added are Radio One's Class D stock, its most widely traded issue, as well as Beasley, Cumulus Media, Entercom, Sirius XM and Westwood One. With the rebuilding last year of market capitalization lost the previous year, the half dozen radio stocks are joining or rejoining the Russell 3000 Index.

* FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn says she's open to discussing reallocation of TV Channels 5 and 6 to radio. The proposal to bolster AM radio, non-commercial FM radio and low-power FM by yielding the spectrum space of the two television channels receives its first public support from an FCC Commissioner, as Clyburn approaches the subject at this week's 35th Annual Community Radio Conference in St. Paul, MN, presented by the National Federation of Community Broadcasters. Television channels 5 and 6 have been difficult to use for TV since the switch from analog to digital. Clyburn believes they might pose the same problems for broadband. However, she agrees they may offer additional spectrum for radio. Channel 5 occupies 76-82 MHz; Channel 6, 82-88 MHz, where the FM band begins. “Now that the Commission has made spectrum policy a centerpiece of its agenda, I believe it is time that we consider the fate of Channels 5 and 6 as they relate to current radio service," said Clyburn. "These channels have proven difficult for television broadcasting, and I have a hard time imagining that they would fare much better as additional spectrum for mobile broadband use. This spectrum is not well suited for digital transmissions. It certainly is possible that this spectrum could be used for LPFM, expanded NCE use, and AM broadcasters.” Clyburn cautions, however, “I am not suggesting that the Commission move today to reallocate this spectrum for such uses. What I am suggesting, however, is that it is time for us to take a serious look at where these services fit within the overall spectrum plan, and that Channels 5 and 6 may be a good home. I will be encouraging my colleagues to take a look at this issue as we move forward with a long-term spectrum program, and I urge you to continue to weigh in about how the services you provide are worthy of a hard look when it comes to this spectrum in particular.”

* Public radio and television broadcasters join forces to create a new shared digital platform. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will provide $1 million in government allocation over the next six months to plan and build a prototype of what is being called the Public Media Platform. NPR will administer the grant, and the effort will be spearheaded by noncommercial producers NPR, American Public Media, PBS, Public Radio International, and the Public Radio Exchange. The radio and TV pubcasters will use the digital platform to create and share content in different forms for a host of new media outlets. Other producers outside the five named — and outside public media — will also be able to share content on the new digital platform. The platform will be based on an open interface allowing for sharing and the creation of mobile applications, third-party sites, blogs, mash-ups and widgets, according to CPB. An advisory council will meet regularly to inform the effort, with members drawn from key programmers including station producers WGBH, Boston; and KQED, San Francsico.

* Bill Cunningham says he's staying at WLW-AM, Cincinnati, and won't move to WGN-AM in Chicago. "I had to resolve in my mind where I wanted to be, and I've decided I want to stay in Cincinnati," Cunningham said Monday (June 14). The Cincinnati Enquirer's John Kiesewetter writes that Cunningham says he's staying at WLW-AM under a new contract being worked out "in the next day or two," which would allow him to resume his top-rated noon talk show later this week. Cunningham, 62, was not on WLW-AM Monday or last Wednesday because of his refusal to commit to staying at the station when his contract expires this month. He had considered jumping to Chicago's WGN-AM with longtime WLW-AM co-worker Mike McConnell. Cunningham last weekend taped a week of daytime talk show pilots, called "Big Willie," for Tribune's WGN-TV. Cunningham tells Kiesewetter, "In my mind, I'm going to stay in Cincinnati. The lawyers are working on the ifs, ands and buts. I believe I'll be back on the air in the next day or two." He knows about the legal details better than most radio talk hosts. Cunningham is a lawyer who started in radio giving free legal advice in the late 1970s. He has been heard on WLW-AM since 1983. McConnell was pulled off the air last week by WLW-AM after news leaked out that he was quitting in July when his contract expired and going to WGN-AM, Chicago. When asked why he wasn't on WLW-AM Monday, Cunningham said, "We were in the process of determining certain things. I'm being intentionally vague." Cunningham hinted that he's signing a multi-year deal – "for a pretty good period of time," is what he said – though he would not be specific. He would also not say when his current contract expires or talk about his salary. Cunningham had said last month he didn't want to decide his radio future until after Tribune saw ratings for his test "Big Willie" TV talk shows the week of June 28 or July 5. He talked about doing radio for either station from Chicago and Cincinnati. Tribune Co. Programming President Sean Compton said he was pleased with the "Big Willie" tapings. Production could start in September for an October premiere, he said. The shows would air on 16 Tribune stations, plus WXIX-TV (Channel 19) in Cincinnati.

Another angle on this saga comes from Chicago's Robert Feder at Vocalo.org: "Some cynics believe that WGN’s very public flirtation with Cunningham was simply a ruse orchestrated by his former bosses who now run Tribune Co. to strengthen his bargaining position with WLW. Cunningham, whose style was described by Chicago Tribune columnist Phil Rosenthal as 'theatrically over-the-top, controversial and polarizing' would have a been a terrible fit for WGN — even by its own steadily declining standards." The Chicago media reporter also tells us that WGN's Steve Cochran told fans he expects to be ousted from the station when his contract expires at the end of this month, and Cunningham was presumed to be replacing him. McConnell was expected to be replacing John Williams at WGN.

* Construction was expected to resume Monday (June 14) on Chicago’s Museum of Broadcast Communications. After a four-year hiatus, the construction of the new MBC headquarters was to resume, thanks to a $6 million grant from the state of Illinois, reports Chicago media reporter Robert Feder at Vocalo.org. “The check is in the bank, and construction starts this coming Monday — Flag Day,” Bruce DuMont, founder and president of the museum, announced to thunderous applause Friday night before a gathering of Chicago’s television elite at the Hilton Chicago. If all goes as planned, the 62,000-square-foot facility at State and Kinzie will open in 2011. As we first reported Saturday (June 12), Gov. Pat Quinn announced the grant to the MBC to assist with the completion of its new facility in downtown Chicago. NBC Chicago WMAQ-TV reports that in remarks at the event with museum officials and supporters Friday night (June 11), Quinn said that as one of only three museums dedicated to broadcast history in the nation, completion of the project will help enhance Illinois' tourism industry. MBC officials anticipate the completed museum will create approximately 200 jobs. The 62,000-square-foot facility will be located at State and Kinzie Streets, next to Harry Caray's Restaurant and the House of Blues Hotel. The grant comes through "Illinois Jobs Now!," a $31 billion capital plan aimed at creating and retaining more than 439,000 jobs over the next six years. The appropriation was approved by the Illinois legislature last fall but museum officials never received the money. Two restaurants that had signed leases for portions of the complex backed out of the deal because of the delays. Video of Quinn's announcement is posted on the MBC Website.

* It's now official:   Citadel's "NewsTalk 100" WNOX-FM, Knoxville, will move to its own 98.7 FM. The 100.3 FM frequency has been LMAed by Citadel from licensee John Pirkle's Oak Ridge FM. That deal is now expiring, and Citadel will keep the format alive at 98.7 FM, which it owns. That will displace the True Oldies format now airing on 98.7 as WOKI. Oak Ridge, you might remember, filed, then withdrew, an objection to Citadel's reorganization plan during the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The move of the News-Talk format will begin with a simulcast starting July 9. As of August 2, the Citadel Talk format will air only on 98.7 FM. "The shift to the new address enables Citadel Knoxville to own its own signal rather than continue leasing it from another owner," says Operations Manager Mike Hammond. "This is like deciding to buy your own home after renting for years. Now everything we do and put into the station will be investments we are making in the present and future of WNOX. We're delighted to own our own signal." Speculation began with the cryptic moves by Oak Ridge toward the end of Citadel's financial reorganization, and has recently grown to the point that some were predicting the content of today's announcement before it was revealed this morning.

* Radio pirates in Florida and New York find their "hobby" to be increasingly expensive. Mark Nierman and Kadaku Productions receive a $4,500 forfeiture notice from the FCC's Enforcement Bureau for operating a pirate station at 99.9 FM in Brooklyn, NY. Meanwhile, Alex Alcime and Patrick Ford, known on the air as DJ Joker and DJ Shortdogg, were arrested on felony charges for running "Peace in da Hood Radio," a pirate hip-hop station at 95.7 FM in Ft. Myers, FL. In Brooklyn, the Commission acted after receiving several complaints from licensed broadcasters. An FCC agent monitored the frequency and tracked the signal to an apartment building on West 8th Street, where an FM broadcast antenna was seen atop a water tank on the roof. Building management told the agent the apartment lease allowed Nierman to operate a radio station from a bulkhead room on the roof. At the FCC agent's request, the building superintendent shut down all the broadcast equipment. The $4,500 fine was originally a $10,000 notice of apparent liability, until Nierman and Kadaku convinced the FCC of an inability to pay. Meanwhile in Florida, Alcime and Ford were arrested on state felony charges that could bring up to five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. That's in addition to a $10,000 FCC forfeiture.

* Crista Broadcasting is paying $6.25 million for Christian Contemporary "105.9 The River" KFMK-FM, Austin. We now know the price for the station from paperwork filed at the FCC. Last week we reported that Crista was acquiring the station from the Aloha Trust, formed by Clear Channel after the merger that took the company private. However, at the time, the terms were not disclosed. Crista currently owns Christian Contemporary "Spirit 105.3 FM" KCMS and Christian Talk KCIS-AM, Seattle; and Christian "Praise 106.5" KPWZ-FM, Bellingham, WA.

* The FCC sets a July 12 comment deadline for its Notice of Inquiry into its media ownership rule review. That came after the notice was published in the federal register Friday, June 11. Reply comments are due July 26. The FCC has launched a wide-ranging review into whether it needs to modify or scrap those rules in the face of changes in technology or the marketplace. At the same time, it is defending its 2007 rule change — easing the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban — in federal court.

* With the addition of Salem News-Talk KRLA, Los Angeles, the Glenn Beck show reaches 400 affiliates. Premiere Radio Networks announces the "milestone," even as KRLA promotes the addition of Beck for mornings 6-9am, beginning July 6, replacing Salem Radio Network's Mike Gallagher Show which will move to KRLA's 5-8pm slot. "I have been doing radio since I was 13 years old, so this milestone is particularly meaningful to me," says Beck. "I am glad to join KRLA and look forward to continuing to grow our show as we bring the fusion of entertainment and enlightenment to millions of listeners every day." Says KRLA Program Director Chuck Tyler, "Glenn is the perfect complement to our schedule. This truly enhances the strength of our all-star Salem lineup." Rather than making the move of Gallagher's SRN show sound like a demotion, the network's News & Talk Programming VP Tom Tradup gives it this spin: "It is a humbling testimonial to Mike Gallagher's solid appeal in the highly competitive Los Angeles radio market to have KRLA trust Mike with its critical afternoon drive shift."

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski asks lawmakers for an increase of $19.4 million in the fiscal 2011 budget. Genachowski told a House subcommittee the FCC is requesting $352.5 million. He says the increase is needed to hire additional staff with specialized technical skills as well as give FCC employees a raise. He also wants to put more money behind the FCC’s public safety and homeland security efforts. The request for an increase comes despite a request from the Office of Management and Budget to reduce discretionary spending by 5%. OMB Director Peter Orszag told an audience at the Center for American Progress that the Obama administration is asking all federal agencies to list their bottom 5% performing discretionary programs and are asking all non-security agencies to "specify how they would reduce their budgets by 5%, which will give us the ability to achieve the overall non-security freeze even while meeting inevitable new needs and priorities." The proposal, added to a three year freeze on non-security-related discretionary spending, is aimed at saving $250 billion over the next decade. "As stewards of the American people's tax dollars, we cannot afford to waste money on programs that do not work, that are out-dated, or that are duplicative of one another," said Orszag.

* WDKX-FM, Rochester, NY, founder-owner-CEO Andrew Langston dies at 83. Langston was born and raised in Georgia and moved to Rochester with his family in 1960. He had successful careers in clothing and insurance sales before he formed Monroe County Broadcasting in 1968 and sought a frequency on the FM dial. WDKX 103.9 FM went on the air April 6, 1974. The call letters were chosen in honor of Frederick Douglass, Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. The format is urban contemporary and the station specializes in talk, pop, hip-hop/rap, R&B and soul. It has also been a voice in Rochester’s African-American community. Langston was one of few remaining local commercial radio station owners in Rochester. Many others sold their properties to large corporations. In 1995 Langston and his family became sole owners of WDKX. A private service will be held for family and close friends. A public memorial service is in the planning. “Mr. Langston will be sadly missed by all those who were touched by his generosity and kindness,” say station officials in a press release.

* AM Sports Talk radio in St. Louis undergoes a major shakeup Monday (June 14). Involved are two stations, at least 16 people currently on the air in prominent positions, and another half-dozen or so people working in off-peak hours. Both AM Sports Talk stations in St. Louis – KFNS and KSLG – dramatically alter their lineups. At the center of it all is Tim McKernan and his company, insideSTL Enterprises LLC. McKernan, Jim Hayes and Doug Vaughn moved Monday from KSLG to KFNS. McKernan and Hayes previously were together at KFNS — working with Martin Kilcoyne — where the trio’s show developed into the highest-rated program in the Sports Talk format in St. Louis, reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Dan Caesar. Kilcoyne left under becoming unhappy with management, Hayes later was fired and McKernan eventually was let out of his contract and moved to KSLG. But KFNS has different management now, and in an interesting twist the return of McKernan and Hayes (along with Vaughn) bumps their old buddy Kilcoyne from morning drive. But Kilcoyne will continue on the mid-morning show with Frank Cusumamo, in an expanded role from the one hour he had been doing. McKernan and company will be airing on two stations at the same time, with different content, beginning Monday. Craig Hanson, President of KSLG owner Simmons Media, says the short-term plan is to have taped highlights of KSLG’s old McKernan shows to run in morning-drive, with national shows hosted by Dan Patrick and Jim Rome possibly added at some point, but nothing is finalized. KSLG is dumping the other show that McKernan’s insideSTL Enterprises LLC controlled — the midday offering with Joe Pelusi, Charlie Marlow, and Mike Wellington. Pelusi will resurface at KFNS on one of three shows InsideSTL will control there, working at middays with KFNS holdover Jay Randolph Jr, and newcomer Sara Bruce. Inside STL also will have the 10 pm-midnight slot currently occupied by McKenna and in July will convert that to an all-female cast of Angella Sharpe, Wendy Lodes, Kelsey Adams, Kasey Losch, and Stephanie Mollman. The only high-profile AM figure apparently to be untouched is KSLG afternoon drive host Kevin Slaten. The moves don’t affect the market's third Sports Talk station, WXOS-FM.

* The NHL St. Louis Blues extend with CBS Radio News-Talk KMOX-AM, St. Louis, for five more years. The Blues have been on KMOX for the last three seasons after a seven-year run on KTRS-AM. The new deal is similar to the old one under which the hockey team receives no rights fees but buys the air time and sells the advertising. "The Blues are committed to a first-class operation in every aspect of our business," says Blues Enterprises CEO Peter Mcloughlin. "That is particularly true when it comes to our broadcast partners who link our team, players and the games to our fans. There is not a better fit for the Blues and our fans than with KMOX, which has played a major role in the rebuilding of our franchise since our return to KMOX in 2007." One element in the new deal is a provision that addresses moving Blues games to another station if a conflict arises if KMOX gets Cardinals broadcasts back. "The best is ahead for the St. Louis Blues. We love the direction the team is going and are proud to use KMOX's powerful nationwide signal to keep building the Blues fan base and our listenership for years to come," says CBS Radio St. Louis SVP and Market Manager John Sheehan. "As America's Sports Voice, KMOX remains committed to partnering with strong St. Louis brands and expanding their reach."

* WLMI, Kane, PA, flips from Country to Rock as "The Summit 103.9" with new call letters WUMT. The station's new Website explains the format as "Rock without the Hard Edge for Kane / Ridgway / St Marys and the Four Corners of McKean, Elk, Forest, and Warren Counties." To further explain the format, the new WUMT tells Website visitors: "Live and Local 'Rock without the Hard Edge' from Aerosmith, the Stones, ZZ Top, Billy Joel, etc!" As a Country station, WLMI competed against St. Marys-based Country WDDH, owned by WLMI's former owner, Laurel Media. Colonial Radio Group purchased WLMI four years ago. "The Summit 103.9" WUMT made its debut today (June 14).

* WEBX, Champaign-Urbana, IL, flips from Classic Alternative to Rhythmic CHR "93.5 The Beat." The Friday afternoon (June 11) format change was under sister CHR-Top40 WQQB Program Director Joe McIntyre and Zapolean Media Strategies SVP of Programming Mark St. John. McIntyre adds PD for "The Beat." Core artists will include Usher, B.o.B, Drake, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, and Taio Cruz. WEBX says it will "combine the power of its on-air position with online applications creating a full 360-degree audio and visual experience." "93.5 The Beat" is online at www.thebeat935.com.

* KBEZ-FM, Tulsa, flips from AC to Adult Variety Hits as "Bob FM 92.9." The station now tells listeners "We Play Anything" – but those listeners will no longer hear Steve Smith and Carly Rush in the mornings; the entire AC air staff is out. Nor will listeners hear the syndicated Delilah in evenings. Renda Broadcasting announced the new format Thursday (June 10). "There will be no local air personalities on Bob FM," says General Manager Jon Phillips. "The air staff at KBEZ have all been released. These were not layoffs, the new format is built around music and imagery around the Bob character." Phillips says the move to Bob FM affected seven employees, two full-time. The others were part-time or contract employees. Rush left co-owned CHR-Top40 "K-Hits" KHTT-FM after 18 years in December 2006 to become Program Director and host mornings with Smith at KBEZ. The new "Bob FM 92.9" is online here.