* Lenders join the federal bankruptcy trustee in protesting continued bonuses to top Tribune Co. executives. The objections are filed with the bankruptcy court as Tribune seeks to ease its way out of Chapter 11, leaving behind billions in unpaid bills. Wells Fargo Bank N.A. led lenders behind a $1.6 billion loan to the media company in objecting to the latest round of bonuses proposed by Tribune — a $43 million package that would bring the total doled out to management to $115 million, reports Rachel Feintzeig of Dow Jones Daily Bankruptcy Review. The request also caught the eye of U.S. Trustee Roberta DeAngelis, charged with ensuring that the company adheres to bankruptcy court protocol and keeps its creditors in mind when drafting its reorganization strategy. "The debtors themselves have proposed a reorganization plan which promises nothing or next-to-nothing for various classes of Tribune creditors," DeAngelis said in papers filed Thursday (June 10). "Now is not the time for yet another round of bonuses." Tribune wants Judge Kevin Carey of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington to take up its newest incentive proposal at a hearing June 16. But both DeAngelis and the lenders insist that, at the very least, discussion of the bonuses should be delayed until the company's confirmation hearing, where Carey will consider approving a bankruptcy exit strategy that they say is inextricably intertwined with the bonuses. "The debtors propose to pay millions of dollars to management under the 2010 management incentive program, while paying almost nothing on account of the $1.6 billion of claims of the bridge lenders," the lenders said. "The court should evaluate these substantial payments to insiders in the context of the confirmation plan."

* The National Association of Media Brokers begins its new fiscal year with membership renewals. "We are happy to report that our membership is virtually unchanged," says NAMB President and Media Services Group Director Jody McCoy. "Last year our members were 75 professionals in 33 brokerage firms," says McCoy. "This year we are 72 professionals in 33 brokerage firms. That tells us our membership is committed for the long term and expects better times ahead." NAMB represents buyers and sellers of radio and television outlets and related businesses. McCoy says his members are taking and making more and more calls of interest in radio and television stations recently, and that the spread between bid and ask in values has narrowed to a point that indicates the volume of transactions will increase. Regarding acquisition financing, NAMB Treasurer Glenn Serafin of Serafin Bros. says no "macro remedies" are yet evident. "No media lending units inside money center banks or finance companies have been reconstituted. Most of the capital flowing back into terrestrial broadcasting is at the private equity end of the capital pipeline, which always is the most opportunistic of the capital sources. So that is a good sign."

* Noncommercial Triple-A WXPN, Philadelphia, drops Alternative "Y Rock on XPN" three nights a week. The programming, which was aired Wednesday through Friday nights on WXPN, will continue at www.yrockonxpn.org and on XPN’s HD-2 multicast channel. Operations manager Josh T. Landow is one of six people who get layoff notices from the University of Pennsylvania-owned station. In an interview with Philly.com's Michael Klein, Station Manager Roger LaMay blamed the economy. “We delayed it as long as we could, but we have an obligation to balance our budget,” he said. “It’s a sad day for us.” The "Y Rock" format was developed in 2006 by Jim McGuinn, who programmed the former "Y100" WPLY, Philadelphia, and is now at Minnesota Public Radio. After Radio One killed "Y100" McGuinn and a group of volunteers began running the "Y Rock" format online. WXPN weekender Dan Gutierrez now hosts Triple-A music weekday evenings 8-10pm.

* Clear Channel Denver Director of AM Programming Kris Olinger exits after six years in that position. She oversaw programming for Talk KOA-AM, KKZN-AM and KHOW-AM. Olinger was appointed Director of AM Programming for Clear Channel Denver in May 2004. Previously she was Program Director of Bonneville's News-Talk KIRO-AM, Seattle. Prior to joining KIRO in 1998, Olinger was PD of KHOW-AM, Denver. Clear Channel Denver President and Market Manager Lee Larsen told the staff in a memo that Olinger's efforts contributed to the numerous awards the stations have won over the years and the strong ratings the stations have enjoyed in one of the country's most competitive markets.

* WBT-AM-FM, Charlotte, is demanding the voice of one of its hosts be removed from a political campaign spot. News-Talk WBT also wants the name of host Keith Larson removed from the ad for Republican Congressional candidate Tim D'Annunzio who is in a heated run-off with fellow Republican Harold Johnson. WBT tells Charlotte TV station WBTV it sent a letter to D'Annunzio's campaign demanding he "cease and desist" using Larson's name and voice in one of D'Annunzio's spots. They first asked him to do so last week. WBT says D'Annunzio had been using Larson's name and voice without WBT's permission. It turns out that D'Annunzio did take Larson out of its radio ads, but not out of the television ads. Listeners keep calling in to Larson's show and telling him they're seeing it on various television stations. The television ad has been airing on WBTV. "We checked our log and it last ran June 8th in the 6 p.m. news," writes the CBS TV affiliate. Greater Media, which owns WBT-AM-FM, said it expects D'Annunzio will honor its request to remove Larson's name and voice. "The D'Annunzio campaign used audio from Keith Larson's program without our permission," says VP of Corporate Communication Heidi Raphael. "We have asked them to remove it from all advertising immediately, and we expect that they will honor our request." The TV station says D'Annunzio's campaign has yet to return its calls.

* An Arizona politcian who lost his radio show may now lose his seat — over his mural mocking comments. We previously told you he was fired from a Prescott radio station as a talk host for the comments some are calling "racist" – now Prescot City Councilman Steve Blair faces a mounting recall campaign. "I am not a racist individual," City Councilman Steve Blair said on a his KYCA-AM show last month, "but I will tell you depicting a black guy in the middle of that mural, based upon who's President of the United States today and based upon the history of this community, when I grew up we had four black families – who I have been very good friends with for years – to depict the biggest picture on that building as a black person, I would have to ask the question, 'Why?'" He added that diversity is a word "I can't stand." A Hispanic boy is the most prominent figure in the mural. Last week, artists who painted the mural that promoted green transportation were told by the school to lighten the children's faces. This week, they were told to restore the original tones of the faces, the Arizona Republic reports. Blair again denies he's racist and declares his intention to remain in office, despite the recall movement. The owner of KYCA-AM fired Blair because his words "could be interpreted as racist." However, he said Blair wasn't racist, just someone who "puts his foot in his mouth."   [More »]

* Ando Media releases its delayed Internet audio Top 20 Rankers for March and April. The Ranker is a listing of the top-performing Internet audio stations and networks measured by the Webcast Metrics audience measurement platform. “The Ranker has been delayed due, in large measure, to Ando’s ongoing MRC accreditation process,” says Ando COO Paul Krasinski. “We have been bringing the MRC through the Ranker process every step of the way. As a result of their recommendations, there are a few changes we have implemented beginning with the March data.” All sessions greater than twenty-four hours have been truncated to twenty-four hours. All sessions are now time-zone normalized based on Ando's ability to determine the listener’s IP address and its corresponding location. Where this cannot be determined, location will be ascribed to the Central Time Zone to neither favor East nor West Coast audience. These changes are captured in the March and April Rankers. In most cases they have resulted in relatively minor fluctuations in the data. Pandora again leads the way, followed by CBS Radio, and Clear Channel. Ando Media's full report, including all the Ranker numbers, is available here from TPMedia.

* Nielsen Co. is pitching its radio ratings service to Pennsylvania's Wilkes Barre-Scranton market. Nielsen launched its radio service in about 50 secondary markets last year. Officials from Nielsen recently held a demonstration of its ratings system for each of the market's radio stations, reports the Scranton Times-Tribune, owned by Times-Shamrock Communications, which also owns several radio stations in the market. While Nielsen officials haven't said when they would begin measuring ratings in the market, they did explain to local general managers the difference between their proposed service and that of Arbitron, which had been the lone company measuring ratings for more than four decades, says Ryan Flynn, the general manager of local Entercom stations. "I was very impressed (with Nielsen's presentation)," says Times-Shamrock Communications CEO Bobby Lynett. "Nielson is a very reputable company and they have been measuring TV viewing for decades," says Lynett. "It seems natural to me that they would make a transition into monitoring radio habits as well."

* RTDNA President Emeritus Barbara Cochran will be inducted into SPJ’s D.C. Pro Chapter Hall of Fame. Cochran will be honored with induction into the Hall of Fame of the D.C. Pro Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists, along with Westwood One radio host Jim Bohannon, Washingtonian Magazine Editor-at-Large, Jack Limpert and former Newsweek magazine Washington Bureau Chief Mel Elfin at the D.C. Pro Chapter’s annual Dateline Awards dinner, June 15, in Washington. “I’m very honored to be included with this group in the SPJ Hall of Fame,” says Cochran. “It has been a privilege to represent so many electronic journalists in their battles for First Amendment rights.” Cochran became president of RTDNA and RTDNF in 1997 and continues to be a leading advocate for First Amendment rights. "Throughout her career she has been at the forefront of the major issues facing electronic journalists, including fighting for cameras and microphones in state and federal courtrooms, protecting journalists’ access in post-9/11 America, opposing government secrecy and battling intrusive regulation of news content," says RTDNA in a news release. An industry insider, Cochran worked as a journalist and news executive in Washington DC for 28 years – 11 in print and 17 in broadcasting.

* Prometheus Radio Project and WGXC to launch full-power community radio outlet in Hudson, NY, in September. WGXC – Hands-On-Radio – is a community-run media project. Over 78,000 potential listeners will be able to receive WGXC’s FM signal in New York’s Greene and Columbia counties, on 90.7 FM. In addition to a radio station, WGXC is a community media project that includes special exhibitions and events, media training for their community's youth and adults, a news blog, and a local calendar of events, meetings, and resources. The September launch is Prometheus's 12th community radio barnraising — a weekend-long radio and movement building event. Those from the local community, participatory media advocates and recording artists will be on hand. "For the past ten years, we've been fighting to take the airwaves out of the hands of the powerful few and place them in the hands of communities," says Prometheus Radio Project Community Radio Coordinator Andalusia Knoll. "We've supported many groups in starting low-power and full-power FM radio stations that serve as tools for social justice organizing and a voice for community expression,"

* Premiere Radio Networks partners with Operation Hope for new public service announcements. The :30 and 60-second PSAs in support of Operation Hope feature Hope founder and Chairman-CEO John Hope Bryant, Hope global spokesman and civil rights advocate Andrew Young, and King Center President-CEO Martin Luther King III, a senior adviser to Operation Hope. Premiere produced 18 PSAs in-house, focusing on the group's "Silver Rights" financial empowerment program. They're on the air nationwide to support Operation Hope, which promotes financial literacy and empowerment. "In many cases, the people who need Operation Hope's help the most don't realize that we're just down the street," says Bryant. "Premiere Radio is helping us bring attention to the free financial literacy solutions we offer through our centers and toll-free hotlines to underserved communities across the entire nation." Premiere President of Content and Affiliate Relations Julie Talbott says, "We are very proud of our partnership with Operation Hope. It's an honor to help shine a spotlight on their tireless efforts to further financial literacy and empower people across the nation, while encouraging other leaders to join us in this effort."

* MIXER Radio and Rock WJJO, Madison, WI, launch the first Real Time Music Testing Platform. Jackyl frontman and radio veteran Jesse James Dupree and WJJO Program Director Randy Hawke have been working for close to ten years to create the new technology in which listeners text their opinion on a song as it plays, and PDs receive those scores instantly. It was designed with the goals to eliminate recruitment obstacles, improve untimely results and replace "antiquated research methods." An acronym for Media Interacting and eXchanging with End users in Real time, MIXER integrates mobile texting and a unique online data warehouse with terrestrial radio’s on-air broadcast. "Over the years Randy and I have maintained a State of The Industry discussion with the idea of changing the way radio and listeners communicate," explains Dupree. "In the modern radio world, there is simply no substitute for instant feedback," adds Hawke. MIXER also provides a unique social network, perceptual survey mechanism and points-based rewards platform that increases a station's bond with listeners, provides perceptual data, monetizes Websites and creates measureable and effective opportunities for station clients. WJJO began using the MIXER platform on a limited basis several months ago. Hawke has increased the participation level incrementally and is very happy with the results so far. More about MIXER Radio is available at mixerradio.com.

* Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin says the satellite radio service is still the best place for Howard Stern. “Howard will have a lot to say about that,” Karmazin said, when asked about Stern on CNBC. “I’d love to have Howard stay. He’s been a terrific partner. We make a lot of money with Howard.” Host Melissa Lee asked Karmazin if Stern is "worth every penny" paid him to date. Stern has been paid over 50,000,000 pennies — a half billion dollars — under his soon-to-expire five-year contract. “I didn’t say he’s worth every penny,” Karmazin shot back, cracking a big smile. “I’m just saying that it’s been a great relationship. I would love to be able to continue to have that relationship. I think we’re the best place to be. We’d like to have him.” Karmazin says, however, Stern must first decide whether he wants to continue doing early morning radio after so many years on the air. “He has to first decide if he wants to. And once he decides that, I think we’d be the right place for him to stay,” said Karmazin.

* Is Ryan Seacrest Talking With CBS? Is there a BIG change in his future? The latest speculation, and there's already a lot of it, started with a report from LARadio.com that headlined the question: "Will Moonves Lure Seacrest to CBS with Daytime TV Talk Show?" In response to a question about his multiple jobs, in April Seacrest made the cryptic comment, "There's one I'm thinking about giving up. I can't tell you which one, but it’s not 'Idol.' It is one that I have to make a decision on sooner or later and probably something that your audience will be familiar with ..." Now LARadio.com speculates "Ryan might leave his radio home at Clear Channel and jump ship to CBS. The move would be predicated on CBS’ interest in Ryan hosting an afternoon Oprah-type [TV] show for the start of the 2011 season." Don Barret reports that "Ryan was very friendly with" CBS President and CEO "Les Moonves at a recent Lakers game. Some have suggested that they have already had conversations." LARadio.com tells us that if the TV deal became reality for Ryan and CBS, he would also bring his morning radio show, his syndicated program, along with his countdown shows. "Part of the lure for Ryan would be an all-out production commitment to his daytime talk show – full production, massive promotion and a commitment from the network to make it work." Seacrest already had a failed TV talk show with Fox in 2004. That show lasted only five months.

* Crista Broadcasting agrees to acquire Christian Contemporary "105.9 The River" KFMK-FM, Austin. KFMK is being sold by the Aloha Trust, which was formed by Clear Channel after the merger that took the company private. Media Venture Partners represented Crista in the deal, the terms of which are 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. "We love what radio can do in building deep relationships with listeners and advertisers," says Crista VP and General Manager Stan Mak. "Adding an FM station in Austin fits our strategic plan, and we are elated at the opportunity to add KFMK to the Crista Broadcasting family. Austin is an emerging market, recently named number one by Kiplinger on its list of the '10 Best American Cities for the Next Decade.' We look forward to becoming embedded in the Austin community." Crista Ministries President and CEO Bob Lonac adds, "This acquisition is a significant step for growth for the Crista organization. The ministries within the Crista family impact millions of lives in North America and abroad each year. With this exciting addition to the Crista Broadcasting ministry, we will now be able to serve the wonderful people of Austin with encouraging, family-friendly radio entertainment."

* Spanish Broadcasting System's board of directors adds MGSCOMM co-Chairman and CEO Manuel Machado. MGSCOMM is an advertising agency in Miami, New York, and Mexico City, specializing in Hispanic and General Market communications. Machado will be a member of the SBS board's Audit and Compensation Committees. With the appointment, SBS regains compliance with a Nasdaq rule that requires each company to maintain an audit committee with at least three members meeting certain eligibility criteria. "We welcome Manuel to the board," says SBS President and CEO Raul Alarcon. "We are delighted to have the benefit of his deep experience and knowledge and we look forward to working with him." Machado, who will serve as an independent director for SBS, founded the Meka Group and has worked on marketing campaigns for McDonald's, Coors, Ford, Bacardi, and others.

* Wendy Williams is ending her syndicated radio show, distributed by American Urban Radio Networks. Williams wants to concentrate on her television career. She exited afternoons at Urban WBLS-FM, New York, last July after 20+ years in the radio business to concentrate on her syndicated TV program, "The Wendy Williams Show." The show was recently picked up by BET.

* KKSN-AM, Portland, OR, will end Spanish-language sports network "ESPN Deportes" July 12, after 14 months. The station will switch to the programming of KNRK-HD2, Camas, WA, which airs music from local bands. The KNRK-HD2 programming currently airs on 94.7 FM in the Portland area, and has studios located near downtown Portland. On May 1, 2009, 910 AM, as KTRO, switched to "ESPN Deportes Radio" after the expiration of an LMA with Salem Communications. Two weeks ago, the Entercom-owned station changed their call letters back to KKSN, used when an Oldies format was aired prior to the Salem LMA. From 1959 to 1976, 910 AM was used by Top 40 KISN, which was shut down by the FCC in September 1976 after a political bias scandal. The current station went on the air in 1980, and has aired numerous formats. In the 2000s, it was Sports Radio KFXX, which has since moved to 1080 AM, at which time 910 switched to Hot Talk as KOTK, then Oldies as KKSN.   [More »]

* Following Citadel Broadcasting’s emergence from Chapter 11 reorganization, top managers sign new contracts. CEO Farid Suleman has a new five-year contract and other top executives have three-year contracts. All are with automatic one-year extensions if neither they nor the company give notice that their employment is ending. An SEC filing details new contracts for Suleman, Randy Taylor, Jacquelyn Orr, Judith Ellis and Patricia Stratford. According to Citadel, "Suleman is entitled to receive an annual base salary equal to that in effect on June 3, 2010 (i.e., $1,250,000), and an annual performance-based bonus. His target bonus for 2010 is $2,000,000." As for the other three execs, "Each of Mr. Taylor (the Company’s Chief Financial Officer), Ms. Orr (the Company’s General Counsel), Ms. Ellis (the Company’s Chief Operating Officer) and Ms. Stratford (the Company’s Senior Vice President Finance and Administration) is also party to an employment agreement with the Company (the “Other Employment Agreements”), each of which is substantially similar to each other." Citadel tells the SEC: "Under the Other Employment Agreements, these executives are entitled to receive an annual base salary equal to that in effect on June 3, 2010 (i.e., Mr. Taylor – $400,000; Ms. Orr – $350,000; Ms. Ellis – $500,000; Ms. Stratford – $200,000), and an annual performance-based bonus. The target bonuses for 2010 are as follows – Mr. Taylor – $200,000; Ms. Orr – $200,000; Ms. Ellis – $200,000; Ms. Stratford – $125,000). Suleman's contract is also said to include participation "in the Company’s health and welfare benefit plans, including a non-qualified retirement benefit plan (to be established). Within 30 days following the Effective Date, Mr. Suleman is also entitled to a grant of stock appreciation rights which generally vest in three ratable annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date." There is also a clause covering termination benefits for the CEO: "In the event Mr. Suleman’s employment is terminated without 'Cause' or for 'Good Reason' (each as defined in the Suleman Employment Agreement), he is entitled to (i) all accrued but unpaid amounts due and owing to him (the “Accrued Benefits”), (ii) a lump sum payment of a pro rata portion of the annual bonus that he would have received for the year of his termination of employment (based on the number of days he was employed during the calendar year in which such termination of employment occurs) (a “Pro Rata Annual Bonus”), (iii) a lump sum payment of three times (x) his annual base salary and (y) target bonus for the year in which such termination of employment occurs, (iv) continued participation in the Company’s health and welfare benefits for himself and his covered dependents for 24 months and (v) accelerated vesting of all outstanding equity awards (which shall remain outstanding and exercisable for the shorter of two years following the date of termination and the expiration of the original term of the award(s)). All such payments, other than the Accrued Benefits, are subject to Mr. Suleman’s execution of a general release of claims in favor of the Company." Citadel also has a new board of directors. In addition to Suleman, the board consists of William M. Campbell, III; Greg Mrva; Paul N. Saleh; Jonathan Mandel; John L. Sander; and Doreen Wright. Exiting the board are J. Anthony Forstmann, Theodore J. Forstmann, Michael Miles, Michael J. Regan, Thomas Reifenheiser and Wayne T. Smith.

* GAO Report: The Performance Rights Act might shut down some radio stations. A very cautious assessment from the Federal government suggests that a proposed law requiring broadcast radio stations to pay performance fees to musicians and record companies might have some negative consequences, writes Ars Technica. The Performance Rights Act could prompt some stations to make "adjustments," warns the Government Accountability Office, "such as reducing staff levels, switching to a nonmusic format, and ceasing operation." On the other hand, the bill could help record labels by providing a new multimillion dollar annual revenue stream for record companies. They, in turn, could "use the additional revenue to invest more heavily in the creative process of music." These projections come from "industry stakeholders," the draft report carefully adds. The document takes no stand on the legislation, and is only a preliminary study. "Still," says Ars Technica, "you could come away with a sense that GAO thinks this is a zero-sum proposal in which one side (the music business) has much to gain, and the other (radio stations) has lots to lose." GAO also says a symbiotic relationship between broadcasters and music companies persists. "The recording industry benefits from its relationship with the broadcast radio industry by receiving broadcast radio airplay, which promotes the sale of records and concert tickets," the report explains. "The broadcast radio industry benefits by using sound recordings to attract listeners, which in turn generates advertising revenue for radio stations." Representative John Conyers, the author of H.R. 848, says the proposed legislation would level the playing field. Under the pending measure, 50% would be paid to the performance copyright holder (often a record label), 45% to the musician or performer, 2.5% distributed to "background musicians" and the same percentage given to "background performers and vocalists." The GAO report points out that the proposal comes in the context of declining revenues for both over-the-air radio and the record business. RIAA told the agency that sales of recorded music dropped by 60% between 1999 and 2008. RIAA added that the shortfall has been "partially offset" by digitally downloaded songs. That amounted to 30% of sales in 2008.   The full GAO report is available "here.

* Mike McConnell — late of WLW-AM, Cincinnati — to replace John Williams at WGN-AM, Chicago? WGN says McConnell will do an airshift "to be announced." Chicago media reporter Robert Feder says WGN has been keeping Williams in the dark about his future with the station, after 13 years there. Late Tuesday, however, McConnell himself spilled the beans to the Cincinnati Enquirer’s John Kiesewetter that he’d be taking over the 9am weekday slot Williams now occupies, starting August 9. Feder writes at Vocalo.org, "So what if John Williams has done everything his bosses ever asked of him during his 13 years at news/talk WGN-AM (720)? In today’s topsy-turvy Tribune Co., even that doesn’t entitle the guy to be treated with an ounce of respect. For almost a week — ever since rumors starting leaking out of Cincinnati that his replacement could be on his way — Williams has been kept in the dark about his future." Previously, speculation in the market was that McConnell might be the replacement for Steve Cochran, who was moved into a shorter, earlier 1-3pm slot on WGN-AM earlier this spring. His contract is set to expire at the end of June. Meanwhile, back in Cincinnati, Kiesewetter tells us, "Mike McConnell wanted to say goodbye to his loyal listeners after 25 years, but that won’t happen on WLW-AM." McConnell tells Kiesewetter, “I thought I’d be on [WLW] until mid-July.” He had told his Clear Channel bosses on May 28 – before going on vacation last week – that he was leaving for Chicago’s WGN-AM when his contract expired next month. But Monday – when he was to resume his 9am show – he was told he would not be back on WLW. McConnell says he believes the decision was made at Clear Channel headquarters in San Antonio after media reports Friday that he was going to work for WGN-AM and Tribune CEO Randy Michaels, a former Clear Channel exec. “I would have liked a chance to say goodbye to the audience, but that’s how things shook out… once the news got out. I doubt it was a local decision,” says McConnell. Kiesewetter tells us that Clear Channel executives did not respond to requests for comment on his report. Separately, Premiere Radio Networks informs affiliates that McConnell will exit "The Weekend Show" following his exit from WLW. McConnell will be hosting "The Weekend Show" for the next several weeks, then will be replaced by a rotating group of hosts.

* WTYM-AM, Kittanning, PA, owner Larry Schrecongost, 58, is killed in an automobile accident. Pennsylvania State Police confirm that Schrecongost died during a crash in Manor Township, Tuesday afternoon (June 8). Police say that Schrecongost was traveling on Route 128 from Cadogan and had just crossed the Ford City Veteran’s Bridge when he failed to negotiate the left-hand curve at the end of the bridge. His 2010 blue Ford Fusion ran off the east berm and struck a guide rail east of Ross Avenue. One report says he is believed to have had a heart attack that caused him to lose control of the car. He was pronounced dead at ACMH Hospital in Kittanning. Schrecongost worked at the Kittanning radio station, known then as WACB, as a part-time announcer starting in 1967. In 1992, Nicholas Enterprises sold WACB to Vernal Enterprises, headed by Schrecongost, which was in the business of renting tower space to cellular telephone and pager companies. Schrecongost was known for his huge collection of 45 rpm vinyl records dating back to the 1950’s in pristine condition. Upon acquiring WACB, the station became Oldies with the new call letters WTYM, for “Good Time Radio!” Schrecongost's Vernal Enterprises also owns low-power television station WLLS-LP, Indiana, PA, and several other radio stations — WNCC and WRDD, Northern Cambria-Ebensburg, PA; and WHPA, Altoona. Schrecongost, a highly accomplished engineer, worked at many of the television and radio stations in western Pennsylvania during his career.

* Citadel names Dave Severino as Director of Sales for KLOS-FM, KABC-AM and Dodgers Radio, Los Angeles. He also will be General Sales Manager at Classic Rock KLOS. Severino joins the Los Angeles group, effective June 22, from crosstown CHR-Top40 "97.1 Amp Radio" KAMP where he was GSM. Citadel Los Angeles Says President and General Manager Bob Moore, "I worked with Dave for over 14 years [at CBS Radio] and found him to be an incredible motivator, innovator and a great spokesperson for radio in Los Angeles. Dave's desire to push KLOS and KABC into the top billing radio stations in Los Angeles for NTR, Direct and Digital Sales follow my goals completely." Also, Leonard Madrid is promoted to National Sales Manager at KLOS, KABC, and Dodgers Radio. "Leonard has been a pillar of strength and knowledge of KLOS for the past 22 years and we look forward to Leonard's commitment to push the three stations moving forward," adds Moore. "No one in L.A. possesses more market and format knowledge than Leonard and I believe this will help drive our National billings. Additionally Eric Derise is named Director of Digital Media.

* Katz Media Group's national marketing Katz Marketing Solutions promotes three executives in New York. Brian McElroy is promoted to SVP and Director of Research; Stephanie Interbartolo and Liz Stillman are upped to Vice President. Media research veteran McElroy previously was Research Director at MediaVest, dedicated to the Wal-Mart account, before joining Katz in 2009. He also managed media research projects for clients at media agencies Universal McCann and MediaCom. In his new role, McElroy will continue to work with advertisers and agencies on the effectiveness of their radio campaigns. Before joining KMS, Interbartolo was the Director of Creative Solutions for Clear Channel, and also held marketing and business development positions for Advance Nanotech and Ticketmaster Citysearch. Her prior radio experience includes serving as Director of Marketing for CBS Radio's KXNT-AM and KSFN-AM, Las Vegas, and as Marketing and Promotions Manager for American Radio Systems' WRKO-AM, Boston. During her previous six years at Katz Media Group, Stillman worked on behalf of radio broadcasters to promote the advantages of multi-platform radio as Senior Director for Katz Advantage. She also spent time on the agency side of the business. Stillman has held Account Executive positions for DDB, McCann Erickson and Wunderman. "All three promotions are extremely well-deserved," says Katz Marketing Solutions President Bob McCurdy. "Brian, Liz and Stephanie are excellent examples of the well-rounded talent and multimedia expertise we can deliver. We have the people and the resources to bring innovative ideas and strategic solutions to advertisers and agencies, and we are poised to take KMS's growth to the next level."

* Salem Communications signs CEO Ed Atsinger to a three-year contract extension. The new employment agreement, which takes effect July 1, keeps Atsinger on board through June 2013. The agreement gives Atsinger an annual salary of $855,000 in the first year, moving up to $875,000 in year two and $900,000 in the third year, with merit bonuses determined by the company's board. Atsinger and company Chairman Stuart Epperson co-founded Salem in 1986.

* Bott Radio Network names Steve South as COO and Director of Business Development. "We are delighted to welcome Steve South to our executive management team," says President and CEO Rich Bott. "He has built his career on valuing people, teamwork, integrity, and results. We are confident that this, combined with his extensive experience and knowledge, will help drive our future growth and service at Bott Radio Network." Most recently, South served seven years as a Marketing Consultant for Time Warner Cable Advertising. His experience includes 17 years of executive broadcast management experience and an additional 12 years of media marketing and sales experience. In his new position, he will be responsible for management of day to day operations and development of revenue for the Bott Radio Network's 82 Christian News-Talk stations. He will work directly with all regional managers and department heads. South also will be actively involved in developing partnership opportunities with business sponsors across Bott Radio Network.

* Country WQDR-FM, Raleigh, Program Director Lisa McKay is promoted to Station Manager. At the same time, midday personality J.J. Herr assumes the newly-created role of Assistant Program Director. McKay joined the station in March 2002 as PD and afternoon host and says this new position encompasses virtually every aspect of her skill set. "I'm looking forward to better strengthening the phenomenal connection between 'QDR and our loyal audience with our new digital platforms, and I'll still be live on the radio from 3-5pm as our listeners head home," says McKay. Herr first joined Curtis Media Group in April 2003, as evening host at sister "96 Rock" WBBB-FM. Four years later, he crossed the hall to take over middays on WQDR. "All my life I thought I was a rocker," he said, "but I just love everything about 'QDR: the music, the artists, the listeners, everything." As APD, Herr will work with McKay in her expanded capacity. WQDR VP and General Manager David Stuckey tells us, "These promotions are an essential acknowledgement of the extraordinary talents and loyalty of both Lisa and J.J. They're both a big part of why WQDR is one of America's greatest radio stations."

* Former "Smooth Jazz 106.9" WJZX, Milwaukee, becomes Classic Country "Big Buck Country 109.9." The Saga station finally unveiled a new format Monday afternoon (June 7), after stunting since May 28. The new format is using the positioner "Milwaukee's Country Legends" along with its new call letters WNQW. The new format features artists such as Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn, Clint Black, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, and songs from the late '70s, '80s and early '90s. The station is targeting adults 35-64. Air talent will be introduced after the station winds up its launch with 10,000 songs in a row. The first song aired when the new format finally debuted as "Gone Country" from Alan Jackson. Monday morning we reported: "A new permanent format, hastily assembled over the past week, may debut as soon as today (June 7)." The station, which moved the Smooth Jazz format to its HD2 multicast channel, continued with its latest (unplanned) stunt, "The Beatles A to Z" after killing the "Tiger Radio" logo on its temporary splash page at www.tiger1069.com, which now redirects to a new "Big Buck Country 109.9" site at www.bigbuck1069.com. Reports from the market said the station was already using its new call letters WNQW, which were obtained for a planned flip to CHR-Top40 "106.9 Now" — until WQBW got the jump on them, after they started stunting, and ditched "The Brew" in favor of new Adult Top 40 “Radio Now 97.3“ – causing 106.9 owner Saga Communications to ask, "What Now?" Clearly not prepared to continue stunting so long, Saga kept a Memorial Day weekend special going for a day beyond the three-day weekend, after ditching the initial “Tiger Radio" stunt featuring "Music For Cheaters And Those Cheated On.” TPMedia confirmed that Saga definitely had planned "The New Hit Music Channel" dubbed "106.9 Now" with a new logo and Website ready to go until the WQBW flip. The new WNQW call letters were for "Now." If you want to see what the "106.9 Now" Website would have looked like, complete with a "Now" logo, click here. Google caught it at www.1069now.com, and cached it before things suddenly changed in the market. The nine-hour Beatles special aired for well over 130 continuous hours until listeners heard "Gone Country."

* Bonneville’s WILV-FM, Chicago, rebrands as “Rewind 100.3.“ There's no change in the "Feel Good Favorites" format. The onetime "Love FM" already was featuring '80s-based Classic Hits with some 70’s and 90’s favorites. Bonneville birthed the “Rewind" brand in Cincinnati. “Rewind will continue to play ‘Feel Good favorites of the 80s and more’ and is Chicago’s only station that specializes in feel-good music from artists like Prince, Madonna, Pat Benatar, Michael Jackson, Journey, Bee Gees and Bon Jovi,” says a memo from Bonneville Chicago VP of Programming Greg Solk. He says the new brand is designed to “help the market, audience and advertisers remember our unique musical position and help differentiate ourselves in an ever-evolving marketplace.”

* Radio's "Dr. Demento" — Barret Hansen — is ending his legendary syndicated show. Hansen says he plans to continue the longtime program as a podcast on his www.drdemento.com Website. The show is famous for airing comedy, novelty and parodies in song, including Barnes & Barnes' "Fish Heads" and "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer." Hansen created "Dr. Demento" more than 40 years ago at KPPC-FM, Los Angeles. After he played "Transfusion" by Nervous Norvus on the radio, air talent Steven Clean said that Hansen had to be "demented" to play the recording. Thus, "Dr. Demento" was "born" and eventually became a national cult favorite. The weekly syndicated program was distributed by Westwood One from 1978 to 1992. Hansen/Dr. Demento was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in November 2009.

* Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Z104.3" WZFT, Baltimore, names Jackson Blue for mornings. He arrives from afternoons at sister "106.1 Kiss FM" KHKS, Dallas. Blue will also serve as Assistant PD for "Z104.3." Says Blue, "My time at Kiss in Dallas was amazing. But now it’s time to evolve out of my comfort zone and into mornings, where I always knew I wanted to be one day. Thanks so much to Mick Lee, Thea Mitchem and Hartley Adkins for bringing me to mornings at Z in Baltimore. I’ve worked with amazing teams in Boston and Dallas and this is another dream team here. To say I’m excited is an undersell." Clear Channel Baltimore-Washington DC Operations Manager Thea Mitchem adds, "Mornings in Baltimore will never be the same. I’m so excited to have Jackson Blue join our team at Z104.3. Jackson is a strong, creative, compelling talent who has a long standing track record of success. Having him quarterback our mornings will only take Z104.3 to the next level." WZFT Program Director Mick Lee adds, "I am thrilled to have Jackson Blue on board for mornings at Z104.3. He’s creative, energetic…exactly what we needed to make some noise in AM Drive. I already have his welcome gift on order – a 50 cup coffee maker!"

* Metro Traffic and Dunkin' Donuts partner to help travelers in 25 cities avoid sitting in traffic when on the roads. The summer campaign features a Website — RushHourRunsOnDunkin.com — providing visitors free access to live traffic camera views, mobile and email traffic updates, and driving directions via interactive traffic maps featuring real-time traffic conditions and Dunkin' Donuts locations. Visitors to the site may also enter for a chance to beat their city's traffic altogether with a ride in a helicopter over their city. Dunkin' Donuts is also sponsoring additional radio and mobile traffic reports in the participating cities. "For decades, Americans have been running on Dunkin' Donuts," says Metro Traffic Regional VP Michael O'Neil. "Dunkin' Donuts plays an indispensable role in the daily commutes and weekend trips of millions, just like Metro Traffic. Now with RushHourRunsOnDunkin.com, Dunkin' Donuts and Metro Traffic will keep commuters running all year long, even through the toughest traffic jams." According to AAA, over 32 million people traveled away from home this past Memorial Day weekend, up 5% from last year. In addition, according to a new Deloitte survey, nearly six out of 10 respondents plan to take a trip between June 1st and Labor Day, with more than one-quarter expecting to spend more money on their summer trips than they spent last year.

* KWHL-FM, Anchorage, morning hosts Bob and Mark are accused of racism for airing a parody commercial. A meeting between the hosts and the Alaska Native community was scheduled for Wednesday afternoon (June 9) over the controversy. Apparently based off last year's "cash for clunkers" campaign, where car dealers offered cash to trade in old cars, "Cash for Tlingits" featured a Native man talking about how his grandson turned him in for cash. The "Alaska's Rock 106.5" morning duo are under fire from the Alaska Native community for the segment, according to "CBS 11" KTVA-TV. "An inappropriate parody commercial got put on the air that probably was offensive to any Alaska Native," says Anchorage Media Group General Manager Dennis Bookey. Through an email to the TV station, an upset listener who heard the segment said callers wanted Bob and Mark to re-air the original piece, recounting what she heard: "Are you out of cash? Do you need to make some quick money? Do have an old native lying around? Well, we will give you cash for Tlingits." Says the First Alaskans Institute's Elizabeth Medicine Crow, "As a Native person myself, when I first read the comment, I was upset and disturbed by it. Some people were interested in an apology," Crow says. "But again there was concern over the backlash. Because of what happened it polarized the community." That's what Crow and many Alaska Natives feel happened when former KBFX-FM DJs Woody and Wilcox made anti-native comments more than two years ago. It appears that is now why Bob and Mark will apparently not be suspended. "That was the first thing that we thought of doing," Bookey says. "And that's a typical reaction, but what does that solve? No, Bob and Mark are going to go through this process to help resolve this situation. To help extend that hand. Those were Bob's words actually. OK, after being educated on how hurtful comments like this can be, he does want to extend a hand." Says Crow, "There has been kind of a non-talking about racism in Alaska. And this conversation will hopefully help us move in a direction where we as Alaskans can talk about issues like racism." Final actions would not be taken until Bob and Mark actually meet with Native community members Wednesday afternoon, said Bookey, adding after that an announcement should be made.

* Longtime South Florida traffic reporter Paul Cavenaugh wins a settlement from a 2008 helicopter crash. Paul Cavenaugh, a popular broadcaster who spent decades warning motorists of impeding traffic snarls, has won an undisclosed amount of money from the firm that owned a helicopter that crashed in November 2008, leaving him in constant back pain. "Mr. Cavenaugh is satisfied with the results and glad to put it behind him," says attorney William Williams of the confidential settlement that was hashed out a week before the negligence lawsuit was to go to trial, reports the Palm Beach Post. Cavenaugh, whose real name is Kasprzyk, was about eight minutes into his weekday above-the-highways broadcast on November 11, 2008, when the engine of the helicopter sputtered and it began spinning to the ground. Williams credited the skill of pilot Takayuki Tanaka for avoiding power lines and landing the chopper on grass in an industrial park just west of Interstate 95 in Boynton Beach. The tail broke off and the fuel tank ruptured on impact. The NTSB blamed the accident on a loose nut that connected the pressure compressor hose from the power turbine governor to the fuel control unit. Both Cavenaugh and the pilot not only survived, but didn't even require hospitalization. However, Williams said, as time passed, it became clear Cavenaugh had sustained serious back injuries. At 56, he has difficulty walking and suffers chronic pain, he said. A fixture on various television and radio stations for nearly 30 years, he was broadcasting for WFTL-AM and WPEC-TV at the time of the crash. His contracts were terminated for reasons unrelated to the crash.

* In Greensboro, employees of two radio stations are evacuated while a man carrying a hand grenade is arrested. "Rock 92" WKRR and CHR-Top40 WKZL employees watched as police apprehended the suspect outside the stations, and as the bomb squad removed the grenade, which didn't contain any explosives. The man was arrested, but police haven't released his name or said why he was carrying the grenade. The radio stations were evacuated Tuesday morning (June 8) while police investigated, but police said the incident was unrelated to anything at the stations. The man was arrested, but police haven't released his name or said why he was carrying the dud grenade. The employees were later let back inside. WKZL morning show host Chris Demm provided video of the Greensboro Bomb Squad at work, available here from "TV 12" WXII.

* Now that it's exited Chapter 11, Citadel Broadcasting creates three new classes of stock. According to an SEC filing, there will be 100 million shares of a new Class A stock, 100 million shares of Class B, and 50 million shares of preferred stock. "The Common Stock replaces the Company’s prior common stock" which was "canceled as of June 3, 2010, the effective time of" Citadel's reorganization plan, and exit from Chapter 11. The SEC filing says: "Pursuant to the Certificate, our authorized capital stock consists of: (1) 100,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class A Common Stock”), (2) 100,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Class B Common Stock”) and (3) 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share (the “Preferred Stock”). Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one vote on all matters, including the election of directors, and, except as otherwise required by law or provided in any resolution adopted by our board of directors with respect to any series of Preferred Stock, the holders of the shares of Common Stock will possess all voting power." However, "holders of Class B Common Stock, voting together as a single class with the Class A Common Stock, may only vote in connection with" certain specified matters, adds the SEC Form 8-A. The registration of the three new classes of stock is according to the terms of the reorganization plan approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, and represents a minority share in total. Citadel is initially issuing only a portion of the Class A shares for trading.

* ICBC Broadcast Holdings President and COO Charles Warfield will receive this year's National Radio Award. The award will be presented during the Radio Show Luncheon, Friday, October 1, taking place during the 2010 Radio Show in Washington DC. "NAB is proud to honor Charles Warfield as this year's recipient of the National Radio Award," says NAB EVP of Radio John David. "His entire career has been devoted to bettering the business that he loves and the communities that ICBC radio stations serve. Charles has been an exemplary leader and role model, and his dedication to ICBC, NAB, and the entire Radio profession make him an ideal choice for this noteworthy award." Warfield has worked in radio for over 32 years, managing some of America's most successful stations, and serving as President and COO of ICBC since July 2000. Warfield , the current NAB Radio Board Chairman, also serves on the RAB Executive Committee. His community involvement includes the American Red Cross, The Urban League, The Salvation Army, United Negro College Fund, The Partnership for a Drug Free Greater New York, and The Harlem YMCA. Each year the National Radio Award honors an individual who is an outstanding leader in the radio industry. Previous National Radio Award recipients include Ed Christian, Bruce Reese, Jerry Lee, David Kennedy, John Dille, Lowry Mays, Jeff Smulyan, Bill Stakelin, and Erica Farber, among others.   [More »]

* Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network and INRIX create the first traffic broadcast to include predictive traffic info. The companies also extend their relationship through 2015. Called Total Traffic HD Plus, CC's HD Radio data service provides what it calls "a faster, better-quality and less expensive alternative to satellite-based approaches." Clear Channel says that with Inrix, traffic information is delivered at speeds 10 times faster than other broadcast and satellite solutions providing real-time speeds and congestion on over 260,000 miles of roads covering all major metro areas and connecting highways across North America. With "Predictive Traffic Flow," traffic forecasts and travel times are based on the current traffic conditions and sophisticated analysis of how those same conditions are expected to change over time. It also provides up to the minute fuel prices and availability from over 110,000 gas stations.

* Microsoft's Zune replaces Sirius XM as the inflight audio programming supplier for United Airlines. Zune is offering 21 playlists to United passengers. "United is committed to providing our customers with innovative onboard entertainment options, and we look forward to working with Zune and Microsoft to create new onboard experiences," says United SVP/Chief Marketing Officer Tom O'Toole. "We are excited about this collaboration, which will allow millions of United customers to experience Zune and discover new music through select Zune custom playlists from top artists," says Microsoft Senior Business Development Manager Dave McLaughlin.

* Clear Channel News-Talk WLW-AM, Cincinnati, midday talk host Mike McConnell exits to join WGN-AM, Chicago. WLW announced his departure Monday (June 7), effective immediately. "We'll miss Mike," said President and Market Manager Chuck Fredrick. "We've long known that Chicago has represented a 'dream market' for Mike – and we firmly believe everyone has the right to chase their dreams. We wish him all the best." In an announcement on the WLW Website, the station adds: "McConnell has served 700WLW Cincinnati since the mid 1980's, first as production director and later as a talk host. The station indicated that long term evening talk host Scott Sloan will fill in temporarily on the Midday broadcast while the search for a permanent replacement for Mr. McConnell is conducted. The entire staff of 700WLW wants to take this opportunity to thank Mike for his years of service to The Big One and the Tri-State area. Few radio personalities are able to reach a community in a way Mike has and that will be missed. In life people start down new roads and begin new adventures all the time. We hope everyone joins us in wishing Mike all the best in this new beginning of his career." Monday night, Tribune confirmed that McConnell will be joining WGN-AM, for an airshift to be announced, starting August 9. That confirmation came only after WLW released McConnell in advance of the official expiration of his contract. TPMedia sources in the Windy City tell us that the shift has already been determined internally, but is not being announced because the host to be replaced has not yet been told. There's already speculation in the market that could be Steve Cochran, who was moved into a shorter, earlier 1-3pm slot on WGN-AM earlier this spring. His contract is set to expire at the end of June.

Tribune's news release tells us: "There are really just a handful of truly unique radio hosts in this country – and Mike is one of them. He's successful based on being who he is, not by imitating others. He's straightforward, and his common sense approach to topics will be a great fit for WGN listeners," says WGN VP and General Manager Tom Langmyer. "He has tremendous experience and a winning track record as a local talk host. He'll be a great addition to our growing programming line-up." WGN Program Director Kevin Metheny adds, "Mike McConnell is arguably the most gifted of all American broadcasters at leveraging the news and events of the day into compelling radio shows. We're fortunate and delighted he is joining WGN." The Tribune news release also quotes McConnell: "I've always enjoyed Chicago and never met anyone who's lived, worked, or visited there who has a bad word to say about the people or the city of Chicago. I can't wait to be a part of it and particularly WGN Radio."

As we told you here, WLWT-TV reported sources said Thursday (June 3) that Mike McConnell is leaving WLW-AM "to take a radio gig at Tribune’s WGN radio in Chicago. McConnell gave notice [May 28] and will end his show at the end of July," the sources told "News 5" WLWT-TV. Previously we reported here: "Both Mike McConnell and Bill Cunningham could be leaving WLW-AM when their contracts expire this summer for Tribune’s WGN, run by former WLW-AM friends Randy Michaels and Sean Compton," wrote the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Kiesewetter. He wrote that "something definitely is up." Kiesewetter says when he asked Cunningham if he would be going to Tribune-owned WGN-AM, in addition to doing the daytime TV talk show pilot for Tribune stations, he said: “Don’t make me talk about this. All I can say is that I work for WLW-AM for now… I can’t talk about it. I’m going to get into trouble. When I can talk about it, I’ll call you.” As the media reporter noted, while that's not a confirmation, it's not a denial either. Tribune CEO Randy Michaels also commented in a way that indicated something was going on, wrote Kiesewetter. Michaels was quoted as saying, “All I can say is that I can’t say anything.”

* Prescott, AZ, City Councilman Steve Blair is fired from KYCA-AM, Prescott, over a mural controversy. Blair spearheaded a public campaign to remove the mural. In a broadcast last month, according to the Prescott Daily Courier, Blair mistakenly complained that the most prominent child in the painting is African-American, saying: "To depict the biggest picture on the building as a Black person, I would have to ask the question: Why?" In audio archives of his radio show, Blair discusses the mural. He insists the controversy isn't about racism but says the mural is intended to create racial controversy where none existed before. "Personally, I think it's pathetic," he says. "You have changed the ambience of that building to excite some kind of diversity power struggle that doesn't exist in Prescott, Arizona. And I'm ashamed of that." Faces in the mural were drawn from photographs of children enrolled at Miller Valley, a K-5 school with 380 students and the highest ethnic mix of any school in Prescott. The "black guy" in the mural is based on a student of Mexican descent, says a school official. R.E. Wall, director of Prescott's Downtown Mural Project, said he and other artists were subjected to slurs from motorists as they worked on the painting at one of the town's most prominent intersections. "We consistently, for two months, had people shouting racial slander from their cars," Wall said. "We had children painting with us, and here come these yells of (epithet for Blacks) and (epithet for Hispanics)." Wall said school Principal Jeff Lane pressed him to make the children's faces appear happier and brighter. "It is being lightened because of the controversy," Wall said, adding that "they want it to look like the children are coming into light." Wall said thousands of town residents volunteered or donated to the project, the fourth in a series of community murals painted by a group of artists known as the "Mural Mice." The school's principal says the request was only to fix shading and had nothing to do with political pressure. The controversy, and Blair's role in it, resulted in KYCA firing him from his job as a talk show host. [More »]

* Rich McMillan joins Clear Channel AC "Magic 96.5" WMJJ-FM, Birmingham, as Program Director. Most recently, McMillan was Adult Brands Operations Manager for the company's group in Miami. McMillan's previous programming stops include Chicago, Cincinnati and Kansas City. Says Market Manager Ray Quinn, "As the heritage Adult Contemporary brand in the market and home to The Magic Morning Show with Rob & Jeannine, it was crucial we find the programmer who is war tested and can take Magic to the next level. Rich is a solid programmer with experience managing some of the greatest brands in radio today." Operations Manager Tom Hanrahan adds, "I've finally found someone who loves Magic more than I do. Rich is awesome. He's a pro with talent, understands Magic's deep roots in the Birmingham community and has a firm grasp of where we are headed as a format."

* Hot AC "100.3 The Sound" WSDD, St. Louis, brings in Todd Violette as Music Director and morning host. He starts at the Clear Channel station June 21. Program Director Jeff McHugh says Violette offers a big difference from other morning show hosts in that he's "funny and entertaining but can still play a lot of music" while also being relevant. Violette previously was PD at Cumulus Hot AC "B95.1" KBBY, Oxnard-Ventura, CA, and sister Hot AC KRUZ, Santa Barbara. Prior to that, he worked at KZZO-FM, Sacramento, and KRBZ-FM, Kansas City.

* CBS Radio teams with Bermuda's Tourism Department on marketing campaign to reach U.S. East Coast tourists. Phase one of the campaign includes CBS Radio personalities taking trips to Bermuda — including WFAN, New York, host Boomer Esiason; WCBS-FM's Dan Taylor, WOGL, Philadelphia, host Cadillac Jack; and, Gregg Daniels and Brian Mitchell of DC's WIAD-FM and WJFK-FM, respectively. All will report on their trips for listeners, while Esiason and Taylor will broadcast live from Bermuda. The second phase of the promotion will feature vignettes highlighting each personality's trip and inviting listeners to book their own Bermuda vacations, as well as segments on Bermudians including local retailers, hotel staff, golf pros, and chefs. The third phase will involve trip recaps by the personalities. The marketing campaign emphasizes that Bermuda is within two hours by air of many East Coast cities.

* Triton Digital Media acquires StreamTheWorld, a content delivery network focused on the broadcast industry. Preiously, Triton Digital was the largest individual StreamTheWorld shareholder and exclusive marketing partner in the U.S. Triton will now merge StreamTheWorld with Ando Media to create The Ando Media Group. StreamTheWorld President and CEO Yves Eric Laliberte becomes President of the new group. "StreamTheWorld and Ando have been working cooperatively for several years now to deliver a server side targeting solution that propels the industry forward. The merging of the companies was a logical step to advance this development and further innovation," says Triton COO Mike Agovino. Adds Laliberte, "After working with Ando for many years and tracking the evolution of the business and marketplace, it became clear that an integrated offering providing a turnkey solution would simplify the value chain and stimulate marketplace growth. Our combined platform will enable us to work with clients from the inception of the stream through the successful delivery of targeted ads. The more straight-through the process, the more efficient and effective the results for our clients." Agovino adds, "We’ll start by vertically integrating the offerings to enhance the value proposition to our clients. Long term, the new Ando Media Group will lead the way forward providing the innovation, technology and monetization offerings this rapidly growing space needs and our clients have come to expect from Triton."

* Apple introduces the iPhone 4, a thin new iPhone offering video calling over WiFi to another iPhone 4. The newest version for the first time offers the ability to run multiple apps at the same time. Big Apple Steve Jobs says the iPhone 4 has 32 gigabytes of storage, a gyroscope to improve motion detection, HD video recording capability and two cameras, front-facing and rear-facing. The back camera has been upgraded to five megapixels. iPhone's latest version is said to be 24% thinner than the previous model with "much improved battery life." Apple CEO Jobs said at the company's Worldwide Developers Conference Monday (June 7) that it's the "most precise thing" and "one of the most beautiful things we've ever made," echoing comments he made when the previous version of iPhone was introduced.

* John Rook's Hit Parade Radio ceases operations Sunday (June 6) due to a lack of funding. Operations Director Vic Thomas says, "It all comes down to money, and over the last couple of weeks, for various reasons, our major funding sources have gone away, including Harris Broadcasting, who decided not to move forward." Thomas, who was also part of the on-air lineup that included Chuck Brinkman, Larry Lujack and Ron Foster, adds in a memo to affiliates, "I know for many of you it has already been a source of profit, but the expectations were to make it better than ever," he continued. "Unfortunately, that takes money. Call it the bad economy, the current state of the broadcasting industry, or just bad timing. Whatever the causes, we gave it our best shot." Thomas joined Earthworks Entertainment's Hit Parade Radio slightly over a year ago. At the time, HPR President John Rook said, "Vic's vast experience and 30 years in radio will greatly insure the success of HPR." Hit Parade Radio was a fulltime Oldies radio network targeting an over-50 audience.

* "The Fan 590" CJCL-AM, Toronto, baseball reporter and host Mike Wilner is suspended for the weekend, with a controversy ensuing. Although the station won't comment on why Wilner was suspended, Toronto media speculation centers on the suspension resulting from Wilner's pointed questions for Blue Jays manager Cito Gaston last week. Wilner and Gaston exchanged testy questions-and-answers after a game, and Wilner wrote about the incident on his station blog, saying that "It’s unfortunate that I can’t have a legitimate discussion about strategy with the manager without him feeling as though he’s being attacked (or at least reacting as though he’s being attacked — I don’t know what he was feeling), but such is life. I don’t need to be belittled by the skipper in front of the entire assemblage when I’m asking legitimate, rational questions about a situation that he brought up earlier in a conversation. It was definitely a rough day for me at the ballpark, and then a rough day for the Blue Jays. I’m very much looking forward to the day off." Both the Jays and "The Fan 590" are owned by Rogers. Program Director Don Kollins said, "All I can say is Mike has the weekend off." The Toronto Star's Chris Zelkovich reports that Baseball Writers Association of America Toronto Chapter Chairman Richard Griffin of the Star has written a letter to the Jays and "The Fan 590" voicing concern over the right of "Wilner or any other reporter to ask challenging questions." The letter adds, "The concern... is that this amounts to an attempt to either censor or intimidate the media coverage that the Jays receive on a daily basis in all four newspapers and the wire services." Says Zelkovich, "The writers don’t usually send such letters unless they think the smoke is accompanied by fire."

* Conservative radio talker Rush Limbaugh ties the knot with West Palm Beach resident Kathryn Rogers. The Saturday (June 5) wedding took place before a large group of celebrities gathered at the Florida resort’s Ponce de Leon ballroom. The Palm Beach Post reports that according to sources at The Breakers, Limbaugh hired as many as 50 private security guards and three uniformed Palm Beach Police cops, including two in boats at sea. The hotel was shut down to those who didn’t have a room key most of the day. "Among the dozens of giant bouquets of white roses, the famous faces lit by the glow of hundreds of candles included those of: former Bush White House weasel Karl Rove; former presidential hopeful and Law & Order star Fred Thompson; former Kansas City Royals slugger George Brett; Fox News talker Sean Hannity; former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani; New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft; former Clinton White House weasel James Carville and his wife, GOP analyst Mary Matalin; and golfer Tom Watson, among others," writes the Post's Jose Lambiet. Rogers, 33, and Limbaugh, 59, met in 2004 as she ran a charity golf tournament for golfer Gary Player’s non-profit and Limbaugh was a celebrity duffer. This is Limbaugh's fourth marriage. Elton John was expected to serenade the newlyweds Saturday night. Some reports indicated that the singer-songwriter was offered $1 million to perform at the wedding.

* Westwood One says sportscaster Marv Albert will be leaving Westwood One's NFL broadcast team. Boomer Esiason will continue to serve as lead analyst for Westwood One's Monday Night Football and Super Bowl broadcasts alongside a play-by-play announcer that has yet to be determined. "I thoroughly enjoyed my eight seasons with Boomer Esiason and the rest of the Westwood One crew, but I just felt that with my commitments to NBA telecasts and other projects, I wanted to cut down my schedule moving forward," says Albert. "We thank Marv for eight great seasons as the voice of Monday Night Football and the Super Bowl," says Executive Producer of Westwood One Sports, Howard Deneroff. "There's only one Marv Albert, and his unmistakable voice and signature style made listening to him as much of a joy as it was working with him. We wish him well in future endeavors."

* B. Paiz is named Program Director and afternoon host at Urban “96.7 The Block” WKJX-FM, Elizabeth City, NC. He replaces Jay-Tek who recently exited. Paiz previously programmed Clear Channel's "100.1 The Beat" WXBT-FM, Columbia, SC. WKJX is owned and operated by East Carolina Radio of Elizabeth City, which recently launched “96.7 The Block,” replacing AC "Mix 96."

* Citadel Media’s "The Michael Baisden Show" adds Seattle, Las Vegas and Des Moines to its station list. With the three new affiliates, the program is now heard on 75 stations across the country. Joining the Baisden lineup are KYIZ, Seattle; KCEP, Las Vegas and KJMC, Des Moines. “We’ve already received fantastic feedback from our listeners who tell us they appreciate the dialogue of the show and are using what they’ve heard to initiate conversations on the same topics with their family members at home,” says KCEP-FM General Manager Craig Knight. “Michael is a rare talent and his perspective on the issues facing our community has been a welcome breath of fresh air for our station.” In February, Baisden launched the One Million Mentors Tour and has been on a 72-city trek delivering his message on the need for mentors in local communities. In each market along the tour, local and national mentoring organizations have seen significant increases in registrations for mentors. Baisden is also credited with leading the Jena Six March in Louisiana in 2007 and is a highly-regarded leader in the African American community. "The Michael Baisden Show" remains the top-rated afternoon show (Adults 25-54) in Miami, Charlotte, Baltimore, Cleveland and Orlando. Recent PPM figures also indicate strong audience gains in NYC, Philadelphia, Atlanta and DC.

* NPR President and CEO Vivian Schiller says Internet-delivered radio will replace broadcast radio within 10 years. NPR affiliate stations probably weren't too excited by her comments made at the D8 All Things Digital conference in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. Schiller suggested that radio towers "are going away in ten years." She said that NPR is seeing digital radio adding to its audience size rather than cannibalizing the audience, and stressed that the programming will remain free to the end user, however it is delivered. Schiller speaking at the Digital conference also talked about how difficult it is for journalists to monetize their work on the Internet, especially the startups doing local and regional work, and said that NPR can create partnerships with those parties and smaller regional stations to help them reach a larger audience. She responded to moderator Kara Swisher's characterization of NPR's npr.org as a "supersite" saying, "It's not a supersite, it's a super network. I think the day of a supersite, if there ever was one, is long over. We're not trying to create some megaportal. What we're trying to create is a network of information that can be shared, that is publicly supported, that is quality journalism, that involves partnership, not acquisitions or merger but partnership between the smaller regional startups, the regional stations.... This is not a top-down, world domination thing. This is a network." Asked whether NPR could be supported without its local affiliates, Schiller said that the "lifeblood of NPR is the local station."

* The FCC prepares for special Auction No. 88 – 30 bidders apply to take part in the July 20 auction. Available will be CPs that have become available. The FCC says 22 of the applications for the auction are good; however, eight are incomplete. Those who filed the incomplete applications are being notified by overnight correspondence of their status, being told what is missing, and given until June 17to fix their filings. “Auction 88 will resolve pending closed groups of mutually exclusive applications for full-power FM and FM translator construction permits that have been the subject of various Commission and judicial decisions,” wrote the FCC when it originally announced the auction. “Included in these groups are twelve applications that were recently amended to specify operation as commercial broadcast stations. Auction 88 will also resolve mutual exclusivity between applications for a new AM station on 640 kHz in the Terre Haute, Indiana, area.”

* Citadel emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after completing its financial restructuring. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York approved the broadcaster's Plan of Reorganization on May 19, with an effective date of June 3. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland signed the confirmation order approving the plan, despite the objections of Aurelius Capital Partners. Citadel Broadcasting Corporation, the third largest radio group in the U.S., says in a June 3 announcement "it has successfully completed its financial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11." Its senior lenders took 90% of the equity of the formerly-public company run by CEO Farid Suleman. Citadel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on December 21. The company’s debt has been reduced by two-thirds from $2.14 billion to $762.5 million. In rejecting objections from Aurelius, and approving Citadel's plans, last month, Lifland said "The debtor has met the burden of confirmation." Citadel Broadcasting is comprised of 166 FM stations and 58 AM stations, in addition to Citadel Media radio network. "We're glad it's over and we can get on with running the company," Suleman said after the judge's May 19 ruling.

* Bonneville names Pete Gammell to the new position of News Director for the Bonneville Seattle Media Group. Gammell will oversee all news gathering and news content across each Bonneville Seattle radio outlet and digital media channel. The Bonneville Seattle stations are "News Talk 97.3" KIRO-FM, "710 ESPN Seattle" KIRO-AM, and "770 The Truth" KTTH-AM. Most recently, Gammell served as the first online content manager for MyNorthwest.com. "We are generating more news, from more places, than ever before. We break news stories on our talk shows, our blogs, our social media sites, and also in our newsroom," says Gammell. "Our opportunity is to harness all of this content and distribute it via multiple channels." Gammell started working at KIRO in 1999 as a morning news desk assistant before becoming an editor and a weekend reporter. In 2005, he left for KCBS-AM, San Francisco, as Associate News Director. While in the Bay Area, Gammell oversaw KCBS.com and the day-to-day news operations including story development, assignments and on-air production. "Pete's radio and digital experience make him the ideal person for this newly created position as we look to innovative and find efficient ways to integrate and deliver Bonneville Seattle content across multiple platforms," says Seattle Operations Manager Ryan Hatch.

* Clear Channel names Andrew Lee Director of Information Programming for its seven-station Minneapolis group. Lee will also serve as Program Director for News-Talk KTLK-FM. He starts both positions June 28. Previously, Lee was PD and morning producer for Journal Broadcast Group News-Talk KQTH-FM, Tucson. "Andrew has a successful track record of developing new and exciting content, coaching talent, and growing listenership, and we are pleased to welcome him to this new role," says Clear Channel Minneapolis President and Market Manager Mike Crusham. "We're confident in Andrew's ability to continue driving outstanding radio programming here in Minneapolis." Lee tells us, "I am delighted to join the Clear Channel Radio team in this vibrant radio market," said added Lee. "I look forward to working closely with Mike Crusham, Rob Morris, Gregg Swedberg and the entire programming team to build on the success of these unique stations."

* NPR appoints Jeff Perkins, managing partner at Huntbridge, Inc., as VP and Chief People Officer. It's not a new position for NPR, but it is a new job title. HR's Kathleen Jackson is departing. As explained by NPR, "Chief People Officer" is a job title used at more progressive organizations. "For NPR, the title signifies that its people and our HR strategies are essential to our mission and business goals," says NPR Spokesman Emerson Brown. Perkins will report to SVP Operations and FInance Debra Delman, starting July 6. "Jeff brings deep experience in human resources and an extensive media background to NPR," says Delman. "I'm delighted to have him on board to help us achieve our ambitious goals." In his new role, Perkins will lead the development of NPR's human resources, talent management strategy, and will be central in cultivating an effective corporate culture. Perkins comes to NPR from Huntbridge, Inc., a human resource and consulting firm he founded and before that, held positions at various media companies including Fox Interactive Media. "NPR is a natural fit for me: a world-class media outlet bringing information, news, music and viewpoints about an endless variety of topics to audiences both on-air and online," says Perkins. "I look forward to working with this very talented team of people in a city I have long called home," says Perkins.

* Accuradio is among the targets of a new round of patent suits by Fowler Woods. The suits claim Accuradio, BlogTalkRadio, Huffington Post, and others infringe on its patents for a "method for displaying advertisements with played data." Fowler Woods sued Pandora and other streamers over the same patent earlier this year, saying its patent dates back to February 2002.

* Arbitron and Spanish Broadcasting System offficially enter into a settlement agreement. SBS agrees to encode for Arbitron's Portable People Meter techology in PPM markets and extends its agreement with Arbitron for the use of PPM ratings in those markets. SBS Chief Revenue Officer Frank Flores endorsed the outcome. "Both Arbitron and SBS are committed to working together to address SBS’s previously-voiced concerns about the impact of the PPM service on minority radio broadcasters," says Flores. "SBS is gratified that it has reached an amicable resolution with Arbitron." Arbitron President and CEO William Kerr says, "SBS is a valued client, and we look forward to growing our relationship, and moving forward together in a productive and meaningful way. We believe that the radio industry is best served when Arbitron and broadcasters work collaboratively." In April we reported that Arbitron and the PPM Coalition settled "their outstanding disputes and plan to move forward collaboratively." Under the leadership of House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Arbitron and the PPMC have worked jointly with the Media Rating Council (MRC) to implement a series of steps designed to enhance the recruitment methodology of the PPM ratings service. These enhancements include the addition of address-based sampling with targeted in-person recruiting to increase PPM panelist participation in key market segments. "Arbitron remains committed to the continuous improvement of our PPM ratings service," said Kerr at the time. "We have worked with the PPMC and the MRC to design these initiatives, and we believe they will help Arbitron deliver the quality data that our customers expect. These initiatives, together with other elements, are part of a larger ongoing program by Arbitron to obtain and retain MRC accreditation." Previous to the April 22 announcement, Spanish Broadcast System (SBS), a member of the PPM Coalition, and Arbitron had both indicated a settlement in their dispute might soon be announced. At the time of the agreement between the PPM Coalition and Arbitron, Flores said, "We are very pleased with the settlement. We hope it marks the beginning of a new kind of partnership with Arbitron where we all work together to continuously improve the PPM service which we believe will instill a new level of confidence in its results." Earlier Flores indicated ongoing mediation might well produce a final agreement which also includes the dismissal of lawsuits by the two sides against one another.

* NextMedia officially emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy — looks to the future. The company now has $135 million in new debt financing, and a new $55 million equity investment from new investors. NextMedia says it's now in the process of satisfying all remaining obligations to its vendors and landlords. Says President and CEO Steve Dinetz, "With the completion of our reorganization well within the accelerated timetable we set for ourselves, we have strengthened our financial position and are now solely focused on the execution of our operating and strategic plans. The process has had no impact on our day-to-day operations, and did not result in any changes to our management team or employee headcount. Indeed, we continued to invest in our operations while restructuring – notably adding to our roster of digital outdoor displays and building out NextMedia360, our cross-platform radio and digital initiative. With our customer centric focus and strong financial footing, we are well positioned to continue to serve our clients, invest in our businesses and capitalize on the improving advertising environment." NextMedia filed for Chapter 11 reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in December 2009, owing $162.3 million to its first lien lenders, headed by Wilmington Trust as agent, and $89.6 million to second lien holders, headed by NexBank. Those second lien holders agreed to convert their debt to equity and invest $55 million in new equity, whereby they ended up owning 95% of the company’s equity. NextMedia Group owns and operates 33 AM and FM radio stations, as well as over 5,700 outdoor advertising displays across several regions and markets.

* Emmis begins its tender offer to shareholders to allow CEO Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition to take Emmis private. JS Acquisition seeks to purchase substantially all of Emmis' outstanding shares of class A common stock for $2.40 per share in cash. Alden Global Capital is providing financing for JS Acquisition, and with the agreement Alden Managing Director Heath Freeman was elected to the Emmis board on May 25. The tender offer will expire on June 29, unless extended. JS Acquisition's offer is worth $71.3 million assuming the purchase of all class A common stock. The offer price is said to represent a 74% premium over the 30-trading day average closing price of the shares and a 118% premium over the 180-trading day average closing price, at the time of the announcement last month. On May 25, Emmis Communications signed a definitive merger agreement to go private under Smulyan's JS Acquisition. Smulyan, the Emmis Chairman and CEO, formed JS Acquisition for the purpose of taking Emmis private.

* Premiere Radio Networks is now offering Redlasso's Pro Prep Service to stations on a barter basis. The Pro Prep Service, says Premiere, "is a powerful tool designed specifically for radio stations, allowing users to quickly and easily create custom audio clips from hundreds of sources to enhance their on-air offerings." Redlasso CEO Al McGowan tells us, "As Redlasso continues our substantial growth, we look forward to the expertise that Premiere Radio Networks brings in offering our distinctive radio products more broadly to the radio industry." Premiere Content and Affiliate Relations President Julie Talbott adds, "We’re excited to partner with Redlasso to provide radio stations with this unique audio asset. The Pro Prep Service provides a vast collection of easily-accessible content; the response from stations has been tremendous."

* Former radio Sports Talk host Michael "Mike" Murphy files a class-action suit against CBS Radio Chicago. The suit over a non-compete clause is on behalf of the employees working at the cluster since 2002. Crain's Chicago Business reports the suit was filed in a Cook County, IL, court over what Murphy alleges are illegal terms in the company's employment contracts. He claims that the geographic restrictions put on an ex-employee are prohibited by Illinois law. Murphy worked at "The Score" WSCR-AM, Chicago, until last summer. His non-compete deal ended in May. According to an excerpt of his contract, included in the lawsuit, Murphy was prohibited from working at any outlet within 50 miles of the station, unless he first offered his services under similar terms to the CBS station. A CBS Radio spokeswoman declined to comment, reports Crain's. The lawsuit was filed as a class action on behalf of all Illinois CBS broadcast employees with such covenants working at the station since January 1, 2002. While the lawsuit didn’t specify damages, Murphy’s attorney, Lucas Fuksa, said the damages would amount to millions of dollars. The class could extend to employees at other stations, he said. “If people are in a similar situation, I would be willing to help them out, because situations like this are a flagrant disregard for Illinois law,” says Murphy.

* Clear Channel Columbus Market Manager apologizes for "News Talk 610" WTVN-AM immigrant promotion. The apology from Brian Dytko was aired late Thursday afternoon (June 3), two days after Hispanic interest groups threatened to go to the FCC over the promotion that spoofed Arizona's new illegal immigrant law. Dytko says the station has received hundreds of calls protesting the promotion. The giveaway offered the winner a trip to Phoenix "where Americans are proud and illegals are scared ... You'll spend a weekend chasing aliens and spending cash in the desert. Just make sure you have your green card!" On air at WTVN, Thursday, he said: "This is Brian Dytko, Station Manager of WTVN with a message regarding our station’s recent 'Win a Trip to Phoenix, Arizona' promotional contest. Our contest was meant as a humorous response to a City of Columbus ban on travel to Arizona by city employees. In fact, a key element of the promotion was that city employees were specifically invited to enter the contest. We regret that our promotional copy has been characterized as condoning violence. This was not our intent, and we do not condone violence of any kind. We apologize for our actions here. We are always striving to engage our community on important issues of the day and sometimes we do a better job than others, but we always take the input of our community seriously."

* A Miami radio Sports Talk host is orally reprimanded for comments regarding Utah and "crazy" Mormons. In Utah, Deseret News reports that WQAM-AM host Sid Rosenberg called Utah "gorgeous" but "a horrible place to live." He was interviewing Jazz power forward Carlos Boozer on-air. Rosenberg then asked Boozer, "But those Mormon people are crazy, aren't they?" Boozer — who makes his offseason home in the Miami area, and went on the show to promote his charity-supporting basketball camps — responded that Utah is "beautiful" and "a great place to raise your kids.'' The two-time NBA All-Star also said multiple times that the state's many Mormon residents are "not bad at all." WQAM Operations Manager Lee Feldman said via email: "Sid was given a verbal warning and has been told to stay away from religion as a whole." Feldman said also said he feels "that this whole thing has been blown way out proportion" and that Rosenberg "asked the question if Mormons were crazy in a very tongue-and-cheek manner and absolutely no malice was intended." Feldman wrote, "I know Sid and he is not a bigot, nor does he have a hateful bone in his body. As far as taking a shot at Utah, Sid said that it was beautiful but a horrible place to live, which is a matter of opinion."

* The offices of a radio station group in the Bullhead - Lake Havasu City, AZ, area are destroyed by fire. The Wednesday morning (June 2) fire forced the stations off the air, reports the area's News-Herald. The fire at a strip mall resulted in the complete destruction of Cameron Broadcasting’s offices and the offices for Xpress Graphics. Loss was estimated at $2 million. All six of Cameron Broadcasting’s stations remained off the air. “(Thursday) afternoon we’ll be back on the air with the Knack out of the Lake Havasu studio,” said Cameron Broadcasting’s Robyn Swart. “K-Flag and Lucky will come back on the air as quickly as possible after that.” The fire has been reported in radio trade journals and Websites and the result, according to Swart, has been an “outpouring of support.” She adds, “Locally, we’ve had a real outpouring of support from businesses and listeners. And some stations from California offered some extra equipment if we need it.” Ft. Mojave-Mesa and Bullhead City Fire Departments responded to the fire with two engines, a tanker, ladder truck and a combined 34 firefighters. No one was injured in fighting the fire. An investigation determined the fire was accidental, starting in an electrical sub panel in one of the office suites. In Lake Havasu City, Cameron broadcasts KLUK-FM (Lucky FM), KNKK-FM (the Knack) and KFLG-FM (K-Flag). Cameron also broadcasts KAAA-AM in Kingman, KZZZ-AM in Bullhead City and KFLG-AM in Bullhead City and Kingman.

* A Sacramento radio personality says he was injured after being assaulted in a road rage incident. Pat Walsh of "NewsTalk 1530" KFBK-AM, Sacramento, says he was driving when three men in a truck pulled up beside him after a close call on an off-ramp and began making obscene gestures, reports CBS13 KOVR-TV. "Next thing I know I thought I was in Dodge City," says Walsh. "The guy says, 'Let's take him out, boys,' just like that." The alleged assault left Walsh with stitches on his forehead, a fractured jaw and bruised biceps. The attackers kept up the violence until he was sent tumbling down a ravine, Walsh claims. "I felt like a pinball game. I was being hit by every angle." Authorities say they have not arrested the suspected assailants even though they have identified them. Walsh memorized the license plate number of the suspects and reported it to the California Highway Patrol, who identified the suspects and interviewed them. Authorities say they have not determined who instigated the fight. "That's part of the investigation, the totality of the victim's involvement, the suspects' involvement, and what the witnesses saw at the scene," CHP Officer David Martinez tells KOVR-TV. Authorities say the investigation could lead to felony or misdemeanor charges against the suspects, or no charges at all.

* An Ohio man is cleared of theft from nonprofit Christian radio station WPOS-FM, Holland, OH. Jack Karsten said he'd been waiting for the exoneration since first being investigated for thefts at the radio station. A Common Pleas Court judge Friday granted the dismissal of charges against Karsten, who was contracted by the nonprofit organization to make journal entries and balance the checkbook. Two felony counts of tampering with evidence and one misdemeanor count of tampering with records were dismissed. "The things I was accused of never happened," says Karsten, who adds, "It's ruined my business." Karsten tells the Toledo Blade, "I'm trying to rebuild my business, but at 62, I'm running out of time." Karsten and a co-defendant were charged with thefts from WPOS-FM. The station's former General Manager, Richard Waldron pleaded no contest May 5 to one count of aggravated theft. Waldron was found guilty of stealing about $25,000 from Maumee Valley Broadcasting Association, which operates WPOS-FM. He's to be sentenced June 23. As part of a plea agreement, six counts of forgery will be dismissed and the prosecutor's office will recommend community control, according to the Blade. Authorities said Waldron used WPOS checks and a credit card for personal use. In particular, between January, 2004, and September, 2008, Waldron spent the station's money on personal expenses including travel, food, and retail purchases, authorities said. He also wrote checks to himself and was paying himself more for health insurance than he was entitled. The thefts were discovered when board members began examining the station's finances. Karsten was initially accused of facilitating those thefts by altering the records. After additional information was made available, the state dropped the charges.

* Longtime small market radio owner and consultant Robert "Bob" V. Doll dies of a heart attack. Doll, who passed away on June 1 in San Antonio, had a 59-year career in the radio business, working as an air personality, manager, owner and consultant for stations throughout the Midwest. He launched the Small Market Radio Newsletter in 1983, and continued to contribute to the publication after selling it in 1993. Commenting on Doll's passing, NAB EVP Dennis Wharton said in a statement, "The entire radio community has lost a true friend and great ambassador for small market stations. Bob's encyclopedic knowledge of small-town radio was surpassed only by his friendly demeanor. His presence at this year's Radio Show will be sadly missed, but he won't soon be forgotten."

* Former longtime KESZ-FM, Phoenix, AZ., morning host Bill Austin dies at 55, after a battle with bladder cancer. He was the co-host of "Beth & Bill" until he retired from the station in February after nearly 20 years on the air. The Arizona Republic writes that Austin's jovial personality first came to the Valley's attention when he handled the weather for Channel 12 (KPNX), a job he had for nine years before leaving in 1994. For four years, he juggled both the weather and radio jobs. Beth McDonald, who co-hosted more than 4,000 shows with Austin, said she lost a dear friend. She was by his side during his last few days. Austin had entered a hospital a couple weeks ago but recently had entered hospice. "The past 20 years had so many moments," said McDonald. "Every day was fun. He'd walk in (to the station) in the morning and say something, even if it was just about the drive in, and we'd start laughing and off we'd go." Their rapport was quick from the start, she said. "He was just so quick and he made my job very easy." Their appreciation for one another grew outside the radio station. "He wasn't just my radio partner, he was like a brother to me," she said. "It was a radio marriage but the most pure relationship I think I ever had." A couple of days before Austin died, he told her, "I sure miss doing that little radio show." Wednesday morning (June 2), McDonald said, "in true Bill fashion, he signed off at exactly 10 o'clock." KESZ-FM has posted a tribute to Bill Austin here.

* Report: Former Dallas afternoon talk host Russ Martin could be returning to Dallas radio. The Dallas Observer's Richie Whitt reports: "Two radio industry sources say that CBS Radio and Clear Channel Communications are in negotiations on a deal that could bring controversial and wildly popular radio host Russ Martin back to Dallas radio early this summer." The sources indicate that, should an agreement be reached, "Martin — whose Russ Martin Show was taken off the air in December 2008 when CBS flipped formats from guy talk Live 105.3 to sports talk 105.3 The Fan — will host a morning drive show on Clear Channel's 97.1 The Eagle as early as July." Whitt tells us one source says, "Russ and his gang are ready to roll. They've already got their start date." Martin did not return an email inquiry and CBS SVP & Dallas Market Manager Brian Purdy offered only a "no comment" when asked about Martin's status. Martin's CBS contract is scheduled to pay him an approximate $1 million salary through April 2011. Clear Channel would need to buy out the remainder of that contract. In exchange, CBS would drop Martin's non-compete clause.

* After 62 years of operation, "Classic 99" KFUO-FM, St. Louis, will leave the air Tuesday, July 6. Gateway Creative Broadcasting, which has acquired the Classical station, says they will move their Contemporary Christian programming to 99.1 on July 7 at 7am. "Classic 99" Director of Operations Dennis Stortz says, "KFUO-FM was the first FM station in St. Louis. It has touched and affected many people for 62 years. We need to take the next month and several days to honor the folks that came before us, to honor our listeners – to say 'thank you'." The sale of KFUO-FM by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to Gateway Creative Broadcasting was approved by the FCC last month. The Synod had owned KFUO-FM since 1948.

* The latest Accustream Research report predicts online and mobile music listening will increase 15% in 2010. Accustream's "Online and Mobile Music Spins and Media Spend: 2010-2012" forecasts a rise to 8.3 billion hours, and forecasts total listening hours will grow 22% by 2011. Accustream says that Time Spent Listening (TSL) to online music rose 9% in 2009 to 7.27 billion from 6.67 billion in 2008, despite consolidation in the radio Webcasting industry. Pandora holds the top spot with a 20% share, up from 11% in 2008, followed by CBS Radio at 19.1% and Clear Channel, 18.8%. Listening hours supported by advertising or available to in-stream media placement was down 5.4% in 2009 to 2.79 billion. Listening hours either supported by or available for in-stream advertising increased 27.9% in 2008, to 2.9 billion. Gross media spend (audio/video/mobile avails) sold against listening hours is forecast at $135 million in 2010. Gross media spend associated with streaming music sites, online music track plays and mobile totaled an estimated $95 million in 2009. Of that, $83.7 million was associated with in-stream audio placements, $11.6 million in video ad spend and $2.2 million on the mobile platform.

An evaluation of advertising supported listening (excluding Shoutcast and paid subscriptions) reveals a 5% drop in monetizable inventory in 2009 as large, pure-play services Yahoo Radio and AOL Radio were folded into CBS Radio, while independent operators grappled with royalty rate structures assessed against audience size. Ad supported listening hours are forecast to improve 20% in 2010, however, as inventory sellout rates continue to rise, royalty rates slightly more favorable to smaller operators are reset and mobile platforms achieve greater scale. Audio and video ad sales made up approximately 50% of total media spend made against Internet radio, generating market value of $168 - $190 million in '09 including all paid placement, from banners to rich media executions. Sellout is forecast to reach 55% and generate $135 million in 2010 (audio and video media buys alone), a 41.6% growth spike; the market grew by 13.9% in 2009. The current year's estimates acknowledge much greater emphasis being made by terrestrial broadcasters with online extensions to implement a highly localized sales strategy. In addition, more sophisticated geo-targeting solutions, better national sales execution and bundled solutions provided by third party representation firms like TargetSpot and Triton Media — plus the emerging mobile platform — point toward a solid growth year. Mobile music media spend is forecast at $6.7 million in 2010. [More »]

* FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn offers strong suppoprt for the proposal to reclassify broadband under Title II. In a Thursday (June 3) speech at a Media Institute luncheon in Washington, Clyburn endorsed the proposal by fellow Democrat, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. Democrat Michael Copps also supports the move. That means Genachowski's plan to give the Commission renewed authority to enforce net neutrality has a clear majority on the five-member Commission. "To me, it makes sense given the hand we were dealt by the D.C. Circuit back in April, and it is the most efficient and least burdensome way to expeditiously address some of the most pressing challenges in the telecommunications sector today," said Clyburn. Despite the in-house support for putting broadband under Title II, there's strong opposition from Congress, which appears to want the FCC to wait until lawmakers specifically give the Commission legislative authority to deal with the issues.

* Longtime co-host Fish is leaving the "Connie & Fish" morning show at CHR-Top40 "Z104" WZEE, Madison, WI. He says he wants to pursue other interests. “This has been something Fish has been considering for months and involves him taking his career in new directions,” says Clear Channel Market Manager Jeff Tyler. “While we are sad to see him go, the staff — and especially Connie — wish him absolutely the best, and support his decision to try something new in his career. It’s something I think all of us have considered at one time or another and wished we had acted on.” Says Fish, “Connie has been an incredible partner and friend. She made getting up to do the show fun and unpredictable. We will always be more than just two voices on the radio. We have shared a lot of ourselves with our listeners and each other. She’s one of the best.” Connie & Fish, who met in college, have been working on-air together for 14 years, and they debuted at "Z104" nearly a decade ago. Connie, who will continue to host the show, said, "We can never replace Fish, and we’ll always be friends and fans of each other, but we’re going to have a blast on the air auditioning some great talent for the co-host position.”

* More than 30 groups are jointly asking the FCC to look at "hate speech" and a possible link to hate crimes. The National Hispanic Media Coalition is joined by more than 30 other groups in asking the Commission to "examine the extent and effects of hate speech in media, including the likely link between hate speech and hate crimes, and to explore non-regulatory ways to counteract its negative impacts." The filing urges action on a petition filed by the NHMC more than 17 months ago. The coalition of mostly liberal groups tells the FCC: "As traditional media have become less diverse and less competitive, they have also grown less responsible and less responsive to the communities that they are supposed to serve. In this same atmosphere hate speech thrives, as hate has developed as a profit-model for syndicated radio and cable television programs masquerading as 'news.' The Internet gives the illusion that news sources have increased, but in fact there are fewer journalists employed now than before. Moreover, on the Internet, speakers can hide in the cloak of anonymity, emboldened to say things that they may not say in the public eye." The filing asks the Commission to collect data on "hate speech." It says: "Collection of the data is an essential task, even if the Commission does nothing more than turn that information over to the public, researchers and other government entities. This will help NHMC et al. to hold the media accountable." The coalition does not say how "hate speech" would be defined and cites several instances of racial and political violence without demonstrating a link to media.

* Clear Channel Radio renews with Fox News Radio as primary national news service for 100+ News-Talk stations. The renewal agreement is for an additional five years. "As we approach the fifth anniversary of Fox News' launch on 100 of our stations, it's clear this is one of the most successful branding relationships in all of media," says Clear Channel Radio President and CEO John Hogan. "We continue to expand this relationship with our news/talk stations because the quality of the Fox News product continues to be outstanding." Adds Fox News Radio EVP Kevin Magee, "Our original relationship helped propel Fox News to be a preeminent player in the radio industry. We look forward to continuing this highly successful affiliation with Clear Channel Radio."

* "B101" WBEB, Philadelphia, owner Jerry Lee will auction James Bond's Aston Martin for charity. The 1964 Aston Martin DB5 is dubbed by auto auctioneers RM Auctions as the "world's most famous car." It will be auctioned off in London October 27 and is expected to bring in over $5 million. The car is being sold by Lee, who convinced the Aston Martin Lagonda factory to sell it for $12,000 in 1969, becoming its first and only ex-factory owner. Lee says that Don Rose, who was in the record business and sold his record label, is friends with Mike McVay of McVay Media. Rose called McVay wanting to see if he could introduce him to Lee. Rose, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Aston Martin Owners Club, asked to come down and take some photos of the car at Lee's house on behalf of the Owners Club. Rose took a number of photographs, says Lee, who then asked Rose what he thought the Aston Martin was worth. According to Lee, Rose said at least $5 million, maybe more. That got the WBEB owner thinking about what the money could do for his Jerry Lee Foundation, which specializes in problems such as poverty, crime prevention and educational research. Says Lee, "I’ve owned this car for 40 years. It sits in my house. I love the car, but I am equally passionate about what I do, trying to change the world though rigorous education and research in crime."

* New Jersey Broadcasters Association First Vice Chairman Dick Taylor becomes an Assistant Professor. Taylor, a veteran radio manager, is named to his new position at the School of Broadcasting and Journalism at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. Most recently, Taylor was Market Manager for Clear Channel Tri-State in Sussex County, NJ. Taylor has been a senior manager with Clear Channel for the past five years and a member of the board of directors of NJBA for over 15 years. Here at TPMedia, he is best remembered as the GM at WFPG, Atlantic City, who fired Mark Harris as morning host in the mid-1980s.

* Slacker Radio 2.0 adds a new offline song-caching feature. It took nearly half a year to reach the App Store, but Slacker Radio 2.0 is finally available for the iPhone and iPod touch, reports PCWorld. "The Slacker service competes in the same streaming radio space as Pandora, though this major 2.0 upgrade brings a new trick to the table: offline caching of radio stations," says the published report. Slacker Radio is a personalized, streaming radio service for iPhone, iPod touch, Android phones, BlackBerries, Palms, Sony TVs, and even some Blu-ray players. Just in time for AT&T's money-saving-but-less-bountiful new data plans, Slacker's new iPhone OS client allows for offline caching of up to 25 radio stations. Slacker Radio is free to download and use, although a paid Slacker Radio Plus subscription is required to enable caching. Slacker Radio is TPM's partner for our online customized Total Popular Music radio stations.

* Tom Joyner has a new Chicago station — one that's in the main market area. Joyner’s syndicated show has been airing on Crawford Broadcasting Urban AC “Soul 106.3” WSRB, licensed to suburban Lansing, since last spring, after Clear Channel’s “V-103” WVAZ replaced him with Premiere’s Steve Harvey, ending Joyner's 13 year run on the station. But WSRB’s signal doesn't cover much of Chicago. Now, co-owned “Power 92” WPWX is simulcasting Joyner's morning show, giving Joyner two signals in the market, the newest a more powerful 50,000 watt signal. “Power 92” adjusts its schedule to accomodate Joyner. His Reach Media purchases the airtime on WSRB, but WPWX is airing the show as a regular affiliate. No one is out. The morning host moves to 9am-noon, and other shifts are shortened.

* Toledo-from-Virginia radio talk show host and Program Director Brian Wilson resigns — NOT! Wilson announced Tuesday morning (June 1) that he's exiting WSPD-AM, Toledo, less than a week since it was reported that he had already left the area because living there was making him ill. Wilson said he was taking a job in another market. But later in the day, he came back on the air to say it was only a joke. Says Wilson, he's not going anywhere. Well, he has already gone somewhere – Virginia. But he will continue broadcasting in Toledo, from Virginia. Last week, a Toledo newspaper reported Wilson had been talking about the Toledo region and its politics while broadcasting from Virginia more than 500 miles away. After his physical absence from the area was uncovered by the newspaper, Wilson finally told his listeners the truth last Thursday (May 27), saying he was forced to move out of the Toledo area because living there was causing him physical illness. "The reason that [my wife] and I were forced essentially to leave the Toledo metropolitan area is because Toledo was making me sick. And I don't mean that in the political sense... but if you have known people who have moved in from other areas, there is something in the air, in northwest Ohio and the Toledo area." His wife resigned as Clear Channel Toledo Director of News Operations and news anchor in May 2009. Wilson, who hosts an afternoon show on WSPD, is also Program Director and News Director.

* Juan Fina is promoted to National Sales Manager for SBS Radio Miami. Fina, who has been in sales for SBS/Miami for 10 years, will now oversee national spot sales, and coordinate and oversee national network representatives. The SBS Miami stations are WCMQ, WRAZ, WRMA, and WXDJ. "Juan has a stellar sales record and possesses great knowledge of accounts, agencies, clients and buyers, which are all key elements to accompany our Miami radio stations' present and future goals," says SBS Radio Miami VP and General Manager and SBS Forensic Operations Manager Jackie Nosti Cambo. "We want to extend our congratulations toward Juan for his promotion. With his leadership, knowledge and experience, we're confident that he will play an integral part in leading SBS Miami to the top." Fina has also worked in sales for Hispanic Broadcasting Corp. and Ackerley Communications.

* Citadel Broadcasting names Greg Simonson and Pamela Godfrey as Directors of Corporate Sales. Both join Citadel from the Katz Media Group. In the newly-created positions, they will be responsible for developing integrated programs designed to generate regional and national revenue while utilizing the company's full portfolio of assets. Simonson and Godfrey will also work with Citadel Media, the company's network division, to create incremental sales opportunities for its syndicated products. Simonson will remain based in Atlanta, while Godfrey will be in Citadel's New York office. "Greg is the consummate professional and has developed a reputation with both his agency and direct clients as someone who consistently exceeds their expectations by delivering successful programs and partnerships," says VP of Corporate Sales Darrin Klayman. "I've been fortunate to work with him and observe firsthand his passion for this business and tremendous ability to drive sales and foster relationships. Adding Pamela to our team is also a tremendous win for Citadel. She brings valuable experience from both the agency and client perspective with a true understanding of new business development. Her creativity and leadership will be instrumental as we expand our overall sales focus." Simonson joined Katz Media in 1995 and has managed sales for the company's offices in Detroit and Los Angeles prior to his most recent assignment heading the Katz office in Atlanta. Godfrey joined the Katz Media team in 1997. As VP/Sales Manager for Katz Marketing Dimensions, she had managed the New York sales staff and new business prospects as well as coaching and training. Her most recent role was with Katz Marketing Solutions.

* Premiere Radio Networks names Nunzio DeGregorio VP of New York Sales. DeGregorio will oversee the Premiere Radio Networks New York City sales team, reporting to Eastern Region Sales SVP Cathie Mongarella. "We couldn't be happier to welcome Nunzio to the Premiere family," says Mongarella. "His track record of developing creative and innovative marketing solutions for customers, along with his strong leadership skills across a varied portfolio, make him a tremendous asset to our team." DeGregorio most recently was Director of Corporate Sales for Citadel Broadcasting.

* Dan Lawrie is the new VP and Market Manager for Cox Media Group San Antonio. He moves from the same position at CMG Tulsa, where he was Market Manager since 2003. The San Antonio cluster is comprised of KKYX-AM, KCYY-FM, KISS-FM, KTKX-FM, KSMG-FM, KONO-AM and KONO-FM. "Dan is one of our best leaders, and he is perfectly suited to grow our cluster in San Antonio," says CMG Group VP Ben Reed. "He has done an exceptional job leading our team in Tulsa for the last six years, and we are thrilled that San Antonio will reap the benefits of Dan's leadership." Lawrie tells us, "We have excellent properties in San Antonio and some great people running them. I'm leaving one great team in Tulsa and joining another in San Antonio." Reed adds that CMG will open the Tulsa Market Manager position to a national search. Prior to joining CMG, Lawrie was with Clear Channel Radio Oklahoma City.

* Citadel Regional President Kevin Legrett is named VP and Market Manager for Clear Channel Radio Rochester. Legrett, who oversaw 24 Citadel stations in Buffalo, Syracuse, Binghamton, Ithaca and Erie, PA, returns to his hometown where he replaces Karen Carey, who resigned in May, at Clear Channel Rochester. Says Clear Channel EVP George Toulas, "I am very pleased that Kevin is joining Clear Channel as Market Manager of our Rochester radio cluster. I love his passion, leadership skills and he's a hometown boy!"

* Clear Channel Radio Digital SVP of Digital Programming & Marketing Paul Miraldi resigns. Miraldi will exit August 2 to pursue new opportunities after more than a decade with Clear Channel. EVP Evan Harrison says in a memo, "Paul Miraldi has been a part of our culture for a long time and many of our successes and accomplishments can be traced back directly to his stewardship... Paul has consistently earned the respect and gratitude of those with whom he worked. He has never yielded to change and he leaves as he arrived — with class and a look forward to new opportunities."

* Acting Program Director Catie Wilber is officially named PD of Triple-A "92.5 The River" WXRV-FM, Boston. Wilber, who was already Music Director, was named Acting PD when Beau Raines exited last October. Says WXRV General Manager Donald St. Sauveur, "After a nationwide search, I realized that the most capable and trusted PD in the country was right here all the time. She knows the music scene, lives the lifestyle of our listeners and reflects this independent radio station's identity." Wilber began her radio career with WXRV in 2002 and was promoted to Music Director in 2006.

* Pandora raises more money through equity investors that include GGV Capital and Allen & Company. The amount of funding was not disclosed. Pandora previously raised $57 million total. Pandora CEO Tom Westergren has in the past said he has little interest in taking his company public, and the the new funding makes a public offering even less likely in the forseeable future. Meanwhile, Nielsen's latest study of mobile applications ranks Pandora as the fifth most popular application used on the iPhone and Blackberry, and fourth among Android apps.

* The Advertising Research Foundation (ARF) welcomes newest members — Dial Global and Clear Channel. Says Dial Global President of Operations Charles Steinhauer, "We are very excited to expand our relationship with the ARF. It is an exciting time for media and radio specifically. The ARF continues to produce quality programs to deeper understand today's trends and consumer interactions with media." Clear Channel EVP John Partilla says, "Clear Channel has a powerful and differentiated integrated media platform, and now more than ever media buyers need high-quality third-party research and metrics that reveal their effectiveness. We applaud the ARF's leadership in creating an ROI model that will demonstrate the full value of these innovative new platforms."

* A new study from Bridge Ratings suggests radio needs to use social marketing for its business benefits. The report, released June 1, finds: "For the first time since social marketing has become a legitimate form of reaching consumers, Bridge Ratings has confirmed that not only does the strategy work, if done by using field-tested hierarchy tactics and messaging, the impact on corporate growth over-reaches and out-performs any other marketing strategy." The study was conducted between January 15 and April 30, 2010. Data was accumulated through in-person interviews, telephone interviews, social media focus groups and Web surveys. The sample consisted of 2322 persons ages 6-54. The analysis confirmed heavy consumption among the sample in the following social areas: Social Networks, News & Bookmarking, Blogs, Microblogging, Video Sharing, Photo Sharing, Message boards, Wikis, Virtual Reality sites, and Social Gaming. "Among the most interesting results of this new study is the discovery of a hierarchy of social media that consumers progress through over time", explains Bridge Ratings President Dave Van Dyke. "The usage pattern is different for each demographic category and the pattern migrates based on user experience. The more aligned the marketing is to the usage patterns, the more effective the results." The concept of social network hierarchy behavior is evident through each demographic life group and serves as a more effective strategy for reaching consumer targets with brand messages. Van Dyke adds, "In every case we tested, an increase in product engagement was noted. And we learned that there are specific criteria that require special attention, including the fact that social media is not all things to all people. Not all consumers use social networking sites in the same way." Other tactics include focused product messaging, repetition, timing, staggering and flighting messaging. As quickly as social media are being adopted by the public, the number of options facing today's social media marketing strategist expands. Because of the vast landscape of tools available, not all social media marketing is equal, says the report on the new study. "This Bridge Ratings study has clarified for us that even at this early stage, demographics, lifestyle and personal interests direct which social media will have the best affect on accelerating consumer demand." [More »]

* Beasley Broadcast Group enters a management services agreement with GGB Las Vegas for two stations. BBG's agreement with GGB, formed by Beasley Broadcast Chairman and CEO George Beasley, is to provide management services for Las Vegas stations R&B Oldies "105.7 The Oasis" KOAS-FM and Alternative Rock “Area 107.9” KVGS-FM, which are being acquired by GGB. Beasley, which owns three stations in the market, says it "expects that the transaction will be immediately additive to its operating results." GGB has secured an option to buy KOAS and KVGS from Riviera Broadcast Group for $8.5 million. That transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter. In the meantime, GGB Las Vegas will operate the stations under an LMA. George Beasley says, "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." Under the management services agreement between BBG and GGB, Beasley will receive 40% of any ad revenue sold by its existing Las Vegas sales teams for KOAS and KVGS until GGB completes the acquisition of the stations. Once the stations are acquired by GGB Las Vegas, Beasley Broadcast will provide both stations with sales and other management services for 50% of the monthly station operating incomes. The management deal between BBG and GGB will have an initial term of three years. In addition, GGB has granted BBG an option, with a term concurrent with the management agreement, to purchase KOAS and KVGS for the cost of acquiring the stations from Riviera – $8.5 million – plus any losses incurred. The three stations currently owned by Beasley in Las Vegas are Country KCYE-FM, Classic Hits KKLZ-FM and News-Talk KDWN-AM.

* Black Crow Media receives court approval of a move for post-petition financing and to use cash collateral. Black Crow's motion to obtain that authorization has been granted by U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Paul Glenn in Jacksonville, FL. The move was opposed by GE Capital, which claimed perfected liens and interests in over $1.3 million in open purchase orders (the "cash collateral"). While those liens remain in effect, the court ruled that the only way for Black Crow to get financing to continue operating was to grant a first priority preferred security interest in the company's cash and accounts receivable and a mortgage. GE Capital will receive $1.88 million in payment of the "undisputed cash collateral," and will be supplied with weekly reports including pacing reports, cash collections and disbursements on a category basis, and unaudited balance sheets.

* Citadel asks U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Burton Lifland to approve a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Citadel wants to extend its contract with the Dodgers to air its games on Talk KABC, Los Angeles for another season. Citadel’s current three-year agreement with the team expires October 31. The broadcast company reached an agreement with the team for a one-year extension that increases the Dodgers commission for in-house sales from 9% to 13% and raises the guaranteed fee by 7.7%. Citadel tells the Manhattan bankruptcy court that approving the one-year extension is in everyone’s best interests. A hearing on Citadel’s request is set for June 11.

* Sirius XM shareholders vote to give the board of directors authority to do a reverse stock split if needed. That's considered a reserve measure at this point, as Sirius XM continues above the Nasdaq $1 per share minimum, but just barely. A reverse split would shore up the stock price, and keep it above Nasdaq's minimum if it again falls below $1. Shareholders overwhelmingly approved giving the board of directors the OK to do the reverse split, if it becomes necessary, at their annual meeting. Although several options are possible, a reverse stock split could be for as much as 1-for-25. The new authorization goes for one year.

* The Elvis Duran Group partners with consultant John McConnell to launch a new radio syndication division. McConnell, the former ABC Radio Networks SVP of Programming, will work directly with Duran Group CEO David Katz to develop content and talent for radio syndication and digital distribution. "John's integrity, credibility and talent are of the highest order, which makes him the ideal person to guide our vision of creating and delivering exceptional programming," says Katz. "We're honored and humbled to have him join the Elvis Duran Group." McConnell tells us, "I have been fortunate to work with the best of the best in radio and Elvis is at the top of the list. David and I have done a number of very successful deals together so I'm excited to come on board to help take the company to the next level." Duran adds, "I love John McConnell! He's one of radio's best and truly a good man." In addition to partnering with Elvis Duran Group, McConnell will continue his work with his McConnell Media consultancy. Formed in January 2009, McConnell Media, a traditional and new media consultancy, focuses on content and talent development. While heading up programming at ABC Radio Networks, McConnell was involved on the content side with ESPN Radio Network, ABC News Radio, The Huckabee Report, Michael Baisden, Sean Hannity, and Paul Harvey, among others.

* Beasley’s WDRR, Augusta, GA, flips from Classic Rock "93.9 The Drive" to Adult Variety Hits "93.9 Bob FM." WDRR, licensed to Martinez, GA, is now promoting, "We play anything" as "Bob." The former "Drive" Classic Hits format was launched in 2005, after a year where the station showed little growth as Classic Country "93.9 The Big Dog." The Website for "The Drive" — www.939thedrive.com — now displays a splash screen for "93.9 Bob FM" telling visitors the new site is "under construction." The new format can be heard by clicking the "Bob Knob" on the splash screen.

* Adult Hits "100.9 The Bridge" WKLI-FM, Albany, NY, names Tim Noble as Program Director and afternoon host. Most recently, Noble was PD at crosstown Clear Channel Alternative "Channel 103.1" WHRL-FM. Noble previously was Assistant PD and Music Director at Clear Channel's Alternative "K-Rock" duo WKRL-FM and WKRH-FM, Syracuse, where he also hosted nights. "100.9 The Bridge" launched in February, when its former "Magic" format moved to AM sister WROW. Both stations are owned and operated by Albany Broadcasting.

* United Stations Radio Networks (USRN) adds the Nashville-based “Tony & Kris In The Morning Show.” USRN will handle the marketing of the Country show to both radio affiliates and national advertisers. USRN President and COO Jim Higgins made the announcement at USRN’s New York headquarters. Hosts Tony Randall and Kris Rochester previously self-syndicated the show through their Tony and Kris Productions in partnership with Cumulus Broadcasting. The show launched in November 2009. Tony and Chris have been an on-air duo since 1991, five years after each began their radio careers. They first teamed in Gadsden, AL, but are best known for their 10-year run at KSON, San Diego. They later spent five years at crosstown rival KUSS before starting their own company. Cumulus currently has “Tony & Kris in the Morning” on seven of their Country Stations, and an eighth affiliate, the first non-Cumulus station on the new Tony & Kris network, was also added recently. USRN has plans to greatly expand that syndication.

* BIA/Kelsey raises its forecast for 2010 radio industry revenues as first-quarter returns show increases. BIA/Kelsey says it "has slightly raised its outlook for the radio industry in 2010." Based on first-quarter results from a number of radio ownership groups, other market intelligence and a renewed optimism for the industry as a whole, BIA/Kelsey now expects total radio industry revenues to hit $14.21 billion, an increase of 3.7% over last year. The higher forecast, which appears in the second edition of BIA/Kelsey’s quarterly "Investing In Radio Market Report," also reflects radio’s continued success in incorporating digital and mobile plans into its overall strategy. “We’re confident that there is still a lot of room for growth in radio, but it will be a slow and steady rise that shouldn’t be measured by the results of a single quarter,” says BIA/Kelsey VP Mark Fratrik. “The impact of this year’s growth will be seen across many markets and is likely to reflect the areas around the country that have seen an economic upturn.” BIA/Kelsey's updated five-year forecast for the radio industry also shows that they expect revenue growth to hit $14.7 billion in 2011 and then reach $16.5 billion by 2014. Radio’s position in the overall local marketplace is also significant when compared with the revenues of other local media including direct mail, newspapers, television and Yellow Pages. According to BIA/Kelsey’s Media Ad View reports, over-the-air radio ranks fourth in 2009 U.S. local media revenues, with 10.5% of the $130.2 billion total. Media Ad View provides research, trending and analysis across 12 media categories. “In order for radio to maintain its position in the wider local media marketplace, it needs to continue to grow its broadcast revenues concurrent with its digital prospects,” says Fratrik. ”Returning to revenues that were last seen by the radio industry in the early part of the last decade will come from utilizing traditional over-the-air assets combined with mobile and other digital solutions.” [More from BIA/Kelsey »]

* Mediaguide's AdMonitor says placement for Theme Parks and Resorts appears to be back in full swing. The three top Theme Park radio advertisers showed Cedar Fair Entertainment (Dorney Park, Knotts Berry Farm) at #1 followed by Six Flags combined with Magic Mountain at #2. Third was Busch Entertainment (Seaworld and Busch Gardens). Other Theme Park advertisers so far this year include Universal Orlando Resort, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Darien Lake Theme Park and Lagoon Amusement Park.

* Clear Channel flips “97.3 The Brew” WQBW, Milwaukee, to CHR-Top40 “Radio Now 97.3“. With the Friday morning flip, the station is positioned between between Entercom's CHR-Top 40 "Kiss 103.7" WXSS and their Hot AC "Mix 99.1" WMYX. Total Popular Music founder and MHBC programming chief Mark Harris says, "Looking at the first hour of music aired by the station, it looks a lot like my format — a Mass Appeal approach to CHR with the Hottest Hits, but limited only to those which are adult friendly. Every song aired in the first hour was one which is a major CHR hit, but also has appeared on the Hot AC chart – and, more important to me, on our TPM Super Sixty." Clear Channel Milwaukee VP and Market Manager Jeff Tyler seems to confirm Harris' assessment. "Now is the time for Milwaukee to have an exciting, contemporary music format that women from 25 to 54 can be passionate about," says Tyler. The Friday morning flip occurred as the station segued from Europe’s “The Final Countdown” ending the "Brew" format into Ke$ha’s Tik Tok — followed by Train's Hey, Soul Sister; B.o.B/Bruno Mars' Nothin' On You; Orianthi's According To You; Taio Cruz's Break Your Heart; Kris Allen's Live Like We’re Dying; Lady Gaga's Alejandro; Jason Mraz's I’m Yours; The Script's Breakeven; Black Eyed Peas' Boom Boom Pow; La Roux's Bulletproof; and Ke$ha's Your Love Is My Drug. TPM EVP, and CWDS founder, Jay Thomas says he's been listening "a lot" to the new “Radio Now 97.3“ and disputes its description as CHR. "Top 40, yes. CHR, no. This is an Adult Top 40," says Thomas. "And I agree with Mark, this is a steal from our Total Popular Music format, whether or not they are aware of that." The new “Radio Now 97.3“ is online at 973radionow.com. Clear Channel flipped AC "Lite 97.3" WLTQ to the '80s-based "Brew" in 2004. If speculation that former Smooth Jazz WJZX, currently stunting, was correct that it is/was to launch a "Now" CHR-Top40 format, then it appears Clear Channel got the jump on WJZX with its Friday morning flip (May 28).

* “Tiger Radio" on WJZX, Milwaukee, may air longer than originally planned, thanks to WQBW flip. Duane Dudek of the Milwauke Journal Sentinel confirms much of what we had originaly speculated about the two format flips in Milwaukee. First he recaps: "Thursday, Saga-owned WJZX-FM (106.9), the artist formerly known as Smooth Jazz, switched to a gag / stunt format called 'Tiger Radio,' playing songs about cheaters like Tiger Woods. It appeared to be a prelude to a format switch of some sort that was supposed to be revealed Friday at noon. Sports Illustrated, and some newspapers, ran stories on the gag. And then Friday, Clear Channel station WQBW-FM (97.3) switched from The Brew and its 80s rock format, to a high energy contemporary hits, aka Top 40, format that it calls Now Music." Dudek raises two questions previously raised here: Was Saga scooped by Clear Channel? Or did Saga outflank Clear Channel and force their hand? Dudek then writes, "Saga did not unveil its new format at noon Friday [May 28] as promised, and WJZX President and General Manager Tom Joerres indicated it might not anytime soon. He said the plan was always to run the gag format through the holiday weekend. And he refused to say whether the way it played out was a belly flop or a swan dive. But he did suggest that the announced switch caused Clear Channel to act." Meanwhile, says Journal Sentinel TV and film critic Dudek, Clear Channel Milwaukee VP and Market Manager Jeff Tyler "wouldn't speculate on Joerres' motives." He did tell Dudek the switch at WQBW had been planned for several months, but admitted that it "got a little bit rushed," referring to the switch at WJZX forcing their hand.

* Jamie Pendleton's Pendleton Broadcasting takes Over Rhythmic CHR "Cube 104.5" KQQB-FM, Spokane, WA. Pendleton signs a longterm LMA with licensee KMJY LLC, with an option to buy the station, and a booster, for $1 million during the contract term, effective June 1. "This is a great deal for an impressive group of investors," says broker MCH Enterprises' Brett Miller. "Pendleton has a great vision and game plan to attack the Spokane, Washington Radio market." Says Pendleton Broadcasting CEO Jamie Pendleton, "Spokane Washington is a very vibrant advertising market. The growth of the area and youth at area local colleges provide endless opportunity. We are looking forward to adding more format flavor to the market. Spokane Washington now has it's own Hits & Hip Hop Station. We will super serve the community and bring the area's music entertainment scene up a notch, something our competitors have failed to do in this market." McGavren Guild Media will represent the station for national sales.

* Denver's former "Jack FM" duo KJAC and KCUV are quickly re-assigned to Front Range Sports Network. We have now confirmed that this was apparently the original intent of purchasing the stations while not acquiring the station's call signs or rights to their "Jack FM" format. A new Sports Talk operation is about to launch in Denver. We previously reported that Moreland Properties closed on its acquisition of KJAC-FM and KCUV-FM, Denver, for $5 million, acquiring the stations from Tim Brown's NRC Broadcasting. Now it turns out that one of the principals of Front Range Sports Network is Doug Moreland, who heads Moreland Properties. Another Front Range principal is Sports Talk personality Tom Manoogian already well known in the market from previous stints at the former KOA-AM and KKFN-AM. Moreland Properties is assigning the stations, and two signal boosters in Boulder along with an FM translator, to Front Range Sports Network in exchange for a document which "forgives all principal and interest otherwise owed by Seller under the Loan." That's the $5 million loan that enabled Moreland Properties to buy the stations. Other principals of Front Range include ESPN football commentator and former Denver Post sportswriter Adam Schefter, sports business manager Marty Garofalo, and former Chicago Bears lineback Lee Kunz.

* New Northwest Broadcasters' Yakima, WA, stations face an unclear future, but for now it's "business as usual." The six stations are operating under temporary control of receiver company, Revitalization Partners. "The stations are on the air; it's business as usual," says Alan Davis, a principal with Revitalization Partners, the Seattle-based receiver company assigned to temporary control of New Northwest. "And it will remain business as usual throughout the process." Davis tells the Yakima Herald-Republic there appears to be "significant demand" from potential buyers, adding, "I haven't fully explored that demand. I can only tell you there appears to be." New Northwest Broadcasters has six stations in Yakima among its 31 radio outlets, and the licenses are being transferred to the receiver on their way to likely liquidation. There's no formal timetable for the receivership beyond a court order to proceed quickly, according to Davis. It's unclear whether the restructuring process would affect future staffing levels at the local stations. "It won't at all during the process. ... I can't comment further down the road than that, because it's not my responsibility," says Davis. New Northwest Yakima stations include Oldies "Cherry 100.9" KARY-FM, "K-USA Talk 980" KBBO-AM, CHR-Top40 "Hot 99.7" KHHK-FM, ESPN Sports Radio affiliate 1390 KJOX-AM, Adult Variety Hits "Bob 105.7" KRSE-FM, and Country 104.1 KXDD-FM.

* Conservative talk show host Glenn Beck apologizes for making fun of President Obama's 11-year-old daughter. Beck says he's sorry for a segment on his radio program in which he imitated the first daughter in a childish high-pitched voice and criticized her intelligence. Beck issued an apology on his Website Friday (May 28) after bloggers and parents objected to the tirade from Beck, who in the past has argued that the media should "leave families alone." Aol News reports that on his Premiere Radio Networks radio show, Beck mocked Malia Obama for asking her father if he'd managed to stop oil from continuing to spill out into the Gulf of Mexico. At a news conference Thursday, the president recounted how his daughter had asked him, "Did you plug the hole yet, Daddy?" — in an effort to illustrate how all Americans are anxious about the BP oil rig that's now become America's worst oil spill in history. Afterward Beck made fun of the anecdote, imitating Malia in a squeaky voice. "Daddy? Daddy? Daddy, did you plug the hole yet? Daddy?" he said. Then Beck's co-host Pat Gray responded as if he were the president. "Honey, not yet... Not time yet, honey. Hasn't done enough damage," Gray said. Then Beck took his argument a step further, saying the exchange reveals something about Malia's education. The 11-year-old and her 9-year-old sister Sasha go to Sidwell Friends, an exclusive and high-performing academy that's sometimes called "the Harvard of Washington's private schools." Friday's segment ran just two days after another piece on Beck's radio program in which he decried critics of Sarah Palin's family. "Leave people's families alone. I don't think I've ever... We've never done anything but protect families... Leave families alone," he said at the time. Under criticism from liberal blogs like Media Matters and others, Beck issued an apology saying, "I broke my own rule about leaving kids out of political debates. The children of public figures should be left on the sidelines. It was a stupid mistake and I apologize — and as a dad I should have known better."

* Clear Channel "News Talk 610" WTVN-AM, Columbus, promotion's giveaway angers immigrant groups. Immigrant groups are asking the talk station to apologize for promoting a Phoenix giveaway that it launched after Columbus' mayor suspended city travel to Arizona to protest its new immigration law. WTVN promoted the giveaway as a trip to Phoenix "where Americans are proud and illegals are scared." The Columbus Dispatch reports the contest was designed to capitalize on the maelstrom kicked up by Mayor Michael Coleman's decision, according to WTVN Program Director Mike Elliott. It was the most popular the station has had, he said. About 5,000 people entered the drawing for round-trip airfare to Phoenix, hotel accommodations, a "few pesos" and the opportunity to "spend a weekend chasing aliens and spending cash in the desert." The station encouraged Columbus city employees to enter. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed a law in April that allows local police to ask for immigration documents if they stop or detain someone they reasonably suspect is in the country illegally. At a news conference, Reform Immigration for America called the promotion insensitive and offensive and said it inferred a racial bias. The group supports providing documents to immigrants already living in the country without permission. Ohio Hispanic Coalition Chairman Jose Luis Mas said at the news conference that WTVN was inviting the contest winner to "spend a weekend hunting human beings." Elliott says the station does not plan to apologize. He disagrees that the promotion contained racial overtones. "It comes down to the word illegal for me. It's not a race thing. It's a legal thing," says Elliott. "If you're breaking the law, it doesn't matter where you're from."

* Toledo talker Brian Wilson tells listeners he was forced to move because living in the Toledo area made him ill. Wilson, who hosts the three-hour "Brian Wilson and the Afternoon Drive" that airs weekdays on WSPD-AM, has been talking about the Toledo region and its politics while broadcasting from Virginia more than 500 miles away. Since arriving in the fall of 2005, Wilson has filled the dual role of WSPD Program Director and 3-6pm host. Wilson on Thursday (May 27) told listeners he was forced to move out of the Toledo area because living rhere was making him ill. That came after the Toledo Blade uncovered the truth and began writing a series of articles. The Blade's Ignazio Messina writes, "According to records from Bedford County, Virginia, Wilson and his wife, Carolanne Wilson, paid $340,000 for a home in Huddleston, Va., on Dec. 15, 2009. The couple still own a home in Perrysburg [Ohio] according to Wood County records, but it is empty of furniture, and a neighbor on Tuesday said the Wilsons moved out five or six weeks ago." The report says that at the same time, Wilson has led his listeners to believe that he was still in Toledo. Three weeks ago, Wilson was conveying the impression to listeners that he was still one of them. Thursday (May 27), he told listeners, "The reason that 'Cassie' [Carolanne] and I were forced essentially to leave the Toledo metropolitan area is because Toledo was making me sick. And I don't mean that in the political sense, like I mean the deal with mayor pant-load and so on, but if you have known people who have moved in from other areas, there is something in the air, in northwest Ohio and the Toledo area." His wife resigned as Clear Channel Toledo Director of News Operations and news anchor in May 2009, following a station decision to replace WSPD's local midday news programming with newscasts from the company's Cincinnati Talk WLW-AM. Wilson added on his show, "What I have been told is that there is a residual of Toledo having been constructed on the former Black Swamp and if you're not born here, you don't enter the world with, I don't know, the immunities or you grow up being able to deal with it." He said he saw doctors who told him to move out of Toledo or he would "have a severely truncated career." An employee at Clear Channel Communications in Lynchburg, VA, said Wilson was broadcasting from that location but he had not been there for about a month. Messina writes, "Clear Channel refused for a second day to make Wilson available for an interview."

* KPRC-AM, Houston, talk host Michael Berry is in hot water over an alleged call for violence on his show. The Muslim civil rights group Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), has filed a complaint with the FCC. They allege Berry advocated bombing a proposed New York City mosque on his Wednesday (May 26) show. In his response to a caller named "Tony" who supported the right to build the planned mosque in New York, Berry said, "No, no, Tony, you can't build a mosque at the site of 9/11. No, you can't. No, you can't. And I'll tell you this – if you do build a mosque, I hope somebody blows it up... I hope the mosque isn't built, and if it is, I hope it's blown up, and I mean that." CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad says, "Calls for acts of violence against houses of worship must never be tolerated or excused. We ask the FCC to demonstrate that incitement to violence is never acceptable on our nation's airwaves." The Houston Chronicale reports that on Thursday (28), shortly after the Chronicle contacted his producer to ask about the comments, Berry posted a message on the KPRC Website describing the caller as “belligerent” and adding “I did NOT advocate bombing any mosque.” The newspaper says he did not return a message through his producer seeking comment and later said on his radio show that he would not talk to reporters. In a statement issued Thursday, Clear Channel, which owns KPRC, said, “Michael Berry has admitted that his comments regarding a proposal to build a mosque in New York near the site of the former World Trade Center were inappropriate, and he has apologized for those comments on air and in his blog.” Clear Channel also owns KTRH-AM, a sister station where Berry also appears. The manager of the two stations did not return a phone call, says the Houston Chronicle.

* Cleveland political radio ads calling for texting a Senator are under attack because drivers might text while driving. The spots are sponsored by two unions who are unhappy with service cuts for mass transit. the Amalgamated Transit Union and Transport Workers Union are purchasing time on Cleveland stations to urge people to send text messages to outgoing Republican Senator George Voinovich urging him to break ranks with his party and support a bill that would provide federal supplemental transit cash. According to reports out of Cleveland, the criticism of the politcal advertising on not on the message, but the use of texting. It's based on the assumption that most radio listening is done in cars. That means, according to critics, that drivers are effectively being urged to text while driving — a practice now almost universally condemned if not banned by local laws. The unions say they hope drivers willl remember the message and digits and send the text messages after they were park their vehicles.

* The FCC's broadband plan is drawing bipartisan fire from a majority of members of the House. More than half of the members of Congress are telling the Obama administration to think twice about reshaping broadband policy without their approval, reports Politico. In the past week a total of 248 members on both sides of the aisle raised concerns about the FCC's plan to reshape the regulatory framework for broadband services in order to adopt net neutrality rules. According to Politico, Republicans say doing so will reduce investment in broadband networks and kill jobs. Some Democrats say the FCC should wait for further direction from Congress. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski does not need Congressional approval to adopt net neutrality, the controversial rules that would require Internet service providers to treat all Web traffic equally. Genachowski, who has the support of President Obama in pursuing net neutrality, has received political cover from senior Democrats, including Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) to move forward. AT&T, Comcast and Verizon, the biggest Internet service providers and staunch net neutrality opponents, writes Politico, have raised loud alarms on Capitol Hill, sending the message that the FCC’s actions likely will be challenged in court. Consumer advocates who support net neutrality say this week’s flood of letters is “is nothing more than a demonstration of the unparalleled political and lobbying muscle of the telecommunications industry,” according to Gigi Sohn, president of Public Knowledge, a public interest group.

* The NBA and ESPN Radio team for a 15th season of NBA Finals. ESPN Radio will air live, national play-by-play coverage of the NBA's post-season and the Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Basketball Hall-of-Famers Hubie Brown and Dr. Jack Ramsay will serve as analysts with play-by-play commentator Jim Durham. ESPN The Magazine senior writer Ric Bucher will also serve as an on-site reporter while Marc Kestecher will serve as on-site studio host with analyst Will Perdue.

* Brian Kilmeade will host the new Fox News Radio "Kilmeade and Friends," starting June 1. The 9am-noon show replaces "Brian and the Judge," which Kilmeade has been hosting with Judge Andrew Napolitano in that time slot since 2006. Fox News Radio says the new show will features news and pop culture interviews and commentaries, with occasional input from Fox News Channel correspondents including Gretchen Carlson and Steve Doocy, who with Kilmeade co-host the cable network's "Fox and Friends." Says Fox News Radio EVP Kevin Magee, "Brian is an exceptionally talented host in the television and radio industry. We are thrilled to be working with him on this endeavor that will showcase his unique style and ability to engage listeners on a wide range of topics and issues."

* Jamillah Muhammad is named Program Director of Radio One's Urban AC "Majic 102.3" WMMJ, Washington DC. The veteran programmer replaces Kathy Brown, who exited last month, starting June 4. Most recently, Muhammad programmed Clear Channel's Urban AC “Mix 92.3" WMXD, Detroit. Previously, she was Program Director of Urban "V100" WKKV, Milwaukee.

* The FCC shoots down an across-the-board AM power increase proposal from a broadcast engineer. New Jersey engineer Richard Arsenault’s petition to the FCC for an across-the-board increase in AM power levels has been rejected by the FCC. In a letter to Arsenault, Media Bureau Chief William Lake says, "We have determined that your proposal is not in the public interest because it would greatly increase the potential for interference between AM stations and would undermine the Commission’s efforts to improve the AM service."

* The NAB and iBiquity both file comments with the FCC responding to HD Radio power boost challenges. The broadcasters association and the HD Radio developer are responding to petitions for reconsideration and applications for review challenging the HD power increase. The NAB tells the Commission, "Rather than not adequately considering the objections of applicants and petitioners as they claim, the Bureau, based on the record before it, simply disagreed with the objectors' arguments." The NAB also says that "the Media Bureau was under no obligation to seek specific comment on the final NPR Study," adding, "the specific, limited action taken by the Bureau here was not dependent on resolution of other issues raised in earlier, pending petitions for reconsideration of the Second Report and Order that established certain service and operational rules for interim digital radio operations." iBiquity says the challengers "fail to demonstrate a procedural error, erroneous fact finding or conflict with past Commission precedent or case law that would warrant a reversal of the Order. Moreover, the filings do not provide a sufficient showing of good cause to justify the grant of a stay, as requested by some of the petitioners and applicants." iBiquity, meanwhile, is being challenged for even filing comments with the FCC by one of the challengers to the HD Radio power boost. Jonathan Hardis has asked the FCC to strike the HD Radio developers comments, claiming iBiquity "neither requested nor received leave to file a reply in this matter, and therefore this pleading is not authorized under Commission rules." Hardis also calls the comments by iBiquity unacceptably premature. "The time for filing oppositions to the petition runs from the date of public notice. Furthermore, 'positions to a petition for reconsideration shall be filed within 15 days after the date of public notice of the petition's filing.' With respect to the petitions for reconsideration, no Federal Register notices have yet been published, and iBiquity's Opposition is incurably pre-mature. Recent precedent is to enforce this point strictly."

* Sirius XM Radio says a free application is now available for users of supported Android-powered smartphones. The app, says the satcaster, gives Android users access to over 120 channels of sports, talk, entertainment, news, comedy and commercial-free music over cellular and WiFi networks. The Sirius XM app is available by visiting www.siriusxm.com/android. The app is compatible with a variety of Android-powered smartphones, including Motorola's Droid. After downloading the free app, users can register for a seven-day free trial to Sirius XM Premium Online on their compatible smartphones.

* The FCC is reminding broadcasters to be prepared for hurricane season, which began Tuesday (June 1). An FCC news release says that "with Federal officials forecasting above average hurricane activity along the southeast coast of the United States this year," the Commission "reminds communications service providers of FCC emergency contact information and the need for their participation in the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS)." Says the FCC, "Communications service providers needing emergency special temporary authorizations (STAs) or seeking consultation with FCC Bureaus and Offices about their communications recovery efforts after hours or on weekends may contact the FCC’s 24/7 Operations Center at 202-418-1122 or fccopcenter@fcc.gov. FCC contact information during regular business hours and more comprehensive details about the process for receiving STAs are available at: http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/services/sta.html." The Commission is urging "all communications service providers to participate in DIRS, our voluntary, Web-based system that allows wireless, wireline, broadcast, and cable providers to report communications infrastructure status and situational awareness information to the FCC during times of crisis." Hurricane season annually runs from June 1 through November 30.

* Emmis CFO Patrick Walsh tells employees nothing will change as Emmis goes private. In an email to the company's employees Walsh tells them that CEO Jeff Smulyan will still be the boss after his JS Acquisition and Alden Global Capital take the company private. The email to employees was also filed with the SEC. "Last evening, Emmis Communications and CEO Jeff Smulyan (through JS Acquisition which was formed for the purpose of completing the go-private transactions) announced plans to formalize the $2.40 per share offer to purchase Emmis’ Class A common stock and the offer to exchange Emmis’ preferred stock into debt," writes Walsh. "Earlier this week, Jeff and his investment partner, Alden Global Capital, signed a definitive agreement for Alden to provide the required financing for the go-private transactions. Jeff would ordinarily communicate this important information to you, but given his direct involvement in the transactions, I am pinch hitting for Jeff. Yesterday's announcement is the next step in the process Jeff and Alden announced on April 26, 2010. I wanted to send you this brief update because I’m certain you will read more about the go-private transactions in various industry trades in the coming days." Towards the end of the missive, Walsh reveals expectations as to when the privatization should be completed. "Successful completion of the go-private transactions is estimated to take three months. During this process and after the process concludes, regardless of the outcome, our work is unchanged: execute our strategy, hit our budgets and key metrics, and deliver for our listeners, readers and advertisers. In other words, we will keep you updated, but stay focused on what matters most in this important rebuilding year for Emmis." The full email to employees, as filed with the SEC is available here from TPMedia.

* Emmis Communications' tender offer to shareholders is set to begin no later than June 3. That's according to an SEC filing. The offer of $2.40 per share for class A stock will run no less than 20 business days. Alden Global Capital is providing financing for Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition, and with the agreement Alden Managing Director Heath Freeman was elected to the Emmis board on May 25. The merger could be abandoned, says the filing, if the tender offer isn't completed by September 24, if there's any legal or regulatory barrier, or the Emmis board changes its recommendation that shareholders accept the offer; however, Emmis says it expects the merger to be completed within three months. In the same SEC filing, Emmis included an email to the company's employees from Emmis CFO Patrick Walsh telling employees nothing will change as Emmis goes private. Walsh tells them that CEO Jeff Smulyan will still be the boss after his JS Acquisition and Alden Global Capital take the company private.

* Emmis Communications signs a definitive merger agreement to go private under Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition. Smulyan, the Emmis Chairman and CEO, formed JS Acquisition for the purpose of taking Emmis private. The transaction will be accomplished through a cash tender offer of $2.40 a share for the Emmis Communications common stock and an exchange offer of notes due 2017 for preferred stock. Financing will be provided by Alden Global Capital. The merger agreement, the exchange offer, and the necessary preferred stock amendments were unanimously approved by the Emmis board. Any stock not tendered in the offer will ultimately be cashed out at $2.40 per share, a price that represents a 74% premium over the 30-day average for Emmis' class A common stock and a 118% premium over the 180-day closing price as of April 26, the day Smulyan and Alden Global Capital announced the plan to take Emmis private. The completion of the merger is subject to various conditions, including shareholder and regulatory approval. The announcement of the plan to take Emmis private in April resulted in a flurry of announcements of investigations on the impact to shareholders. Two lawsuits have already been filed, and still more are threatened. The legal actions claim the share price is too low. Morgan Stanley acted as financial adviser to the committee of disinterested directors that approved the merger agreement. Moelis & Co. and BIA Capital Strategies are advising JS Acquisition.

* CBS and Viacom Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone tells shareholders "I will never sell Viacom or CBS." The firm response came at the company's annual meeting Wednesday (May 26) when a shareholder asked the question. Speculation has been heating up in recent months that broadcast networks, such as CBS and the Walt Disney Co.'s ABC, are ripe for acquisition in light of Comcast Corp's agreed purchase of NBC, reports Reuters. Also during the meeting, CBS CEO Les Moonves addressed recent reports the news division is in talks to partner with CNN, owned by Time Warner. He reminded shareholders that CBS and CNN have had an ongoing dialogue for a decade. "We have a very good relationship with CNN," he said. "In terms of a larger deal there is nothing that is happening right now."

* Legendary radio and TV host Art Linkletter dies at 97. His son-in-law says Linkletter died at his home in Los Angeles Wednesday (May 26). “Art Linkletter's House Party' was one of the longest running shows in broadcasting. It debuted in 1944 on CBS Radio, moved to CBS Television in 1952 and aired through 1969. “People Are Funny” aired on NBC Radio from 1942-1954 and on TV from 1954 to 1961. Born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada, he was an abandoned baby whose adoptive parents, the Linkletters, moved to California when he was about seven. Linkletter began his long broadcasting career at KGB-AM San Diego while a student at San Diego State University, from which he graduated in 1934. In recent years, Linkletter appeared in commercials and wrote several books. He is survived by his wife Lois, whom he married in 1935, and two daughters.

* Key Democratic lawmakers plan to begin "a process to develop proposals to update the Communications Act." Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (WV), House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry Waxman (CA), Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet Chairman John Kerry (MA), and House Subcommittee On Communications Technology and the Internet Chair Rick Boucher (VA) say the first step in the process will involve a series of "bipartisan, issues-focused meetings" set to begin next month. The Communications Act of 1934 was last overhauled in 1996, with the Telecom Act that opened the door to significant consolidation in the broadcast industry. The plan to again revise the Communications Act comes as a group of 74 House and Senate Democrats wrote to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to express their "serious concerns about the proposed new regulatory framework for broadband and Internet." The lawmakers have serious doubts about Genachowski's plan to partially reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service — what he calls a "third way." The lawmakers told Genachowski: "The expanded FCC jurisdiction over broadband that has been proposed and the manner in which it would be implemented are unprecedented and create regulatory uncertainty." The letter says that any move to reclassify broadband service should not be undertaken without additional direction from Congress.

* A Pennsylvania Congressman endorses the FCC’s "net neutrality" for broadband. Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) says some of his constituents are worried about having innovative Internet ventures stifled or restricted by service providers in the future. He says he agrees with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s decision to bring certain Title II powers into play. He also denounced an Americans for Prosperity anti-neutrality ad campaign as false. Doyle says it is untrue that Genachowski's proposed change amounted to the FCC attempting to “take over the Internet.” In a letter to Genachowski, he says of the anti-neutrality claim, “As you definitely know, those allegations are untrue.” Doyle says the FCC "third-way" move, as Genachowski calls it, along with a congressional update of the Communications Act, are the necessary prescriptions for going forward.

* The FCC issues a formal Notice of Inquiry as part of the 2010 quadrennial review of its media ownership rules. The NOI initiates a look at the current rules to determine whether they promote the Commission's goals of competition, localism and diversity. The NOI specifically asks for input on a number of issues, including: whether the current rules continue to foster competition, localism, and diversity; how to define, measure, and promote competition, localism, and diversity and how ownership structure affects these goals; and how to weigh these public interest goals if they conflict with each other. The NOI also asks whether and how to use bright line rules, adopt a case-by-case approach, or adopt a broad cross-media approach to media ownership if the Commission determines the current rules no longer serve the public interest goals. The NOI additionally seeks comment on the costs and benefits of outlet-specific rules, as compared to rules that apply to all media together. "We live in an ever-changing media world, but the core public interest goals are the same," says FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. "The Commission is committed to fostering a strong and independent broadcast media that provides Americans with multiple and diverse sources of news, public affairs, and entertainment programming. The input we seek in this proceeding will help ensure that our media ownership rules continue to protect consumer interests in today's marketplace." Comments are due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register and reply comments, 45 days after publication.

* Philadelphia's "B101" defends its decision not to air spots with the words "rape" and "sexual" in them. WBEB General Manager Blaise Howard, who says it was not a PSA but a paid ad campaign that he rejected, responds to PCAR in a prepared statement: “We recognize that this is an extremely important topic and one that should receive the help of the broadcast community to generate awareness. That's why we've offered to work with PCAR, at our cost, to create a modified ad that raises awareness of this issue while meeting the content standards that our listeners have come to expect from us. We’ve run hundreds of issue-based ads with great success but we reject many paid ads based on their content as well. The reality is there is language that parents tell us they feel isn’t appropriate for their pre and elementary school aged children to hear. "Mommy what's that mean?" is a phrase that makes them feel that we as a radio station have let them down. They tell us that and we take that responsibility very seriously. To be clear, PCAR approached the station about buying time for the spot they produced. There was a cash time schedule in place prior to us receiving the 30 second commercial. We decided against running the spot based on its content. B101 has a long-standing history of going above and beyond to help our community. In fact, the owner of our company has done more for children in this area than any other broadcasting company in Philadelphia. We will continue to build on that tradition of giving back while meeting the highest standard of content possible.”

* The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape is protesting the refusal of Philadelphia AC "B101" WBEB to air spots. The Coalition's ad campaign is for the "Hero Project." The group says the station would not accept the spot as it was provided, offering to air it only if the word "rape" was removed and the term "child sexual abuse" was changed to "child abuse." PCAR says it was told by WBEB General Manager Blaise Howard that the station does not accept "explicit ads" because it is a "straight-laced company." PCAR Executive Director Delilah Rumburg says, "Child sexual abuse is not about sexuality. It's about violence to our children. If the station doesn't believe its listeners could handle hearing words about abuse, imagine what child victims of sexual abuse are experiencing." On the organization's Website &ndash pcar.org – a news release about the dispute reads: "The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape is urging Pennsylvanians to contact WBEB 101.1FM in Philadelphia and express their displeasure with the station’s decision to deny PCAR radio advertising space for its Hero Project campaign. The station denied PCAR space because the 30-second public service announcement, urging adults to report child sexual abuse, contained the words ‘rape’ and ‘sexual.’" Rumburg says, "We believe that our message is important to Pennsylvanians. All we are trying to do is get information out to the public that there is help and healing for survivors and their families. We don't feel that modifying the language is an acceptable compromise. The station is asking us to censor information that could actually help their listeners. Their decision is appalling and perpetuates the veil of silence that continues to hurt victims in need of help." PCAR provides copies of the rejected PSA's :60 and :30 versions here.

* Radio veteran Don Geronimo joins CBS Radio's "Sports 1140" KHTK, Sacramento, CA. Geronimo will host a daily 12-4pm (PT) show beginning June 21. Geronimo, the former co-host of the syndicated “Don & Mike Show” left that program in April 2008, but remained under contract with CBS until October of this year. KHTK had been one of Don & Mike’s affiliates during the show’s run, which originated at WJFK, Washington DC. Geronimo briefly hosted a local show in Ocean City, MD, last summer. He's also done some fill-in shifts at WCBS-FM, New York. Geronimo's new KHTK show will be streamed and podcast on the internet, and national syndication is a possibility. Geronimo says he'll initially do three weeks a month of the new show from a radio studio in Ocean City, MD, where he was raised, and one week per month in Sacramento. However, he says he plans to "eventually" relocate to Sacramento.

* CBS Radio's "Newsradio 950" WWJ-AM, Detroit, News Director Rob Davidek adds programming duties. He replaces Georgeann Herbert, who left WWJ on March 31 to open her own music business. Davidek, a 17-year company vet who joined the station in 1993, previously served as morning producer before promotion to Assistant News Director in 2000, and later to News Director. "I'm excited about what the future holds for not only Michigan, but also Michigan's only all-News radio station," says Davidek.

* Angie May Cook is named to the newly created position VP of Emmis Digital. Cook begins June 1, working out of the Emmis Chicago offices, overseeing digital revenue and innovation for the Emmis Communications stations. She spent the past 13 years in media sales and management, most recently at Bonneville's WTMX-FM, Chicago. "Angie's experience on the front lines of both radio and digital media sales coupled with her deep understanding of the interactive space will help accelerate our leadership role in all interactive aspects of our business," says Emmis EVP and CFO Patrick Walsh. "Her direction will help us continue to deliver the types of high impact digital programs our listeners and advertisers have come to expect from Emmis Digital." Cook has also held posts with Yahoo and CBS Radio. From 2004-2006, she was director of integrated solutions for Emmis Communications. "My return to Emmis Communications comes with great enthusiasm," says Cook. "Emmis is an amazing company to work for and continues to lead the radio industry with new technologies in the digital space. I am honored to take on this role and excited to help take Emmis Digital to new levels."

* GAP West Broadcasting Yakima, WA, brings in Cheryl Salamone as General Manager replacing David Roederer. Salamone previously managed the same six-station cluster from 2000-2004 when it was owned by Clear Channel. Roederer "resigned to pursue other opportunities." That, however may be a polite stretch. "We will go back to being more involved in the community and offering a better product for our listeners," Salamone tells the Yakima Herald-Republic. Salamone returned to Yakima in late April after Roederer left the station. In Yakima, GAP West's cluster is comprised of KIT-AM, KUTI-AM, KDBL-FM, KATS-FM, KQMY-FM and KFFM-FM.

* Online iPartyRadio shuts down after five years, saying it can't afford to continue. On the internet dance music station Website at ipartyradio.com is the announcement: "iPartyRadio thanks you all for 5 amazing years of memories. Sadly, we have to say goodbye. Today will be our final day on the air. We have outgrown the old royalty system and cannot afford the rates needed on the new system with our current structure, so FOR NOW we have to say goodbye. Perhaps we'll be able to restructure and return one day.... Nonetheless, thank you so much for the love and the memories. Wednesday, May 26th will be our final day of webcasting and will go off the air at midnight central with our final goodbyes. We will miss you." Personalities on "The Number One Party Authority" included DJ Uch, 5-9am (CT); Scott Tyler, 9am-1pm; Eric Paulsen, 1-5pm; Jesse Mitchell, 5-9pm; and Skyler Night, 9pm-1am. The online station also had seven mixshow DJs. Will Calder was Program Director; Eric Paulsen was Sales and Marketing Director, in addition to his hosting duties. Craig Carson was Imaging Director for iPartyRadio

* Classic Country KFTI-AM, Wichita, KS, flips to "True Oldies 1070 AM" with new call letters KLIO-AM. The Journal Broadcast Group station says regular features will include the "True Oldies Daily Countdown," the top five hits from a different year every day, the "Rock & Roll Calendar," and a quick look back at music history and the events of each day. The new format, unveiled Thursday (May 27), will feature music from the late 1950s through the early ’80s, with an emphasis on mid-60s through mid-70s.

* Double O Radio names Tim Miller as General Manager of two Columbia, SC, stations WWNU-FM and WWNQ-FM. Miller replaces Chuck McKay, who exits, as GM for Country "New 92" WWNU and Classic Hits "Flashback 94.3" WWNQ. Miller most recently was news and weather anchor at crosstown WACH-TV. Previously Miller was Operations Manager at Citadel in Columbia and a Format General for Citadel. He has also worked on-air, in programming and marketing positions for Citadel, Entercom and and the former Nationwide.

* Citadel Media adds "The Larry Kudlow Show" to its national News-Talk offerings. Hosted by economist and CNBC anchor Larry Kudlow, the program launched on WABC-AM, New York, in 2006. It will be available in national syndication on weekends beginning June 5. "Larry Kudlow's insightful opinions on money, politics and the economy are rooted in his understanding of the way Wall Street, Main Street and Washington operate," says Citadel Media SVP of Programming and Distribution. "His expertise will be an instant hit with our affiliates and offer their listeners a compelling perspective on the week's financial news and events." Kudlow, who served in President Ronald Reagan's administration as Associate Director for Economics and Planning in the Office of Management and Budget, is also a nationally syndicated columnist, author and serves as an editor for National Review. He tells us, "I'm looking forward to bringing our weekly program to a national radio audience and sharing my thoughts on the political factors shaping the current state of our economy with new listeners. Each week we produce the show with a goal of offering individuals the best possible information to map their own investment strategy. I'm pleased to have the opportunity to deliver that message as part of the Citadel Media team."

* Clear Channel Radio's iheartradio mobile application now offers commercial-free content with version 2.3. The commercial-free content is from national personalities like Sean Hannity, Dr. Laura, Jim Rome and Bob & Tom. According to a news release, "These nationally syndicated programs are available commercial-free through the iheartradio mobile app with a special subscription. Users can stream the talk shows 24/7, download podcasts, and select program archives to listen to on-demand." iheartradio features over 750 Clear Channel radio stations from across the country. The iheartradio mobile app is available now for iPhone/iPod Touch and BlackBerry smart phones. A version for Android smart phones will be released soon. "We're always looking for innovative ways to keep our audiences connected to their favorite talent and programming," says Evan Harrison, EVP of Clear Channel Radio and President of the company's digital unit. "The addition of commercial-free programs and hundreds of new stations delivers an unprecedented level of choice."

* CRN Digital Talk Radio and the (Rick) Dees Digital Network enter a new partnership. The deal, announced Wednesday (May 26), will bring talk radio to Rick.com and the Rick.com iPhone App. "Rick Dees is an American icon of modern radio, says CRN Digital Talk Radio President and CEO Mike Horn. "He is always on the cutting edge of new media. No one knows music better and CRN knows talk radio. To be able to pair our talents together in this new project is a dream come true." The Dees Digital Network's digital platform, Rick.com offers a selection of high definition music channels including "The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40," the AllNumber1Hits channel, The Teen Top 20 with Kevin Dees, 80's Hits, 90's Hits, Modern Country, RickFM, Jazz, and Classical. "CRN creates and executes some of the most compelling programming in the world," says Dees. "Adding these incredible shows to our digital platform is a defining moment for our company. Mike and Jennifer Horn are human idea factories. I don't think they ever sleep!"

* Vic Thomas joins Earthworks Entertainment's Hit Parade Radio as on-air host and operations director. "We are extremely happy that Vic has joined our team, and we know he will be a great asset to HPR," says Hit Parade Radio President John Rook. "Vic's vast experience and 30 years in radio will greatly insure the success of HPR." Thomas, whose resume includes positions as PD, OM, talk host and news director, says, "The music is perfect! It's everything I grew up listening to."

* Kantar Media reports total first quarter ad spending was up 5.1% – with radio making a strong showing. The overall gain was the largest increase in ad spending since the first quarter of 2006, Kantar Media, a unit of WPP, reports. Fueling the increase was significantly higher spending by marketing mainstays like Procter & Gamble, AT&T and Pfizer, as well as a big bump in the ad budget at General Motors. “With the economy turning from recession towards growth, marketers appear to be more confident about a pickup in consumer activity and have increased ad budgets to support their brands,” says Kantar SVP for Research Jon Swallen in a statement. According to the ad tracking service, 13 of the 19 types of media tracked experienced spending gains in the first quarter, ranging from 1.5% for Spanish-language magazines to 22% for spot television. After a three year slump, radio ad expenditures finally had a turnaround. National Spot Radio advanced 19% and was paced by higher spending from the telecom, financial service and auto categories. Local Radio (+4.6%) and Network Radio (+3%) were also up. Gainers in print media included Sunday newspaper magazines, national newspapers and Spanish-language newspapers. Of the media in which ad spending declined, the decreases ranged from 0.4% for outdoor ads to 13.2% for syndicated national television. Decliners in print media included local newspapers, local magazines and business-to-business magazines. The gains in the first quarter were fueled by important categories like automobiles (up 18.6%); telecommunications (+10.6%); financial services (+10.1%); and miscellaneous retail (+8.9%). Nine of the top 10 categories increased their ad spending in the quarter. The one exception was direct response marketers, down 3.2%.

* Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism:   "Blogosphere More Balanced Than Talk Radio." The Pew Research Center gathered a year of data on the top news stories discussed and linked to on blogs and social media pages and seven months' worth on Twitter. "We also have analyzed a year of the most viewed news-related videos on YouTube," says the report, available here. "Most broadly, the stories and issues that gain traction in social media differ substantially from those that lead in the mainstream press," says the report. "But they also differ greatly from each other. Of the 29 weeks that we tracked on all three social platforms, blogs, Twitter and YouTube shared the same top story just once. That was the week of June 15-19, when the protests that followed the Iranian elections led on all three." One conclusion of the study, which reviewed the differences in news covered by new media vs. traditional media, is the finding that there's more political balance in blogs online than in talk radio. "Partisanship is strong, but unlike talk radio, the conversation here tends to draw a fairly even mix of conservative and liberal voices," says the report. "The Tea Party protests, Sarah Palin and Obama's poll numbers, for example, all drew a wide mix of conservative and liberal commentary." [More »]

* Arbitron says it once again met or exceeded PPM benchmarks in almost all of its sample-quality metrics. During its PPM briefing on April results held Monday (May 24), Arbitron indicated that missing benchmarks was the exception, and even the handful of misses were mostly not too far from the benchmarks. SVP of Marketing Bill Rose says there's been "remarkable progress" in the Black Persons aged 18-34 sample, on which Arbitron has focused, with an April average Designated Delivery Index (DDI) of 94 across all markets in which black panelists are broken out. DDI is the sample compared to the target. The average 6+ DDI across all 33 PPM markets was 106, exceeding the target of 100, and the in-tab rate averaged a record high 82.3. The 18-34 average in-tab rate also reached a new high at 77.5. VP of Research Policy & Communications Ed Cohen says of the in-tab success, "We've been very pleased with all the work that's been going on, especially with our PPM Nation initiative, to get more people to carry more often." Missing the 100 benchmark for 6+ DDI were Philadelphia, 96; San Jose, 98; and Los Angeles, 99. Hispanic representation was also strong both from a nationwide perspective and for the majority of individual markets. Missing the 80 benchmark for 18-34 Hispanics DDI were Nassau-Suffolk, 75; Riverside, 71; and, Atlanta, 74.

* Former Interep employees will receive long-awaited severance checks after a court approves the payments. The bankruptcy court gives the Chapter 7 liquidation trustee for Interep permission to pay out about $2 million in severance to 132 former employees, more than a year and a half after losing their jobs. Trustee Kenneth Silverman asked the bankruptcy court last month for the OK to make the long-delayed severance payments. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Robert Drain has now okayed the plan. The payouts are at about 50% of the amounts claimed, except for some staffers who obtained new employment who will receive about 25% of their claims. The biggest payout will be $78,902.50 to Kirk Combs, former EVP and General Manager at Interep’s D&R Radio Sales. Former Interep President of Strategic Sales Development Sheila Kirby will get a check for $70,365.50. Most former employees will get only a few thousand dollars. Only about two dozen of the 132 will receive 25% of their claim. Silverman had told the bankruptcy court that Interep had only an unwritten severance policy; however, he chose not to dispute the claims.

* Another suburban Los Angeles radio station complains to the FCC about HD Radio interference. This time Gold Coast Radio complains that its adjacent-market Class A FM experiences interference from the digital signal of a superpowered adjacent-channel Class B station in Los Angeles. Gold Coast says its Regional Mexican KMLA at 103.7, Oxnard-Ventura, receives interference from Clear Channel's L.A. AC KOST HD signal. Gold Coast Radio says "interference that was not there three years ago" from KOST is now being experienced. The KMLA owner asks the FCC "how we can regain signal coverage taken away" by KOST's signal. "We have spent a lot of money on RF studies, applying for directional FM service, purchasing and installing a new directional ERI antenna to do what we can do legally to fight the interference." However, the station says despite all it's done, it finds "that the interference still exists." We previously reported All Pro Broadcasting is asking the FCC to stop "ongoing and destructive interference" from KRTH, Los Angeles. All Pro says in a petition at the FCC that KRTH's "hybrid digital operations" are interfering with its KATY-FM, Riverside.

* Connoisseur Media announces a station swap in Billings, MT, with Elenbaas Media. Connoisseur Media will acquire Christian-formatted KURL-AM (730), Billings; Elenbaas will acquire AC KYYA-FM (93.3), Billings. This will dispose of the remaining Billings assets of Cherry Creek Radio, and was included as a part of the recent Cherry Creek sale to Connoisseur. "We are delighted to be able to add 730 AM to our expanding Billings cluster," says Connoisseur General Manager Cam Maxwell. "This will make Connoisseur Media the largest radio operator in the region with six stations in the Billings market." Connoisseur plans a new format on 730 AM, which joins Country KRKX-FM, Rock KRZN-FM, Classic Hits KWMY-FM, Alternative KPLN-FM, and News-Talk KBLG-AM in the Connoisseur Billings cluster. Meanwhile, says KURL owner Herm Elenbaas, "The ability to carry KURL programming on an FM translator, 97.5, that began in the summer of 2008 was very popular with our Billings area audience, and now being on a 100,000 watt FM will boost our range enormously, day and night. Elenbaas Media, Inc. will retain the KURL call letters in the deal. We want to continue to use KURL considering our long history with our listeners and to reassure them that the format that they're used to will not change except for the radio frequency."

* Claudia Horn joins Broadcast Management & Technology as EVP and CFO. Horn brings more than 25 years of media finance experience to the broadcast-focused finance company. Horn's experience includes lending, investment banking, and serving as in-house or outsourced CFO for broadcasters including Buckley Broadcasting, Sabre Communications, and Multi Market Communications. Horn most recently was Managing Director and CFO for Stonegate Capital Management. "I'm very excited to welcome Claudia to BMT in this critical role," says BMT President and CEO Jay Meyers. "Claudia has been working with us on an outsourced basis when our clients were in need of financial services, and with demand increasing, this was the natural time for her to come on board. Not only is she brilliant at what she does, she has an excellent reputation with lenders, investors, and owners throughout the industry." Along with Meyers and three other partners, Horn helped found BMT predecessor Cavalry Media Services.

* Greater Media names veteran programmer Brent Alberts as Program Director of Classic Rock WCSX-FM, Detroit. Alberts, who officially joins Greater Media June 7, most recently was Director of Rock Programming at Citadel Broadcasting as well as Director of Programming and Operations for the Midwest Region. He also was Program Director of WMMQ-FM and WFMK-FM, Lansing and was an afternoon air personality on WFMK-FM. "Brent brings a wealth of Classic Rock experience to Detroit, which has been and always will be a rock city." says Greater Media Market Manager John Gallagher. "We look forward to Brent leading our team of veteran on-air personalities at Detroit's exclusive home of Classic Rock." Says Alberts, "I am very excited and honored with the opportunity of joining Greater Media and the legendary WCSX in Detroit. The staff is the best in the business. I look forward to helping them take this station to the next level."

* CBS Radio News-Talk KXNT-AM, Las Vegas, names Bob Agnew as Program Director. The veteran programmer previously worked for Clear Channel San Francisco, before exiting as the result of budget cuts. He joined Talkers KNEW-AM and KKGN-AM in September 2005 as Program Director. With Agnew's appointment morning host Alan Stock moves to afternoons (3-6pm), replacing Casey Hendrickson and Heather Kydd, who are out. Replacing Stock in mornings is a local news block from 6-9am, with a news team that includes Corey Olson, Kristen Flowers, Robert Rytina and street reporter Julianne Thomas. Says Agnew, "This will be the only morning news show in Las Vegas that is full-service including news, traffic, sports, business news and more. Alan Stock will have the only live local talk show in the market in afternoon drive."

* Mike Couchman is named Program Director of WAY-FM Media Group's KXWA-FM, Denver, as of June 21. He replaces former programmer Jeff Connell, who is now Network PD of WAY-FM's CHRSN in Nashville. Couchman has been PD of co-owned WLGH-FM, Lansing, MI, and sister Christian WAYG-FM, Grand Rapids. "Mike is a recognized leader in the Christian CHR format and I am excited to have him on our team to lead the continued growth of WAY-FM's second format," says General Manager Zach Cochran. Adds Couchman, "I fell in love with the young-focused WAY-FM as a 7th grader. To actually serve on the Denver team, being a part of that vision is beyond thrilling."

* News-Talk KTRH-AM, Houston, Program Director Bryan Erickson is named Houston AM Operations Manager. Erickson will oversee Clear Channel's AM stations in Houston — KTRH, Talk KPRC, and Sports KBME. Erickson has been KTRH Program Director for nine years. Previously, he was News Director at News-Talk KTSA-AM, San Antonio.

* AC "Magic 105.1" WMGC, Detroit, names market veteran Chris Edmonds as afternoon drive host, starting June 1. Most recently Dick Purtan's temporary replacement in mornings at crosstown Oldies WOMC and before that a fixture at AC WNIC, Edmonds replaces Ryan Seacrest's syndicated show at Greater Media's WMGC. Edmonds had temporarily covered mornings at WOMC when Purtan retired while the station sought a permanent morning host. Now that WOMC has hired Bobby Mitchell and Chuck Gaidica as the new permanent morning hosts, Edmonds became available for the job at WMGC. "Chris is one of Detroit's best loved talents," says "Magic 105.1" morning host Jim Harper. "He has bonded with listeners through his use of humor, humility and hard-work ethics. He will be a fabulous addition to the Magic family."

* Michael Jordan, the former Chairman and CEO of CBS and Westinghouse, dies at the age of 73. According to CBS, he died after a long battle with cancer. Jordan headed Westinghouse during the acquisition of CBS in 1995 and Infinity Broadcasting in 1997. Westinghouse then sold off its non-broadcasting assets and became CBS Corporation. In a statement, current CBS Corp. President and CEO Leslie Moonves says, "We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Mike Jordan, our friend and former leader. Mike was a man of great vision and compassion whose thoughtful guidance of both Westinghouse and then CBS helped to shape the future of our company. Mike took over Westinghouse when most thought its demise was inevitable and brought it back to life, transforming the old industrial corporation into one completely focused in the media world. He was fiercely intelligent, with a great strategic mind that was able to unlock complex situations and challenges and turn them into meaningful action. He also had a wonderful, ironic sense of humor and a great love of work and of life. We owe him much, and will miss him."

* Howard Stern and Bob Kingsley are among 2010 nominees for the National Radio Hall Of Fame. NRHOF announces 2010 nominees in four categories for public votes online. In the Active National category, Stern leads the way with Citadel Media's "Money Talk" host Bob Brinker, 50-year plus broadcasting veteran and NPR news anchor Carl Kasell and Bob Kingsley, host of "Country Top 40." In the Active Local or Regional Active category are WRXP-FM, New York, Program Director Leslie Fram; veteran Chicago air personality Terri Hemmert, 65-year WDEF, Chattanooga, TN, morning host Luther Masingill; and KGO, San Francisco, talk host Ronn Owens. In the Local or Regional Pioneer are Cincinnati radio legend Gary Burbank; Chicago air talent Steve Dahl; country music icon Ralph Emery; and, Charles Laquidara a pioneer in FM broadcasting on WBCN, Boston for over 30 years. The National Pioneer category includes Barry Farber; the program "Music and the Spoken Word; the voice of The Fighting Irish on Mutual and Westwood One starting in 1980, Tony Roberts; and the WLS National Barn Dance. National online balloting opens on June 14 and continues until August 1. Voting is free and open to the public, but registration is required. The NRHOF Selection Committee will meet on August 4 to ratify the voting results and will then select additional 2010 inductees, including worthy posthumous and non on-air individuals. The National Radio Hall of Fame inductions will take place during a live national radio broadcast from Chicago on Saturday, November 6. Westwood One will produce and distribute the two-hour broadcast.

* Sherman Kizart's Kizart Media Partners signs a consulting agreement with Arbitron. Under the agreement KMP will assist in advertiser outreach on behalf of Urban and Spanish-language radio. "Working with Arbitron and minority-owned and -targeted broadcasters in the arena of advertiser outreach is consistent with the focus and mission of KMP since its launch," says Kizart, the former SVP of Urban Radio for Interep. In that role he developed the Power of Urban Radio Summit. He founded Kizart Media Partners in 2009.

* The seven CBS Radio Chicago stations could be in line for a new programming boss. The title would be VP of Programming, reports Chicago media watcher Robert Feder at Vocalo.org, adding "the job description says the person would be 'responsible for ultimate ratings success and digital initiatives for [the] diverse group of radio stations.'” Feder reports today (May 25) that CBS Radio Chicago SVP and Market Manager Rod Zimmerman confirmed that he’s posted an opening for someone to oversee all of the stations from a “product standpoint.” He didn’t say when he expected to fill the position, but, writes Feder, "other sources said it could be soon." None of the current CBS Radio program directors in Chicago is under consideration for the position. The opening was made possible by the departure last February of Dave Robbins, former vice president and general manager of Country WUSN-FM and AC WCFS-FM, who was shifted to manage CBS Radio’s three-station cluster in Orlando, FL. In addition to his main duties in Chicago, "Robbins had nominal oversight over programming, but asserted little authority in that area." Feder adds that the new VP of Programming is expected to double as program director of one or more stations in the market. Unless that station is only WUSN, it could trigger a further realignment of duties in the market.
[More »]

* "New Jersey 101.5" WKXW, Trenton, personality Big Joe Henry backs out of a school event after teacher protests. An awards show in Red Bank for student achievement in the performing arts Wednesday (May 26) won't include Henry. He was scheduled as the unpaid host. Then teachers threatened a protest over political views aired on the station by other hosts, reports the Daily Record. Henry hasn't spoken out on the air against the New Jersey Education Association. But other station hosts have — enough of a connection to warrant bouncing Henry from the show, according to Regina McAllen, a music teacher in the Freehold Regional High School District. "The company that signs Big Joe Henry's paycheck has a very clear agenda, which is evident from their choice of hosts and the topics that they discuss on a daily basis," McAllen said in a letter to theater officials. "To even suggest that NJ 101.5 is a fair and balanced source of media is ludicrous. Its Republican agenda is consistent and unwavering, with a unified vision that demeans public education and educators." McAllen, who works at Howell High School, could not be reached Monday to elaborate on her comments. The awards, at Count Basie Theatre, honor Monmouth County high school theater company members. Numa Saisselin, CEO of the theater, said the change "wasn't due to pressure" from McAllen and other teachers, but rather he and Henry were concerned it could distract attention from the purpose of the evening. "Joe and I mutually decided that the show will be done without a host. We agreed there was an increasing likelihood there would be some sort of protest, and so Joe offered to step aside if that would help defuse the situation," Saisselin said. "Our position is that this event is a completely inappropriate place for a protest. If someone has an issue with a radio station, they should take it up with that radio station."

* It's a long way from Fresno to Grand Cayman — just ask Country radio vet John Garabo. Last at Peak Broadcasting's "93.7 Kiss Country" KSKS-FM, Fresno for nine years, he's now bound for "The Rooster 101.9" ZFKY, Grand Cayman, as Program Director and afternoon host. He was doing mornings at KSKS-FM. Garabo previously has worked for the former KZLA-FM, Los Angeles; WDSY-FM, Pittsburgh; and WWYZ-FM, Hartford. Now, if he can just get used to "Z" instead of "K" or "W" for call letters...

* Former Fall River, MA, radio host Michael Herren is facing assault and battery charges, after police arrested him. Herren, 39, is accused of beating his girlfriend. Police said they found her with injuries to her face and neck. He is also accused of assaulting a man last June, in charges previously lodged against him, according to WPRI-TV, Providence, RI. Herren was known as "The Hurricane Mike Herren" on Talk WSAR-AM, Fall River.

* The FCC's Media Bureau grants another extension to Sirius XM to implement leasing of 4% of channels. As a condition of approving the merger of Sirius and XM, the satcaster agreed to voluntarily provide the channels to "qualified entities." The FCC has postponed the start date for that several times. And it does so again. It seems the Commission is still trying to figure out exactly how that should be implemented.

* Syndicated "Those Advice Guys" hosted by John Owens and Randy Steele joins Skip Joeckel's Talk Shows USA. Co-host John Owens tells us, "When co-host Randy Steele and I put our plans together to do our show, Skip's name and company kept coming up as someone we should talk to. We did, and we knew from the start that he would be able to help us grow our program." Adds Skip Joeckel, "I definitely think that Those Advice Guys are on to something. In just a short period of time, they've added stations in markets all across the country. I look forward to working with their affiliate relations department." The two-hour daily show offers tips on jobs, money, health, and more.

* Dave Cruise joins Beasley's Hot AC "Delaware's 99.5" WJBR, Wilmington, DE, as morning co-host. Cruise is teamed with Jill Quale for the new “Mornings with Dave and Jill” on WJBR. He's the former afternoon host at "97.5 Ben FM" WBEN, Philadelphia, who was ousted last summer in budget cuts. Cruise originally was part of the morning team of three hosts at WBEN. That team was later split to cover three separate shifts, and Cruise got afternoon drive while Marilyn Russell continued solo in wake-up. Now teamed with Quale, he again is hosting mornings on a signal that is strong in the Philly market.

* Radio delivers its best results in quarter-to-quarter revenue comparisons since the first quarter of 2007. For the first quarter of this year, radio saw a +6% overall increase to $3.687 billion. The RAB says that reflects "growing signs that the U.S. economy is back," as it reports figures from Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co. RAB says the Q1 2010 gain "represents the highest posted in nearly a decade," since Q3 2000, when it was +8%. The report shows that local revenue rose 2% to $2.45 billion in the first quarter of 2010, while national increased 19% to $568 million. Network revenue increased 6% to $260 million, digital was up 18% to $123 million and off-air revenue was flat at $286 million. The Eastern Region outpaced the rest of the nation in ad spending gains for Q1, up 12.7% – followed by the Southwest and Central Regions, up 9.7% and 6.7%, respectively. Spending is up but trails nationwide growth in the West (4.5%) and South (3.5%). "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." Haley adds, "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."

* This year's RTDNA/Hofstra survey finds digital use for radio news is up. Digital technology use in radio news has continued to edge up, with 62.6% of radio stations using digital audio recording and 54.2% using digital editing and mixing, according to the final installment of this year's RTDNA/Hofstra survey. Those numbers spiked a bit more when the radio stations were asked about “percentage of news material.” Over 76% said their news was gathered digitally and 80.9% said it was mixed and edited digitally. Not surprisingly, 82.5% of radio stations in the survey said their news was played back or aired digitally. For television, the RTDNA/Hofstra survey found larger markets are more likely to use HD. The bigger the market, the more likely a television station is currently broadcasting in HD “ According to the survey, two-thirds of television stations in the top 50 markets are already running local news in HD and all other market sizes below one-quarter,” says survey director Bob Papper, professor and chair of journalism at Hofstra University. The RTDNA/Hofstra University Survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009 among all 1,770 operating, non-satellite television stations and a random sample of 4,000 radio stations. Valid responses came from 1,355 television stations (76.6%) and 203 radio news directors and general managers representing 301 radio stations.

* Maryland's Attorney General says former governor's radio show isn't an illegal campaign contribution. The Maryland Attorney General's Office is advising state elections officials not to treat former governor Robert Ehrlich Jr.'s weekly radio show on WBAL-AM, Baltimore, as an illegal campaign contribution by the station, as the Maryland Democratic Party has alleged, reports The Washington Post. In a letter today (May 24) to Elections Administrator Linda Lamone, an assistant attorney general writes that "state efforts to regulate media appearances by a candidate, potential candidate or others through a state's campaign finance laws raise significant First Amendment concerns. That is true even when the person appearing has some practical control over the content of the broadcast, including as host. ... [The State Board of Elections] should decline to treat the radio broadcasts complained of as an illegal contribution to the Ehrlich campaign." The Democrats had complained to the elections board about Ehrlich (R) continuing to co-host "The Kendel and Bob Show" on Saturday mornings, since Ehrlich has announced his rematch with Gov. Martin O'Malley (D). Ehrlich and his wife launched the WBAL show in 2007, shortly after O'Malley took office. Ehrlich has said he plans to go off the air in July, after filing his official papers to become a candidate.

* Clear Channel will swap the frequencies of two Austin stations, moving "The Beat" KFMK-FM from 105.9 to 102.3. AC "The River" KPEZ-FM will go to 105.9. The frequency swap, set for June 1, will give Rhythmic CHR "The Beat" a stronger signal, following ratings success for the relatively new station. Clear Channel says the change results from a "proactive business move to feature the mainstream, advertiser-friendly Hip Hop format on a stronger signal" that can better serve a larger audience at 102.3, which broadcasts at 25,000 watts. "Since we launched The Beat back in September of 2009, we have seen a tremendous audience response as evidenced by the Winter Arbitron ratings, where the station dominated in the #1 position 18-34," says VP and Market Manager Pamela McKay. "The Austin market is clearly responding to the rhythmic format. Moving The Beat to our stronger signal makes sense for listeners, advertisers and the community." Since Clear Channel took the company private, KFMK's license has been held by the Aloha Trust, and Clear Channel has been actively engaged in discussions for sale of the station.

* Philadelphia radio and TV legend Bill "Wee Willie" Webber dies at the age of 80 of an apparent heart attack. According to the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia, the 6-foot-5 "Wee Willie" had recently experienced heart trouble, although he remained on the air weekdays on WHAT-AM, Philadelphia, and Sunday afternoons on "Cruisin' 92.1" WVLT, Vineland, NJ, as recently as a week ago. Webber's passing was announced Sunday (May 23) by the Philly Broadcast Pioneers: "We have a heavy heart as we announce that our Chairman of the Board, Bill "Wee Willie" Webber, passed away this morning, Sunday, May 23rd at 3 am from a heart attack. Bill was hospitalized a few days ago for tests and preparation for open heart surgery this coming week. Bill was 80, just a couple weeks short of his 81st birthday. He was born on June 11, 1929 in Cuba and married his wife, Constance in 1958. They met while Bill was doing a morning show on WFIL-TV and Constance was visiting the station. Funeral details are unavailable at this hour. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that donations be made to the Broadcast Pioneers Scholarship Fund, PO Box 2886, Bala Cynwyd, PA. 19010. Bill Webber had a varied career. However, most of us will remember him for either being a television host of children's programming (on Channels 6, 17 and 48) or being a music disc jockey on WIP, WPEN and until the time of his death, WHAT Radio. But he was so much more. He filled in for Charlie O'Donnell as the announcer on 'American Bandstand.' He hosted a game show, 'Tug-o-War' on Channel 3, co-hosted 'A Walk Up Broad Street' on Channel 12 and did the Hess Fashion Shows." The Philadelphia Inquirer's Michael Klein has more on Bill Webber's background in his report on the radio and TV personality's passing.

* Former Baton Rouge radio host and TV news anchor Ed Buggs died of "a cardiac arrest due to cocaine use." He worked at Baton Rouge stations WIBR-AM and WJBO-AM as a talk show host after exiting a TV anchor position at WBRZ-TV, Baton Rouge. Buggs, 55, died May 4. Now Don Moreau, chief of operations with the Coroner’s Office, says the cause of death was aortic dissection due to cocaine toxicity. The cause of death was determined after the results of a toxicology test were evaluated, reports the Baton Rouge Advocate. Moreau says cocaine in Buggs’ system caused his blood pressure to spike and his aorta to tear. The tear blocked blood to Buggs’ heart, which showed signs of prior damage due to cocaine use.

* Longtime Atlanta personality Steve McCoy is the new morning host at Classic Hits "Kool 105" KXKL, Denver. McCoy, let go from Atlanta's "B98.5" WSB-FM in February, "officially starts in Denver July 1." However, there are reports he's already on the air in the Mile High City in wake-up. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Rodney Ho reports McCoy has been heard on the air in Denver, and when he called the station Friday, "the administrative assistant who answered the phone" confirmed Steve McCoy is the new morning host at "Kool 105." So the Atlanta "Radio & TV Talk" columnist contacted the veteran Atlanta radio personality. "McCoy returned a text message Friday evening with a brief note saying he starts July 1, which is the day after his two-year contract with B98.5 is officially up," writes Ho. "But he has already started. I’m awaiting a response from him about it, but I suspect he stops getting paid by B98.5 once he starts another job and probably was trying to keep it under wraps from the bosses in Atlanta. Given how gabby people are in radio circles and how public his job is, that would seem like an awfully tall order." McCoy was the "Steve" of the morning duo "Steve and Vikki" at Cox Radio's AC WSB-FM. Vikki Locke was invited to come back to "B98.5" at reduced pay. She accepted and remains at the station in mornings. According to Ho, some of McCoy's former colleagues "had no idea he was going to Denver, including former 'Star 94' producer Jake Ray and former Steve & Vikki sidekick Tommy Sullivan."

* Plans to return WAGE-AM, Leesburg, VA, to the air raise environmental impact questions. The planned return of WAGE is now in the hands of Virginia's Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, with looming questions about the environmental impact of three proposed towers as well as whether the station would offer local-interest programming, according to The Washington Post. At a board Transportation and Land-Use Committee meeting, supervisors voted to send a proposal to build three 195-foot towers to a full board meeting June 2. But supervisors Andrea McGimsey (D-Potomac) and Kelly Burk (D-Leesburg) said they have concerns about the site chosen for the towers. "I don't think it's a good application," says Burk. "We don't build in a flood plain because it floods." Station owner James Weitzman plans to construct the towers on property leased from Loudoun Water, near the Loudoun County and Russell Branch parkways. The new radio towers would boost the station's power level to 50,000 watts in the day and 1,300 watts at night, allowing the station's signal to reach across county lines and deeper into other parts of the Washington DC region. The station's wattage was 5,000 during the day and 1,000 at night. WAGE was a News-Talk-Sports formatted station until it went silent in August 2009, only 10 months after receiving a permit from the FCC to move from 1200 to 1190 kHz and increase power to 50,000 watts. WAGE is owned by New World Radio. In addition to environmental issues, questions are being raised about local service. "It went from being a local radio station to a syndicated station, and that's when people stopped listening," says Burk. She is also troubled that Potomac Radio, the parent of New World, has not detailed how much of the station's programming will be devoted to local content.

* Lubbock, TX, area radio listeners who donated to a jailed morning radio host's scam get their money back. Ramar Communications has paid back all the donors to a fundraiser by 38-year-old Charles "Chuck Dakota" Joslin who has been indicted and arrested on theft charges. Joslin, the radio personality and Program Director of "Stars 97.3" KLZK, allegedly scammed listeners with a bogus story about a single mother trying to raise a child with cancer, according to reports from KLZK and LubbockOnline. Ramar Communications President Brad Moran says the company paid $26,100 in restitution to 40 people who thought they were donating to help a Southwest Airlines mother taking care of a terminal child after the father was killed in Iraq. "We're sorry for the loss of confidence they may have experienced from that," Moran said. Joslin remained behind bars on two counts of theft between $1,500 and $20,000 in a scam that took place on air between January 11 and February 1, according to his arrest warrant. KLZK sister station "Magic 93.7" KXTQ also helped promote the fundraiser, Moran said. Ramar Communications hired Joslin on December 29 after he passed a background check, says Moran. Authorities began investigating Joslin on February 3 after his employer noticed his story "began falling apart," according to court documents. Joslin's employer became suspicious and made calls to Southwest Airlines. He learned that there was not an employee in that situation. He also told authorities that Joslin's story changed each time he talked to him about it. Moran says the company now has a policy that all fundraisers have to be approved by the general manager.

* “The Bobby Mitchell Show with Chuck Gaidica” launches May 24 on Classic Hits WOMC, Detroit. CBS Radio "104.3 WOMC, Detroit's Greatest Hits" Operations Manager and Program Director Tim Roberts announced the new show which replaces Dick Purtan who retired at the end of March. Twenty year morning radio broadcast veteran Mitchell, and Detroit’s own Gaidica, will team up to form the nucleus of the new WOMC morning show, says Roberts. The show will also include veteran newsman Bob Schuman and producer Rachel Nevada. Mitchell returns to Detroit from Dallas where he has been hosting his KPLX-FM Dallas-based “The Saturday ‘80s Show.” Mitchell worked in Detroit radio in the 1980s. "I’m elated to be joining the CBS Radio Team at the legendary WOMC, and I’m excited about the great ensemble of talent we’ve assembled for the show," says Mitchell. "It’s great to be reunited with Bob Schuman and to have the opportunity to work with Chuck Gaidica and Rachel Nevada. I arm wrestled Chuck for his weather job at WDIV-TV, too, but I got distracted by his hair and lost." Says CBS Radio Detroit VP and Market Manager Debbie Kenyon, "We are thrilled to have assembled one of the most talented groups of radio hosts in Detroit to entertain and inform WOMC fans. Bobby Mitchell is a seasoned pro who loves Detroit and teaming him with Chuck Gaidica — Detroit TV's No.1 personality — is a win-win venture for WOMC."

* American Idol Judge Kara DioGuardi joins "104.3 MYfm" KBIG, Los Angeles, for a Saturday afternoon show. "Radio has been a very important part of my career, I am absolutely thrilled to be on air giving my take on some of the great music out there through my new relationship with 104.3 MYfm," says DioGuardi. KBIG Program Director Andrew Jeffries adds, "Kara is already synonymous with music, behind the scenes writing so many hits, personally performing her own material on stage and of course having one of the nation's most visible opinions on the next breakthrough acts from American Idol, putting her on the air was a logical extension of sharing her natural personality." Although best known for her role on American Idol, DioGuardi is also EVP of Talent Development at Warner Bros. Records.

* Citadel Media promotes Ed Rivera-Searles to SVP of Sales, names Craig Rossi VP West Coast Sales. Rivera-Searles will be based in New York and will be responsible for managing all aspects of Citadel Media's sales divisions. Rossi, who comes from parent company Citadel Broadcasting, will direct West Coast sales operations from the network's Los Angeles office. "Ed brings an outstanding track record of national account wins and a keen understanding of portfolio management to our sales function," says Citadel Media President John Rosso. "Throughout his years in this field, he has developed a remarkable rapport with the agencies and clients that drive the network radio business. I'm pleased to add his strategic vision and industry knowledge to our leadership team. We're also very fortunate to have Craig Rossi joining our network. He has a significant history of successes with major advertisers in his region and is a valuable addition to our overall sales capabilities." Rivera-Searles tells us, "Joining the executive team of Citadel Media is a tremendous opportunity, and I'm thrilled to be starting at a time when we're poised for a new phase of growth and development. The network offers a diverse programming lineup, which allows us to target a broad array of advertising categories as we work to enhance our overall revenue streams. I look forward to partnering with our clients to deliver customized solutions that serve their advertising goals as we also look to add new clients to our roster."

* Report from Cincinnati: "Big Shake-Up" in management at Radio One Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Enquirer's John Kiesewetter reports, "Big shake-up in the front offices at Radio One’s stations here: Regional VP Rick Porter and VP/GM Lisa Thal over WIZ, MOJO and gospel WDBZ-AM were fired Monday. Whatever happen was so serious that Radio One’s radio division president himself — Barry Mayo — from the Maryland corporate office is here running WIZF-FM (101.1), WMOJ-FM (100.3) and WDBZ-AM (1230)." According to Kiesewetter, Thal and Porter formerly worked for Clear Channel. Thal joined Radio One Cincinnati in 2006, several months before the company bought the intellectual property of “MOJO” (then 94.9) from the owners of WARM98. She took the format and put it on 100.3, a frequency that Radio One had bought in Connersville, IN, and moved to Norwood to add a third station to its Cincinnati cluster. Porter was a Regional VP over Radio One stations in Indianapolis, Columbus and possibly other markets. Kiesewetter writes Thursday (May 20) at Cincinnati.com, "All I’m told is that Thal and Porter 'are no longer with the station.' I’m waiting to hear from Mayo. I’ll post more when I learn more."

* HD Radio developer iBiquity's CEO Bob Struble says HD Radio can help radio's recovery. In his latest column on the iBiquity Website — "Thoughts on Radio's Digital Future" — Struble writes, "I’ve been reflecting on last month’s NAB Show in Las Vegas and wanted to share some thoughts. As many have reported, it was a positive gathering that showcased an undeniable industry recovery and renewed optimism in AM/FM. I also came away more convinced than ever that HD Radio Technology will play a fundamental role in the long-term success of radio." Struble says he received "a consistent view" from most of those with whom he talked that "Radio revenue is recovering with the general economy, with most groups showing positive numbers for the first quarter in a while. National is particularly good, with the back half looking really solid. Price is firming somewhat, although there is an overhang of bargain deals from the depths of the industry’s difficulties." But, he adds, "Still, no one is declaring victory yet. Growth is still choppy. Major groups still have balance sheet issues, as the restructurings of Citadel and Regent clearly highlight. But almost all agree AM/FM has stabilized and is not going the way of newspapers." While talking with industry leaders, Struble says, "My discussions emphasized how HD Radio technology can help in that recovery. At the highest levels, AM/FM is going to have a tough time battling a wide array of digital competition if it is the last remaining analog medium in a fully digital world." HD Radio, currently "a whole lot like the early days of FM," is the future for radio, concludes the iBiquity CEO.

* All Pro Broadcasting asks the FCC to stop "ongoing and destructive interference" from KRTH, Los Angeles. All Pro says in a petition at the FCC that KRTH's "hybrid digital operations" are interfering with its KATY-FM, Riverside. All Pro conducted an engineering analysis to demonstrate the interference that is "adversely affecting reception of KATY over a substantial portion of the area within KATY’s 60-dBµ signal contour." All Pro is also supplying the FCC with a CD "containing recordings of actual interference experienced by a factory-equipped car radio. The recordings were made while the vehicle was driven along several heavily traveled roads within KATY’s coverage area. After unsuccessfully trying to get CBS to address the matter, All Pro President Willie Davis says his company "concluded that it had no choice but to seek redress at the FCC." To ensure the protection to of KATY's signal, All Pro is "urging" the FCC staff to order a reduction of KRTH’s Digital signal power; and insist that CBS "cooperate with All Pro so that the parties can promptly resolve the problem."

* Prometheus Radio Project is asking the full FCC to review the Media Bureau's OK for HD Radio power inceases. Prometheus has submitted an application for review asking the full Commission to look at the Media Bureau decision, saying the Bureau acted "without consideration of any of the substantive concerns and recommendations submitted by Prometheus and other affected parties." The application for review also says the Bureau's failure to address those arguments was "arbitrary and capricious." Prometheus specifically claims the Media Bureau failed to address "documented concerns" about significant interference from a blanket power increase, as well as concerns that the increase would harm radio listeners relying on full-power, low-power, and translator analog signals. The filing also claims the Bureau did not explain why a power increase was appropriate when there remain ongoing proceedings in the matter, and pending petitions for reconsideration. Prometheus also says the FCC failed to consider alternatives that could limit the disruption to analog signals.

* The FCC's "Future Of Media" inquiry is being questioned by a former FCC Commissioner. Glen Robinson, who was a Commissioner in 1974-76, questions why the FCC is asking 41 questions about media's future in the inquiry, when many of those queries are outside of the Commission's jurisdiction. "It is hard to know how to describe this undertaking," writes Robinson for the Free State Foundation think tank. "It is not a rulemaking proceeding; no rules are proposed. It is not even denominated an 'inquiry,' which the Commission sometimes initiates as a kind of warm up exercise looking towards a possible future rulemaking proceeding." Robinson, a Professor of Law Emeritus at the University of Virginia adds, "The Commission announces that this new 'project' will produce a report, but a report to whom and to what purpose is not very clear. The scope of the project is, to say the least, broad. The Commission’s public notice announcing the endeavor lists some 41 questions seeking information about, well, information (call it 'meta-information'). The questions cover a wide swath, but in case it is not wide enough, the FCC concludes by asking question 42: 'what questions have we failed to ask that we should?' My answer to that last question is: 'Why are you asking all these questions?'"

* The FCC adopts rules to reassign spectrum for mobile broadband service – a move opposed by Sirius XM. The satcaster already had let the Commission know its opposition for fear of possible interference to terrestrial repeaters. Aeronautical mobile telemetry operators voiced their opposition for the same reason. But the FCC takes 25 megahertz for mobile broadband in a "Report and Order" that amends the Wireless Communications Service (WCS) and alters the current restrictions on the use of the spectrum for fixed services. Sirius XM will be permitted to operate its terrestrial repeaters at the same time as wireless companies build out and operate the new frequencies. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski calls the move "a strong down payment on a vital national need." He adds, "And it comes at an important moment as 4G technologies are starting to be commercially deployed."

* The FCC and FEMA will hold a June 10 workshop on "21st Century Emergency Alerting." The workshop, says the FCC, will "highlight the status of and relevant details related to the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System, including the Next Generation Emergency Alert System and the Commercial Mobile Alert System" The "21st Century Emergency Alerting: Leveraging Multiple Technologies to Bring Alerts and Warnings to the Public" workshop is also intended to enable FEMA, the FCC, and Federal Partners to obtain feedback on issues related to the alert systems, the upcoming national EAS test, and the FCC's planned inquiry on next-generation alerting. The June 10 workshop, 9a,-1pm, will be held in the FCC's Commission Meeting Room.

* Clear Channel names Jeff Cushman as Operations Manager of its five-station Greensboro cluster. Cushman will also serve as Program Director of AC WMAG-FM. Clear Channel Regional VP and Greensboro Market Manager Kim Pyle says, "Jeff is exactly what our Greensboro organization needs to take our radio properties to the next level and continue building upon the positive momentum that the cluster is experiencing." This is a return to the market for Cushman, who previously was PD of then WKSI-FM. "Returning to the Triad is a homecoming for me," says Cushman. "When I was there between '97-'01. I had a couple family members there. Now, I have approximately nine, although I'm still waiting on the census data to be completed. Had I been allowed to draw up my next radio adventure, this would be it and I am thankful to Kim Pyle, Brad Hardin and george toulas for giving my family and me this opportunity. Most recently, Cushman was PD of CBS Radio Hot AC "Mix 105.1" WOMX, Orlando. He joined that group in December 2001, as Assistant PD of WOMX, rising to PD in May 2002. He added programming duties at co-owned Classic Hits "Sunny 105.9" WOCL in February 2008.

* Don Gosselin re-joins Clear Channel as Operations Manager of its clusters in Springfield-Worcester, MA. The veteran programmer replaces Pat McKay, who exited in April. Gosselin will oversee Triple-A WRNX 100.9 FM, Hot AC "Mix 93.1" WHYN-FM and Country "Kix 97.9" WPKX-FM. Most recently he programmed Greater Media's now-defunct "Now 97.5" WNUW, Philadelphia. Gosselin joined the Greater Media Philadelphia cluster as Program Director of "95.7 Ben FM" WBEN in January 2008. Previously, Gosselin was PD of AC WNIC-FM, Detroit. Before that he was OM for Clear Channel in New Orleans. Gosselin joined the New Orleans group from Clear Channel, Toledo, where he previously served as PD of Rock WIOT-FM and AC WRVF-FM.

* WRKO-AM, Boston, talk host Howie Carr lodges three complaints against WRKO with the state AG's office. Another chapter in the ongoing strife between talker Carr and the station on which he hosts an afternoon show is written as Carr "raises a stink" — according to the Boston Herald's Jessica Heslam — "over unpaid bonuses" in complaints filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. Heslam writes that the Herald received the complaints from the Attorney General’s office under a Freedom of Information Act request. Carr declined comment this week. Entercom Boston VP and Market Manager Julie Kahn and WRKO Program Director Jason Wolfe didn’t return calls or emails, says the Herald reporter. Carr, who is also a Herald columnist, filed his most recent complaint against the station’s owner, Entercom Communications, over a month ago before he was hit with a weeklong suspension in April for badmouthing the station. The complaint involves an unpaid performance bonus. Pending investigations are exempt under the public records law. Carr filed his first complaint in September 2007 after WRKO went to court to stop him from becoming the new morning-drive host on crosstown WTKK-FM. Carr’s complaint said Entercom failed to pay him a $13,333 quarterly performance bonus he had earned for the spring ratings period. During that ratings period, Carr’s radio show ranked fifth in Boston among 35 to 54-year-old listeners, and he was making $12,200 a week at the time, according to the complaint. In October, an Entercom executive sent Carr’s bonus check – $8,694.87 after taxes and authorized reductions – to the Attorney General’s office to be forwarded to the talk show host. In a letter enclosed with the check, the station executive said the failure to pay Carr his bonus wasn’t intentional nor was it an oversight. “We determined that (Carr) was not entitled to a spring 2007 bonus based on a premature, and apparently incorrect, report,” the letter said. In December 2008, Carr filed a complaint after the station failed to pay him a $5,000 raise. In his complaint, Carr wrote he was due a $5,000 annual pay increase on November 15 under the terms of his contract. “Company is in breach of contract for the second time in a year,” Carr wrote in his complaint, which said he was earning about $15,000 a week at the time. An investigator with the Attorney General’s Fair Labor & Business Practices contacted the company. An attorney representing Entercom told the investigator on January 5, 2009, that a check had been mailed to Carr, according to filings, and the case was then closed.

* "Mojo In The Morning" producers say the new Miss USA could be in trouble for the show's "Stripper 101" contest. On Mojo's Website at home-base CHR-Top40 "Channel 955" WKQI, Detroit, they congratulated the new Miss USA with a picture from the stripper event and the headline: "Mojo In The Morning 'Stripper 101' Alumn Rima Fakih Wins Miss USA Title." The morning radio show then adds, "Congratulations to Miss Michigan, Rima Fakih who was crowned Miss USA on Sunday night! Rima is a Dearborn resident and the first Arab American to wear the crown. Much like Miss Michigan Kristen Haglund who won Miss America in 2008, Rima is a Mojo In The Morning listener who has joined us in studio and at events. Check out Miss USA Rima Fakih when she won Mojo In The Morning's 'Stripper 101' contest in 2007..." Then, added later, Mojo reports "Breaking News" saying: "Mojo In The Morning producers have been contacted by representatives of Miss Universe requesting more photographs and information regarding Miss USA Rimah Fakih's involvement in the 'Stripper 101' contest. When asked if Fakih's status as Miss USA was in danger, pageant representatives would not answer. Morning show host Mojo says the controversial photographs were taken from our website where they have been posted for three years. He said Mojo In The Morning will not release any further photographs and hopes that Donald Trump does not ask Fakih to relinquish her crown. 'It would be foolish to consider anyone other than Rima to represent the USA. The photos taken from our website are no more provocative than those on the Miss USA website. Mojo In The Morning fully supports Rimah Fakih as she represents Detroit and America in the Miss Universe contest... The radio show will not entertain requests to drag her name through the mud.'"

* Fired "Proud FM" CIRR-FM, Toronto, hosts pursue a wrongful dismissal suit, as fans rally against the gay station. Toronto’s LGBT community is up in arms over the firing of four marquee stars of "Proud FM 103.9, the world’s first commercial gay and lesbian radio station." Says Shaun Proulx of being abruptly fired, "I understand the general public's whiplash feeling." He was ousted along with fellow hosts Deb Pearce, Mark Wigmore and Patrick Marano. Proulx says he doesn't know why they were fired, but that the pink slips were issued after the group asked for a meeting with station management. Despite rumours, Wigmore says the meeting wasn't about money. "We weren't stupid enough to think we could go in as a group and scream 'Unionize' or ask for raises." Xtra - Canada's Gay & Lesbian News reports that with the three-year-old station struggling to become profitable, Marano says everyone was "toeing the company line." But, Pearce says, "Certain things kept creeping up and we wanted more clarity." As they continue a wrongful dismissal suit against the station (with management declining to respond for this story), writes Xtra, Proulx notes that all four have already moved on to new gigs. More than 1,760 people have signed on to a Facebook protest page "Proud FM The Shame of Toronto."

* A judge rejects the lawsuit filed by Houston rapper Trae tha Truth against "97.9 The Box" KBXX, Houston. The lawsuit by the rapper, whose real name is Frazier Thompson, accused the Radio One Urban station of a ban on his music, along with allegations that morning host Nnete Inyagumia was ruining his image by saying he incited violence that caused injuries to eight people at a 2009 "Trae Day" concert. Judge Bill Burke Jr., who heard the claims, said that there was no logical way to force the radio station to play his music and encouraged Trae to just start his own radio station. Radio One's attorney said, "There's nothing in the FCC regulations that requires us to play what we don't want to play or advertise what we don't want to advertise. I guess the conundrum here is that it affects Mr. Thompson from making money. Well, that's just too bad." The judge ruled that stations have the right to choose who to play and who to do business with, saying: "If their position is 'We won't do business with you,' then that's within their right... Your request for a temporary injection is denied."

* Congressman targets Glenn Beck and Goldline International for colluding to bilk investors. Talk show host Beck and the California-based gold retailer have colluded to use fear mongering tactics to bilk investors, according to a stinging report issued Tuesday (May 18) by Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.), reports Politico. The report alleges that Goldline grossly overcharges for the gold coins that constitute the bulk of its business, uses misleading sales techniques and takes advantage of fears about President Barack Obama’s stewardship of the economy – which are stoked by its stable of paid conservative endorsers including Beck, Mark Levin, Laura Ingraham and Fred Thompson – “to cheat consumers.” Goldline is the exclusive gold sponsor of Beck’s radio show. But, as Politico detailed in December, a number of gold selling companies pay other conservative commentators as sponsors and also advertise on a variety of conservative talk radio shows, as well as Fox News, which airs Beck’s television program. “Goldline rips off consumers, uses misleading and possibly illegal sales tactics, and deliberately manipulates public fears of an impending government takeover – this is a trifecta of terrible business practices,” says Weiner. He said the December Politico report prompted his scrutiny of Goldline. As for Beck, Weiner says he “should be ashamed of himself.”

* Is Johnny B. - Jonathon Brandmeier - making Sirius plans for his future? That question is posed by venerable Chicago media reporter Robert Feder at Vocalo.org. Says Feder, "Ever since he was released as morning personality at Emmis Communications classic rock WLUP-FM (97.9) last November, the mere sighting of Johnny B. at a radio station has been enough to send the rumor mill into overdrive — and bloggers into a frenzy. So when Howard Stern mentioned on his Sirius XM Satellite Radio show Thursday that Brandmeier had recently come by Stern’s New York studios (and commented on a note from Brandmeier about an appearance they’d made together on “Donahue” in the 1980s), a new round of speculation began. Adding credence to the rumors was the fact that Tim Sabean, who worked with Johnny B. as program director of the Loop in the early ’90s, now is senior vice president of the Howard Stern Channels at Sirius XM Radio."

* Two organizations team to provide emergency assistance to broadcasters affected by the Tennessee floods. The Broadcasters Foundation of America (BFA) teams with the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters (TAB) to deliver emergency aid to local broadcasters and their families who have been affected by the torrential floods that recently hit the area. "The Broadcasters Foundation has a special process for emergency aid that is designed specifically for time-sensitive circumstances," explains BFA President Jim Thompson. "When disasters like the Tennessee floods or Hurricane Katrina strike, the Broadcasters Foundation can approve and deliver an emergency grant expeditiously, sometimes in just a few days." Says TAB President Whit Adamson, "In a situation like the one we have here in Tennessee, people need assistance immediately. When Jim called me about this, I knew there were broadcasters who needed help right away and that the Broadcasters Foundation of America would provide it quickly." The Broadcasters Foundation has supplied urgent assistance in similar situations, most notably distributing $250,000 in emergency aid to broadcasters in critical need after Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast region.

* Tex Meyer is named General Manager of Curtis Media's Oldies WKIX-AM-FM, Raleigh, NC. He most recently was VP and Market Manager of the Clear Channel Greensboro five-station cluster — AC WMAG-FM, Urban AC WMKS-FM, Spanish WGBT-FM, Rock WVBZ-FM and Country WTQR-FM. Previously, he held a similar position with Clear Channel's Roanoke-Lynchburg, VA, group. Prior to that, Meyer was Director of Sales for WLCC-AM and WMGG-AM, Tampa. He also spent 11 years as SVP and GM of WBZZ-FM and WZPT-FM, Pittsburgh.

* Veteran CBS Radio sales executive Dan Richman joins Tribune Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, as Local Sales Manager. Richman previously was General Sales Manager for CBS Radio's crosstown Sports "670 The Score" WSCR-AM until December 2008. Richman also served as GSM of sister Triple-A WXRT-FM. Richman was with CBS Radio for a total of more than 17 years.

* Metro Traffic names Sal Martirano as New York General Sales Manager, effective immediately. Martirano will be responsible for overseeing all New York Metro Traffic sales efforts. He joins the company from WRNN-TV, Kingston, NY, where he was General Sales and Program Manager responsible for all New York City advertising sales. "I am thrilled to bring Sal on board to lead our New York Sales efforts," says Metro Traffic New York Regional VP Michael Juliano. "Sal is a proven sales leader with multi-channel New York media experience. Together with our dedicated sales team, he will enhance our customer service and ability to provide customized solutions to meet our clients' changing marketing needs."

* British radio broadcasters are encouraging listeners to switch to digital offering a "Radio Amnesty" trade-in. Listeners who turn in old analog receivers get discounts of at least 10% to purchase new digital receivers, under the monthlong promotion jointly offered by the BBC and Britain's commercial broadcasters. Actor Stephen Fry and other celebrities are part of what the UK's Guardian newspaper describes as a "major marketing campaign" that will be heard on more than 100 local commercial stations and on the BBC's national and local outlets. "Radio Amnesty" will be promoted throughout June, aimed at meeting a government target to have 50% of radio listening via digital by 2013. If that target is met, analog radio will be shut down in 2015. In the first quarter of 2010, about 25% of all British listening was on digital radio receivers.

* Emmis Communications CEO Jeff Smulyan says radio is "less fragmented" than other local media. Smulyan says radio broadcasters have done relatively well in the current climate and are better positioned in the long run than comparable local media, such as newspapers and TV. Because it is less fragmented. There has also been major growth overseas. But layman analysts have jumped to conclusions that radio is over because of the concurrent popularity of streaming, satellite and iPods – channels that arguably add to radio’s overall appeal. Speaking at BIA/Kelsey’s Digital Strategies for Broadcasters conference in Jersey City, NJ, Smulyan says that radio needs to improve its “perception problem,” but it also needs to explore the new opportunities that the other channels provide. Streaming, for instance, represents significant opportunities for broadcasters, but also has real costs. “I have been streaming for 15 years,” he says. There are wonderful things you can do, but there is a real cost. Every time I stream to a new listener, it costs me money.“ Smulyan also lobbied for turning the Emergency Alert System into a new cellphone-based radio channel that can also be used for transactions, such as song downloads. [More from BIA/Kelsey »]

* The Conclave 2010 Rockwell Award goes to broadcast consultant and author Valerie Geller. She will be honored at the annual Awards Luncheon, July 16 during the 35th annual Conclave Learning Conference in Minneapolis. Says MusicMaster SVP Mark Bolke, Chair of The Conclave Board, "Valerie Geller represents the essence of the Rockwell Award. I am so very pleased she will be recognized for her contributions to our industry." When notified of the award, Geller had this reaction: "Thank you! I'm looking forward to this year's conference and am deeply honored and delighted to be named as this year's recipient of the prestigious Rockwell Award! The Conclave, a great organization, is one of radio's treasures." Conclave Executive Director Tom Kay explains, "The Rockwell Award is meant to recognize those who have contributed to the rich legacy of the industry in broadcasting, communicating and mentoring. Valerie epitomizes those contributions, for her years of sharing at the annual Learning Conference and most recently, for her work in helping The Conclave launch and maintain its very successful Webinar program."

* Citadel wins court approval for its reorganization plan and exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The approval by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland in Manhattan comes over the objections of shareholders who said the company is worth more than executives and bankers claim. BusinessWeek reports that Lifland says he will sign a confirmation order approving Citadel’s reorganization plan. “The debtor has met the burden of confirmation,” Lifland said at the close of a nine-hour Monday (May 17) hearing in New York that centered around the subject of the valuation of the company’s worth. Shareholders led by Aurelius Capital Partners LP opposed the plan, saying that bankers valued the company too low, thus denying owners of stock any recovery on their investment. Lazard Ltd., Citadel’s banker, used the company’s earnings projections to arrive at a valuation showing the company is worth less than its debt. Citadel filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors in December, saying the recession “put a chokehold on advertising spending,” its main source of revenue. The reorganization plan will give holders of $2.14 billion of secured debt a new $762.5 million loan and 90% of the shares of the reorganized company. Holders of unsecured claims will receive the remaining 10% of the stock and $36 million in cash. Equity holders will receive nothing. More than 55 people packed the Manhattan courtroom Monday for the second of a two-day confirmation hearing during which Lifland heard testimony from bankers, analysts and Citadel’s top executives about the fairness of the valuation. Lifland refused to delay the hearing on the confirmation, after he denied opponents a chance to have an expert witness testify. He refused to allow testimony from a professor of finance who planned to testify about the valuation of the company. Lifland agreed with Citadel’s lawyers that the witness didn’t have expertise in valuations of broadcasting companies. “We’re dealing with the radio industry sandbox and there are a lot of nuances in that sandbox,” Lifland said. “There is no nexus between his credentials and the subject matter of his testimony.” Allan Brilliant, a lawyer for Aurelius, had asked the judge to postpone the rest of the hearing to give shareholders time to come up with new expert testimony about the valuation. The judge gave them one hour. Christopher Ensley, a former radio industry analyst at Bear Stearns who testified for Aurelius earlier, was asked by Brilliant to develop an opinion on Citadel’s valuation during that recess and take the stand again. Upon returning from the recess, Brilliant asked the judge to adjourn the hearing until the end of the week to give Ensley more time to calculate the valuation. “It’s not fair for Mr. Ensley to prepare this valuation in one hour in the hall,” Brilliant said. The judge denied the request for extra time. The witness whom Lifland didn’t allow to testify was Gregg Jarrell, a professor at the University of Rochester. Brilliant said he had no comment when asked if Aurelius would appeal the confirmation ruling. Citadel CEO Farid Suleman says, "We're glad it's over and we can get on with running the company."

* Debut Broadcasting reports net revenue was down 13.2% in the first quarter, to $490.3 million from $474.3 million. The Nashville-based company reports a net loss in the first quarter of $280.4 million, compared to a loss of $244.8 million in the same period a year earlier. Debut Broadcasting, radio’s smallest publicly traded company, says first quarter revenues were down only because of one market where it already has a deal in place to sell its stations. Otherwise, revenues for the rest of the company were up 20% for the quarter. In an SEC filing, the company points to an RAB report showing that radio broadcast revenue fell 18% percent in 2009 and says, "Despite this report, we realized growth in all markets except for the Mississippi Delta market and were not affected by the economic slowdown." All of the first-quarter revenue decline was due to the Delta market, the company said, adding that the market is now operating under an LMA with Delta Radio, "minimizing our exposure to potential future losses from this region." Debut has agreed to sell the three stations — WNIX-AM, WBAQ-FM, and WIQQ-FM — to Delta for $300,000 on or before March 31, 2011, at Delta's request. Debut Broadcasting has seven stations in Mississippi and produces and distributes a lineup of 14 syndicated shows, which combined have about 1,400 affiliates.

* Applications are now filed with the FCC to transfer New Northwest Broadcasters radio licenses to a receiver. Alan M. Davis' Revitalization Partners is listed as the receiver. The license transfer applications follow rulings by the Washington State Supreme Court requiring a court-supervised assignment for the protection of creditors. New Northwest owns 31 full-power stations and FM translators in Washington, Alaska and Oregon.

* Towers Investment Trust swaps Flagstaff, AZ, FM for a Chino Valley FM construction permit. Towers Investment Trust signs an agreement to swap recently acquired Triple-A "Eagle 103.7" KZGL, Flagstaff, AZ, with Grenax Broadcasting, for an FM construction permit in Chino Valley, AZ. Towers purchased KZGL from Kalil Holding Group, the receiver for former owner Walker Broadcasting, for $350,000 in April. Towers also owns stations in Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas. Kalil & Co. served as the exclusive broker for the exchange transaction.

* Broadcast Architecture announces the official launch of their new adult "Music That Feels Good" radio format. The new format is available from BA's Bright Radio Network, which features current songs that are uplifting, positive, mood enhancing. Over 50% of the Bright Radio Network playlist comes from music recorded in the 2000’s targeting 35-49 women. The "Music That Feels Good" format was first announced in March by USRN, as reported here then. At that tine, Broadcast Architecture Owner and President Allen Kepler told us, “Our new format offers something new and fresh in both variety and feel. Everyone needs a “Feel Good” station on their radio, a bright place to regain their zone and help them escape from the stress of the day, relax, chill out and 'Feel Good'. Like Smooth Jazz did for a generation of listeners over the last 20 years, the Bright Radio Network targets today’s adults who need a break from rap, hip-hop and edgy rock music. The variety of music we’re offering takes a mass-appeal approach to a format that is unique, yet features some of the most mainstream, sophisticated music recorded over the past 35 years.”

* Ryan Sean is the new Program Director of Rhythmic CHR KIKI-FM and Hot AC KUCD-FM, Honolulu. Sean replaces Adam Carr who recently stepped down. Operations Manager Jamie Hyatt will continue to program AC KSSK-AM-FM and Hawaiian "Island 98.5" KDNN-FM. His new PD gig marks a return to Clear Channel Honolulu for Sean, who previously was Assistant PD and Music Director at KIKI and KUCD, before moving to Cox Radio Hawaii.

* Clear Channel Fresno Director of Programming Paul Wilson exits after a little more than three years. In Fresno, Wilson oversaw Hot AC KALZ-FM, Rock KRZR-FM and Country KHGE-FM. Previously, Wilson was Director of Programming for Clear Channel Hawaii for six years.

* Lawmakers in Kansas propose a 50% slash in funding allocation for public radio and television. Under a budget proposal in the Kansas House, more than $903,000 would be cut from public broadcasting funding. The cut affects stations statewide but has greater impact on stations in the western part of the state, where the state funding represents a larger portion of station budgets. High Plains Public Radio in Garden City tells its listeners, "For HPPR, that amounts to a cut of more than $120,000 — money that HPPR was budgeted to receive this fiscal year. These cuts are drastic, without precedent, and threaten each public broadcasting station's ability to bring high-quality, independent, informative programs to Kansas. With only five months left in our fiscal year, it will be nearly impossible to raise that kind shortage from membership and underwriting." The station says that the cuts are equivalent to the budget for NPR programming ($65,000) plus two of the station's 10 full-time staff positions ($60,000). The cuts would be effective July 1, with the start of the new fiscal year. HPPR is urging listeners to tell Gov. Mark Parkinson to line-item-veto the cut, which is reallocating the funds to the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs.

* Joanne Everhart joins Entercom in the newly-created position Director of eCommerce. Everhart was most recently a senior program manager at Yellowbook, and has spent 14 years at QVC, where she was senior manager of new media and managed eCommerce programs. In her new Entercom position, she will report to Regional President Weezie Kramer. "Joanne has focused on building e-commerce programs for most of her career and brings a wealth of experience to Entercom," says Kramer. "I am looking forward to working closely with her as she accelerates our eCommerce efforts." Everhart tells us, "I'm thrilled to join Entercom as the new director of eCommerce and look forward to the challenge of growing the company's eCommerce program. Entercom has made great strides in this area, and I look forward to helping continue that advancement." Everhart beins the new position May 24.

* Fred Grandy returns to mornings at Citadel's Talk WMAL-AM, Washington DC. According to DCRTV, Grandy will be paired with newsman Bryan Nehman for "The Grandy Group" in the 5-9am slot. Chris Plante, who had been shifted from late mornings to mornings a few weeks ago, returns to his former 9am-12noon slot. The latest morning line-up comes from new Program Director Drew Hayes, who is doing double duty from Citadel's WLS-AM, Chicago. WMAL recently dumped its Grandy and Andy (Parks) morning show and replaced it with Plante, who had been paired with Grandy for a few days, but Plante soon went solo. Grandy, the former Congressan and onetime "Love Boat" co-star, was reported as ousted from the station. On its Website, WMAL says: "The Grandy Group program will focus on the biggest and most interesting stories of the day as seen through the eyes of Fred Grandy and Bryan Nehman, and will feature newsmaker guests, calls and texts, Traffic and Weather First on the 5's, and ABC and WMAL news."

* Longtime afternoon drive host Don Burns exits Smooth AC "94.7 The Wave" KTWV, Los Angeles. The Orange County Register's Gary Lycan reports Burns “had requested that Monday (May 17) be the final day to record his show,” says The Wave’s Program Director Jhani Kaye. Burns, considered the signature voice of the station and host of the afternoon “No Stress Express” was with 94.7 FM from day one in 1987. He left in 2002 in a salary dispute with previous management, but returned in 2003. He has been voice-tracking his segments from a studio in his La Quinta home for months, but current management wanted him to go live and local in afternoon drive. “I had an extended conversation with Don, and we expressed our mutual respect for one another. It was very heartfelt,” says Kaye. Although Kaye said Burns “requested that Monday be his last shift, I left the door open for him to return in the future. If he is willing to be live and local, we’re willing to talk.” Lycan says Burns could not be immediately reached for comment. His last on-air day was Monday. Deborah Howell is filling in temporarily, according to Kaye.

* CHR-Top40 "Amp Radio 97.1" KAMP, Los Angeles, drops its highly-publicized "Commercial Free Mondays." The station had been running the no-commercials day each Monday for 15 months until this week, reports LARadio.com's Don Barrett. “The strategy to launch Amp Radio with 10,000 songs in a row followed by Commercial Free Mondays was a major commitment, but the fastest way for us to have a successful and immediate impact,” emailed Amp Programming VP Kevin Weatherly to Barrett. “We knew we had to have a way to differentiate Amp from the other well-programmed and established stations in the market. The idea for CFM was strategic, not necessarily to impact only Monday's ratings. In fact, the ratings for Monday were not that different than the rest of the week. We are still a relatively new station that is continuing to grow. With our strong lineup of talent led by Carson Daly, and a cume that's approaching 3 million people in SoCal, we are ready for phase two of our evolution. Stay tuned!”

* Rhythmic AC "105-7 The Groove" WWVA, Atlanta, names programming vet Dennis Martinez as Program Director. Martinez takes over programming at the Clear Channel station June 1 replacing Duncan Payton who is relocating to San Diego. Currently, Martinez is on-air at CBS Radio CHR-Top 40 "MOViN 99-7" KMVQ, San Francisco. Martinez was previously PD of "101.5 Jamz" KZON, Phoenix; "Wild 94.9" KYLD-FM, San Francisco; and served as a Regional Programming VP while at KYLD. Clear Channel Atlanta Director of Operations Scott Lindy says, "Dennis brings the experience and talent in the Rhythmic AC format that will keep 105-7 The Groove moving up in ratings and revenue. Plus his culinary talents will come in handy for our Christmas party... no more bologna roll ups!" Martinez adds, "Clear Channel Atlanta has something real special going on. I'm happy to be joining a team with such strong players in every position. Oh, and for this year's Christmas party ... it's fried bologna!"

* Beasley Broadcast Miami names two WQAM-AM veterans – Josh Darrow and Lee Feldman – to new positions. Darrow is named to the newly created position of Cluster PD for Digital and New Media; Feldman, Operations Manager of "Sports Radio 560" WQAM. Says Beasley South Florida VP and Market Manager Joe Bell, "Josh is extremely creative, and I look forward to having him work closely with members of Beasley's interactive team to develop great programming and generate new revenue scenarios. Lee has done a tremendous job as promotions director/assistant program director and will slide into the new position effortlessly. He is a career 'radio guy' and has programming experience in a variety of formats, including our Beasley sister station 99X WJBX in Ft. Myers." Darrow will oversee WQAM's Website for WQAM and seek new online opportunities for the three-station Miami cluster, which also includes WPOW-FM and WKIS-FM. Darrow will continue to be part of the broadcast team for Miami Hurricane sports. Feldman joined WQAM in 2007 as promotions director and added APD in 2008.

* Dial Global names Richard Rene as General Manager of International Relations; hires Michael Capozzoli. Rene will handle international affiliate sales for all Dial Global Programming and TM Studios products. He comes to Dial Global after working in the international divisions for Premiere Radio and Westwood One, as well as at local radio outlets and consulting positions in Ireland, Australia, and England. Dial Global also hires Capozzoli, formerly of Premiere Radio Networks affiliate sales, to be an affiliate sales rep for TM Studios. He will focus on MicroJams, Short Bus Radio, Audio Architecture, jingles and other TM Studios product sales. Says EVP of Affiliate Sales Chris Corcoran, "Dial Global is looking forward to adding the talents of Richard and Michael to our affiliate sales team. These two individuals bring a great sales background and we're excited to have them on our team."

* Listener Driven Radio announces 22 new affiliates in their latest wave of radio station launches. Listener Driven Radio (LDR), the digital platform allowing listeners to program their favorite radio stations, boasts 22 new stations in North America including new arrivals "Now 96.3 FM" in Minneapolis, and stations within Citadel Broadcasting, CBS, Peak Broadcasting, Border Media, and Gap Broadcasting. Also added as an affiliate is LaGardere Group in Europe, including Virgin Radio France, which receives 1.4 million listeners daily across the country and has generated over 90,000 daily votes using LDR. Says a news release. "Listener Driven Radio offers 'crowdcasting' tools to broadcasters, created by radio people for the radio industry. The brainchild of McVay New Media President, Daniel Anstandig, LDR is groundbreaking software that empowers listeners and consumers to become programming collaborators, fostering loyalty via real time interaction. Listeners can access a radio station’s playlist via mobile or the station’s website and vote for their favorite songs. Input and voting from listeners directly affects the music played on the station—playing more popular songs faster. The platform also automatically emails and instant messages listeners who opt in, informing them that their favorite track plays on the air. It is totally customizable for each station."

* The NAB says an additional 90 radio and television stations have become NAB members. Headlining the announcement is Virginia Beach-based Max Media, which owns or operates 44 radio and television stations in 10 states and Puerto Rico. Today's announcement follows last week's news that CBS Corporation and Fox Broadcasting had rejoined the broadcast organization. Other radio and television station groups to recently join NAB include Communications Corporation of America, Lafayette, La.; Boswell Broadcasting, Kosciusko, Miss.; Brothers Broadcasting, Rensselaer, Ind.; Eagle's Nest Inc., Roanoke, Ala.; KSBJ Educational, Humble, Tex.; Living Faith Broadcasting, Abingdon, Va.; Neuhoff Communications, Jupiter, Fla.; and White Knight Broadcasting, Lafayette, La.

* USRN will launch a new series of short-form business news reports by Andrew Ross Sorkin, July 12. United Stations Radio Networks Chairman and CEO Nick Verbitsky says the new program, "The Business Brief With Andrew Ross Sorkin," will be available to affiliates as three daily, one-minute pieces, featuring Sorkin’s insights and perspectives on daily activities in the world of business and finance, providing updates for morning drive, midday and afternoon drive. “Andrew Ross Sorkin is truly one of the most respected journalists in financial news today," says Verbitsky "His insights are unparalleled and we’re certain that his fresh approach and intimate knowledge of business and deal-making will have a lasting impact on business reporting in American radio. Andrew is the latest addition to Unites Stations Radio Network’s already impressive Business News offerings that include Bloomberg Radio and the Lou Dobbs Financial Report.” Sorkin tells us, “United Stations has been great to work with in developing a fresh approach to business content and distribution on the radio. I look forward to bringing listeners a unique perspective on the latest business news and helping them make sense of it all. Business news has increasingly become part of the national conversation and it is unlikely to go away anytime soon.” Sorkin, an award-winning 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 New York Times.

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski appoints John Flynn as Senior Counsel to the Chairman for Transactions. Flynn will head the working team that is conducting the review of the proposed Comcast-NBC Universal merger, under the guidance of the inter-bureau steering committee established by Genachowski shortly after the merger application was filed. "I am delighted that John has joined our team to help drive the agency's review of this major proposed transaction," says Genachowski. "The FCC staff has been working hard to analyze all issues presented by the proposed merger, and John's legal expertise and broad experience will help to ensure that the Commission's review is thorough, fair, and efficient." Flynn was most recently EVP General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of ICO Global Communications, where he led teams that took the company public.

* Katz Media CEO Stu Olds says the second quarter is "extremely strong" for national spot radio. In a memo to Katz Media clients and staff, Olds says revenue for national spot radio "remains extremely strong two-thirds of the way through the quarter and heading into the second half of 2010," noting that the quarter so far is pacing up 17%. Olds cites strong political spending but says the current year-over-year increase is being driven by more spending in core categories.

* LBI Media reports first quarter net revenues increased by $2.1 million, or 9.9%, to $23.6 million. LBI (Liberman Broadcasting Inc.) tells us that's up from $21.5 million in Q1 2009. Net revenues for LBI's radio segment remained relatively flat, at $11.8 million for the first quarter compared to the same period a year earlier. Net revenues for LBI's television segment increased by $2.1 million, or 21.5%, to $11.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA increased 30% to $7.1 million, primarily due to a $1.6 million cash gain related to the assignment of the asset purchase deal involving KDES-FM, Palm Springs, CA. LBI Media posted a net loss of $2.5 million compared to a net loss of $37.7 million in 2009. While CEO and President Lenard Liberman focuses on EstrellaTV, the company's national television network, he does say, "We are pleased to announce that during the first quarter, we generated year-over-year revenue growth. We are encouraged by our improving financial results and the positive trends we are seeing in the advertising market." Liberman adds, "Our focus for the balance of 2010 is sustaining the momentum generated during the first quarter and building upon our successes." [More from LBI »]

* Radio One reports first quarter net revenue was down 2.1% – radio revenue up almost 8% – from Q1 2009. According to a news release today (May 17), net revenue for the first quarter was $59 million. Station operating income was $17.8 million, an increase of 5% from the year-ago period. Radio One reports operating income of approximately $3.8 million compared to an operating loss of $42.8 million for the same period in 2009. Net loss was approximately $4.6 million or $0.09 per share, an improvement from the net loss of approximately $59.4 million or $0.84 per share for the same period a year earlier. Radio One CEO and President Alfred Liggins says, "The first quarter brought some much needed revenue growth to our core radio business, driven predominantly by national business, which was up 17.7% year-to-year and some uptick in local business, up 3.6%. Our core radio business also saw its second consecutive quarter with over $1.0 million in internet revenue, which had growth of 72.0% year-to-year. We continue to see healthy pacings in second quarter, with national pacing up 27.0% and local up 1.0%, although national has cooled somewhat over the past two to three weeks. I anticipate our second quarter core radio business finishing up with high single-digit growth. The sales transition at Reach Media, away from a guaranteed revenue to a commissioned based sales representation agreement with Citadel, has gone as well as could be expected. The new internal sales team has settled in, and we believe that the new structure, coupled with increased demand will allow us to strengthen rates over the long-term."

Radio One tells us, "With a surge in national revenues, there was recovery in the radio marketplaces in which we operate, with all but two markets experiencing growth, for a total growth of 6.9% for the quarter. At 7.9% growth, our radio stations delivered over performance by 100 basis points, thus slightly improving market share. Our total radio stations' net revenues experienced growth in all revenue types, with national, local and internet up 17.7%, 3.6% and 72.0%, respectively. Our total core radio growth (radio stations and syndication, excluding Reach Media) was 3.8% due to a change in dates of the company's annual Gospel Cruise event (this event was held in April 2010 versus in March 2009). Three of our four largest markets posted growth during the quarter, with Atlanta up 16.0%, Houston up 11.4% and Baltimore up 1.7%. While sequentially better than the 13.1% decline experienced in the fourth quarter of 2009, our Washington DC cluster was down 3.5% for the quarter. The DC cluster performance was driven by continuing ratings challenges on its adult station since the implementation of the Portable People Meter, and the impact that has had on pricing, especially local rates. Recent leadership and pending programming changes are expected to yield more positive results going forward for the DC cluster. Dallas, one of our mid-sized markets, posted an impressive 30.7% net revenue growth for the quarter. Our top four advertising categories for our core radio business generated 53.5% of the quarter's business, with entertainment, retail, telecommunications and food & beverage comprising 15.5%, 14.7%, 12.9% and 10.4%, respectively, of radio's total revenue. Growth performance during the quarter for the entertainment, retail, and telecommunications categories were 2.6%, 15.2% and 21.4%, respectively, while the food & beverage category declined 12.0% caused by less fast food and food product spending. Our automotive category, driven mostly by dealer activity, was 7.3% of total core radio revenue and grew 4.3% for the current quarter. Census, and political advertising helped our public category garner 9.3% of total core radio revenue, with a growth of 26.7% over last first quarter." [More »]

* Westwood One reports revenue was up 8% in the first quarter, with revenue increases in both divisions. “In the first quarter of 2010, revenue increased by $6.9 million or 8.1%, from $85.9 million to $92.8 million, which was Westwood One’s first year-over-year quarterly revenue increase since 2005,” says Westwood One President Rod Sherwood. “Revenue increased in both of our businesses, with Network Radio up 8.6% and Metro Traffic up 7.5%, reflecting increased advertising spending both nationally and locally. In addition to reflecting the initial signs of growth in the economy, this increase is also a result of our strategic focus on meeting the needs of our advertising and affiliate customers, and investing in areas with the most potential for revenue growth.” Westwood One’s earnings (on an Adjusted EBITDA basis) increased approximately $9.0 million, from a loss of $6.9 million in the first quarter of 2009 to an Adjusted EBITDA profit of $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2010. This increase is primarily the result of increased advertising revenue, and lower operating costs resulting from the company’s cos reduction initiatives. “The measures we took in 2009 positioned us to take advantage of a recovering economy with a re-structured balance sheet, a strengthened sales force, and strong programming to attract targeted audiences for our advertisers and affiliates,” says Sherwood. “We are beginning to see positive results from our actions, and early pacing for the second quarter is encouraging.”

For the remainder of the year, Westwood One says it remains "cautiously optimistic about growth in advertising spending during 2010." Says the company, in a news release, "Industry research sources are revising their earlier forecasts slightly upward, but local radio remains at relatively low levels of growth. Magna, a division of IPG’s Mediabrands, forecasts that local radio is expected to grow by 0.6%. Other industry sources forecast increases in local radio of 2%, and network radio of 6%. Our strategies remain consistent with those stated at the end of 2009. While continuing revenue gains will likely improve our operating leverage, we will continue to make targeted investments in the business to enhance our competitive position in 2010 and beyond. That said, we will continue to evaluate our cost structure to maintain the appropriate levels of liquidity. We will continue to invest in new programming, while also identifying, and investing in, opportunities for expanded content and distribution in Metro television and digital. We will maintain our focus on improving our infrastructure and we will continue to seek opportunities to complement our organic growth strategy with strategic partnerships and select business development activity like SigAlert."

* Alabama's Bluewater Broadcasting is poised to emerge from bankruptcy. The company, which operates five radio stations in Montgomery, AL, filed for bankruptcy about nine months ago when its senior lender called for payment on a loan. That loan, which funded the purchase of the stations years ago, was called in when the value of the property fell below the loan amount, reports the Montgomery Advertiser. Bluewater then sought the bankruptcy court's protection. Now, the lenders and the broadcast group have worked out a plan to extend the loan in exchange for some of the equity in the company. Once that agreement is filed with the bankruptcy court, Bluewater expects to emerge quickly, according to COO Rick Peters. "Everybody has agreed and negotiated a plan," says Peters. "It drastically altered the balance sheet." Peters says the company is emerging from Chapter 11 intact. "We have the same management team and everything in place." The restructured debt will allow the stations, which Peters said have a strong cash flow, to operate without as much pressure to make debt payments. Bluewater filed with the FCC Friday (May 14) to transfer the station licenses to the reorganized company.

* The Internet Advertising Bureau says first quarter U.S. Internet ad revenue reached a record high of $5.9 billion. The first quarter total is up 7.5% from the same period in 2009, according to the numbers released Friday (May 14) by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). This marks the highest first-quarter revenue level ever for the industry. "The year-over-year growth we are seeing reflects marketers’ confidence in the value and effectiveness of interactive advertising," says IAB President and CEO Randall Rothenberg. "The Internet, together with explosive technological innovation in devices and platforms, has transformed consumers' lives, giving them access to entertainment and information however, whenever, and wherever they want it. That's why the vibrant interactive advertising and marketing industry lends major fuel to the U.S. economy." PwC Assurance Partner David Silverman says, "We are seeing continued signs of an improved economy and interactive advertising market. The media industry — like the economy as a whole — saw tremendous challenges this past year, and uncertainty about the recovery remains. However, entering 2010 with such strong Q1 revenues is a sign of the health and vitality of online media, and of marketers' continuing investment in interactive as a cornerstone of their advertising campaigns." [More »]

* Sirius XM says it now expects to see net subscriber additions total 750,000 in 2010. That's up from its previous forecast of 500,000. Sirius XM also raised its 2010 target for pro-forma adjusted income from operations to $575 million, up from its prior view of $550 million. The satcaster also anticipates full-year pro-forma revenue of about $2.75 billion and free cash flow of more than $100 million. Says CEO Mel Karmazin in a statement, "Our continuing strong operating performance, the recovering economy, and improving auto sales support our increase in guidance today."

* Dave Pawelek resigns as Station Manager of Radio Disney's WRDZ-AM, Chicago, and WKSH-AM, Milwaukee. Pawelek, who has managed the two Radio Disney owned and operated stations for four years, is taking a position as Director of Sales for the Disney Vacation Club sales center at Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, IL. No replacement has yet been named at the two radio stations. Pawelek has previously served as New Business Development Manager, Account Executive, and on-site talent — all at Radio Disney.

* CBS Corporation spent $1.55 million in the first quarter of 2010 on lobbying efforts. That's up from $1.06 million during the same period a year earlier, and from $1.35 million in the fourth quarter of 2009, according to several published reports. The CBS lobbying expenditures were largely on fighting the Performance Rights Act, and the FCC's broadband plan, according to a disclosure report filed with the House clerk's office. CBS lobbied Congress and the FCC in the first quarter of this year.

* Salem Communications launches its own SRN Conservative Talk format at WWRC-AM, Washington DC. Gone is the Business Talk format previously aired under Red Zebra Broadcasting, from whom Salem is acquiring the station, as previously reported here. "Money 1260" is replaced by "1260 WRC," airing Bill Bennett, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved and Hugh Hewitt. Salem Radio Division President David Santrella previously told us, "There is no better place to have a platform for our brand of talk radio than in our nation's capital and this acquisition provides us with just such an opportunity."

* Westwood One promotes Mark Wilson to VP Affiliate Sales, Entertainment Division. In his new role, Wilson will oversee and manage the affiliate sales efforts for Westwood One's CHR, Urban and Latin Entertainment programming, which includes: The BET Radio Network, BET 106th and Park Countdown, The Fab 30 Countdown with Perez Hilton, MTV Weekend Countdown, Randy Jackson's Hit List, Open House Party, Party Play House, Sunday Nite Slow Jams, Slow Jams and Frankie Needles' Top 20 Countdown. Reporting to Wilson are Rezell Simmons (Regional Director, Affiliate Sales) and Tristan Morgan (Regional Manager, Affiliate Sales). Wilson will continue to report to Dennis Green, EVP Affiliate Sales, and be based in New York City. “Mark has led the charge to bring our entertainment products, specifically Urban/CHR programming, to audiences around the country,” says Dennis Green, Westwood One EVP Affiliate Sales. “The energy and enthusiasm Mark has brought to our team these past five years has been invaluable.” Westwood One SVP and GM Entertainment Max Krasny says, "Mark has been instrumental in developing and growing our CHR, Rhythmic and Urban products at Westwood One. We are very proud to have someone with his knowledge and industry status in this important position." Wilson joined Westwood One in 2005, as Regional Manager, Affiliate Sales, and was quickly promoted to Senior Director, Affiliate Sales, where he oversaw the distribution of all Westwood One Urban and CHR properties. Prior to Westwood One, Wilson held the positions of Marketing Director at Ruff Ryders/Interscope Records and Product Manager at Bad Boy/Arista Records.

* Clear Channel WMIB, Miami, flips from Urban “103.5 the Beat” to Spanish Hot AC as “103.5 Super X." The format change became official at noon May 14, after several days of increasing rumors. There is, however, strong speculation "The Beat" will continue at a new location — to be announced. Recent tweets on Twitter by "Beat" personalities promoted the change. Then one said, "We are not going anywhere the beat is." Another, the most recent, proclaims, “If you wanna know where to find your favorite BEAT DJs after 103.5 keep following @1035theBEAT #BIGthingsCOMING." That was posted shortly before the noon flip at 103.5 FM. Could Clear Channel be planning another flip in the Miami market? Meanwhile, the new Spanish station is online at www.SuperX1035.com. President and Market Manager Brian Olson says, "Based on the South Florida population being over 50% Hispanic and growing, adding a second Spanish-language format to the cluster provides us the best opportunity to mirror the market. The addition of 103.5 Super X will strategically compliment Mega 94.9. The combination of these two radio stations will provide an unparallel reach of Hispanic Adults 18-54." According to Olson, "Super X" will soon announce a programming line-up of local on-air personalities. Core artists include Chayanne, Shakira, Marc Anthony, Alejandro Fernandez, Gloria Estefan, Luis Miguel and Juan Luis Guerra.

* Journal Broadcast Group KJOT-FM, Boise, ID, morphs from Classic Rock "J-105" to "Variety Rock 105." KJOT made the revision – not exactly a flip – after polling area radio listeners, who indicated they wanted “variety” and “Rock.” Much of the music previously aired will remain, but the overall station playlist will be greatly expanded. KJOT Program Director Dan McColly tells the Idaho Statesman, “It will play 50 years worth of rock music – from the Beatles to Green Day – from a playlist three to four times as large as J-105’s was.” Led Zeppelin is still cranking. AC/DC is still screeching. But now Coldplay, Staind and U2 also are part of the station's mix. The newspaper's Michael Deeds writes that the new format is similar to "Bob" (or "Jack" or similar formats) "for rock fans." Or, "Bob without the goofy '80s pop." Variety Rock's motto is "Always another great rock song." However, beyond the expanded playlist, there are major "revisions." Says Deeds, "The syndicated morning show is gone. The DJs are silent. Twenty-five years of rock history are done." Posted on KJOT's new www.varietyrocks.com Website is a message that gives a different spin to the changes: "Funny thing. It turns out that when radio stations do the listening, some pretty good ideas can come from that. And that's exactly how the new Variety Rock 105.1 came to be. After talking with hundreds – about four hundred, to be precise - of Boise area radio listeners, a few things kept coming up again and again. 'We want a station that plays more than a handful of songs.' ''We like variety – but I can do without all the goofy songs.' 'What I really want is music in the morning, and everybody's talking all the time!'"

* The NAB files a brief in Prometheus Radio Project vs the FCC with the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
The brief, filed jointly with a consortium of television broadcasters, says: "This court cannot uphold the Commission's failure to meaningfully review its outdated broadcast ownership restrictions. The Commission has made conclusory assertions, contradicted itself, changed course without explanation, failed to consider important aspects of the problem it faced, failed to respond to significant comments, and acted contrary to the evidence." The case involves ownership rules changes by the FCC in 2003, after the 2002 biennial ownership rules review, when the FCC made some changes to its TV and radio ownership rules. The Commission also lifted the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban, among other changes. Prometheus and others appealed, and the court put the changes on hold. The FCC's 2008 rules review resulted in a partial lifting of the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban and kept limits on radio-TV cross-ownership. The brief is mostly devoted to the FCC's TV ownership rules; however, regarding radio, it says: "As to the local radio rule, the Commission was justified in not cutting back on the radio ownership levels set by Congress in 1996, given extraordinary changes in the media landscape and the strong evidence that common ownership of radio stations advances the Commission's public interest goals. But based on the record, the Commission should have further reformed the local radio rule to allow broadcasters increased flexibility in forming efficient ownership structures."

* The FCC Media Bureau provides details for its May 21 media ownership workshop at Stanford University. The two-panel session, to be held 10am-5pm, will explore the impact of new media on broadcast stations. The first panel — "Changing Distribution Channels" — will be moderated by Associate Bureau Chief William Freedman. Among the panelists will be Los Angeles Times Publisher and CEO Eddy Hartenstein and Pandora Founder and Chief Strategy Officer Tim Westergren. The second panel, also moderated by Freedman — "The Changing Financial and Business Model for Media in the 21st Century" — will include panelists Dr. Larry Darby from the American Consumer Institute for Citizen Research and KRON-TV President and General Manager Brian Greif. The two-panel forum is open to the public, who will be given an opportunity to participate via "open microphone" at the end of each panel. The workshop will also be carried live over the Internet on the FCC Live Web page.

* Radio news is seen as "more trustworthy than TV" — in the UK. More people trust the news if they hear it on the radio rather than on television, according to a report from London, published by the Telegraph. Two thirds – 66% – believe what they hear, compared to 58% trusting the Internet and 54% accepting what they see on the television. A fifth of people who use online search engines trust that the Websites they are directed to will have accurate and unbiased information. The study by Ofcom, the UK communications watchdog, showed a growing use of the internet over the last five years.

* Two Emmis Communications shareholders are suing to block the company's deal to go private. The proposed deal, announced April 26, effectively would allow Emmis Chairman Jeff Smulyan to take the company private with control of the company. The lawsuits, filed in Marion Superior Court this month, allege that Emmis board members breached their fiduciary duties by making no recommendation on the deal that, they say, will enrich Smulyan at the expense of minority shareholders, according to the Indianapolis Business Journal. The proposed deal would pay Emmis common shareholders $2.40 per share. Smulyan, who owns only 20% of the company's common shares, owns 70% of the voting stock. He's teaming with New York-based Alden Global Capital to buy out other shareholders. The lawsuits stem from Smulyan's and Emmis' claim that the deal qualifies for a "special circumstances" exception under the Indiana Business Corporation Law says IBJ. Normally board approval for a company to be acquired is necessary, but an exception in cases of conflict of interest is allowed. Both lawsuits, which are seeking class-action status, claim the deal would allow Smulyan to buy up Emmis shares at depressed prices right as the company’s finances have begun to turn around. From the beginning of the year to the day before the deal was announced, Emmis shares had nearly doubled in value to $2.30 apiece.

* Objections to Tribune's bankruptcy disclosure statement are filed by Labor Department and senior creditors. The emergence of Tribune Co. from bankruptcy has hit some snags, with objections to its Chapter 11 disclosure statement being filed with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court by the Department of Labor and senior creditors. In the court filings, a new dissident senior creditor group joined other senior creditors and the Labor Department in raising various objections to the company's disclosure plan, with complaints centering on how the settlement plan was reached and disclosure of the issues surrounding Sam Zell's buyout of the company and whether it was fraudulent. The Labor Department's filing says that the disclosure statement should say more about the buyout issues and provisions indemnifying Zell from liability for Employee Retirement Security Act violations. In addition, the transfer of Tribune's licenses as part of the company's reorganization plan has been made a "permit-but-disclose" ex parte proceeding by the FCC, at the request of Tribune's counsel. Petitions to deny the transactions and the continuation of the company's cross-ownership waivers are due no later than June 14.

* The radio industry will pay ASCAP about $40 million less than last year under a federal judge's decision. U.S. District Court Judge Denise Cote, serving as Rate Court judge, set the interim fee for stations belonging to the Radio Music License Committee, while RMLC and ASCAP continue litigation over how much radio stations must pay for ASCAP music licensing. That, of course, does not include similar fees paid to BMI. Some observers say it could be another two years before a final rate is set. When it is, it will be retroactive to the beginning of this year. Therefore it's possible that stations getting a break now could owe the difference at some future point. Under Cote's decision Thursday (May 13), the radio industry will pay ASCAP a little over $192 million a year with the reduced rate. This interim fee supersedes a temporary fee decrease that had been voluntarily agreed to between the two sides. RMLC Executive Director Bill Veez says, "We are pleased that the Court has afforded significant fee relief to the radio industry even as the litigation continues. We view this as an important first step towards a return to reasonable fee levels for the industry that reflect current economic conditions." Similar negotiations are also ongoing with BMI.

* Arbitron Radio Advisory Committee Chair Doug Abernethy says he's encouraged by Arbitron's new attitude. Arbitron SVP of Marketing Bill Rose says the ratings company takes the council's advice "very seriously." The newly expanded Radio Advisory Committee (RAC) met this week in Annapolis, MD. According to Rose and Radio One Regional VP and RAC Chair Abernethy, there was a sense of urgency in the air, with the council encouraging Arbitron to roll out new initiatives as quickly as possible. Abernethy says, "Consumers' lifestyles are changing at a rapid pace. We can't keep playing catch-up." Some of the highlights of the RAC meeting detailed during a Thursday (May 13) conference call include: The 10% PPM sample target increase is about to begin — in the middle of this year; and the benchmarks system — how Arbitron grades itself for its sample performance — is now in place at the RAC’s request and was instrumental in Arbitron’s implementing cellphone sampling, now in all of their markets. The RAC discussed its recent reorganization, adding new members and positions including those for digital, network spot, rep firm, public radio, multicultural, and diary market. Also, there were separate track meetings on PPM and Diary for the first time. Agency and Radio Council sessions joined together to share ideas and info. Also discussed, digital rights rules on playing the same spots online as on-air, and the agency accountability issues involved. Says Abernethy, “The key theme was ‘Welcome to the bigger is better council.’ The council is up to 34 members. There’s a new CEO with Bill Kerr. I’m really encouraged by his comments. I believe he has a full commitment to becoming better partners with the radio industry. He sent a message that sample size and quality is extremely important. He wants to be an advocate to grow our revenue and create top-of-mind awareness for radio. He wants to be very active in public dialogue with regards to PPM and the Diary and he really sees the Council as a key component in reaching these goals.”

* The Florida Attorney General's Office is investigating Sirius XM for billing practices. The Sun-Sentinel reported the probe centers on consumer complaints related to the satcaster's automatic renewal and billing practices. The Florida AG's office has now formally announced the investigation. Other consumer agencies say they have heard similar complaints from customers. Nationally, the Better Business Bureau has collected 3,000 complaints about the satcaster since 2007, with a third of them involving billing. According to the newspaper, in Florida, "State officials say more than 200 complaints about Sirius have been received by the attorney general's citizen services offices, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and the Better Business Bureau over several years." Mike Galvin, spokesman for the Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida and the Caribbean, says consumers claimed they had been automatically re-enrolled for services they did not want, or that the satellite radio provider made it difficult for them drop coverage. Sirius XM customers in Florida also complained that Sirius' collection agents aggressively pursued them when they refused to pay for services they felt they had not authorized, says Galvin. Sirius spokesman Patrick Reilly says the company is cooperating with state investigators. "We believe our subscription renewal practices comply with all applicable laws, including the laws of the state of Florida," says Reilly, who adds that subscribers are notified before the renewal of their subscriptions.

* CBS Corp. acquires environmental organization EcoMedia, with whom CBS partnered on projects since 2008. EcoMedia works with cities and public institutions, advertisers, and media to generate funding for environmental projects. "We want to be a catalyst for getting actual bricks-and-mortar 'greening' projects done that will improve the quality of life in the local communities we serve," says CBS President and CEO Leslie Moonves. "We have seen firsthand EcoMedia’s work on the ground with environmental projects throughout the country, and we're very pleased to now fully integrate EcoMedia into the fabric of CBS." EcoMedia will remain under the leadership of founder Paul Polizzotto, who goes from EcoMedia CEO to President of the CBS unit. EcoMedia's offerings will be integrated into all CBS units, including radio, TV, online, outdoor, and publishing. Says CBS Radio President and CEO Dan Mason, "EcoMedia's innovative model of sustainable media adds a unique and exciting dimension to CBS Radio's sales offering. We will work closely with EcoMedia to address the specific needs of our advertisers' green initiatives and objectives, and, with their guidance, we will look to create groundbreaking ways to help educate our many listeners and improve the quality of life in the communities we serve throughout the country."

* The Utah Broadcasters Association inducts three new members into its Hall of Fame. The three inductees are Doug Barton, President, Sanpete County Broadcasting and Mid-Utah Radio Inc.; M. Kent Frandsen, Logan, President, Cache Valley Radio and Canyon Media; and Don Gale, former executive with Bonneville International and President of Words, Words, Words. Lynn Arave of the Deseret News tells us, "Barton has worked as an announcer and engineer for several Utah County radio stations, including KONI in Spanish Fork, and KOVO, KIXX and KBYU in Provo. He and his wife, Marianne, both part of Sanpete County Broadcasting and Mid-Utah Radio Inc., own six stations broadcasting from Point of the Mountain to Kanab — KMTI and KLGL in Manti, KSVC and KCYQ in Richfield, KMGR in Delta and KMXD in Monroe." Frandsen began as a weekend announcer at KBLI in Blackfoot, Idaho. After a one-year stint at Sun Valley's KSKI, he went back to KBLI full time while attending Rick's College. From there, he served as sales manager at KWIK in Pocatello and later at KGVM in Idaho Falls. In 1969, he and his wife, Pat, revived the defunct station KSKI, purchasing it four years later. Frandsen Media and its affiliates now own 20 radio stations serving markets in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. Gale began working full time at KSL in December 1977. In 1985, he became Bonneville's Vice President for News and Public Affairs, with his responsibilities expanding to include the corporation's national broadcast holdings. Gale retired from Bonneville in 1998. However, he continued writing, even registering his own company, Words, Words, Words, while continuing on a freelance basis for Bonneville. The Utah Broadcasters Association inducts new Hall of Fame members annually.

* Radio crowd-sourcing developer Jelli secures $7 million in funding from bond sales. Jelli, the social music service which combines the power of the Web with the reach of terrestrial radio, closes a Series A round of funding led by Battery Ventures, with participation from First Round Capital. The funding will be used for radio market expansion, new product development and team growth. Satya Patel, Battery Ventures partner and former Google executive, will take a seat on the company board. Says Patel, "While the digital music and Internet radio industries have been booming, where's the innovation in traditional radio? Finally, Jelli is introducing disruptive technology that helps terrestrial radio become a 21st century digital business. Today's consumers are accustomed to a customizable, interactive and social media experience, and Jelli delivers that for a business that has been limited to two-way communication by call-in or SMS. We think the Jelli team has developed an incredible business, the vision to revolutionize terrestrial radio, and the talent to make it all happen. We are thrilled to be partners in their growth." Jelli's user-controlled radio format enables listeners to vote for songs up or down to create and alter the playlist in realtime, essentially taking over a radio station using their Web browsers. This is enabled by Jelli's Web platform which integrates with radio station infrastructure to transform programming and advertising. Jelli is live and on the air in 17 markets in the U.S. and Australia.

* Music Choice ups Gary Susalis to Senior Manager of Music Programming. Susalis, who has overseen programming of all 45 Music Choice channels since December of 2009, will report to VP of Program and Content Development Damon Williams. "Gary has been such a valuable part of our Programming team here at Music Choice since he started over ten years ago," says Williams. "His keen knowledge of music programming and his ability to execute our programming strategy are the drivers behind this well deserved promotion. I am looking forward to seeing him soar in his new position." Susalis, who has been at Music Choice since 1999, previously worked in radio promotions for TVT Records and Concrete Marketing. He started his music career as Assistant Music Director at noncommercial college station WSOU-FM, New York. He continues day-to-day programming responsibilities for Music Choice's Rock, Metal and Alternative channels.

* Tribune Company names Don Meek as EVP and Chief Revenue Officer for interactive and publishing. Meek will be responsible for developing and implementing sales strategies for the company's interactive and publishing divisions, including cross-media sales. "Don's experience at Tribune and his knowledge of the sales and marketing industry make him the right choice to lead our sales force and grow sales across media platforms," says COO Gerry Spector. "He's the guy who sees the revenue before it sees us." Meek adds, "I'm fired up to take on this broader role within the publishing and interactive organization at Tribune. We have outstanding sales teams in our local markets and I'm looking forward to working in partnership with our sales leaders to accelerate our success." Previously, Meek was President of National Media Sales for Tribune's interactive and publishing divisions, and Los Angeles Times President Integrated Media. Prior to joining Tribune Co., Meek held sales and media posts at iFilm Corp, Engine and Fox Sports Net.

* Brian D’Aurelio is promoted to Operations Manager for the three-station Emmis New York cluster. He has been Director of Marketing and Digital Media for the New York group. As OM, he will now have oversight of CHR-Top40 "Hot 97" WQHR, Urban AC "98.7 Kiss FM" WRKS, and Alternative "101.9 RXP" WRXP. SVP and Market Manager Alex Cameron says D’Aurelio's promotion is part of the restructuring of the Emmis New York cluster. "Brian is respected across the building for his leadership and is an innovator that constantly brings greater efficiency and critical thinking to our cluster," says Cameron. "There are no more silos, every department and every team member works together toward our mission and Brian will help heighten this synergy." D’Aurelio is also the Brian-half of the on-air team "Brian & Chris" – which is moving to weeknights 7pm-midnight on WRXP Monday (May 17). The duo have hosted overnights on "101.9 XRP."

* Eddie White is exiting afternoons on Emmis "1070 The Fan" WFNI-AM, Indianapolis. White says he will move into a cluster-wide parttime position at Emmis Indianapolis. This, he says, will allow him to pursue his sports public relations and marketing endeavors in Central Indiana while maintaining a relationship with Emmis. "Eddie will be a regular guest on all of our stations," says VP and Market Manager Charlie Morgan. "In fact, he'll be involved in our race day coverage. I don't know if I've ever met anyone with his contacts, communications skills and enthusiasm. He is a valuable member of our team." White, a former Reebok executive and former PR director of the Miami Dolphins and Notre Dame, started with Emmis over two years ago along with Indianapolis Star sports columnist Bob Kravitz on the "Kravitz and Eddie Show." Kravitz left the show several months ago; White continued solo. "I'm not going away," says White. "I just won't be there every day. This way I can return to my roots as a sports PR guy while still maintaining a relationship with a company I have the greatest respect for – Emmis."

* KBCY-FM, Abilene, host JB Cloud is named Radio DJ of the Year at the Academy of Texas Music Awards. The veteran radio personality from "99.7 Texas Best Country" KBCY was chosen among five other nominees during the eighth annual awards ceremony held Saturday night (May 15). “It is exhilarating to win this award, but it is more exhilarating to have a job in radio,” Cloud said Sunday. Cloud, who won the honor in 2008, has been nominated for the past five years running. “We brought this home again,” Cloud said. “It is great for the folks in Abilene to know that we have some great radio.” Even more important, writes Abilene's Reporter News, the award is 100% fan driven. Fans nominated and chose Cloud for the award. More votes were cast this year than ever before, Cloud said. Voting was held February 15 through March 5. “It is quite humbling to know that many people listen to you and like what you’re doing,” Cloud said. “We had people, who listen to us on the Internet, cast votes all the way from Holland.” Last year, Cloud came home with the Palmwood Award. “It is for people who have been true to their passion and support Texas music,” Cloud explained. Among other awards "90.1 FM" KPFT, Houston, was named as Broadcast Radio Station of the Year, and "Radio Free Texas" as Internet Radio Station of the Year.

* "News Radio 830" WCCO-AM Minneapolis names Chad Hartman to host 9am-noon, beginning Monday (May 17). Hartman is known in the market from his time hosting Sports Talk on crosstown "Sports Radio AM 1130" KFAN-AM. At WCCO, Hartman takes over from Susie Jones who moves to the WCCO news department. His new talk show is followed by John Williams, who recently joined as 1-3pm host. Just last week, we reported that Jeff McKinney was leaving WCCO after more than 15 years of commuting between Missouri and Minnesota. McKinney was heading home to St. Louis, where his wife and two boys reside. During his time working in Minneapolis, McKinney would commute every weekend to Missouri to see his family. He said goodbe last Friday (May 7) in a special on-location broadcast.

* "ESPN Radio 1250" WEAE-AM, Pittsburgh, cuts six employees including Program Director Jim Graci. Also let go are Sports Center update reporters Eartha Jackson and Joe Destio, and three off-air employees. VP and General Manager Mike Thompson, who adds programming duties, says, "It's never easy when you do this. We saw opportunities to create some efficiencies on the business side. We're looking at creating some efficiencies with our multiple markets." Thompson also said the station will continue with its local talk shows such as Stan Savran and Guy Junker in middays, and "The Drive" with Scott Paulsen, Mike Logan and Chris Mack. The syndicated "Mike and Mike" — Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic — remains in morning drive.

* Brad Austin joins NRG Media Wausau-Stevens Point, WI, as Operations Manager and Program Director. Austin will program AC "Mix 96.7" WLJY and Country "Y106.5" WYTE beginning Monday (May 17). He most recently was PD and afternoon host at Country "Q106" WWQM, Madison, for two years. Austin replaces Jesse Garcia who exited to accept the PD position at Country "B100" WBYT, South Bend.

* "Caracol Radio 1260 AM" WSUA-AM, Miami, launches the one-hour "40 Principales" weekend countdown show. Music expert and "40 Principales" personality Julio Cesar Ramirez hosts the Spanish Contemporary and Pop music hit show Saturdays at 11am on WSUA-AM beginning May 15. Director of Programming Jimmy Perez says, "40 Principales also includes inside scoops and news of the bands and singers and exclusive interviews with top artists. Listeners in Miami will love our show, just as millions of Latinos have in the last few years making 40 Principales the number one Latin pop radio network." The program has one of the largest Latin pop music radio networks worldwide with presences in Spain, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica and Ecuador.

* Spanish Broadcasting System reports first quarter net revenue up 11% – radio revenue increased 12%. SBS saw overall revenue increase to $30.8 million from $27.8 million for the first quarter of 2009. The SBS radio unit's revenue increased to $27.1 million from $24.2 million. TV improved by 4% to $3.8 million from $3.6 million. SBS attributes the radio gains to special events revenue in Puerto Rico and Los Angeles and increased local sales in all of its markets except Chicago. The company's OIBDA was up 132% to $6 million from $2.6 million, and the company's net loss narrowed to $828,000 (5 cents per share) from $10.9 million (19 cents). "Our first-quarter results reflect the positive impact of the recovering ad market, combined with our efforts to monetize our audience shares while aggressively controlling costs," says SBS Chairman and CEO Raul Alarcon Jr. "The fundamentals of our business continue to improve, and we have now generated improved cash flow from our operations for the fifth consecutive quarter. As the economy continues to rebound, we believe advertisers will increasingly recognize the benefits of our multimedia platform in reaching the nation's fast-growing Hispanic population. We remain focused on further strengthening our audience shares, while maximizing our proprietary content across our radio, television, and online properties. We will also continue to seek avenues to drive efficiencies across our business, with the goal of converting our revenue growth into improved operating margins and increased cash flow." SBS also says that with its stock now back in compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, the company will not go proceed with a reverse stock split approved last month.

* Disney broadcast revenues were up just 1% and broadcast operating income fell 24% for the first quarter. Broadcast revenue finished the quarter at $1.43 billion, while broadcast operating income fell to $123 million. The Disney broadcast division includes ESPN Radio, Radio Disney, and Disney's television operations. The company does not offer breakdowns of radio and television within the division. The broadcast results were in stark contrast to the overall company results, which showed a 6% revenue increase to $8.58 billion. ESPN helped the company's cable network division to a 9% revenue increase, and theme park revenue rose 2% despite a drop in domestic park attendance.

* Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, Operations Manager Drew Hayes adds Program Director of WMAL-AM, Washington DC. Both stations are Citadel outlets. At WMAL-AM, Hayes, who will remain based in Chicago, replaces Paul Duckworth, in the latest shakeup at the DC talker. "Drew's added responsibilities are a result of the company's vote of confidence in him and a reflection of the programming strides and ratings growth WLS-AM has already experienced," says WLS President and General Manager Michael Damsky in a memo. "WLS is Drew's passion, but I believe that passion is deep enough for us to be able to afford to share some of it with our nation's capital." Hayes adds, "There are a lot of similarities and they're both big, powerful, important stations. I want to see what makes 'MAL tick. But it is DC. That's a pretty good opportunity." Prior to rejoining WLS in January, Hayes handled similar duties with CBS Radio Chicago's News WBBM-AM and Sports WSCR-AM. The change of PD at "AM 630: Stimulating Talk - Breaking News" WMAL-AM follows the exit of the remaining member of the station's morning show, Fred Grandy, the former Congressman and onetime “Love Boat” star. His partner Andy Parks had already been ousted. The “Chris Plante Morning Show” has replaced “Grandy & Andy” at Citadel's DC talker. Following Parks recent forced departure, Grandy had continued co-hosting part of the morning show with Plante, who is now solo for the entire 6-10am show. Plante's bio on the WMAL Website says, "Chris Plante joined the WMAL team after 17 years at CNN including nearly ten years assigned to the Pentagon covering the U.S. military and intelligence community." Prior to the exit of Parks, Plante hosted a midday show on WMAL-AM.

* United Stations Radio Networks adds Chris Venice as Director of Affiliate Relations, effective immediately. Venice will handle the acquisition and maintenance of affiliates for the network's programming properties, based at USRN's New York headquarters working with VP of Affiliate Relations Dan Brassem. "Seasoned pros like Chris Venice are hard to come by, and we're really excited to have him joining our team," says USRN EVP Charlie Colombo. "He joins a number of other veterans on our staff, and we look forward to having him not only grow our programming presence nationwide but in helping our affiliates maximize the benefit of our offerings." Venice joins USRN following a recent stint as Director of Affiliate Relations for Dr. Laura's "Take On The Day." Prior to that, Venice spent 11 years with ABC Radio Networks.

* Washington DC's "Federal News Radio" WFED-AM is making changes as morning co-host Jane Norris leaves. Afternoon anchor Amy Morris will join Tom Temin for “The Federal Drive” morning show next week, as Norris exits to join consulting firm Deloitte. Morris's current co-host, Chris Dorobek will go solo from 3-7pm. WFED-AM is the sister station of Washington's All News WTOP, and although it usually places dead last in the local radio ratings, it's a cash cow for owner Bonneville International thanks to advertisements and infomercials purchased by defense contracting firms, federal labor unions and other interest groups, according to the Washington Post's Ed O'Keefe. WFED is also the radio home of the Washington Nationals and Washington Capitals thanks to a powerful AM signal that can be heard as far away as Cape Cod in the evenings, says O'Keefe.

* Beck on the bird: the radio and TV talker adds satellite radio. "The Glenn Beck Program" will air live every day on the Sirius XM Patriot channel. Beck joins, what the satcaster calls, a "powerful conservative Patriot talk lineup including Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Andrew Wilkow, and Mike Church." Beginning May 17, Beck will be available to all of Sirius XM's more than 19 million subscribers on Patriot – Sirius Channel 144, XM Channel 166 – live from 9:00am-noon ET daily. A news release from the satcaster says: "One of America's leading radio and television personalities—and a #1 New York Times bestselling author—Beck completes a lineup of conservative talk on the new Sirius XM Patriot." The channel is anchored by Mike Church (6-9am); Andrew Wilkow's "The Wilkow Majority" (noon-3pm); Sean Hannity (3-6pm); and Mark Levin (6-9pm). Patriot also features exclusive programming from NRA News.com and live weekend programming with Gary Bauer and Tom Rose. May 17 also marks the launch of Patriot Plus, which, along with Patriot, will be available to Sirius XM Premium Online subscribers. Patriot Plus will offer additional choices in conservative talk, including live editions of "Bill Bennett's Morning in America" and "The Laura Ingraham Show." [More »]

* Chico, CA, gets "Bold Talk" – replacing "K-PIG" music at Mapleton Communications' KZAP-FM. KZAP flips from a simulcast of sister Triple A / Americana KPIG, Freedom, CA to Talk, with mostly syndicated shows. Local news programming will air with simulcasts of KHSL-TV, Chico, "CBS 12 Action News" 6-7am, noon-12:30pm, and 6-7pm. Syndicated talk shows include Glenn Beck, Laura Ingraham, Jerry Doyle, Mark Levin and Phil Hendrie. The Chico Enterprise Record reports, "Evaluating and planning for the launch took some time, according to Market Manager Vince Shadrick, who's gotten some calls about the change, which was financially related." The new format, called "Bold Talk," also includes "a sprinkling of locally generated programs by businesses and experts." Regarding dropping the KPIG broadcast, Shadrick says, "There weren't enough listeners in the Chico area to make it attractive to advertisers. It didn't warrant the continued cost." He says that with the change, he's already been able to hire back a part-time person who was previously let go.

* In a bra-zen move, Peoria's "Power 92.3" WZPW is organizing its second bra collection for breast cancer awareness. The "Bras Across Peoria" event was started last year by WZPW to raise awareness of the fight against breast cancer. The station is encouraging the public to write the name of a loved one who has battled breast cancer on the cup of a bra before donating it to the station. The bras will be hooked together during a ceremony in June. "Over 100 women lose their life to breast cancer in America every day," says "Power 92.3" Program Director Jason Parkinson. "Our goal is to collect over 1,200 bras to display as a realistic symbol of how many women will die in one year because of this disease." The station provides specifics for Illinois residents to drop off their bras on its Website.

* Looking for a real bargain? Rush Limbaugh cuts NewYork City penthouse price to just under $13 million. Limbaugh says he still wants to sell the property, even though he hasn't been able to get his earlier asking price, so he says, "Have I got a deal for you!" — as he slashes the sale price to $12.95 million. Limbaugh vowed to get out of the Big Apple after New York Governor David Paterson proposed a "millionaire's tax" on residents who make more than $500,000 a year. The conservative radio talker is sticking to his pledge, but admits he hasn't been able to find anyone to pay a million dollars more, or $13.95 million. Now he believes it's a real steal. The city values the property at $1.56 million and says the property would rent for more than $26,000 per month. But, of course, Rush would note, that doesn't include the added value of his fame or highly inflated ego.

* Kevin Graham joins "Sports 620" KTAR-AM, Phoenix, as Program Director, May 17. Graham replaces Ryan Hatch, who is now with Bonneville Seattle. Most recently, Graham was PD and afternoon co-host at "1280 The Zone" KZNS-AM, Salt Lake City. He joined KZNS- in June 2005 as co-host of "The Big Show" with Gordon Monson, 4-7pm. Previously, he was PD of WXYT-AM, Detroit. Graham's also held programming positions at ESPN Radio affiliates in New York, Pittsburgh and Columbus, OH.

* An Ohio high school plans to shut down its radio station at the end of May after more than 35 years on the air. WHSS-FM, the radio station operated out of Hamilton High School, will go off the air May 28, coinciding with the final class of the school's broadcasting arts program at its Job Development Center, reports the Hamilton Journal-News. “We knew from March of last year that we were discontinuing the broadcasting arts program, but no specific decision had been made on the radio station at that time,” says David Spurrier, who will be retiring at the end of the school year after managing the station and teaching broadcasting classes for 31 years. “That decision was just finalized in the last month or so,” he said. Spurrier says the decision to close the program was based on both a lack of interest and the decline of jobs in radio and television broadcasting. “Broadcasting arts program this year has 20 students, juniors and seniors,” says Spurrier. “We’ve had in the neighborhood of 75 or more at any particular time.” A lot of that is due to the changes in technology and the way young people consume music, according to the published report. The program was designed to provide hands-on training so that students could get jobs in radio and television, he said, but but there aren’t that many jobs out there anymore. “It’s been a while since I’ve been able to place a kid even part-time in a radio station. There may be only one or two job openings in the whole county in a year when there’s high turnover. Having a career education program for broadcasting just doesn’t make sense anymore,” Spurrier tells the Hamilton Journal-News. The high school's administration has yet to decide whether they should try to sell the broadcasting license or simply give it back to the FCC.

* Jim Augustine joins Focus 360's National Focus' new Dallas office as a Regional Sales Manager. "As we continue to grow our business, this new office in Dallas will enable us to interact more closely with stations, agencies, and advertisers throughout the Southwest," says Focus 360 CEO Phil Brown. "In Jim Augustine we have found an ideal executive to lead our efforts in the region. Jim has been a winner at all levels of sales and enjoys a well earned, stellar reputation throughout the industry." Augustine had headed the SouthCentralMedia rep firm, which he founded to work with broadcast and other media outlets. Previously, he served in sales posts for Gateway Broadcasting and Hearst Broadcasting Pittsburgh.

* Former "Real Radio 104.1" WTKS, Orlando, talk host Shannon Burke is released from jail in Florida. Burke was accused of shooting his wife while aiming at her dog, and after completing a jail sentence for that served an additional sentence for a probation violation charge. He'd been on probation, at the time of the shooting, for an alcohol-related reckless driving charge. His jail time behind him, the former radio host was greeted by his wife when he was released from the Orange County Jail. He'd been transferred there last month, after serving four months in another jail for shooting their dog last year, during which the bullet also grazed his wife. "What do you say to those people who say that you were a victim of domestic violence?" WKMG-TV "Local 6 News" reporter Louis Bolden asked Catherine Burke. "I'm saying that people don't know what they're talking about," said Catherine Burke. "This wasn't a domestic violence case. This was a case of a drunken idiot handling a gun he shouldn't have been handling," Shannon Burke said. "I never meant to harm anybody." Shannon Burke said he now plans to ride his motorcycle a lot and spend time with his wife, children and dog.

* Reaction comes from the Windy City to reports that Emmis might sell its two Chicago stations. At Vocalo.org, Chicago media reporter Robert Feder writes, "It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when Emmis Communications decided to give up on Chicago. But in a report released last Friday, the company left no doubt that it’s ready to throw in the towel on its two stations here." Feder quotes our previously reported Emmis SEC filing: “We also regularly review our portfolio of assets and may opportunistically dispose of assets when we believe it is appropriate to do so. In particular, we have one radio station in New York City and two radio stations in Chicago where we believe the sale value could exceed the prospects for cash flow generation as part of our portfolio. Although we remain optimistic about the growth potential of these stations, as the market for buying and selling radio stations improves, we may from time to time explore sales of one or more of these stations.” Since Emmis now only has two stations in the Windy City, there was no guess work on which two stations that might be — Classic Rock "97.9 The Loop" WLUP-FM and "Chicago's Alternative Q101" — although Feder gives credit to an online site's Monday newsletter writer for having "deduced" which stations might potentially be for sale. (There was also a Saturday online report elsewhere speculating on which stations might be sold as it reported the Friday filing, as we reported at the time.) The veteran Chicago media reporter writes, "As I pointed out here after Emmis dropped iconic morning star Jonathon Brandmeier, the Loop hasn’t been a real Chicago radio station since it fired some of its smartest people last spring and outsourced all programming, imaging and branding functions to St. Louis. With the recent departure of afternoon personality Eddie Webb, the Loop lost the last real marquee name from its lineup. What once arguably was the premier rock radio brand in America is now the station of Pete McMurray and the 'Loop Rock Girl.'" He adds, "In many ways, Q101 is hardly better off than the Loop. The station that once handed out $20,000 in iPods to top media buyers and advertisers (in a disastrous promotional campaign that only called attention to its looming competition) can offer little more today than listeners can get on their own digital devices."

* Citadel hoped to win confirmation of its Chapter 11 reorganization plan Wednesday (May 12). Citadel was to ask the Manhattan bankruptcy court to confirm its plan to exit Chapter 11 protection, handing control of the company to its senior lenders. The plan calls for senior lenders led by J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (JPM), owed about $2.1 billion, to receive 90% of Citadel's equity plus a new $762 million loan for a total recovery of about 76% on their claims. The hearing was ultimately continued until Monday (May 17), to allow more time to consider objections to the plan. Several observers to the proceedings had said a ruling on confirmation was unlikely Wednesday (May 12), with the hearing expected to continue for at least two days, and possibly three or more, while all issues are heard in detail. However, Tuesday night corporate bankruptcy expert Walter Winton said should Judge Burton Lifland rule Aurelius out of the proceedings Wednesday, approval of the Citadel reorganization plan could come by the end of the day. That, however, was not the case. In late filings, Citadel responded to Aurelius Capital's objections, saying that it "took the bull by the horns" last sunner by hiring advisors to explore a sale or "balance sheet fix," choosing the fix after finding little interest in a sale. The result was, according to the filing, "a highly negotiated plan support agreement, which is the foundation for the Plan" now before the bankruptcy court. Citadel repeated its objections to the recent Aurelius purchases of Citadel stock. Citadel says the Aurelius entities made the purchases "in anticipation of litigation" which was done "before and without rolling up its sleeves to garner a well-thought out view of value — if it ever did this at all." Citadel strongly disputes Aurelius valuation of Citadel at $3 billion. Citadel says that's at odds with the preferred valuation by Lazard's Louis Zachary Jr. of somewhere between slightly under to slightly over $2 billion, but in any case lower than the outstanding debt of $2.28 billion. Also filing in support of the plan was J.P. Morgan Chase, which slams Aurelius for complaining about losses, which are actually "self-inflicted." Also among the late filings before Wednesday's bankruptcy court hearing, a withdrawal of Oak Ridge FM's objection to the plan. Oak Ridge had complained that Citadel missed two LMA payments and payment of expenses for Talk WNOX-FM, Knoxville. No explanation was offered as to why the objection was withdrawn.

* CBS Corporation and Fox Broadcasting rejoin the National Association of Broadcasters. Monday's announcement also includes the return of CBS's 29 television stations and 130 radio stations into NAB membership, as well as the 27 owned-and-operated Fox Television Stations and the MyNetworkTV programming service. As the primary advocacy organization in Washington for over-the-air broadcasters, NAB represents the interests of thousands of local radio and television stations, and now the following television networks: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ION Media Networks, Telemundo, and Univision. "Today is a great day for broadcasting, for NAB, and for the tens of millions of Americans who rely every day on CBS, FOX and other broadcast programming for highly-valued content," says NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "Both CBS and FOX currently have superb advocacy arms in Washington. We are delighted by their vote of confidence in the NAB team, and we look forward to presenting a seamless display of broadcast unity inside the Beltway. Our challenges are many, but the mission of free and local broadcasting remains a worthy cause." Fox Television Stations CEO Jack Abernethy says, "The interests of our industry, our company and our viewers are best served by speaking with one voice on Capitol Hill, at the FCC and in the Courts. We look forward to working with Gordon Smith and the other member companies of the NAB toward our common goal of enhancing the enduring values of over-the-air television." CBS Corporation EVP for Planning, Policy and Government Affairs Martin Franks adds, "As the media landscape evolves ever more rapidly, over-the-air broadcasting faces a number of clear opportunities and some significant challenges. One of the very best ways to address these issues is through a resurgent NAB under Gordon Smith's leadership. We look forward to adding CBS's voice to NAB's efforts to preserve and enhance broadcasting on behalf of the public we serve." As part of the announcement, Franks and Abernethy will serve as CBS and FOX's members of the NAB Board of Directors.

* Robert Feder: "After 50 years, Dick Biondi gets his own Way in Chicago." The Chicago City Council approves a resolution to name an alley off Wacker Drive "Dick Biondi Way." Feder, at Vocalo.org, writes that Biondi still remembers when fans would stand in the alley outside his old radio studio on Michigan Avenue and yell up to him through the fifth floor window. Soon the legendary disc jockey will be able to call that spot his own. Biondi, 77, who earlier this month celebrated the 50th anniversary of his first broadcast on WLS-AM, said he was overwhelmed by the honor. “That is so great,” he told Feder just after the vote made it official. “For a skinny Italian kid from the North Side of Upstate New York, I can’t believe all this is happening.” Biondi currently hosts 7-11pm on "True Oldies" WLS-FM. “Dick Biondi has been a landmark in Chicago over the last 50 years, so we are most appreciative of the city for honoring that status,” says WLS President and General Manager Michael Damsky. “We feel honored to work with him everyday.” [More »]

* Weekends get healthier at Talk Radio Network with "Just Ask Nish" starting May 16. Talk Radio Network announces the addition of "Just Ask Nish," a new weekend health show being added to the network. Starting May 16, "Just Ask Nish" will air Sundays 1-3pm ET. Host Nisha Jackson, who has a Master of Science, and is a Women's Health Certified Nurse Practitioner, and Holistic Healthcare Professional, "brings life and passion to health and medical topics as she addresses them on air. She brings personal magnetism to the show which translates into electricity between her and the listeners during the weekly call-in radio show," says TRN. "Quick and authoritative, Nisha brings life and passion to various health topics and answers listeners health related questions and concerns." Known to her radio audience as "Nish," she tells us, "As a dedicated health and wellness advocate, I am unbelievably thrilled to have this opportunity to share my passion with America. There is so much misinformation about what constitutes good medicine! Now I have the chance, along with other health and wellness experts, to offer my voice and set things right as we address everyday health concerns that plague listeners everywhere. I believe that if it's safe, effective and good for you...it's GOOD medicine!" In addition to her practice, Nisha has established an online virtual hormone consulting service. She's also authored two books: "The Hormone Survival Guide to Perimenopause: Balance Your Hormones Naturally" and "Surviving the Teenage Hormone Takeover — A Guide for Moms."

* "99.9 The Fan" WCMC-FM, Raleigh, will air a full slate of the NFL Carolina Panthers games. Capitol Broadcasting Co. (CBC) signs with the Carolina Panthers to broadcast the team's 2010 games on WCMC-FM, which has worked with the Panthers since 2007. However, the new agreement marks the first time the station will air a full slate of preseason and regular season games. "Adding the play-by-play and all the other elements in this partnership is a great opportunity for us, and we hope to further enhance the experience football fans get in hearing the Panthers in action," says CBC's Sports Radio Operations Manager Dave Shore.

* Saga Communications reports net operating revenue for the first quarter increased 7.1% to $28.0 million. Free cash flow increased 140% to $2.3 million for the quarter compared to $939 thousand for the same period in 2009. Station operating expense decreased 5.8% compared to the same period last year to $22.6 million (station operating expense includes depreciation and amortization attributable to the stations). The company's net income for the period was $3.3 million ($.78 per fully diluted share) compared to a net loss of $362 thousand (-$0.09 per fully diluted share) for the same period last year. Saga says, in a news release, "The Company continues to maintain a solid balance sheet with $16.4 million in cash balances as of March 31, 2010. As of March 31, 2010, the Company's outstanding bank debt was $116.1 million. The trailing 12 month leverage ratio calculated as a multiple of EBITDA was 3.7 times. Netting cash against outstanding debt, the ratio would be 3.2 times." Capital expenditures in the first quarter of 2010 were $845 thousand compared to $1.1 million for the same period last year. For the 2009 fiscal year total capital expenditures were $4.0 million. The Company currently expects to spend approximately $4.5 - $5.0 million for capital expenditures during 2010. [More »]

* Clear Channel Communications parent company CC Media Holdings reports first quarter revenues increase 5%. OIBDAN increases 50% with increases across all divisions. Radio broadcasting revenue was up 3% "The advertising rebound continued in the first quarter, with business trends improving across many of our markets. As our top line returns to growth, we are demonstrating significant improvement in our operating margin due to the positive impact of our restructuring program,” says CC Media Holdings President and CEO Mark Mays. “Advertisers are increasingly recognizing the need to target their core audiences as consumer purchasing activity rebounds and brand competition increases. Our global platform is second to none in delivering highly effective and efficient advertising campaigns in the out-of-home media market. As the economic outlook continues to brighten, we believe we can maximize returns from our businesses as a result of the steps we have taken to strengthen our management team, execute our cost restructuring program and strategically build our digital infrastructure. Given our strategic position and evolving market dynamics, we remain optimistic about our outlook in the year ahead.” CC Media Holdings reported revenues of $1.26 billion in the first quarter of 2010, an increase of 5% from the $1.21 billion reported for the first quarter of 2009, and revenues would have increased 2% excluding the effects of movements in foreign exchange rates. The company’s operating expenses decreased 5% during the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of 2009, and would have declined 7% excluding the effects of movements in foreign exchange rates. Also included in the company’s first quarter 2010 operating and corporate expenses are approximately $19.3 million of restructuring charges related to the company’s restructuring program and $8.1 million of non-cash compensation expense. Consolidated net loss in the first quarter of 2010 decreased to $179.6 million compared to a consolidated net loss of $428.0 million for the same period in 2009. CC Media Holdings’ OIBDAN — defined as Operating income before Depreciation and amortization, Non-cash compensation expense, and Other operating income (expense) - net — was $260.8 million in the first quarter of 2010, a 50% increase from the first quarter of 2009.

Radio broadcasting revenue increased 3% to $623.2 million from $603.6 million, with the gain driven primarily by increased national advertising, driven in turn by increased average rates. The categories showing gains included retail, automotive, food and beverage, and health care. Radio operating expenses were down 8% to $429.1 million from $465.5 million, including a $12.3 million decrease in programming expenses and a $9.9 million decline in compensation expenses. Most of those declines were due to changes under the company's restructuring plan. [More from CC Media Holdings »]

* Emmis Communications fiscal 2009 radio revenues fall 21% – Emmis says station sales might be considered. Emmis Communications discloses its ongoing evaluation of "potential acquisitions of radio stations" is on hold. In fact, in an SEC filing, Emmis reveals it is considering the opposite — divestiture of some stations. That, according to Emmis' 10-K filing, is the result of an amended credit agreement. The August 2009 amendment put a hold on new acquisitions until September 2011. And Emmis reveals it is considering the possibility of divesting stations in New York and Chicago. Emmis says it would consider options in those markets, but doesn't reveal specific stations it might consider unloading. Speculation, however, centers on New York Triple-A WRXP-FM and Chicago Classic Rock WLUP-FM and Alternative WKQX-FM (Q101). Says Emis in its filing: "In particular, we have one radio station in New York City and two radio stations in Chicago where we believe the sale value could exceed the prospects for cash flow generation as part of our portfolio. Although we remain optimistic about the growth potential of these stations, as the market for buying and selling radio stations improves, we may from time to time explore sales of one or more of these stations." Emmis fiscal year total net revenues fell from $307.93 million to $242.57 million. The Emmis fiscal year ended February 28, 2010. Radio revenues fell 21.1% to $177.57 million, with domestic radio down 18.2%, as compared to Miller Kaplan's national domestic radio market being down 14.4%. The company noted that its New York cluster trailed the market, off 19.5% when the market itself was off 12.4%. "The relative underperformance of our domestic radio stations is principally due to our lack of scale in the New York and Los Angeles markets and the introduction of PPM to those markets in October," says Emmis in its 10-K filing. The company added that its average unit rate has dropped 23.3% and number of units sold was up 0.4%. The Emmis filing is found here.

* BIA/Kelsey: Clear Channel is the top radio ownership group of 2009, with revenues of $2.3 billion. According to the new edition of the "Investing In Radio Ownership Report" from BIA/Kelsey, Clear Channel was followed by CBS Radio ($1.2 billion), Citadel ($595 million), Cumulus Media ($412 million) and Entercom ($384 million). Cox Radio (362.4 million), Univision (324.9 million), Radio One ($226.2 million), Bonneville ($216.1 million) and Emmis ($182.7 million) round out the top ten. A chart of the full Top 15 is available here. "Last year's top 15 companies were the same as the year before, with small differences in ranks. In fact, the same could be said of even four years ago. Clear Channel, CBS Radio, Citadel, Cumulus, Entercom, are the perennials. What is interesting is that the industry decreased uniformly overall, with no clear out-of-the-box performer," says VP Mark Fratrik in a blog entry. "We'll see a similar uniformity as these broadcasters get more involved in mobile, digital, and online endeavors and these same groups continue as the leaders." Fratrik also notes that other than the 847 stations that Clear Channel owns, the average number of stations owned by the major groups is around 96. "We observe that groups in the 40-230 scale seems to have reached a valuable level of efficiency to help them maintain effective control, while also being be cost effective in purchasing equipment, testing things in the market, and being nimble enough to make change."

* Kim Amidon is officially named morning co-host at CBS Radio Smooth AC "94.7 The Wave" KTWV, Los Angeles. Amidon, the former Clear Channel AC KOST, Los Angeles, morning co-host and 22-year veteran of the station, has been hosting weekends at "94.7 The Wave" since February. She filled in on the morning show last month. Amidon replaces singer Brian McKnight as co-host with Pat Prescott. McKnight will continue to appear periodically on the show and will make other appearances for the station, says Program Director Jhani Kaye, who has "adjusted" KTWV's format from Smooth Jazz to what is being called "Smooth AC." Kaye says of Amidon, "Kim is a perfect fit for The Wave's audience and is sure to attract many of her former listeners. Together Pat and Kim will add a local flavor to the show as they both have the unique ability of making every listener feel like they're in the car right alongside with them." Says Amidon, "I'm thrilled to return to mornings and I invite all of my former listeners to tune in. I'm passionate about the music we play and it'll be lots of fun to co-host mornings with Pat Prescott who I admire so much. We plan to present the most relatable morning show for adults on the radio."

* Skip Mahaffey is joining Sunny Leigh in co-hosting mornings at Journal Broadcast Group's Country KVOO, Tulsa. Mahaffey, who starts next week (May 20), filling the gap created by the exit five months ago of Gary Greenwood, previously hosted mornings at Clear Channel Country WFUS, Tampa. Mahaffey says he began his radio career at KVOO in 1983. “It’s rare that someone in my position in this industry has the chance to go back where it all started. I’m a lucky guy. So much of what I learned about doing radio, especially personality radio, I learned at KVOO." He adds that he feels welcome back at his first station. "Journal Broadcast Group has gone out of their way to make me feel at home, and I am indeed fortunate to have terrific people to work with.” Program Director Luke Jensen tells us, “To be able to bring a three-time CMA Award winner back to the radio station where he got his start is an opportunity that doesn’t come along often. We are thrilled to welcome Skip into the Journal Broadcast Group family and are excited for the record of success he brings with him.”

* Jemar Entertainment signs with Skip Joeckel's Talk Shows USA for syndication of "My Buddy Butch." Hosted by Jeff Marginean, the daily feature is now distributed exclusively through Talk Shows USA Features. The program spotlights pet health tips, celebrity interviews, rescue shelter interviews, and specific dog breed information. Marginean is the author of "My Buddy Butch — Confessions of a New Dog Dad."

* Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network signs a multi-year agreement with TomTom for Lifetime Traffic Updates. The TTN updates will be offered on several TomTom RDS-TMC equipped portable navigation devices, offering real-time traffic information over the life of the device at no added charge. TomTom and TTN have been partners since 2007 with a monthly subscription service. "Over the past three years, TomTom and Total Traffic Network have changed the way that North American drivers navigate today's complex roadways with accurate traffic information," says TTN SVP Lance Locher. "With this new agreement, traffic information will become even more accessible." TomTom SVP of Market Development Tom Murray adds, "Our customers have come to rely on up-to-date traffic information to get real-time insight into traffic events and avoid delays. Total Traffic Network has maintained the highest quality data standards. Our continued partnership ensures customers have hassle-free navigation over the life of their device."

* SparkNetworks signs an agreement with Dial Global to exclusively distribute their products in Canada. SparkNetworks will rep Dial Global products and services. In making the announcement, SparkNetworks EVP Jean-Marie Heimrath comments, “We are thrilled to be working with Dial Global, the newest independent, full service radio network in the U.S. Their confidence in our ability to lead their strategic interest in Canada is a significant endorsement of our capability to direct and lead the future course of their brands to radio, the web, mobile and other emerging technologies.” Dial Global President of Programming Kirk Stirland says, “We are becoming more active in international markets, and believe SparkNetworks will really increase our presence in Canada. We are pleased to build on our relationship with SparkNetworks’ parent company SparkNet Communciations, with whom we market Jack FM in the United States.”

* ABC News New York and Washington DC Writers Guild union members ratify a new contract with the network. The employees ratified their new contract, voting by an 89%-11% margin to accept the three-year deal. Newswriters, editors, desk assistants, production assistants, graphic artists and researchers in national and local television and radio in New York and Washington are covered by the contract, which includes a 2% raise each year, plus additional payments for some employees. The Writers Guild of America East (WGAE) gave ABC greater flexibility in work assignments in exchange for improved job security protections. "We are happy to have secured a contract for that provides our members with wage increases and innovative job protections and happy they have overwhelmingly ratified this contract," says WGAE Executive Director Lowell Peterson. "Our members' ratification of this contract ensures that they will remain integral to ABC News' success as the broadcast news business transforms in the coming years." WGAE President Michael Winship adds, "News and information delivered with accuracy and perspective have never been more vital to the survival of our democracy. With that as an underlying principle, our negotiating committee worked diligently on behalf of their fellow members at ABC News. Collaborating with our executive director Lowell Peterson and the Guild East staff, their perseverance and knowledge achieved a contract that protects the membership, recognizes our ABC News members' proven value and skills and upholds the principles of journalism that are so challenged in the current media landscape."

* Citadel Media names Ron Rivlin as VP of Affiliate Relations for the network's News Talk and Sports division. Rivlin, who previously was Senior Director of Affiliate Relations at ABC Radio Networks, most recently consulted RTTNews. Based in New York, he will now oversee ABC News Radio, and the programs of Mark Levin, Governor Mike Huckabee, Don Imus and Bob Brinker. Rivlin will report to SVP of Programming Carl Anderson. "Ron has extensive experience in the News Talk category and has developed strong relationships with key decision makers at the country's leading radio stations through the years," says Anderson. "His impressive track record and understanding of what it takes to serve a diverse affiliate base positions us well for future growth. I'm pleased to have him on our team." Prior to consulting RTTNews, Rivlin was VP of Interactive Solutions at Triton Digital Media. Of his new position, which effectively restores him to a former position, he says, "The opportunity to return to a company with such a robust lineup of products and talent is phenomenal. We have the world's leading news brand in ABC News Radio and a collection of outstanding broadcasters sharing their views on the issues of the day with thousands of affiliates. I look forward to managing this critical category for the network while growing our roster of on-air personalities and stations."

* Border Media Partners Austin names Bob Proud as Market Manager, replacing Jerry Del Core, who exits. Proud most recently was BMP's SVP and Market Manager in Waco until the company sold KWOW-FM earlier this year. He has been involved with Border Media since its inception in 2003, initially as a consultant, and then as Vice President of Operations beginning in 2004. He assumed the Waco responsibilities in early 2008. Prior to joining BMP, he was VP & GM of Entravision's five-station Dallas cluster. Del Core, whom Proud replaces in Austin, held the title of VP and Market Manager. He has 20+ years of broadcasting experience in radio and television. Prior to joining BMP, Del Core worked for seven years as Regional VP and Market Manager for Clear Channel in Atlanta and Sacramento. He also was a General Manager in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, and Raleigh, NC.

* Christopher Humphries is named President of the parent company of Hit Parade Radio. He takes over from Steven Humphries who is stepping down after nearly two years in the position as President of Earthworks Entertainment. Reportedly Earthworks is in the midst of a restructuring. Earlier this month we reported that Earthworks is acquiring an interest in John Rook's Hit Parade Hall of Fame. Rook is also the creator of Earthworks Entertainment's Hit Parade Radio which launched as a 24/7 Oldies Radio Network in February on Clear Channel Satellite. At the beginning of this month, Earthworks announced it had signed a Letter of Intent to acquire an interest in Rook’s Hit Parade Hall of Fame, formed in 2006 by legendary radio programmer John Rook to recognize the highly popular recording artists that have been virtually ignored by the “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.” At the time, CEO Steven Humphries commented “the Hit Parade Hall of Fame was the idea that sparked the Hit Parade Radio format which we partnered with John in last year."

* Radio programming vet Michael Steele is named to produce the Westwood One syndicated "Billy Bush Show." Steele is the former Program Director at Alternative "Indie 103" and Assistant PD & Music Director at CHR-Top40 KIISm Los Angeles. He's also been Music Director at "Star 100.7" KFMB, San Diego. "Michael will handle content related to the Billy Bush Show, including artist and label relations, promotional campaigns and social network marketing," says Westwood One SVP of Programming Max Krasny. Steele will be based at the NBC lot in Burbank, where Bush tapes Access Hollywood.

* The RAB unveils a new expanded section of RAB.com, specifically for the needs of ad agencies and their clients. The "For Advertisers" section will help current and potentially new radio advertisers understand the nature of the medium, according to RAB. It's also intended as a resource for "radio sellers to learn and share with their clients," says the Radio Advertising Bureau. "Our member response team continues to field calls from first time radio advertisers looking for a Radio 101 tutorial. This redesigned section of RAB.com is an answer to those questions," says RAB President and CEO Jeff Haley. "The beauty of this site is that it allows advertisers and their agencies to gain the knowledge and research to create their specific media plans, but it also assists our member stations to have a better understanding of the advertising landscape, and to help prepare them for their clients' needs." According to a news release: "While full access to this new section of RAB.com requires registration, it’s free to advertisers and agencies seeking more information about the brand-building power of Radio."

* Citadel Broadcasting will seek to exit Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Wednesday (May 12). The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Citadel will ask the Manhattan bankruptcy court to confirm its plan to exit Chapter 11 protection, handing control of the company to its senior lenders. The plan calls for senior lenders led by J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. (JPM), owed about $2.1 billion, to receive 90% of Citadel's equity plus a new $762 million loan for a total recovery of about 76% on their claims, according to the WSJ report which cites Dow Jones' Daily Bankruptcy Review newsletter. Citadel's unsecured creditors, owed $343 million, will receive 10% of the company's new stock plus $36 million in cash, says the published report. Citadel, which operates 224 radio stations across the U.S., filed for bankruptcy protection in December, pressured by a heavy debt load coupled with a drop in advertising revenue.

* Citadel Broadcasting receives court approval to keep stipulations regarding employee severances under seal. The bankuptcy court granted Citadel's motion to file redacted reports of dealings with AFTRA and two terminated on-air employees, who were not named, preventing the details of severance packages from becoming public. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court says Citadel may keep details of negotiations with the union on the termination of the employees and agreements reached under seal. Citadel asked to file the stipulations under seal "because the Stipulations are the product of confidential arm’s-length negotiations" with the affected parties. The bankrupt broadcasting company also told the court that "if revealed to the Debtors’ employees (former or current) or competitors, it may give those employees and/or competitors an advantage in future business endeavors and negotiations to the detriment of the Debtors and their stakeholders." Redacted versions of the stipulations will be filed, with full versions available to the bankruptcy court.

* Are the two "unnamed employees" in Citadel's redacted severance Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski? A recent published report said that Citadel was seeking to void Scarborough's contract, two weeks after he and Brzezinski abruptly exited their syndicated Citadel radio show. There have been several reports that they were out, despite an announcement when the show was pulled that it was "temporary" to "develop a new three-hour show" for the network. Sources inside Citadel tell TPMedia correspondent George Jensen that Scarborough and his co-host were offered a "very sweet deal" to allow for cancellation of their contract with an agreement of the spurious announcement. This, says Jensen's source, which he describes as reliable, is what Citadel is still trying to keep private. A week ago, we reported that "Joe Scarborough and Don Imus exchange shots over Scarborough's radio show and ratings. Is Scarborough's radio show really on 'hiatus' or has it actually been cancelled? The fate of the show has been a topic of conversation in recent days, beginning with the report it was being put on 'immediate hiatus' in order to 'revamp and expand' the program. Then fellow WABC and syndicated host Don Imus challenged that report, and Scarborough fired back." As we reported last week, "His radio show is canceled," said Imus. "They’re not revamping anything! He will never ever be on WABC in New York again, ever!"

* "106.7 The Fan" WJFK, Washington DC, is the new home of Virginia Tech football and basketball. WJFK signs a multi-year deal with Virginia Tech ISP Sports Network under which "The Fan" will air the school's football and basketball games, beginning with the 2010 season. WJFK will also broadcast the weekly "Tech Talk Live" shows, hosted by Bill Roth and featuring Virginia Tech Head Football Coach Frank Beamer and Basketball Coach Seth Greenberg. "We are very excited to enter into this long-term partnership with Virginia Tech sports," says WJFK Program Director Chris Kinard. "Virginia Tech has a very large and passionate fan base in the DC area. We know Hokies fans will be thrilled to hear their team on our crystal clear FM signal across the region."

* WDOX-AM, Raleigh flips from Talk to Rusty Walker's Classic Country format as "Country Legends 570." The Curtis Media AM station will air hit Country music from the 60s, 70's and 80's, complementing co-owned Country WQDR-FM. WDOX will simulcast the "Q Morning Crew" from WQDR, followed by continuous "Country Legends" music the remainder of the time. The new station is online here, and "hopes to have streaming up and running soon" at this url. Curtis Media President and COO Phil Zachary says the new AM is intended for "listeners who loved Country music before Country went Hollywood.”

* New York State Broadcasters will host their 48th Annual Executive Conference June 28-29 in Bolton Landing, NY. The two-day event will focus on "Digital Strategies for Broadcasters," according to the NYSBA. Highlights include Awards for Excellence in Broadcasting; Hall of Fame induction ceremonies; presentations by Lou Dobbs and the NY Times' David Pogue; and, Broadcaster of the Year honors for veteran ABC News journalist Charles Gibson "With new media transforming the broadcast experience, we've chosen to center our professional development activities around digital strategies," says NYSBA President Joseph Reilly. "Attendees will learn from top innovators in the industry about how they can leverage their properties with the technologies their viewers and listeners are currently embracing." [More »]

* Conservative "Newsradio 1000" KTOK-AM, Oklahoma City, talk host Mark Shannon dies at 58. Shannon died early Saturday (May 8), losing a nine and a half year battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. He was released from Baptist Integris Hospital Friday afternoon. He had worked for KTOK since December 2007. On his Website, Shannon recently said his condition was getting worse, and while he wasn't giving up, he was preparing for death. "I would like to thank all his fans, friends, family and co-workers for all the prayers, love and support that they've given him throughout the years and especially during this last week. Mark believed in Jesus Christ and he is now at home with his Father in Heaven," says Shannon's wife, Kris, on the KTOK Website, as the station announced: "Mark Shannon's battle with leukemia has come to an end." In his recent post on his www.MarkShannon.com site, the talk host had written, "I've had a life blessed beyond what I deserve, and I have few regrets. If my time here is up, then I am confident that God will prepare me, much as everything leading up to this point in my life has prepared me for the next step in life." Mark Shannon was originally from Lincoln, NE. His radio career began in 1974 in Montrose, CO, as Mark Stone. He also worked as a disc jockey in Sioux City, IA, and Amarillo, TX. His Oklahoma City career began in 1983 with a seven-year stint at KJYO. He moved to KRXO for eight years where his show was sometimes described as "Rush Limbaugh meets Howard Stern," according to the biography page on www.markshannon.com. He was an active participant in the Tea Party Movement, an avid golfer and dog lover. A service will be held 2pm CT Thursday (May 13) at Faith Bible Church in Edmond, OK.

* The Minority Media Telecommunications Council tells the FCC it should look at minority media concerns. In an extensive and lengthy Friday (May 7) filing, the MMTC tells the Commission, "To determine the needs of minority consumers in a rapidly changing media landscape, the Commission should examine the extent to which minorities access and use a variety of information platforms and whether, from the perspective of marginalized groups, information is presented in a culturally relevant context." The MMTC tells the Commission both media and the FCC are responsible. "Numerous discriminatory industry practices, combined with the Commission’s nonenforcement of civil rights regulations, have given us a media industry in which programming is directed almost exclusively toward either attracting or promoting the lifestyles and values of nonminority consumers. Traditional media programming uniformly elevates one dominant cultural paradigm while debasing and ignoring almost all others. The current digital and online media landscape reflects these trends. The Commission has the power to change some of these practices by enforcing its advertising non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity rules. The Commission should also act on the dozens of pending diversity proposals." MMTC goes on to tell the FCC that it's not just traditional media, but new media as well, that perpetuates the long-standing problems. "Presently and throughout the history of the media, neither traditional nor new media content adequately have reflected minority perspectives. Traditional media have long presented nonminority, middle-class culture as the ideal. Some have maintained that the result is a cultural hegemony promoting assimilation rather than individuality. Minorities, if they appear in the media at all, are often associated with negative stereotypes. As the National Hispanic Media Coalition et al. discusses in Comments in this docket, the media routinely cast Latinos in a negative light. African-Americans have more often been depicted in the media throug associations with crime, entertainment, or sports than they have been associated with topics such as economics, foreign affairs or electoral politics. Even those who have access to the Internet, and thus benefit from its ability to provide hyper-targeted information, still encounter a medium where little of the most popular, mass appeal Internet content is produced by minorities. Further, those without Internet access, or who have not adopted the Internet, remain beholden to traditional media." The full filing is available here in PDF from TPMedia News.

* A new RTDNA/Hofstra survey shows radio news lags behind TV in the online social networking realm. The number of social networking initiatives at television stations soared over the last year, according to the latest installment of the RTDNA/Hofstra survey, with 76% of responding stations integrating social media on their Websites and 68% incorporating it into their storytelling. “A year ago, almost 36% of television stations surveyed said they were doing nothing with social media,” says survey director Bob Papper, professor and chair of journalism at Hofstra University. “This year, that number is below 9%.” Almost 40% of television stations surveyed said their newsroom has a Facebook page and 36% said their newsrooms were “constantly” active on Twitter. According to the survey, radio news is lagging behind relative to TV in the social networking realm. Just over 26% of radio station respondents said they were integrating social media on their Websites. Over 58% said their station has a Facebook page and 7% said they were “constantly” active on Twitter. The RTDNA/Hofstra University Survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009 among all 1,770 operating, non-satellite television stations and a random sample of 4,000 radio stations. [More from RTDNA »]

* "Pirate Cat Radio," the longtime San Francisco pirate radio station, is back — this time legally! It's now operating on a legal, licensed station — noncommercial KPDO, Pescadero, CA, with a "mixture of its own and PCR content (in the form of volunteers' weekly news/talk/comedy/music shows)," according to an Examiner.com article by Pirate Cat Radio host Russel Forster. "PCR has made the unusual move of leaping at the chance to create a community radio station network that will be protected by the FCC rather than pursued by it," writes Forster. He adds that PCR would also continue as a separate Internet stream. KPDO was previously silent, after a deal between licensee Pescadero :Public Radio Service and the University of California to sell the station and return it to the air failed to close last year. The station, which covers a coastal area between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, went dark in February 2008.

* Central New York native Kidd Chris, now hosting mornings at KUFO, Portland, OR, returns to CNY airwaves. Chris Foley is hosting a new five-hour Saturday night show, which began this weekend on "92.7 The Drive" WXUR, licensed to Herkimer, serving the Utica-Rome market area. The new show, reported by CNYRadio.com, is described by WXUR as "like no other Saturday night show you have ever heard!" According to a news release, Kidd Chris “started his career on K-Rock (WKRL) with the Keeler in the Morning Show in 1993" before moving on to Philadelphia (WYSP), and then Portland. Kidd Chris says his new Saturday night show on "92.7 The Drive" will be aired from his home studio in Oregon, as he continues hosting weekday mornings at Alpha Broadcasting's KUFO.

* The FCC gives Liberman a green light for its upgrade of KNOR-FM, Dallas, eliminating a 2009 restriction. The limitation had stipulated Liberman must wait until Cumulus completed moving KIKT-FM to new facilities. Previous licensee KRBE Lico applied to move the station from Greenville, TX, to Cooper, TX, in 2003, and Cumulus Media Partners' Susquehanna Radio reapplied for the same facility in 2006 and again in 2009. In 2008, Liberman applied to upgrade KNOR, which the Commission granted, but with the stipulattion that Liberman wait until Susquehanna completed the relocation of KIKT. Liberman argues that Susquehanna is "warehousing" its allotment, saying the implied special tempoary authority under which KIKT is operating should be canceled and KIKT required to complete the move to Cooper. Susquehanna responded that it's not obligated to move by any particular date, citing financial hardship and an inability to come to an agreement with Liberman on payments to facilitate the KIKT modification. The FCC agreed with Liberman's "warehousing" claim and called Susquehanna's contention that it has no deadline to finish the move "extraordinary," saying the permit specifies that the Cooper facility must be completed by December 28, 2012. The Commission declined to cancel the implied STA, since that would take KIKT off the air. However, the FCC said, "Nevertheless, we emphasize that we expect Susquehanna to expeditiously complete construction of the Cooper facilities and initiate program tests" and said it will consider canceling the STA if that isn't done. The core issue in this case is first adjacent channel protection. KIKT is at 93.5; KNOR, at 93.7. With the ruling by the FCC, KNOR may upgrade and interfere with KIKT so long as the latter station continues to operate out of Greenville.

* Univision Communications reports first quarter net revenues were up 10.6% – radio revenues were down. First quarter net revenues for the company increased to $453.7 million from $410.3 million in the year ago period. Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization, or OIBDA, increased 17.2% to $180.3 million in the first quarter of 2010 from $153.8 million in 2009 Q1. Radio revenues, however, were down to $64.3 million from $66.5 million. Interactive media revenues were up from $7.5 million in 2009 to $9.3 million this year. Says President and CEO Joe Uva, "We have continued to see a recovery in the advertising market in the first quarter and are expecting to benefit from the upswing due to a heightened interest in reaching our target demographic. Our first quarter results continue to prove that Univision's leading television, radio and interactive platforms are the undisputed first choice in reaching the rapidly growing U.S. Hispanic consumer group — a group which currently represents purchasing power equivalent to the 14th largest consumer economy globally. As we approach the Upfront later this month, we look forward to continuing to showcase for our clients how reaching this consumer group is a vital imperative for their growth, and why Univision is uniquely positioned to provide both the most comprehensive, multi-platform access to the Hispanic community, as well as insights from our deep understanding of and connections with this influential demographic." In radio highlights for the first quarter, Univision points to "solid ratings" in markets measured by the Arbitron diary service, and in Houston, where Arbitron's PPM "is accredited." Univision says it’s pleased with its ongoing talks with Arbitron about the PPM service, and is currently encoding its stations in PPM-measured markets; however, it is not ready to subscribe to those ratings in non-accredited markets yet.

* Entercom Communications reports first quarter net revenues up 7% to $80.3 million from $75.3 million in 2009. Same station net revenues increased 8%, while station operating income (SOI) jumped 28% to $21.6 million. Entercom's net earnings of $4.2 million (11 cents per share) compares to $5.3 million (15 cents) in the year-ago period. Station operating income was up 28% to $21.6 million from $16.7 million, with EBITDA up 34% to $17.3 million from $12.9 million. Entercom's free cash flow increased 135% to $10.1 million from $4.3 million. "I am very pleased to report strong first-quarter results as we capitalized on improving business conditions," says Entercom President & CEO David Field. "For the quarter, Entercom delivered an 8% increase in same station net revenues, a 34% increase in EBITDA, and a 135% increase in free cash flow. Innovation within our company and the industry is enhancing our appeal to our listeners and customers at the same time as radio continues to post outstanding audience listening levels and remains the most cost-effective reach medium."

* Salem Communications reports first quarter total revenue of $48.3 million, essentially flat from Q1 2009. First quarter revenue was down 0.7% from $48.7 million. Net broadcast revenue was down 2.3% to $41.4 million from $42.4 million; station operating income was down 2.3% to $15.4 million from $15.8 million. Salem's non-broadcast revenue increased 10.4% for the first quarter to $6.9 million from $6.3 million, with non-broadcast operating income flat at $500,000. Salem's net income was $204,000 (1 cent per diluted share) compared to $2.8 million (12 cents) in the year ago period. For the second quarter, Salem is projecting total revenue to increase between 3% and 5% over 2009 second quarter total revenue of $50.5 million. [More from Salem Communications »]

* FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell is recovering from emergency gall bladder surgery. McDowell's office says in a statement: ""Over the weekend, Commissioner McDowell underwent successful emergency gall bladder surgery. His spirits are good while he is recovering at home with his family. He expects to be working at full speed back in the office in a few days."

* FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn says broadband offers new opportunity for minority content creators. "It is not a stretch to imagine that a diverse set of broadcast media owners would yield more diverse and relevant content for all Americans," says Clyburn. However, Clyburn says, "The paltry numbers of minority media owners in the broadcast context, however, are almost frightening. On the radio side, of the more than 11,000 commercial AM and FM stations, people of color control just over 800 of those stations or approximately 7.25%. In terms of broadcast television ownership, people of color own a mere three percent of all full-power commercial stations, and African Americans own less than 1% of all stations." According to the FCC Commissioner, the "legal landscape is not particularly hospitable to attempts to remedy such a disparity in a conspicuous manner." She also pointed to the lack of capital available in the current economic climate, adding, "This is where the Internet and broadband come in. Technology has given us a new and perhaps even more potent option to address the voices being distributed to our communities. With broadband’s rise as a technology through which commerce flows freely, and which currently presents relatively low barriers to entry, I believe we are presented with an opportunity that must be seized. What once seemed impossible to achieve through the broadcast media, is now within reach through broadband." Clyburn made her comments at the New Media Entrepreneurship Conference. [More »]

* Blue Star Media's Michael Metter is facing federal charges involving securities fraud and obstruction of justice. Metter was arrested by the FBI, May 5, on the charges related to his SpongeTech Delivery Systems, following an SEC investigation. Blue Star Media owns Business TalkRadio Network and Lifestyle TalkRadio Network, which are not involved in the Blue Star situation. Metter is CEO of both SpongeTech and Blue Star Media. Both he and SpongeTech's CFO and COO Stephen Moskowitz were arrested after an SEC probe of falsified financial reports. Some reports are describing only an SEC suit against SpongeTech. However, a Justice Department news release says, "A criminal complaint was unsealed [Wednesday] morning in federal court in Brooklyn charging Michael Metter, the Chief Executive Officer and President of Spongetech Delivery Systems, Inc. (Spongetech), and Steven Moskowitz, Spongetech’s Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer, and Secretary, with conspiracy to commit securities fraud and obstruction of justice." The SEC accuses SpongeTech, which makes sponges infused with soap, of falsifying its financial reports by claiming sales to nonexistent companies. They say the two executives led a large “pump and dump” scheme that allowed insiders to distribute 2.5 billion shares of stock while denying that the shares existed. “Investors were deceived into believing that SpongeTech was a successful business, while SpongeTech and its senior executives were illegally dumping shares into the market,” says Christopher Conte, an associate enforcement director for the SEC. SpongeTech advertised at sports venues and on radio broadcasts of sporting events. CBS Radio, Madison Square Garden and the New York Mets are among a number of companies suing SpongeTech over unpaid advertising bills. SpongeTech has sued the New York Post, hedge fund investor Timothy Sykes, and others, alleging that the parties were involved in a short-selling conspiracy. Blue Star Media's networks and related radio stations WGCH-AM, Greenwich, CT; KNUU-AM, Las Vegas; WFLP-AM, Pittsburgh; and WXBR-AM, Brockton, MA, are unconnected to SpongeTech, other than Metter's relationship to the separate companies. So far, the radio operations are unaffected by the SpongeTech situation. EVP Jeff Weber is in charge of day-to-day operations.

* WVBO-FM, Oshkosh, WI, fires morning host Rich Allen, who is facing charges for alleged computer sex crimes. The 54-year-old Allen — whose real name is Richard Kieffer — was arrested, and was being held without bond, charged with trying to solicit sex from a minor under the age of 15. The charge, stemming from an alleged April 1 online incident, carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 7. TheNorthwestern.com reports Kieffer was arraigned on one count of soliciting a minor by use of a communication device, which is a felony, according to an online court record of his case in Fairfax County, VA. Kieffer was arrested May 3, according to those court documents. Cumulus VP & Market Manager Jeff Schmidt confirms that Kieffer is no longer employed at the station. He says that Program Director Jim Franklin is filling in on the morning show while the Cumulus Oldies station seeks a permanent replacement. "We are shocked and devastated that this has happened," says Schmidt. "We hope it's not true. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family."

* Country WIVK-FM, Knoxville, TN, General Manager, and former air personality, Ed Brantley is out. Citadel Broadcasting, currently in bankruptcy, eliminated the GM position due to budget issues, reports the Knoxville News Sentinel. Sales Manager Ben McWhorter will handle GM duties and sales, while Mike Hammond will oversee programming and Robin Lane will manage the station's business. News Sentinel Business Editor Bill Brewer writes, "Ed Brantley and WIVK go together like country and music, so what a shock to learn that WIVK's parent company has let the popular, longtime on-air personality go. Brantley in recent years has been general manager of the top-rated radio station. A call today to WIVK revealed the surprising news that Brantley is no longer with the station."

* WSRT-FM, Gaylord, MI – "Soft Rock, Great Talk" – drops the "Soft Rock," goes all Talk. Simulcast on WSRJ-FM, Honor-Traverse City, the station has aired a Hot AC-leaning Adult Contemporary format as "106.7/105.5 YOU-FM" since October 2008. With the new format, the station is airing a mix of syndicated talk shows, including Stephanie Miller, Dave Ramsey, Dr. Laura, and Jerry Doyle. A local morning show, hosted by Mary Rogers, is the lone holdover with the format change. Throughout most of its operational life, WSRT-FM was best-known as CHR-Top 40 "The Peak" WKPK. It began in 1972 as "Warm 107" WWRM, airing "beautiful music" aka "background music."

* Country "95.7 The Wolf" KBWF, San Francisco, names midday host Micki Gamez Assistant PD & Music Director. Mike Krinik, Program Director of the Entercom station says, "Micki is full of life and has such passion for radio and Country music. All the pieces are now in place for 95.7 The Wolf to write the next chapter for Country music in the Bay Area." Gamez will continue her 9am-2pm on-air shift.

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, as expected, unveils a "third way" for the FCC to regulate broadband. The proposal from Genachowski, and General Counsel Austin Schlick, would allow the Commission to enforce "net neutrality" following a court ruling that said the FCC doesn't have that authority. The "third way" is a proposal to partly reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service. This approach, says Genachowski, means that the FCC will neither continue to rely on its present "ancillary" authority to regulate broadband, nor will it entirely reclassify Internet communications as a telecommunications. This would, says Genachowski, impose "dozens of new regulatory requirements" on broadband providers. In the case with Comcast, a court ruled that the FCC overstepped its authority in demanding changes to the manner in which Comcast handled broadband traffic. Says Genachowski in a statement, "The Commission’s General Counsel and many other lawyers believe that the Comcast decision reduces sharply the Commission’s ability to protect consumers and promote competition using its 'ancillary' authority, and creates serious uncertainty about the Commission’s ability, under this approach, to perform the basic oversight functions, and pursue the basic broadband-related policies, that have been long and widely thought essential and appropriate." The FCC Chairman notes that "Congress last year directed the FCC to develop America’s first National Broadband Plan, which we delivered in March." Genachowski indicates that "net neutrality" is an essential ingredient in that plan, and this "third way" will allow the Commission to meet its mandate from Congress. The FCC will soon be seeking public comment on the new proposal.

* Two Republican FCC Commissioners disagree with FCC Chairman's "third way" Internet proposal. Commissioners Robert McDowell and Meredith Attwell Baker, in a joint statement, say Chairman Julius Genachowski's proposal "is neither a light-touch approach nor a third way." And they offer this assessment, "Instead it is a stark departure from the long-established bipartisan framework for addressing broadband regulation that has led to billions in investment and untold consumer opportunities." The Republican Commissioners maintain there's no evidence of "systemic failure" in the broadband market to justify a new regulatory regime. They also believe the courts "are likely to hand the Commission another stinging rebuke for attempting to shatter the boundaries of its statutory authority" if Genachowski's plan is enacted. McDowell and Baker believe a "dramatic step" to regulate the Internet is unnecessary, saying the Comcast decision still leaves the FCC with "ample authority" to implement the most important portions of the National Broadband Plan. "We look forward to learning from the debate and remain hopeful for a fair, transparent, and efficient process that leads to a final decision well rooted in both the facts and the law," say the dissenting FCC Commissioners.

* The Clear Channel Nashville flood relief radiothon raises over $240,000. The funds are for flood relief in middle Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Clear Channel Nashville Operations Manager Rich Davis says, "We have a lot of fun on these stations, give away a lot of cool stuff and provide content, information, and music that enrich the lives of our audiences but none of that compares to what we were able to accomplish with the radiothon to help our community. Kudos to my team and our great listeners." VP & Market Manager Tom English adds, "The generosity of our listeners and Client-Partners NEVER ceases to amaze me. They are the BEST and the work done on Tuesday [May 4] will benefit many of our friends who are suffering. This and the coverage provided during the storms are tremendous examples of the power of free, local radio."

* CBS Radio first quarter revenues were up 9% to $282.7 million from $259.7 million year-to-year. CBS Corp. reports overall first quarter revenues rose 12% to $3.53 billion from $3.16 billion, led by a 19% growth in local broadcasting. Revenues from the ten largest radio markets increased 15%. TV, the other half of CBS's Local Broadcasting division, saw revenue rise by 29% in the first quarter to $323.7 million from $250.9 million, the result of the improved ad marketplace and increased political ad sales. CBS Corp. posted a net loss of $26.2 million (4 cents per share), compared to $55.3 million (8 cents) in the first quarter of 2009. "I could not be more pleased with how CBS performed in the first quarter of this year, and I'm confident that Leslie and his management team will build on this success as the economy continues to recover," says Executive Chairman Sumner Redstone. "We've focused on strengthening our already solid financial position, building new efficiencies throughout the Company, and investing in our top-quality content businesses." President and CEO Leslie Moonves says, "We got off to a tremendous start in 2010, as our businesses across the company capitalized on the improving operating environment. The economic recovery has also been a boon to our expanding Interactive platform, and our local TV and radio operations, which are in the midst of a dramatic upswing."

* The FCC approves the controversial sale of St. Louis Classical KFUO-FM to Joy FM for $26 million. Exactly when the license will be transferred is not yet known, reports St. Louis Business Journal. However, it will happen on a mutually agreed upon date, says Vicki Biggs, a spokeswoman for Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which struck a deal last fall to sell the 62-year-old KFUO-FM to Joy FM, a Christian radio station. Joy FM plans to switch the station to a Christian music. Joy FM agreed to pay $1.5 million at closing and another $1.5 million in the first two years. Joy FM will then make principle payments starting at $150,000 a year that then increase by $50,000 a year. Joy FM is a listener-supported station that plays Christian music and broadcasts simultaneously on two signals, 97.7 FM and 94.1 FM, which together reach the City of St. Louis, the northern and western reaches of St. Louis County, St. Charles and O’Fallon, MO. The St. Louis-based Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod will continue to own and operate KFUO-AM, the world's longest continuously operating religious radio station, offering a format of inspirational Christian and Lutheran talk and music. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has 2.4 million baptized members in 6,170 congregations served by more than 9,000 pastors. The church, which ranks as one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, owns and operates two seminaries, 10 colleges and universities, and the largest Protestant parochial school system in America, according to Business Journal.

* CTM Media Holdings completes its sale of News-Talk WMET-AM, Washington DC, to Huffines Media for $4 million. The deal, which just closed, was a combination of cash and a promissory note secured by station assets. The first $1.3 million of the sale price was due in cash by closing. The remainder is under a two year note, which is extendable in part to three years at the option of Huffines. "We sold WMET because it was not being operated profitably as part of CTM, and we are determined to run our businesses so as to maximize long term value for our shareholders while generating positive operating performance," says CEO Marc Knoller. "We will seek to deploy the cash generated in keeping with those goals in our remaining core businesses or in complementary opportunities."

According to the Washington Times, two Texas millionaires are funding the DC area's first Catholic station on WMET-AM. Purchaser Huffines Media is owned by land developers Donald and Phillip Huffines, but the station will be operated by the Guadalupe Radio Network of Midland, TX, and will provide 24-hour programming in English. "There are thousands of Protestant stations across the country but Catholics have been behind a little bit as to getting their message on the radio," says Donald Huffines. "I told them I'd help them in that endeavor." Although Phillip Huffines is a Protestant, Donald Huffines converted to Catholicism a year ago from non-denominational Protestantism. His wife of 22 years, Mary Catherine, is a Catholic from birth and a fan of Catholic radio. Two years ago, they were approached by Guadalupe. "Spiritually, we were led to put a station in Washington," says Len Oswald, president of Guadalupe. "We felt there was a strong need in our nation's capital to have Catholic radio."

* Ernie Harwell, the acclaimed 42-year broadcast voice of the Detroit Tigers dies of cancer at 92. Harwell died at his Michigan home Tuesday evening (May 4) after a nearly year-long bout with cancer. He died in his apartment at Fox Run Village, a retirement center in Novi, with Lulu, his wife of 68 years, at his side. His death came eight months to the day after he revealed to his fans, in an interview with the Detroit Free Press, that he had a cancerous tumor in the area of his bile duct and that in late July he had been given only a few months to live. "I'm ready to face what comes," he said at the time. "Whether it's a long time or a short time is all right with me because it's up to my Lord and savior." Harwell was already a veteran baseball broadcaster when he began with the Tigers in 1960. When Tigers management and WJR, Detroit, dropped him after the 1990 season, the howls of outrage from baseball fans in Detroit and nationwide led the club to bring him back in 1992. He remained on radio and TV for the Tigers until his retirement in 2002. Harwell was born in 1918 in Washington, GA, and was 16 when he got a job as a freelance correspondent for the Sporting News. He began his radio career in 1940, on WSB, Atlanta, and was calling minor league play-by-play for the Atlanta Crackers. In 1948, Harwell was involved in the only "trade" in baseball history to involve a broadcaster, when he was allowed to join the Brooklyn Dodgers, filling in for Red Barber, in return for a minor league catcher who went to the Crackers. "He's a master craftsman," former Tigers broadcaster Josh Lewin, now with the Texas Rangers, said in 2002. "He's always kept it simple, which I think is part of his charm and staying power." MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said of the Hall of Famer, "Ernie Harwell was a great announcer and a greater human being. There is so much I enjoyed about him. What a person he was."

* Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth is suing Radio One's "97.9 The Box" KBXX, Houston. The rapper claims that the station has unfairly banned his music and interfered with his relationships with other radio stations. In addition to KBXX, the suit names General Manager Doug Abernathy, Program Director Terri Thomas and air personality Nnete Inyangumia. Trae claims he was unfairly banned from the "The Box" after a July 2009 shootout erupted at "Trae Day," that injured eight teenagers. The lawsuit contends that Trae was banned after Inyangumia accused him of causing the violence. "I would not have filed a lawsuit, but when other people started being hurt by this ban, I knew I had to stand up," Trae says in a statement. "I just could not let any more people suffer and be punished by the radio station over this ridiculous vendetta." The lawsuit also claims that Radio One suspended a staff member for a week, because he made a mixtape outside of work, featuring Trae's music, while another one was fired for accidentally playing a song by Chamillionaire that featured a verse from Trae. Trae, whose real name is Frazier Thompson III, is suing for general damages to his reputation, character, standing in the community, mental suffering, loss of professional opportunities, performance revenue and record royalties, according to The Houston Chronicle. The rapper has hired Houston attorney Warren Fitzgerald Jr. to represent him. A preliminary hearing is set for May 14.

* Thaddeus Matthews’ departure as host of a 4-7pm talk show at KWAM-AM, Memphis, results in a lawsuit. The host of “Express Yourself” has filed a $500,000 lawsuit in Shelby County Chancery Court alleging KWAM President and General Manager George Bryant breached Matthews’ contract with the station when he gave Matthews the boot, and then invited 28-year-old nationally syndicated conservative talk show host Ben Ferguson to take over Matthews’ slot. The Memphis Daily News reports that Matthews’ attorney first sought a temporary injunction to keep Ferguson from starting his new gig at KWAM after Ferguson left his previous station, WREC-AM, over a spat of his own. A stalemate in contract negotiations there led Ferguson to sign off for the last time about two weeks ago. Shelby County Chancellor Walter Evans denied Matthews’ injunction request, and Ferguson stepped behind the mike for the first time at KWAM Monday (May 3). Matthews is now proceeding with his lawsuit, asking for punitive damages of $350,000 and compensatory damages of $150,000. A court fight is only the latest colorful turn of events in a story spanning two local radio stations and involving a pair of controversial, high-profile personalities, writes The Daily News. Matthews said he was told earlier this year his weekly payment to KWAM for his airtime would be doubled to $3,000. Matthews bought airtime from the station, and in turn he sold blocks to advertisers. Matthews sold more than $35,000 worth of advertising during the current political season, according to his lawsuit. Matthews and the station agreed to the terms of his new contract in January. A footnote at the bottom reads: “Station reserves the right to cancel this contract at any time if the show does not meet FCC or KWAM programming requirements in sole discretion of KWAM’s management.” Matthews regarded the rate increase as a power play. Power brokers approached the station about wanting him gone, he said. The court action does not identify those people, but it does allude to them. The suit claims Bryant misled Matthews after executing the new contract “knowing at the time that he fully intended to sell (Matthews’) time slots to others in response to calls from local influential persons that have been the subject of several of (Matthews’) broadcasts.” Bryant said the change in hosts was about a change in direction for the station and the afternoon drive-time slot.

* Veteran Rock programmer and air talent Doug Podell is staying on-air at WCSX, Detroit, giving up programming. Podell made the choice after rediscovering his love for on-air work. He recently returned to on-air in afternoon drive, and says he was reminded how much he loved that part of the biz. That means the Greater Media Classic Rock station is now seeking a new Program Director. Says Podell, "After 30 years of programming some of the best rock stations in America, I have decided to shift gears and focus on what I truly love — being on the air. After being off the air for a year and recently returning, I realized just how much I missed it and how my contributions are better suited for what's happening today." Market Manager John Gallagher says, "Doug's contributions have been vital to the success and image of Rock in Detroit for more than 30 years. We are very fortunate to have him as a valued member of the WCSX air staff."

* Westwood One teams with VH1 Classic for "VH1 Classic Rock Nights" hosted by Eddie Webb. With support from Cumulus Media, the radio show launches in 20 markets, May 17, airing 7pm-midnight ET. Says Cumulus COO John Dickey, "We are in before the launch because this show is really going to be something special. Eddie Webb is a phenomenal host, and the combination of exclusive content and cross-promotional opportunities between our stations and the VH1 Classic cable channel makes VH1 Classic Rock Nights a perfect fit for Cumulus." VH1 Classic President Tom Calderone tells us, "First and foremost, this show is going to be about the music. Fans of classic rock are some of the most passionate groups out there, which is why we've decided to extend our highly regarded VH1 Classic brand to a nightly radio show. VH1 Classic viewers have come to love our music programming and appreciate the access we have to top artists. Now they can experience all that and more every night on the radio with VH1 Classic Rock Nights." The new "VH1 Classic Rock Nights" is launching a Website at www.vh1classicrocknights.com.

* Tribune Broadcasting plans to tape pilot episodes for a daytime TV talk show with radio host Bill Cunningham. The program, tentatively called "Willie" and scheduled to tape pilots in Chicago next month, will be tested on Tribune TV stations. If the show gets a green light in July, it will start airing on Tribune Co. stations in January in advance of national syndication in fall 2011. Richard Dominick, who exited "Jerry Springer" after 18 years as executive producer in 2008, will produce the Cunningham project being developed by Tribune Broadcasting programming chief Sean Compton. According to the Chicago Tribune's Phil Rosenthal, an earlier pilot in which Compton paired Cunningham and Springer for political debate, taped in Cincinnati, recently was scrapped. A reason cited was that Springer's commitments to "Springer" and the cable game show "Baggage" did not leave him enough time for another program. Cunningham hosts “The Big Show with Bill Cunningham” on Clear Channel Talk WLW-AM, Cincinnati.

Meanwhile, Vocalo.org's Robert Feder is reporting Cunningham's co-host for the TV show might be Bubba the Love Sponge. "Could Bill Cunningham and Bubba the Love Sponge soon become the talk of the town?" writes Feder. "That’s the latest word..." Feder refers to the same report we previously picked up, above, but adds more info: "Published reports identified one of the hosts as Cunningham, a Cincinnati-based radio personality, who taped an earlier pilot with Springer for a show that went nowhere. In addition to his daily local show, Cunningham also hosts a weekly syndicated show, which airs here [Chicago] Sunday nights on Citadel Broadcasting news/talk WLS-AM (890). Tribune Broadcasting’s other would-be host, according to insiders, is Bubba the Love Sponge, the Sirius XM Radio personality who’s carried on Howard Stern’s Howard 101 channel."

* Westwood One names Theresa Gage Durham as Southwest Region VP Sales. Durham, who joins Westwood One from Premiere Radio where she served as Western Region SVP, will be responsible for network radio ad sales for the Los Angeles and Dallas markets, reporting to Regional VP Kimberly Bryant. "I am so proud and excited to announce that Theresa is going to be our partner and have this position in the Southwest," says Bryant. "Her depth of experience will enhance our customer and client focus. We are delighted that Theresa is joining our sales management team. We feel lucky to have her." Durham says, "I am excited about returning to the radio business and being part of a team that is dedicated to evolving the network radio industry. I have always loved Westwood One's properties since I first started my radio career with them and believe our content and distribution is an asset to any brand looking to reach loyal listeners across the U.S." Durham began her radio career at Infinity Broadcasting and Westwood One where she was first a Manager of Concert Promotions and then Director of New Business Development.

* Spanish Broadcasting System is notified by Nasdaq that it no longer faces the threat of delisting. SBS is back in compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements and its stock will stay on the exchange, says Nasdaq. SBS stock closed Wednesday (May 5) at $2.04 per share. SBS had been under a delisting notice when the stock remained under the minimum of $1 per share. The company is now told it meets all requirements and will continue on the Nasdaq Global Market. The SBS board and controlling shareholder — Chairman, President and CEO Raul Alarcon Jr. — notified shareholders last month that they had approved a reverse stock split. However, with the delisting threat removed, the reverse split may not actually take place, although at least one report has said Alarcon intended to go forward with it regardless to shore up the stock price. A 5-to-1 reverse split was tentatively set for May 17. There's no official word at the moment on whether or not SBS still plans that reverse split.

* Citadel applies to move radio station licenses back from debtor-in-possession status. The applications note that "the attributable ownership interests in Citadel are substantively unchanged" from the entities that existed before the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Meanwhile, The Walt Disney Co files a reservation of rights to assert its ownership of the trademarks KABC, KGO, KGO NewsTalk, WABC, WLS, ABC Galaxy Radio Network, ABC Genesis Radio Network, ABC Platinum Radio Network, ABC Prime Radio Network, ABC Radio, and ABC Radio Networks. Several related URLs are also specified. The filing also states, however: "To avoid the expense, time, and uncertainty of litigation, TWDC and the Debtors are currently negotiating a stipulation and order to settle their disputes."

* Four Pittsburgh foundations purchase a 60-day option on the WDUQ-FM license owned by Duquesne University. Grant Oliphant, President of the Pittsburgh Foundation, says the foursome, which also includes the Heinz Endowments, the Richard King Mellon Foundation and an anonymous foundation, gave Duquesne University what amounts to hand money, declining to specify the sum. However, reports the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the foundations are not interested in taking over ownership of the radio station, but are more concerned about shaping the station's future. The hand money buys some "breathing space" so the foundations can invite comment and do research to develop the "strongest vision for what the station should be," says Oliphant. The group aims to preserve the station's National Public Radio format and sees a need to strengthen overall public service journalism in Pittsburgh, says Oliphant. "We want the community to have the opportunity to put forward its best possible offer." Duquesne University put the station, which also carries a jazz format, up for sale late last year to channel the assets into educational improvements. The station's worth has been estimated at up to $10 million. Duquesne University President Charles Dougherty has said that the university would like to get something close to that for the station. Now that the option has been bought, says Oliphant, "The university will not sell the station for these two months." The clock began ticking this week and expires in the first week of July. A Duquesne University spokeswoman confirms that during the 60-day period, the university will not conduct any negotiations.

* Tribune Broadcasting names Sean Compton President of Programming, effective immediately. Compton, who has served as Tribune Broadcasting's SVP Programming and Entertainment since 2008, will oversee programming decisions for the company's 23 television stations, its national cable station, WGN America, and WGN Radio in Chicago. "Sean is one of the most innovative thinkers and strategic programmers in the industry," says Jerry Kersting, President of Tribune Broadcasting. "He's been turning around the attitude at our station group and at WGN America by securing some outstanding syndicated programming—and better programming means better ratings. He's making a huge difference in our success." For the past two years, Compton has overseen programming and entertainment for the company's station group and WGN America, where ratings are up 19% year-over-year and 27% during prime time. He's brought some of the country's most popular off-network comedies to Tribune Broadcasting. "We've made huge progress at our station group and at WGN America," says Compton. "Our fall 2010 and 2011 line-ups will have great new shows that will continue to grow our ratings and improve the image of our stations." Prior to joining Tribune, Compton spent 10 years at Clear Channel and six years at Jacor Communications, where his initial title was "Not A Vice President."

* Tribune Company names Jerry Kersting as President of its broadcasting division. Effective immediately, Monday (May 3), Kersting assumes responsibility for "the strategic vision and day-to-day operations" of the company's 23 television stations, its national cable channel, WGN America, and WGN Radio. Kersting has served as Tribune Broadcasting's COO since December 2009. "Jerry's done a great job since becoming COO of our broadcast group," said Tribune's Chief Executive Officer Randy Michaels. "He's smart, innovative and driven—our stations have been expanding news, adding new programming and building audience. WGN America is stronger than ever. Jerry's leadership will keep us on the right path and drive even better results." Prior to being named COO of Tribune Broadcasting, Kersting served as EVP for Tribune, joining the company in 2008. In that role, Kersting was responsible for identifying strategic opportunities and efficiencies for the company's various media businesses. Before joining Tribune, Kersting served as EVP & CFO of Clear Channel Radio from 1999 to 2008. Kersting had 34 years of credited service with Clear Channel, where he held various management and executive positions at the company and its related entities, specifically Jacor, Citicasters, Great American Broadcasting and Taft Broadcasting, which through name change or acquisition make up that tenure. "We've established some strong momentum across our broadcasting division, but there is a lot more to do," says Kersting. "We intend to shake up traditional local television news by doing things differently and giving viewers innovative broadcasts and a clear choice in our markets. Every night, people turn on their local news and see the same thing wherever they flip the channel—we intend to change that." Friday (April 30), Ed Wilson stepped down as Tribune Company's Chief Revenue and Sales Officer and as President of Tribune Broadcasting, saying he'd remain as a consultant to Tribune.

* Sirius XM Radio's first quarter revenue and income were both up; the satcaster reports a profit. Sirius XM Radio reports pro forma revenue of $670.6 million for the first three months of the year, up 11% from $605.5 million in the same period in 2009. Adjusted income from operations was $157.8 million, up 45% from $108.8 million. Free cash flow was negative $127.2 million, compared to negative $3.6 million, while net income in Q1 was $41.6 million (1 cent per share), compared to a net loss of $238.8 million (7 cents). Sirius XM ended Q1 with 18.9 million subscribers, up from 18.6 million, adding 171,444 net subscribers in the quarter, compared to a loss of 404,422 subs in Q1 of 2009. Pro forma average revenue per subscriber came in at $11.48, up from $10.49, with self-pay churn at 2 percent compared to 2.2 percent in Q1 '09. "Continued positive subscriber growth, double-digit growth in revenue, and a sharp focus on costs resulted in the highest quarterly adjusted operating income in the company's history," says Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin. "As the leader in audio entertainment, these results show the tremendous appeal of our service and the strength of our business model. The continuing recovery of the automotive sector and expanding signs of increased consumer spending are encouraging signs for the company's growth prospects." [More from Sirius XM »]

* Mediaguide sees "slow but steady" growth in auto advertising; other categories also looking up. Mediaguide's latest AdMonitor report on U.S. radio advertising finds that placement was up 12.5% in the domestic auto category in the first quarter, with foreign auto up 17.8% compared to the first quarter of 2009. "In spite of or because of auto recalls, ad spending seems to be showing slow by steady growth," says Mediaguide EVP of Advertising Sales Joan Gerberding. "Although in both categories the actual ads run in March 2010 compared with April 2010 are down 25%, the first quarter combined is showing marked improvement." Ad detections in the first quarter were up 54% in the banks and credit unions category. Home improvement was up 32% year-to-year. "We're seeing growth in a number of consumer categories, which could certainly give the impression that things are starting to turn around a bit for the economy," says Gerberding. Mediaguide's AdMonitor uses digital fingerprinting to monitor ads on more than 2,500 stations in 150+ U.S. markets.

* Entercom signs with jacAPPS to produce "stationalized" iPhone/iPod Touch apps for 78 of their radio stations. Entercom selected jacAPPS, the mobile app division of Jacobs Media, following a competitive bidding process for a company-wide initiative to provide their radio outlets with "stationalized" iPhone applications. "The Jacobs Media family has had a long partnership with Entercom on the radio programming side of the business, so it made sense to continue the partnership in this exciting new way to get our brands into this emerging marketplace," says Entercom Digital Manager, and WEEI.com VP & GM, Tim Murphy. Entercom's apps will soon be available in the iTunes App Store. Each will be customized based on specific needs of individual stations.

* Envision Radio Networks, in collaboration with Dance Naked Media, signs to represent Radio DOPLR. Envision will handle marketing, affiliate relations, and ad sales for the new subscription research service. Radio DOPLR, available on a barter basis, is a subscription-based monthly research service that provides measurement and analysis of a station's performance in a market. "Radio DOPLR has been specifically designed for radio station usage," says Envision President & CEO Danno Wolkoff. "The methodology and sample size far surpass all other perceptual research services currently in the marketplace. Radio DOPLR will soon become one of those tools that any broadcaster won't want to be without."

* Metro Traffic names Reza Hariri as Director of Sales for Northern California, effective May 17. Hariri joins Metro Traffic from Monster.com where he served as Director of Sales, Western Region. Prior to entering digital sales, Hariri began his radio sales career at Clear Channel San Francisco as an account exec for KMEL-FM and later as the General Sales Manager of KKSF-FM and KISQ-FM. "Reza is widely known for building winning teams, growing talent and generating revenue," says Western Region RV[ Kimberly Bryant. "As we continue to evolve our business, the experience and knowledge of digital media Reza brings to our company will be invaluable." Hariri says, "I am extremely happy to be part of the Westwood One team and return to my radio roots. Radio is my passion, and having worked in the digital space, it has become clear that some of the greatest opportunities for advertisers lie in radio-digital synergy. It is the future, and I am excited to be a part of it."

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski's Senior Counselor Colin Crowell will leave the Commission in June. "Colin has been indispensable to every key decision we've made and his rare combination of policy smarts, wise counsel, and communications expertise has been invaluable to me and the agency as we developed our broadband agenda for the nation," says Genachowski. "It has been a true privilege to work with such a talented FCC team, committed to advancing Chairman Genachowski's pro-innovation agenda," says Crowell. "Chairman Genachowski has been a great friend and the decision to leave was not an easy one. Yet after twenty two years in public service, it's time for me to explore other professional opportunities."

* Radio Disney closes on the sale of silent WMNE-AM, West Palm Beach, to Travis Media for $500,000. WMNE, licensed to Riviera Beach, is a 5kw day/night directional with a city grade signal into West Palm Beach. The station has been silent since January 22. It previously aired Radio Disney network programming. Media Services Group's Eddie Esserman and Bill Whitley were the brokers for the deal.

* Rhythmic AC "Hot 95.1" KSYU, Albuquerque, flips to Adult Contemporary "Lite 95.1" KLQT. The new station — "Albuquerque's Lite Rock" — is currently running jockless. The Clear Channel outlet says it will feature a commercial-free Mondays promotion each week. "Lite 95.1" is online at Lite951fm.com, and is available on the iHeartRadio app for the iPhone and Blackberry. "From a competitive and sales standpoint, this gives us a much coveted 'wall of women,' and a perfect compliment to Hot AC KPEK," says Clear Channel Albuquerque Operations Manager Tony Manero. "A huge thanks to Senior VP of Programming Jon Zellner for all of his help in the launch."

* Internet radio is burgeoning, according to a new report from SNL Kagan. The report predicts more rapid revenue growth, but writes MediaPost, the big question, as far as media buyers are concerned, is how much of this future growth will come from advertising sales. "Looking at the top Internet radio operations, SNL identified CBS Interactive as the revenue leader, with total revenues of $550 million in 2009, thanks in part to its ownership of Last.fm and ad sales partnerships with AOL Radio and Yahoo. It also has a large number of station Websites." Counting other partnerships with CNET, Radio.com and TV.com, CBS Interactive boasted an average 226 million unique users per month in 2009. Competitor Clear Channel posted total revenues of $175 million in 2009 — virtually all from advertising — with an average monthly base of 100 million unique users. Among pure-play Internet radio operations, MySpace led the way with $490 million in revenue and an average 70 million unique users per month — boosted "by leveraging Fox's music-focused TV shows 'Glee' and 'American Idol,'" according to SNL Kagan. Pandora had about $50 million in revenue in 2009. That was also mostly from advertising. Pandora had 50 million registered users, about half of whom are actually active. According to MediaPost, adding up the top players, Internet radio delivered over $1.25 billion in revenue in 2009; however, comparing this figure with separate numbers from the RAB, "it's clear that online advertising is still playing second fiddle to subscription and download fees." The RAB reported total digital ad revenues in 2009 of $480 million representing 38% of total online radio revenues.

* CBS Radio signs a consent decree with the FCC to settle a complaint for a million-dollar contest prank. KDKA, Pittsburgh, talk host Marty Griffin announced that he'd give away $1 million to the thirteenth caller, and that he would give away "a million an hour" after that. in November 2007. There was no such prize money, but it did cost the station $6,000 — a "voluntary contribution" — in the settlement with the Commission's Enforcement Bureau. The FCC rule cited was broadcasting information about a contest without disclosing all the material terms. The FCC acted after a complaint from the person who called, was told he was the thirteenth caller, and was then put on hold. After 43 minutes on hold, the complainant was transferred to Griffin, who asked questions about the Thanksgiving holiday. When the complainant inquired about the prize money, the phone was disconnected. After calling back, he was told that there was no prize. In its response to the FCC, CBS Radio did not dispute that it aired the phony giveaway, including a recording and a transcript of the broadcast. CBS Radio contended that the broadcast in question did not involve an actual contest, but instead was a "joke," and that the station's broadcast was, at most, a "harmless prank," that is neither a contest nor a hoax prohibited under the Commission's rules. The Commission disagreed with that contention.

* The FCC slaps a $10,000 forfeiture order on a criminal-activity-endorsing Florida pirate radio station operator. The FCC's Enforcement Bureau issued the forfeiture order against Balthazard Senat for operating "an unlicensed radio transmitter on 91.3 MHz in Orlando." The station, in South Orlando, endorsed criminal gang activity, drugs and prostitution, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The Commission order says that the FCC's Tampa Office of the Enforcement Bureau issued an earlier notice of apparent liability against Senat, and he did not respond. Now, the Commission says Senat is liable for the $10,000 forfeiture. And he is supposed to pay within 30 days. Senat was one of two accused in early March last year of operating a pirate radio station that broadcast from South Orlando. Officials said the station announced information on criminal gangs and promoted where to buy drugs. It was soon shut down. The pirate radio station, called "Street Heat," became known for broadcasting live advertisements for gangs and it directed listeners where to buy illegal drugs or solicit prostitutes. The station also provided gang-related advice such as how to fold a "flag," or bandanna, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. An investigation by the sheriff's gang unit and the FCC found that radio signals were broadcast from an antenna mounted in a tree behind a residence on 30th Street in Orlando. FCC investigators found a cable from the antenna and traced it to a window on the northwest side of the home. At the time, Senat and Christopher Robert Roth were arrested and charged with unauthorized transmission and possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

* The FCC seeks comments on changes to its tower/antenna rules for construction, marking, and lighting. The changes, proposed under the biennial review of the rules, include adding to the registration process "a provision clarifying that the FAA’s recommended specifications are generally mandatory, but that the Commission may specify additional or different requirements." Also included is a provision that "any change in height of one foot or greater or any change in coordinates of one second or greater requires prior approval from the FAA and the Commission" for purposes of registration. And there are proposed changes to the degree of accuracy required for height information, among other provisions. Comments will be due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, with replies 90 days after publication.

* Clear Channel Radio's Nashville stations team up to raise flood relief funds. With the Nashville area experiencing what's being called the 100-year flood, all five Clear Channel stations there were banding together Tuesday (May 4) to raise money for the Middle Tennessee flood relief effort. The stations — WLAC, WNRQ, WRVW, WSIX and WUBT — were simulcasting all day in the fund raising, featuring various personalities from the stations. Clear Channel Radio Nashville Operations Manager Rich Davis says he's pleased and excited "to hear all the air staff from all the stations on the air working together for one cause on all five frequencies." Donations can be made online at any of the stations’ Websites, by phone at 888-540-5200 or in person, with funds going to the Tennessee Disaster Response Fund through the Community Foundation. Clear Channel promised to match the first $10,000 raised.

* Regent Communications changes its name to Townsquare Media, appoints new senior leadership. Regent, which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization last week, announces the new name under new majority owner, and former chief creditor, Oaktree Capital Management. CEO Bill Stakelin and EVP Anthony Vasconcellos are both out. The newly-renamed Townsquare Media announces today (May 3) that Steven Price, co-founder of media investment firm FiveWire Ventures, has been named the Company’s Chairman and CEO. FiveWire co-founder Stuart Rosenstein has been named EVP and CFO. Townsquare Media operates 62 radio stations in 13 mid-sized markets. The company emerged from bankruptcy protection on April 27, less than two months after its initial Chapter 11 filing. A fund managed by Oaktree Capital Management owns a majority equity stake in the company. Price and Rosenstein intend to make a significant equity investment in the company. “Stuart and I are pleased to join Townsquare Media and look forward to building, through internal growth and acquisitions, a leading provider of local media, entertainment and commerce in small and mid-sized markets,” says Price. “The radio business is undergoing massive change and we are excited to invest in and build upon Townsquare Media’s leadership positions in its markets to develop a new media business for the 21st century, focused on local media across multiple platforms.” Says Rosenstein, “I am delighted to have the opportunity to be part of the Townsquare team as it starts a new chapter and concentrates on expanding its audience, serving advertisers and driving innovative digital products. Together, we are focused on strengthening the company’s operational execution and creating value for all of our stakeholders, particularly our clients, employees and investors.” Oaktree Capital Management SVP Andrew Salter adds, “We are excited about this partnership and the new leadership at Townsquare Media. At the same time, we thank Bill and Tony for their longstanding service to the company and their stewardship during the bankruptcy process. As we focus on the future, we look forward to building a market-leading, valuable media business with Steven and Stuart.”   [More »]

* The owner of a station which Citadel operates under an LMA, files an ojection to Citadel's reorganization plan. Oak Ridge FM owns WNOX-FM, Knoxville, which Citadel has been operating as a Talk station. The WNOX licensee files a "limited objection" to the plan before the bankruptcy court. Oak Ridge cites its opposition to Citadel's intention to reject the LMA under which it programs WNOX. Oak Ridge FM also claims that Citadel has missed two $60,000 LMA payments for April and May, and says Citadel also owes it more than $22,500 in expenses. The Oak Ridge court petition says that "expenses of administration incurred for the purpose of preserving the estate are required to be paid on the Effective Date of the plan as a condition to confirmation of a plan of reorganization," but that Citadel wants to pay the debt "as soon as practicable." Several published reports have recently suggested that Citadel wants out of the LMA, and is using its Chapter 11 reorganization to walk away from it.

* Radio and TV Marti are again facing criticism, this time in a Senate committee majority report. Senate Democrats are disappointed that "after 18 years Radio and TV Marti have failed to make any discernible inroads into Cuban society or to influence the Cuban government." So says Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman Sen. John Kerry (D-MA). The Foreign Relations Committee's majority, in a new report, propose moving the stations from Miami to Washington, and merging the Office of Cuba Broadcasting operations into the Voice of America. "U.S. civil society programs may have noble objectives, but we need to examine whether we're achieving them," says Kerry. Miami-area Republican lawmakers were quick to condemn the report. "John Kerry and his staff are out to kill OCB. They have always tried to kill it and they continue to try to kill it. They lack all credibility on this issue," says Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL). "As the Cuban regime tightens its hold on the Cuban people, the Congress should be focused on expanding the flow of uncensored information about the dictatorship's brutality and gross human rights abuses," adds Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). "The focus should be on growing and improving, rather than burying into VOA."

* Greater Media President and CEO Peter Smyth says radio needs "New Ideas, New Blood." In his latest "Corner Office" column, Smyth writes: "I think that radio is in danger of walling itself off from the new internet-based competition that has emerged." He says radio, in hiring "new blood" needs to "consider not just the need that we have today, but also the long-term contribution that these new recruits must make to the radio business." Smyth begins his May column, "With the approach of graduation season and the start of the summer intern season, I find myself wondering how these people who are new to radio can contribute to and change our business. I know it is difficult today to get that one break to get a career started; it always has been hard to break into radio, but these days it sometimes seems almost impossible. As our industry continues to heal itself, I am confident that hiring will slowly pick up once more. Part time jobs will become full time. Increased demand for our services by advertisers will require more hands to fulfill those orders." According to the Greater Media chief, "It’s always been easy to fill empty slots, but difficult to create effective teams. To do so, we need to acknowledge and know what our organizations are lacking and what we need, not only in the primary job description, but also to balance the other members of our station teams." Smyth's full column is available here.

* Report: FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski to propose regulating broadband lines under old phone net rules. The goal would be to give the FCC authority over so-called "net neutrality," which a court ruling has placed in question. Genachowski's decision to put forth the new proposal, reports the Wall Street Journal, is likely to trigger a vigorous lobbying battle, arraying big phone and cable companies and their allies on Capitol Hill against Silicon Valley giants and consumer advocates. According to WSJ, breaking a deadlock within his agency, Genachowski is expected today (May 6) to outline his plan for regulating broadband lines. He wants to adopt "net neutrality" rules that require Internet providers like Comcast Corp. and AT&T Inc. to treat all traffic equally, and not to slow or block access to certain Websites. The decision has been eagerly awaited since a federal appeals court ruling last month cast doubt on the FCC's authority over broadband lines, throwing into question Genachowski's proposal to set new rules for how Internet traffic is managed. The court ruled the FCC had overstepped when it cited Comcast in 2008 for slowing some customers' Internet traffic.

* KLIF-AM, Dallas, Program Director Steve Nicholl is found dead after he fails to report for work Monday (May 3). Emergency workers were sent to hs home when he didn't show up at work. They said his death appeared to be the result of natural causes. Cumulus Media Partners General Manager Dan Bennett said in a memo, "It is with a deep sense of sadness that I announce that KLIF PD Steve Nicholl has passed away." Nicholl joined KILF in 2007. Previously, he was PD of Pamplin News-Talk KPAM-AM and Nostalgia KKAD-AM, Portland, OR. He had in the past also programmed Clear Channel News-Talk WJNO-AM, West Palm Beach; WIOD-AM, Miami; and, WSRR-FM, Memphis.

* WPP says the advertising economy shifts from "abyss" to "stabilization" – and the U.S. is first to recover. WPP released stronger than expected first quarter earnings and said the global ad recovery is looking far more sustainable, led by a pronounced improvement in the U.S. marketplace. In fact, WPP says the ad industry has moved from "staring into the abyss" at the height of the financial crisis to a "less worse" scenario in 2009" to "stabilization" in 2010, though some markets continue to lag. "Geographically, [the] USA has recovered first, with like-for-like revenue up 4.1%," WPP says in a report released to analysts this morning. "The U.K. [is] down 1.1% and Western Continental Europe [is] down 2.0%." While WPP's revenues slid slightly from the first quarter of 2009, the agency holding company, which is the biggest buyer of media in the world, says its results nonetheless were 3% ahead of what it had budgeted for the quarter. While advertising and media services revenues also continued to slide during the quarter, falling 1.6% from 2009, they were relatively stronger than WPP's overall revenues, which fell 1.8%. Public relations and public affairs, which slid 0.9%, was WPP's strongest relative sector, reflecting strong demand from marketers seeking to monitor and influence the expanding social media marketplace.

* "Bama Country 98.9" WBAM, Montgomery, AL, morning host John Garrett is the target of a murder-for-hire plot. Garrett says he's still shocked, but relieved he's still alive, after the plot is uncovered by Montgomery County sheriff's investigators. They've charged 32-year old Michael Talley with trying to have Garrett killed. Says Garret, "I am very grateful for my good fortune." According to WSFA-TV, the motive appears to be jealousy. Garrett married Talley's ex-girlfriend Heidi a few weeks back. "He and I didn't hit it off in the beginning, and I know that I've tried to extend the Olive branch," says Garrett. The TV station says sources tell them Talley reportedly offered the alleged hit man around $2,400 to do the job. Authorities won't confirm that but the sheriff says the middleman never had any intentions of carrying out the plan. Instead, he went directly to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. "He was never serious, and I don't think he had it in him to do it," said Sheriff D.T. Marshall. Garrett says he's been in the radio business for more than 20 years and has encountered a lot of interesting things along the way, but nothing quite like this. "I never dreamed of this. Who does?" says Garrett.

* Bubba the Love Sponge is fired by TNA Wrestling after another bout with "Awesome Kong" Kia Stevens. The latest round was an "ugly confrontation" last week with a female wrestler that was broadcast on radio, says The Tampa Tribune of a confrontation between the syndicated radio personality and the female wrestler on the WHPT-FM, Tampa, "Cowhead Show." Stevens had phoned the program, and Bubba the Love Sponge was in the studio. They got into a heated verbal exchange, during which he made statements about Haiti that could be interpreted as racial slurs. TNA Wrestling officials posted a notice on its Website that the company "has elected to terminate the services of Todd Clem aka Bubba the Love Sponge." Following the announcement, insults aimed at TNA were posted on Clem's Twitter page. TNA president Dixie Carter made "a knee-jerk decision," and "she will feel the wrath of Bubba," the radio host said Monday morning (May 3). He addressed the issue on his morning radio show, telling a caller that he was probably better off without being on TNA but he didn't want to go out "painted as a racist." He also continued to bash Stevens with a vulgar name. Clem, 44, joined TNA this year to do backstage interviews on a cable wrestling show that also features Hulk Hogan. Clem's abrasive in-your-face style appeared to anger some TNA wrestlers. Stevens slapped him backstage at a TNA event in January and has since claimed Clem made a harassing telephone call to her home. Clem denied this. Cowhead came to Clem's defense Monday, issuing a statement saying he was "shocked by the hypocrisy" of TNA officials who fired Clem but are allowing Stevens to stay with the organization. Exclusive audio of the exchange is available at www.cowheadradio.com.

* Noncommercial WAMC-AM-FM, Albany, NY, puts commentator Ward Stone on suspension during a state investigation. The probe is into what the Albany Times-Union calls "his alleged misdeeds as state wildlife pathologist." Station officials were unavailable for immediate comment, but a press release from the Northeast Public Radio station says that the popular nature program "In Our Backyard" is off the air indefinitely. The station's announcements cites a Sunday report in the Albany Times Union for the suspension. The article, the station said, "has made some serious allegations" and disclosed an investigation was kicked off by the Inspector General's office because of the newspaper's inquiries. "WAMC believes in the concept that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. We are grateful to Ward Stone for his generous volunteer contribution to WAMC's 'In Our Backyard' program and for his tireless work for the state," the station said in a release. "We hope these allegations prove to be false. Nevertheless, we believe it is prudent to suspend production of the program until these charges are resolved." The state Department of Environmental Conservation is pursuing disciplinary charges against the 41-year veteran of the department. DEC co-workers believe the action may be tied to Stone's use of a state car without authorization; Stone's personal car stopped running last fall. The Times Union reported allegations of a long history of Stone abusing of state resources, treating staff shabbily, living at his office at the DEC Wildlife Resources Center near Delmar, bringing his guns to work and using staff for his volunteer work at WAMC and paid duties as an instructor at St. Rose College and State University of New York at Cobleskill, as well as other misconduct. Stone has provided only brief remarks to the Times Union, including that he found the allegations surprising.

* Smooth Jazz "101.9 K-High" KKHI, Denver, flips to a simulcast of Christian “WAY-FM 89.7" KXWA, Loveland, CO. The flip comes in advance of a pending purchase of KKHI by the WAY-FM Media Group. The Contemporary Christian format began airing on the station over the weekend under an LMA that was effective May 1, expanding the coverage of the WAY-FM programming in the market. "K-High" Program Director Steve Hamilton is continuing the Smooth Jazz format online at K-High.com. Visitors to www.kkhi1019.com receive the message: "K-High is now available exclusively on-line. Due to an ownership change, the Smooth Jazz format on 101.9 has been discontinued. The staff of K-High are keeping the station available to you on the Internet. Click 'Listen Online' and enjoy our music on your computer. Thank you for your continued support..."

* Longtime "Newsradio 830" WCCO-AM, Minneapolis-St. Paul, personality Jeff McKinney is leaving the station. He announces his pending exit after more than 15 years of commuting between Missouri and Minnesota. McKinney plans to head home to St. Louis, where his wife and two boys reside. During his time working in Minneapolis, McKinney would commute every weekend to Missouri to see his family. After being hired by WCCO in 1994, he became a big part of the "Don Shelby Show," where people could tune in to "The McSkinney with Jeff McKinney," according to WCCO-TV. McKinney began his CBS Radio broadcast career in 1983 and has since received numerous national awards, including those from the Los Angeles Press Club and Northwest Broadcasters Association. All this week, WCCO Radio is celebrating McKinney's highlights on air on the Michele Tafoya Show. Friends and fans are being invited to join McKinney, Tafoya and Don Shelby live from 3-6pm Friday (May 7) at Kieran's Pub in Minneapolis to celebrate his final show.

* Simmons Media Group is selling "730 Fox Sports" KQPN, Memphis, to KQPN Inc. for $400,000. Four years ago, Simmons paid $2 million for the station, which it purchased from Educational Media Foundation. When Simmons took over the station, it changed the call letters from KSUD to KQPN, affiliating with ESPN Radio. In August 2008, ESPN moved from KQPN to WSMB, and KQPN took over Fox Sports programming from WSMB. Simmons Media Group, headed by Chairman David Simmons, is now selling the 1,000 watt AM station, licensed to West Memphis, AR, to KQPN Inc., headed by President Christopher Westenberger, for $400,000 in cash at closing. Larry Patrick & Greg Guy of Patrick Communications brokered the deal for Simmons. John Pierce of John Pierce & Co. brokered it for KQPN.

* Dr. James Dobson's new "Family Talk" radio program launched Monday (May 3) with more than 500 stations. "Please don’t expect me to take a 'softer, gentler' approach to the issues that burn within my soul," he tells readers on his new Family Talk Website. "I have never spoken or written without passion for values in which I believe, and I don't intend to start now." Joining the former host of "Focus On the Family" is his son, Ryan Dobson, and veteran producer Luanne Crane. Promotional releases for the new show said the three would be discussing "family-related topics, cultural issues and matters relevant to the Christian faith on the daily program that is designed to reach the younger generation with the Judeo-Christian worldview of the family." While Dobson's former ministry, Focus on the Family, has begun to take a less divisive approach to issues such as abortion and same-sex marriage over the last year, Dobson plans to be anything but timid on his new show. "Babies are dying, the very definition of marriage is under attack, the financial underpinnings of families are being destroyed by confiscatory taxation, and children of all ages are being taught wickedness and every form of godlessness. This is no time to grow timid!" he said. Dobson, 74, left Focus on the Family, which he founded 33 years ago, in February after passing the reins to Jim Daly. The leadership transition began in 2003 when he resigned as president. He was determined to turn the ministry – which reaches more than 220 million people around the world – over to the next generation of leaders. With the help of a $1 million grant from Focus on the Family, Dobson is now beginning his new radio show out of the same city – Colorado Springs.

* Report: Sirius XM argues FCC plan to expand wireless Internet service would interfere with satellite radio. The Wall Street Journal reported Monday (May 3) that as the satcaster launches a fight of the FCC plan, Howard Stern is enlisting his fans who have already flooded the FCC with complaints, many accusing the agency of having it out for the company. The FCC is proposing to make it easier for the winners of a 1997 airwaves auction to use those airwaves for mobile wireless Internet and phone use. Until now, a dispute about power levels and potential interference has meant the companies were limited in how they could use the airwaves they own. The FCC is scheduled to vote on the proposal in May as part of a broader effort to devote more airwaves for wireless Internet services. A FCC spokeswoman declined to comment on the specifics of the proposal. Sirius XM lawyers are fighting the plan, arguing in an April 23 filing that allowing wireless providers to use those airwaves for wireless broadband will "fail to protect satellite radio's nearly 19 million subscribers and 35 million listeners from harmful interference." According to WSJ, while Sirius XM is beamed to cars and homes from satellites, the company also uses an army of antennas around the country to boost its signal. The company is concerned those ground-based broadcast signals could be overpowered by wireless gadgets using nearby airwaves. Sirius XM's signals are essentially sandwiched between airwaves set aside for wireless data use.

AT&T Inc., Sprint Nextel Corp. and Comcast Corp. are among the holders of those airwaves but they have made limited use of them over the years, as the dispute between the auction winners and satellite-radio providers dragged on. AT&T says it now mostly uses those airwaves to beam data point-to-point as part of its network backbone. Agency officials recently floated a fix after the companies were unable to reach a deal on their own. The airwaves were sold at a relatively low price—$13.6 million—reflecting the concern that they are so close to satellite radio transmission. They were designated to be used for fixed wireless—basically transmissions beamed tightly between two towers—but more capacity is now needed for mobile wireless broadband, prompting the FCC to propose the changes. FCC engineers say there shouldn't be interference problems because of restrictions they'll put on the wireless companies, including a buffer between the two services and power limits. The agency is expected to impose rules that would require the companies to either build out networks using those airwaves or automatically lose them in a few years. "Neither side is happy with how the FCC is trying to balance mobile wireless deployment incentives and protection of satellite radio services that reach millions of subscribers," said Paul Glenchur, a telecom analyst for Potomac Research Group.

* NJ broadcast engineer Rich Arsenault has another proposal: allow AM radio stations major power increases. Arsenault is proposing that the FCC consider permitting daytime power increases up to ten-fold because of problems with interference from a wide variety of electronic devices. Arsenault's "FCC Petition for Rulemaking" — available here — says he proposes the increase or an alternative four-fold increase because, "The primary factor limiting reception of AM Standard Broadcast Radio during daytime hours is no longer interference between stations, but interference from electronic devices and power lines." The proposal leaves nighttime increases off the table due to interference with foreign broadcasters. The petition explains: "AM Standard Broadcast Radio service has suffered serious degradation of coverage over recent decades due to increased interference from new technologies. The development and use Broadband over Power Lines (BPL), computers and other digital computing devices, the common use of energy efficient fluorescent lighting with integrated solid state switching circuitry and virtually all other electronic devices have all increased the sum amount of electromagnetic interference to the reception of AM radio to the point of near uselessness in many areas were AM stations once provided adequate service to the general public."

* Tribune Company's Ed Wilson resigns, as Tribune prepares to exit Chapter 11. Wilson said Friday (April 30) he is stepping down effective immediately, but will remain as a consultant to Tribune. Wilson has served as Tribune Company's Chief Revenue and Sales Officer since 2009 and as President of Tribune Broadcasting since 2008. He leaves both positions as Tribune restructures management ahead of a Chapter 11 exit. "The time is right for both the company and for me to make this move," says Wilson. "It has been an amazing ride since I came onboard and I'm grateful to Randy Michaels for giving me this opportunity. The future for Tribune is a bright one." Tribune Company CEO Randy Michaels adds, "Our station group and WGN America have made tremendous progress over the last two years under Ed's leadership. We've expanded local news in all our markets, lined up some great new programming that will debut this fall and streamlined our decision-making process." Prior to joining Tribune, Wilson was President of Fox Television.

Meanwhile, Tribune is filing with the FCC to move the company's broadcast holdings out of Chapter 11. The Chicago Tribune says applications are now being prepared for Tibune's one radio station – WGN-AM, Chicago — and 23 television stations. Tribune is also asking the FCC for continuation of waivers of cross-ownership rules in markets where it has both print and broadcast holdings. Those exemptions are not automatically granted when FCC broadcast licenses are transferred, even if back to the original licensee.

* Alison Scholly is named to the newly created COO position at Chicago Public Radio (CPR), effective June 1. Scholly joins CPR from Tribune Interactive, where she was VP & General Manager. CPR is the parent of WBEZ-FM and the Vocalo.org Website. Vocalo is home of Chicago media reporter Robert Feder, who tells us, "Scholly will report to Torey Malatia, who continues as President and CEO of Chicago Public Radio, or more correctly, Chicago Public Media — its new corporate name. While Scholly focuses on day-to-day operations, Malatia will continue to spearhead fundraising and philanthropy efforts, among other duties." In announcing the appointment, Malatia said, “Alison understands media, especially interactive, and knows how to find efficiencies while enhancing meaningful service. Her passion is to guarantee that we are on the forefront of serving our constituencies with the most sought-after experiences on-air, on-line, and on mobile devices.” During 14 years with Tribune Co., Scholly held a variety of roles, including development of new interactive products and Websites, such as chicagotribune.com, metromix.com and ChicagoSports.com.

* Citadel Syracuse GM Dan Austin is exiting to become Director of Sales for the CBS Radio cluster in Seattle. CNYRadio.com reports that employees at Citadel’s four-station Syracuse cluster were notified Thursday (April 29), and Austin confirmed his plans for CNYRadio.com late Thursday afternoon. Austin says he has “tremendously enjoyed working with the talented team here in Syracuse and we’ve built some great momentum the past two years.” Looking ahead, Austin says he’s “confident the team will continue with business as usual and grow upon our success.” He says he’ll be leaving Syracuse “in a few weeks” to begin the new job. Austin arrived in Syracuse in May 2008, after seven years – including three as GM – with Pamal Broadcasting in Albany. Among the many changes at Citadel during Austin’s tenure, says CNYRadio, perhaps the most memorable came just this year, when the cluster made major changes at two of it’s stations. Near the end of February, the station announced AC "Lite Rock 105.9" (formerly WLTI) would be flipping formats, to become "105.9 The Big Talker" WXTL. Within the same week, ESPN Radio moved its affiliation across town, and 1260AM (formerly WNSS) rebranded as "The Score 1260" WSKO, replacing ESPN’s syndicated fare with programming from Sporting News Radio.

* "Fox Newsradio 970" WFLA-AM, Tampa, names Steve Versnick as its new Program Director, effective June 1. He comes to the Florida Clear Channel station from co-owned Talk KTLK-FM, Minneapolis, where he's been Director of News and Programming since September 2007. "With the departure of RC Bauer, it was a great challenge to make sure we won't miss a beat with the ratings success of 970 WFLA," says Operations Manager Doug Hamand. "Steve Versnick is a 10-year seasoned programming vet and brings great knowledge to our very important news and traffic hub operations." Prior to joining KTLK, he was PD at sister WREC-AM, Memphis, preceded by OM of the co-owned Atlanta Braves Radio Network. Versnick has also programmed WERC-AM, Birmingham, and WCKY-AM, Cincinnati.

* Canadian broadcast company Corus Entertainment agrees to sell its Quebec radio stations to Cogeco Inc. Says Corus President & CEO John Cassaday, "Corus Entertainment has made the strategic decision to divest of its Corus Quebec radio stations and focus on brands in our television division and our Ontario and Western Canadian radio stations." Corus is selling its Quebec radio stations in Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois Rivieres, and St-Jerome for about $80 million CDN. Purchaser Cogeco President & CEO Louis Audet says, "We are pleased with the opportunity to pursue the development of these radio stations for the benefit of members of the Quebec community in which we have grown, in particular in broadcasting, for the last 53 years." Corus will continue to own and operate the radio stations until the sale is approved by Canadian regulators.

* Earthworks Entertainment signs a letter of intent to acquire an interest in John Rook's Hit Parade Hall of Fame. The Hit Parade Hall of Fame was formed in 2006 by veteran radio programmer John Rook to recognize the highly popular recording artists that have been virtually ignored by the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame." According to Rook, "There are so many stars that have made major contributions from the 50s through the 80s that have never received the recognition they deserve. Artists such as Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Pat Boone, Chubby Checker, Petula Clark, Nat 'King' Cole, Perry Como, Tom Jones, Frankie Laine, Barry Manilow, Dean Martin, Al Martino, Johnny Mathis, McGuire sisters, Patti Page, Neil Diamond, Connie Francis, Frank Sinatra, Kay Starr, Barbra Streisand, Bobby Vinton and Andy Williams have been inducted along with more than 100 others into the Hit Parade Hall of Fame." Every January the Hit Parade Hall of Fame nominating committee — which is made up of a who's who of the radio and record industry — aided by the vote of fans at the Website www.hitparadehalloffame.org decides the latest inductees and considers additional nominees that will be made public in February. Worldwide nearly one million fans have voted in the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. Earthworks Entertainment CEO Steven Humphries tells us, "The Hit Parade Hall of Fame was the idea that sparked the Hit Parade Radio format, which we partnered with John in last year. Hit Parade Radio will play a major force in the promotion of the Hall Of Fame, and vice versa. We expect to finalize our agreement over the next several days." John Rook will remain the operator and serve as President of The Hit Parade Hall of Fame.

* Joe Scarborough and Don Imus exchange shots over Scarborough's radio show and ratings. Is Scarborough's radio show really on "hiatus" or has it actually been cancelled? The fate of the show has been a topic of conversation in recent days, beginning with the report it was being put on “immediate hiatus” in order to “revamp and expand” the program. Then fellow WABC and syndicated host Don Imus challenged that report, and Scarborough fired back. Steve Krakauer at MEDIAite writes, "The crux of Imus’ argument is that the Times story sounds like spin. 'His radio show is canceled,' said Imus. 'They’re not revamping anything! He will never ever be on WABC in New York again, ever!'" Krakauer tells us "Newsbusters" picked up the story as well – and highlighted this personal shot by Imus aimed at Scarborough: "Imus said Scarborough’s MSNBC ratings aren’t any better than Imus’s were when he was forced out, and told listeners they should check NBC personnel files to see how many people have complained about Scarborough, since he is a 'disgusting backstabbing phony.'" Next, Scarborough fired back at Imus, on Twitter in a series of tweets: "Neither @newsbusters nor Imus can change these facts: We’ve already doubled Imus’s best ratings over a decade. Imus never beat CNN. We do. Morning Joe gets 20 times the audience in the demo as does Imus. Our WABC radio show also beat Glenn Beck every month in every category. Imus’s bitterness is misplaced. I was one of the few people who stood by him publicly. It’s a shame he’s so bitter about our success." So... now we are left to wonder if Scarborough and co-host Mika Brzezinski will be back after being revamped and expanded — or if it has, as Imus claims, actually been cancelled. In the meantime, the exchanges between Scarborough and Imus make interesting reading.

* KINK-FM, Portland, morning host Dave Scott is in Haiti this week to report on a World Concern campaign. The Alpha Broadcasting host is assisting with the campaign to help rebuild family homes for earthquake victims. Scott's reports will air live throughout the day Tuesday (May 4), while KINK encourages listeners to contribute to the Haiti rebuilding effort. Alpha has set up a special 800 number for station's all-day radiothon. Listeners will also be encouraged to visit the station's Website to offer donations for the effort. “A few months have passed since that devastating earthquake and the story is no longer front page news,” said Scott before leaving for Haiti. “The rainy season has started in Haiti and hundreds of thousands of people are still living under tarps. I’m preparing myself to be completely heartbroken by the things I see … hopefully I will be able to convey the need and the KINK listeners will step up in a big way like they always do.” A donation of $35 a month for two years to the World Concern Disaster Lifeline Fund will help build a house and the goal for the day is to collect enough to build 200 homes.

* 'Mr. Baseball' Bob Uecker is doing well after successful heart surgery Friday (April 30). The Brewers' Hall of Fame broadcaster known for his quick wit and sense of humor, is expected to remain in the hospital for four or five days. He will be out of the Brewers broadcast booth for 10-12 weeks. "We also did a coronary bypass on one vessel," says caradiothoracic surgeon Alfred Nicolosi, according to USA Today. "We are pleased that Mr. Uecker's surgery went smoothly today," the surgeon told reporters. Earlier in the week, the 75-year-old radio sportscaster said of the then-upcoming surgery, "It's something that has to be done." Meanwhile, "Newsradio 620" WTMJ-AM, the Brewers' flagship station, tapped Uecker's broadcast partner Cory Provus to fill in on play-by-play and made arrangements for former Brewers player and coach and Fox Sports Wisconsin Brewers analyst Davey Nelson, a contributor on WTMJ's Brewers Extra Innings, to provide color commentary. Uecker, the longtime voice of the Brewers on WTMJ, has been behind the microphone calling Major League Baseball games for more consecutive years than almost any active broadcaster.

* Beasley Broadcast Group reports first quarter revenue declined 3.2% from Q1 2009 to $21.8 million. The company says the decrease "primarily reflects lower net revenue at the Company’s Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Fayetteville market clusters. Beyond the Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Fayetteville clusters, the company generated net revenue increases from five market clusters which were offset by revenue declines at the company’s remaining four market clusters." Beasley's net income was up from zero to $500,000 (2 cents/diluted share). Chairman and CEO George Beasley says of the results, “Increases in 2010 first quarter SOI, operating income and net income highlight the value of the Company’s streamlined cost structure. Overall, the radio industry and Beasley Broadcast Group have begun to see a rebound in advertising spending. In the 2010 first quarter we generated monthly sequential improvements in revenue, with March representing the first month in over two years that Beasley Broadcast Group recorded revenue growth. Reflecting our close watch on station and corporate expenses, the Company generated first quarter year-over-year SOI growth of 13% with margins increasing to 28% for the 2010 first quarter, up from 24% in the comparable period last year. The company also continues to drive strong interactive revenue growth with revenue from these sources rising approximately 22% in the 2010 first quarter compared with 2009 first quarter levels. “While key Beasley clusters in Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Augusta and Coastal Carolinas grew revenue in the quarter relative to the same period in 2009, there remains significant upside in Miami, Philadelphia and Fort Myers-Naples as our clusters in these markets under-performed relative to their respective markets. In each case we are addressing the specific issues that impacted the ability of these clusters to take full advantage of ad spending improvements in the market and expect to see revenue performance in future periods more closely reflect the strength of our station operations and the health of the market. Our continued expense management disciplines resulted in another quarter of cost reductions on top of the decreases reported in the comparable period of 2009. In addition, reflecting our debt-reduction priority, during the quarter we made repayments totaling $1.8 million against our credit facility and at the end of the quarter total bank debt was reduced to $150.0 million. Given our initiatives over the last two years, Beasley Broadcast Group has an appropriate cost structure that will result in significant operating leverage from increased radio advertising activity.” [More »]

* Cumulus Media first quarter net revenues were up 1.8% to $56.4 million from $55.4 million in Q1 2009. Most of the revenue increase was the result of increased political and national revenues. Station operating expenses decreased 5.6% to $39.9 million from $42.3 million in the year ago period, and adjusted EBITDA was up 62.7% to $12.3 million from $7.5 million. Cumulus Media's net loss narrowed to $144 million (1 cent per share) compared to $3.3 billion (8 cents) a year earlier. Free cash flow was at $907 million compared to a negative $486 million in the first quarter of 2009. Says Chairman & CEO Lew Dickey, "Cumulus entered 2010 with very strong momentum fueled by our Radio 2.0 initiative. Through our proprietary technology platform and franchise systems we continue to re-engineer the radio business model to reduce fixed costs across all of our radio stations. Simultaneously, the Cumulus Sales Operating System launched last year is generating positive year over year net revenue growth for our company once again. The combination of these efforts resulted in substantially increased operating margins and adjusted EBITDA growth of 62.7% over the same period last year. We complemented this organic growth in our core operations with additional strategic development of our digital media platform, significant revenue growth and margin expansion at Cumulus Media Partners, and announcement of a new strategic partnership in Cumulus Radio Investors. We are extremely pleased with these results, and increasingly optimistic about the forecast for our company."

* Fisher Communications says its net loss narrows, as it reports first quarter financial results.   "The broad advertising recovery during the first quarter of 2010 contributed to the generation of strong year-over-year increases in revenue and broadcast cash flow and the narrowing of the company's net loss," says Fisher in a news release. Total revenue for the first quarter was $35.3 million, an increase of $6.8 million, or 24%, compared to the first quarter of 2009. The Company's first quarter 2010 results included a 31% increase in television revenue. Radio net revenue increased $367,000, or 8%, to $5.3 million. Fisher's reported net loss for the quarter was $2.2 million, compared to a $4.3 million net loss in the first quarter of 2009. The company's direct operating costs and selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $2.3 million, or 8%, from the first quarter of 2009. EBITDA turned positive for the quarter, at $1.8 million, an increase of $3.8 million from the negative EBITDA of $2.1 million in the first quarter of 2009. Says Fisher President and CEO Colleen Brown, "Our first quarter performance reflects the improving macro-economic environment and our ability to capture a larger share of the market through our operational improvements. Our efforts not only provided us some resiliency during the down cycle, but more importantly, we believe they have positioned us to take full advantage of the economic recovery as it takes shape. The broadcast industry continues to evolve as consumers increasingly turn to emerging channels such as mobile devices and online delivery for more personalized news and entertainment. As we position the company for future growth, we remain focused on leveraging our technology, strong brands, and other inherent broadcast strengths to expand Fisher's reach and to better serve our communities by delivering tailored content across multiple platforms and providing innovative advertising solutions for local businesses."     [More »]

* Entravision reports first quarter net revenues were $43.1 million, up 3% from $41.7 in Q1 2009. The increase was from the TV segment, up 5%, while the radio segment was flat at $13.4 million. Operating expenses were down 6% to $29.8 million from $31.8 million, with most of that due to personnel and salary reductions. Consolidated adjusted EBITDA increased 42% percent to $9.5 million from $3.9 million. Entravision's net loss for the first quarter was $2.2 million (3 cents per share), compared to a net loss of $14.5 million (17 cents) in Q1 2009. "During the first quarter we saw signs of a stabilizing advertising environment in many of our television and radio markets," says Entravision Chairman & CEO Walter Ulloa. "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. Additionally, we anticipate that retransmission consent revenue will continue to be a growing source of revenue, along with advertising revenue from the World Cup, the census, and political activity during 2010."

* BIA/Kelsey: local online revenues reach $4.5 billion; online penetration surpasses traditional media exposure. The local online revenues are but a small share of some $130 billion spent on all local advertising in 2009, but BIA/Kelsey points out that's a surge for the medium, which can only grow. Even more impressive is the penetration for online — for the first time passing traditional media exposure. The increased penetration is the reason for the increased ad revenues. As local radio grabs a share of that – a small share – BIA/Kelsey continues telling broadcasting it needs to increasingly look to digital for more of its revenue. BIA/Kelsey also reminds broadcasters of its upcoming May 17-19 “Digital Strategies for Broadcasting 2010” conference in Jersey City, NJ, where more on that is sure to be presented.

* Bridge Ratings offers "Traditional Radio's Recipe for Success" saying AM and FM radio has a future. Contrary to popular theory, traditional AM/FM radio is beginning to figure out where the future lies. "Its success rests with a new recipe of listening categories/devices," says the report. "Its advantage is its massive, broad audience with which to leverage traffic to these new devices. From Bridge Ratings' latest 'Device Usage Study,' it is clear that traditional radio has begun the process of building a new paradigm of time-spent-listening conceived of more than just its broadcast towers." According to the report, of the 19 hours a week of total listening to terrestrial radio programming, 94% or 18 hours comes from its AM/FM listening and 6% or about one hour comes from simulcast listening via the Internet. There is insufficient data to indicate how much, if any, listening is derived from mobile devices at this time. "Therefore, terrestrial radio's composite listening can be viewed as a pyramid with its AM/FM listening at the base." In 2010, traditional radio's Average Quarter Hour Pyramid shows: Mobile 0%, Internet 6%, and Terrestrial 94%. In order for traditional radio's advertising model to sustain new technologies and swift changes in audience behavior, says Bridge Ratings, adoption of these new devices must not only continue, it must accelerate. Continued distribution via the Internet is a must as well as through mobile devices such as smart phones and cell phones. "Traditional radio has done an acceptable job of furthering its listening through streams of its simulcasts," says the report. "Not only should this continue but an effective strategy to escalate growth is to invest in the resources required to develop and distribute alternative brand channels that offer niche, customizable content as extensions of their primary brands." [More »]

* The bankruptcy judge in Black Crow's Chapter 11 rules the company alone can file a reorganization plan. Despite objections from senior lender GE Capital, the U.S. bankruptcy judge handling Black Crow Media Group's Chapter 11 bankruptcy rules Black Crow has the exclusive right to file a reorganization plan, and gives Black Crow additional time to file its plan. The judge ruled that Black Crow's operations are stable and GE Capital's interests are adequately protected. "Obviously, we are pleased with the court's ruling," says Black Crow founder and CEO Mike Linn. "We now can continue our negotiations and other work to complete our financial restructuring and, most importantly, continue to serve the communities that we've served for the last 15 years." Black Crow has 22 stations in five markets in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.

* Legislation is introduced in the Senate to toughen disclosure rules for campaign ads by corporations and others. The bill would also apply the tighter rules to unions and advocacy groups. Media observers say the measure might reduce the influx of new campaign ad dollars to media outlets, including radio, if it were to become law. The proposed legislation also limits spending by U.S. subsidiaries of foreign entities and on companies that take government money. The bill is named "DISCLOSE" – an acronym for "Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections." It's a response to the Supreme Court's decision to allow corporations and unions to directly fund campaign ads. The court said the prohibition was an unconstitutional restraint on speech. Radio has already been eyeing additional revenues from the removal of restrictions for such political advertising, as it seeks to recover from the recession.

* Radio has an anti-Performance Rights Act friend in the Senate watching out for a sneak attack. Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) chairs the Legislative Subcommittee, which oversees the Copyright Royalty Board, which would administrate the Performance Rights Act if it ever becomes law. But Nelson is already on board in support of the Local Radio Freedom Act, which opposes performance royalties. He says he's watching out for a sneak attack that might come by attaching the requirement that radio pay to play recorded music to another piece of legislation. One example cited is a must-pass appropriations bill. He says he's against the PRA, either alone or attached to other legislation. And he's watching out for the free radio campaign. Nelson discussed the measure — which the NAB calls a "performance tax" — while talking about the Copyright Royalty Board's 2011 budget. “As a brief aside, I continue to hear from a number of organizations concerned about the performance royalties bill that would affect local radio stations,” said Nelson. “I make this brief note here only because of the Copyright Royalty Board's potential role under this legislation. Along with many of my colleagues I continue to oppose this bill and would not support an attempt to attach such legislation to an appropriations bill whether it is this one or any of the others.”

* Radio station Websites using Flash won't be getting any mobile help from Apple for iPhones, iPods and iPads. The "Big Apple" himself – Steve Jobs – says the "i" mobile products, as well as MAC computers, will never add Adobe's Flash. Jobs calls it unreliable, blames it for crashes, and says it drains batteries on Apple's "i" line of portable products. "Flash is no longer necessary to watch video or consume any kind of Web content," says the Apple CEO. "New open standards created in the mobile era, such as HTML5, will win on mobile devices (and PCs too)." Jobs adds, "Perhaps Adobe should focus more on creating great HTML5 tools for the future, and less on criticizing Apple for leaving the past behind." Of course, it will still be some time before HTML5, which includes embedded capability to play video and audio, becomes widely standard. So, for those radio Websites waiting for Apple's "oversight" in not including Flash to be corrected, the wait appears to have turned into a, "Forget it."

* Regent Communications' "Oldiez 96" WODZ, Utica-Rome, NY, is now "True" – as it changes affiliations. The station is now airing Scott Shannon's syndicated “True Oldies Channel.” WODZ had aired Citadel's “Classic Hits” format. Bob Cain's locally-produced morning show remains in place. "Oldiez 96" also continues to air the syndicated Dick Bartley Saturday night program.

* Sporting News Radio will move its operations to Houston under a new company that will distribute SNR. Houston radio executive David Gow will become chairman of a new company that will distribute Sporting News Radio and will move the network's operations center to Houston. Gow and several investors in Gow Communications, which owns Houston's "1560 The Game" KGOW-AM have purchased a majority stake in Mission Media Group — created by Sporting News Radio President Clancy Woods to distribute content under the Sporting News Radio name through an agreement with American City Business Journals. Gow will become chairman of Mission Media as Sporting News Radio moves its operations center from Santa Monica, CA, to Houston, and KGOW will become the network's flagship station. It has been the network's Houston affiliate since last September, according to the Houston Chronicle . Woods, who is based in Arizona, is a radio industry veteran who helped launch the AC "Mix" format on KHMX-FM in 1990. He has been president of Sporting News Radio since 2004.

* The 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Awards nomination process is now open. All nominations must be received by May 31. The award recognizes overall excellence in radio broadcasting. To be considered for a 2010 NAB Marconi Radio Award, general managers may nominate their station in the "Station of the Year by Market Size" and/or "Station of the Year by Format" categories, as well as one of their outstanding air personalities in the "Personality of the Year by Market Size" category. They may also submit nominations for "Legendary Station" and "Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year." Stations must submit their nominations online at www.nab.org/marconis. Finalists will be announced in July. On September 30, the winners will be announced during the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show at the Radio Show in Washington DC, September 29-October 1. Winners are chosen by the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Selection Academy. The Academy is made up of general managers, program directors, regional radio executives, owners, programming consultants and former radio executives. Applications for membership into the Academy can be received by contacting Susan Platt at splatt@nab.org.

* Westwood One announces its primetime NFL broadcast schedule for the 2010-2011 season. "Westwood One remains the exclusive network radio partner of the NFL, broadcasting the most games and the best match-ups throughout the entire NFL season," says a news release. "The NFL on Westwood One kicks off the regular season on Thursday, September 9, 2010, with a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game as the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints host the Minnesota Vikings. Primetime play-by-play of week one of the 2010-2011 NFL season continues on Westwood One as the Washington Redskins host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night and culminates with a Monday Night Football doubleheader featuring the first primetime game from the New Meadowlands Stadium as the New York Jets host the Baltimore Ravens followed by an AFC West Division rivalry game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers." Westwood One Network President Gary Schonfeld tells us, “The 2010 NFL Regular Season schedule is filled with spectacular games, drama, late-season divisional rivalries and significant rematches from years’ past. Our fans and affiliate stations will love the intensity each and every week and all of this combines to be the perfect environment for our advertising partners to capture their consumers and deliver their message every week.” [More »]

* Cox Media Group's "Y101" WDYL, Richmond, VA, flips to Rhythmic Top 40 "Hot 100.9." This flip follows last week's flip of sister WMXB-FM, Richmond, from Hot AC "Mix 103.7" to Alternative "103.7 The River" WURV. Since then, as we've reported here, there've been credible rumors that "Y101" would become "Hot 100.9." However, we were expecting a Mainstream CHR, and the Rhythmic CHR format caught us by surprise when the station flipped this afternoon (April 29). As previously anticipated, Fisher is the Program Director for the new format. "The New Hot 100.9 is a station that is desperately needed in this city," says Fisher. "Cox Media Group has Top 40 Rhythmic stations across the country that excel in the ratings and we feel that Richmond will be no exception." The new station launches with 10,000 songs in a row commercial free. Core artists include Lady GaGa, Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, Jay Z, Usher and Rihanna. Cox Media Group Richmond VP & General Manager Bob Willoughby says of the latest flip, "CMG is very excited to be signing on Hot 100.9. Top 40 Rhythmic is one of the most dominant formats across the nation and we are pleased to be bringing it to Richmond." The new station is online at hot1009.com. Fisher, who has been Program Director of both stations that have flipped, had registered the domain "www.hot1009.com," which was "parked" when we reported the anticipated change.

* Clear Channel Radio hires Bob Michaels for the newly created position of EVP of Research, effective immediately. Reporting to Tom Owens, Clear Channel Radio’s EVP of Content/Programming, Michaels will be responsible for supervising Clear Channel research projects and personnel across all terrestrial and digital platforms. "Bob's important role in designing diary and PPM programming analysis tools combined with his unique ability to synthesize this data to rating and revenue benefits will increase Clear Channel's consumer insights and distinguish our service for audiences and advertisers,” says Owens. “We are honored that Bob decided to commit his considerable talents to Clear Channel Research. The transition to electronic measurement creates opportunities for innovations in data organization and analysis. We welcome Bob to the Clear Channel Radio family.” Michaels will develop data-based performance metrics to compare and evaluate local and group-wide absolute audience achievement, and also innovate new and modernize traditional methods of data acquisition to improve accuracy and efficiency. He will supervise Clear Channel-owned research enterprises including Critical Mass Media. “Clear Channel Radio is ahead of its competitors by recognizing the importance of investing in research and how research can better connect audiences with advertisers,” says Michaels. “I’m honored to work with such a stellar-team of professionals here at Clear Channel Radio and look forward to helping Clear Channel Radio create world class audience research capabilities and become a top leader in the research field.” Michaels has more than 30 years of experience in the radio and television industry. Most recently, he has been consulting major clients through his company Bob Michaels’ MediaSense, including Sean Hannity, and will continue to provide services to existing clientele in addition to his new role with Clear Channel. Before that, he was VP of PPM Programming Services for radio and television at Arbitron. As Arbitron's first VP of Programming Services, he led 34 day-long Arbitron PD Seminars, was Executive Editor of "PD News," co-created the PD Advantage service, which was awarded the President's Award in 2000 and in 1995, oversaw the redevelopment of the Arbitron Programmer's Package. Prior to Arbitron, Michaels served in various roles in local radio stations. His television sales experience was with WGAL-TV, Lancaster, PA.

* Dave Keiser returns to the Emmis St. Louis cluster as VP and Director of Sales. Keiser was most recently Local Sales Manager for Cox Radio's WSB-AM, Atlanta. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at Rock KSHE-FM. He will now serve as DOS for KSHE, Classic Hits "KHITS" KIHT, News-Talk KTFK-FM, and Alternative "The Point" KPNT-FM. "Dave is a great manager whose knowledge of this market and 27-year track record of helping advertisers maximize their investment make him uniquely qualified to lead our sales effort," says Emmis St. Louis SVP John Beck. "We are delighted to welcome him back to St. Louis and the Emmis family."

* Mike Bacsik is fired from his job as a Dallas Sports Radio producer and personality over racial remarks. Originally suspended by "The Ticket" KTCK, Dallas, the former major league pitcher was fired Tuesday (April 27) for Twitter tweets about "Mexicans in San Antonio." ESPNDallas.com reports, "Bacsik, a left-hander made famous by giving up Barry Bonds' 756th career home run, was fired by the station after his Twitter outburst, which came after Game 5 of the Dallas Mavericks-San Antonio Spurs series. Bacsik went on Twitter after the Mavericks' Eduardo Najera tackled Manu Ginobili and was ejected, saying 'Congrats to all the dirty mexicans in San Antonio.'" Bacsik told ESPNDallas.com, "It's been a rough couple of days. Obviously, I made a terrible mistake. It was very bad and stupid on my part. The last few days, I've been getting positive e-mails. But the station changed their mind and decided to go in a different direction." Bacsik, who originally was suspended indefinitely by the station, said that when the tweet went on national television, including CNN, the station decided to let him go. "When you tweet like I did, you can't see the sarcasm," he said. "It's not a good joke. You can't tell if it was pure hate or sarcasm. I never got to say anything. My tweets were talking for me. When you tweet like that, it's not a playful, harmless thing. It's not what it was meant to be." Bacsik adds, "If you want to do a job like this, your guard always has to be up," he said. "It's tough because my guard was down. I learned my lesson. I'm owning up to what I did. I did a horrible thing. I'm very sorry and will try my best for my actions to speak louder than my tweets."

* WELE-AM, Ormond Beach, FL, owner Douglas Wilhite will not stand trial for teen sex charges under a plea deal. Wilhite, 57, a self-proclaimed nudist, says he's "too tired and too unhealthy to go on trial" — according to WESH-TV, Orlando. Wilhite faced a long list of sex charges. Seven teenagers claimed the WELE radio station owner plied them with alcohol at his home, showed them pornography and encouraged them to have sex with each other while he watched. Wilhite said the teens made it all up. The state agreed to a deal under which Wilhite does not admit guilt, but says he won't risk another trial. In November 2009, Wilhite was acquitted of raping a 15-year-old boy who was living with him. Under the deal on the newer charges, based on allegations of that boy's friends, 15 counts are reduced to two, and he receives community control, which is basically house arrest with limited movement. The two remaining counts are child abuse and child neglect. "I've had an automobile accident, a stroke and seizures," says Wilhite. "As a result of those, I just don't feel up to going through that and I would rather get it behind us." Wilhite tells "NBC 2" WESH, "I wish they hadn't started these rumors and put them on the Internet and urged each other to corroborate them, but I do forgive them." Wilhite says he's in the process of selling his radio station, although he's facing some liability claims from listeners who said they were defrauded by a travel show.

* Former longtime Gator TV and radio broadcaster Steven Michael Babik pleads guilty to child porn charge. Babik, 50, entered the guilty plea to a federal charge of receipt and distribution of child pornography. He faces a 5-to-20-year prison term when he is sentenced August 2, according to The Gainesville Sun. Investigators found 326 instances between June 2008 and November 2009 in which the IP address for Babik had offered different known pornography files for distribution, according to court records. One file showed a girl, 3 to 5 years old, engaged in sex acts with an adult male, according to the records. The Gainesville resident faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years' imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 20 years in the case, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Florida. Babik was charged in January with receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography. The second count was dismissed under the terms of the plea agreement. Babik was fired immediately from his University of Florida job. He had hosted the "TailGator Pre-game Show" and the "Urban Meyer Post-Game Show" and reported from the sidelines during game broadcasts. He was the longtime network coordinator for UF athletics. Babik cooperated during the investigation and confessed to downloading child pornography by using his file-sharing system, according to court documents signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Williams. Those images, he admitted, showed children engaged in sex acts with other children and adults.

* 'Mr. Baseball' Bob Uecker will be off the air for 10-12 weeks, after Friday (April 30) heart surgery. "It's something that has to be done," says Uecker. He explained his medical issues during a Tuesday news conference. "I have a bit of a health problem that we've known about for a little while. It's gotten progressively worse as the season has gone on. It's been monitored by the staff at Froedtert," said Uecker "I was given the OK to travel and to do my exercises, swimming and everything else that I do health-wise. Until the last couple of scans that were taken, and some of the health problems became more evident to a point where it's necessary to make some changes. Dr. Jim Kleczka, who has overseen Uecker's condition, explained that another doctor found a heart murmur during an exam, and he confirmed the murmur. "It showed that the aortic valve was leaking quite badly," said Kleczka. Uecker was told not to go on the upcoming West Coast road trip the Milwaukee Brewers have against the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado Rockies. "Newsradio 620" WTMJ-AM, the Brewers' flagship station, is making arrangements to have the broadcasts covered during Uecker's absence. Former Brewers player and coach and Fox Sports Wisconsin Brewers analyst Davey Nelson, a contributor on WTMJ's Brewers Extra Innings, will work with Cory Provus on the broadcasts. Uecker, the longtime voice of the Brewers on WTMJ, has been behind the microphone calling Major League Baseball games for more consecutive years than almost any active broadcaster, reports WTMJ-TV

* Dial Global's Phil Wilson adds Affiliate Sales Rep for Greater Media's syndicated Charlotte-based shows. Wilson will continue with Dial Global but will also handle the Greater Media position for their syndicated "Bob & Sheri" and "Matt & Ramona" shows, as well as Dial Global's "Cooper Lawrence Show" — all of which originate at Greater Media's WLNK, Charlotte. In his new role for Greater Media, Wilson replaces Tony Garcia who exited to work at Regional Help Wanted in Denver. A onetime radio PD, Wilson was a media/marketing consultant before joining Dial Global.

* New Jersey has new guidelines for using the Amber Alert broadcast system in domestic situations. Family disputes will now be considered in the state's revised Amber Alert child abduction broadcast system criteria. The Amber Alert system varies from state to state, despite federal guidelines to keep it uniform. New Jersey Attorney General Paula Dow says that State Police will issue alerts in abduction cases in which the abductor is believed to be a parent or family member of a child. Issuance of an alert in family disputes previously had been discouraged to prevent misuse. Dow says the new guidelines are expected to eliminate confusion on when alerts should be broadcast. Says Dow, "I believe the criteria will make our plan a stronger one and will make our children safer." The New Jersey revision follows the disappearance of a three-month-old baby, allegedly abducted by her father, who threw her from a bridge earlier this year. Although multiple law enforcement agencies were notified, no Amber Alert was issued.

* First Baptist Church Dallas suspends its radio program after a racial slur airs on one of its shows. KFDW-TV, Dallas, Fox 4 News reports, "A respected pillar of the local church made the remark during a discussion about Arizona's controversial anti-illegal immigration law. Dr. Lamar Cooper, president of Criswell College, referred to illegal immigrants as 'wetbacks.' Cooper declined Fox 4's requests for an interview and First Baptist Dallas chose not to release an audio clip of the broadcast." Church leaders say they have personally responded to those who have complained and say they are still working to find the appropriate way to apologize. The church says it is indefinitely suspending the long-running radio program.

* Regent Communications emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Regent completed its reorganization plan and emerged from bankruptcy less than two months after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 1. The company completed all conditions of its reorganization plan, after settling a late challenge from shareholder Resilient Capital Management. Last week, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross okayed a settlement between Regent and Resilient, clearing the way for Tuesday's final step in the Chapter 11 proceedings. Gross had previously approved Regent's reorganization plan, rejecting an initial Resilient challenge. That was appealed and appeared likely to stall the exit from Chapter 11, until a settlement was reached. All outstanding shares of Regent were extinguished effective Tuesday. Stockholders of record as of the close of trading on Monday (April 26) are expected to receive a distribution of 13-cents per share by mid-May. Oaktree capital, Regent's largest secured creditor as the company entered Chapter 11, becomes the primary owner of Regent Communications, as it exits bankruptcy. With Regent's emergence from Chapter 11, the Regent Communications broadcast licenses are moved into the Regent Trust, with BMT President & CEO Jay Meyers as trustee. The temporary move was approved by the FCC earlier this month. When the FCC approves ownership transfers to the restructured Regent, the stations will be transferred to that entity. The Regent Trust enters into an LMA with Regent in all of its markets, allowing day-to-day operations to continue uninterrupted, until the license transfers are approved. One station in Fort Collins, CO, and one in Lafayette, LA, will enter the Regent Divestiture Trust to comply with current FCC ownership limits. Regent had a "grandfathered" status for them, which is lost with the change of ownership by the restructured company, headed by Oaktree Capital. Although Regent had promised the bankruptcy proceedings and subsequent change of control would have no major impact on top-level management, nor day-to-day operations of the company, an SEC filing Tuesday (April 27), reveals five people are exiting Regent’s Board of Directors. President & CEO William Stakelin retains his post, heading a board that now includes a number of new members who are key players at Oaktree.

* JS Acquisition and Alden Global Capital sign a letter of intent that would take Emmis Communications private. Current Emmis Chairman and CEO Jeff Smulyan would remain in control of the broadcast company under the proposal involving his JS Acquisition. (The JS is for his initials.) Under the plan, announced Monday (April 26), JS would purchase all outstanding Emmis common stock at $2.40 per share, excluding shares owned by JS, Smulyan and his affiliates. "The consideration offered for Emmis' Class A common stock represents a 74% premium over the 30-trading day average closing price of the Class A Common Stock and a 118% premium over the 180-trading day average closing price of the Class A Common Stock," says the news release. "Alden Global Capital is a private asset management company with over $3 billion under management." Alden will provide financial backing for the proposed privatization of Emmis. The letter of intent, says JS, also contemplates an offer to exchange all of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of Emmis for newly-issued 12% senior subordinated notes due 2017 with an aggregate principal amount equal to 60% of the aggregate liquidation preference, excluding accrued and unpaid dividends. The consideration offered for the Preferred Stock represents a 73% premium over the 30-trading day average closing price of the Preferred Stock and a 133% premium over the 180-trading day average closing price of the Preferred Stock. The exchange offer is expected to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act, says JS. The plan, subject to shareholder approval and other conditions, would result in Smulyan retaining control of Emmis, holding "substantially all" of a new class of voting stock, while he and his affiliates hold all the outstanding common stock of JS Acquisition. JS in turn will own all of a new class of non-voting common stock, representing substantially all of the outstanding equity value of Emmis.

* A number of law firms are investigating potential claims on behalf of shareholders of Emmis Communications. Those "potential claims" arise from Monday's announcement of the company’s intent to sell Emmis to Jeff Smulyan's JS Acquisition and Alden Global Capital. Under the terms of the agreement, Emmis shareholders will receive $2.40 in cash for every share of Emmis stock they own in a transaction valued at approximately $90 million. Finkelstein Thompson LLP is one of at least four law firms seeking to represent shareholders who may believe they're not getting a good deal. Says Finkelstein Thompson, "The investigation is focused on the potential unfairness of the price to Emmis’ shareholders and the actions and interests of Emmis’ CEO Jeffrey H. Smulyan. Through his ownership of different classes of stock, Mr. Smulyan controls approximately 70% of the voting power in Emmis, and will continue to run the company should the proposed transaction close." A news release tells us, "As a result of the transaction, the Company will no longer be publicly traded, and Smulyan and his affiliates will hold substantially all of a new class of voting stock in the Company. Additionally, the investigation will examine whether the Emmis board took all reasonable steps to maximize shareholder value in agreeing to the sale." Tripp Levy PLLC also says it is investigating potential claims against the Board of Directors of Emmis. Tripp Levy says, in a news release, "The offer is 10 cents, or 4.3%, higher than the April 23 closing price of $2.30 in Nasdaq Stock Market trading. If the purchase goes ahead, Smulyan will own all of a new class of voting common stock of Emmis and will control JS Acquisition. Smulyan holds Class B shares that carry 10 votes each and give him 70% of the voting power. In August 2006, he dropped an offer to buy the company for $15.25 a share. However, Emmis may not have adequately shopped itself around before entering into this transaction and, pursuant to this proposed transaction, Smulyan may be underpaying for Emmis, thus unlawfully harming Emmis shareholders." The Howard G. Smith law firm also says it's investigating potential claims against the Emmis Board of Directors. Their news release says much the same as the others. Ryan & Maniskas LLP also says it's commenced an investigation "into possible breaches of fiduciary duty and other violations of state law by members of the Board of Directors of Emmis Communications." As with the others, they've put out a news release. All four law firms are seeking to hear from shareholders who may believe they're not getting a good deal. Other law firms are also reportedly testing the waters for business from disgruntled Emmis shareholders.

* No delisting: Sirius XM is notified it's officially back in compliance with Nasdaq rules. That eliminates the need for a back-up plan of a reverse stock split. Sirius XM Radio is told by Nasdaq that it is now in compliance with all listing standards, including the minimum bid price of $1 a share. The company's SIRI stock closed Tuesday (April 27) at $1.14. A hearing before a listing qualifications panel had been set for later this week; it's now canceled. Sirius XM will remain listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Sirius XM received a delisting notice in March, and requested the hearing to forestall trhe delisting. The satcaster's board had approved a possible reverse stock split, but it is emphasized that would be a last resort. Now, Sirius XM says that with the new Nasdaq determination, that possible plan is off the table. Sirius XM stock passed ten days of continuing above $1 per share.

Sirius XM Radio formally tells the SEC of the latest developments in a new filing. And Sirius XM says it plans to redeem outstanding 10% secured notes due 2011 on June 1, at a price of 100% plus interest. The redemption will retire about $14 million in debt for the satcaster. "Our strong cash position, strong first-quarter subscriber growth, and the improving outlook for the economy have put us in position to retire these notes a year ahead of schedule," says Sirius XM EVP & CFO David Frear. "The early retirement of these notes will reduce interest expense and increase our free cash flow."

* Citadel Broadcasting reports first quarter revenues were up 5.5% to $138.1 million from $130.9 million in Q1 2009. Most of the first quarter increases were driven by "significant revenue growth" in Los Angeles, Detroit and Dallas, while Salt Lake City and Washington DC showed declines. Collectively, Citadel's units saw revenues rise 3.8% to $165 million from $158.9 million. Operating Income was up 160% to $37.1 million from $14.2 million. Citadel Media's Network radio revenues fell to $28.1 million from $28.9 million in 2009. Citadel is currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization. A confirmation hearing for Citadel's reorganization plan is scheduled for May 12; however, not yet known is whether a number of challenges to that plan will delay its confirmation.

* First quarter results from Grupo Radio Centro show revenue up, expenses up, net loss. Grupo Radio Centro's first quarter revenue was up 6.7%, but broadcast expenses were up 43.4%. The net result? GRC had a net loss almost twice as great as the year ago net income. Both the revenue gain and the increase in expenses are attributed to "Exitos 93.9" KXOS, Los Angeles, which Grupo operates under an LMA with owner Emmis. First quarter revenue was Ps. 166.3 million, up from Ps. 155.8 million in the first quarter of 2009. Broadcast expenses were up to Ps. 160.8 million from Ps. 112.2 million. Broadcasting income was down 87.4% to Ps. 5.5 million. GRC experienced a net loss in the first quarter of Ps. 27.6 million, compared to net income of Ps. 14.7 million in the first quarter of 2009. GRC owns or operates15 stations, including 12 in Mexico City, and one station each in Guadalajara, Monterrey and Los Angeles. The Mexico City-based company also operates Organizacion Impulsora de Radio programming and sales network. [More »]

* The Miami Dolphins' Spanish-language radio broadcasts return to Univision Radio's WQBA-AM, Miami. Under a new multi-year deal, WQBA will air Dolphins pre-season and regular season games in Spanish, while sisters WAMR-FM, WRTO-FM and WAQI-AM will air team promotions. Univision and the team's integrated media group will jointly sell advertising for the games. The Dolphins previously aired Spanish-language radio play-by-play on WSUA-AM. (Radio Caracol). So far, the Spanish language play-by-play announcer and color analyst have yet to be announced for the return to WQBA-AM. Univision and the Dolphins' newly created Dolphins Integrated Media Group will jointly sell the advertising for the programming, which will include a live, two-hour weekday broadcast of Dolphins news and the week's matchup during the season.

* English-language Catholic programming will launch on WMET-AM, Washington DC, May 5. Guadalupe Radio Network will bring its format to WMET, which currently airs brokered programming. The new lineup includes Brian Patrick's Son Rise in mornings, followed by Catholic Connection with Teresa Tomeo, Women of Grace with Johnette Benkovic, The Doctor Is In with Drs. Ray Guarendi and Colleen Kelly Mast, Al Kresta in afternoons, and Catholic Answers Live. Guadalupe Radio Network is operated by the nonprofit La Promesa Foundation. "Bringing a new Catholic radio station on the air is like David taking on Goliath," says La Promesa Foundation President Len Oswald. "Trying to bring it from Texas, where we operate 13 stations, to our nation's capital makes it even more daunting. But God had a plan, and we at the Guadalupe Radio Network are very grateful to Huffines License Subsidiary for providing us with the opportunity to bring Catholic radio to the Washington DC, area."

* Following the WMXB-FM, Richmond, VA, flip from "Mix 103.7" to "103.7 The River" – another flip looming? A credible rumor now circulating, with some seeming apparent confirmation, says WMXB – to be WURV – sister Alternative "Y101" WDYL, will soon flip to "Hot 100.9," with a Top 40 format, under PD Fisher. Our ears in Richmond tell us "Y101" is currently airing liners telling listeners to listen to "103.7 The River." And WDYL's Website is promoting its new Alternative sister at the former frequency of "Mix." Some have questioned if "The River" would be competition for co-owned "Y101." The latter station only recently moved to 100.9 with a strong signal, and there's previously been speculation about what format might ultimately air, says our correspondent in Virginia. Giving rise to the rumor initially was the discovery that Fisher, who has been Program Director of both stations, recently registered the domain www.hot1009.com, which is currently "parked." If a new Top 40 is about to be launched, getting rid of the Hot AC format would "make sense," says our correspondent. It's also noted that in the news release for the launch of "103.7 The River," Cox Radio gives a quote from Assistant PD Melissa Chase, rather than PD Fisher. This could indicate Chase will handle "The River" while Fisher launches "Hot 100.9," according to our source, who himself is a broadcaster in the Norfolk market. Meanwhile, station management personnel are declining comments on the second flip — not denying the report, while not confirming it either.

* Charlamagne Tha God returns to radio, and to Charleston, SC — at "92.5 The Box" WIHB-FM, May 8. Charlamagne was last heard on "100.3 The Beat" WPHI, Philadelphia, where he hosted mornings until the station said it wanted "to go in a different direction." He's also the former co-host of the Wendy Williams Show. Charlamagne will, at least initially, host weekend programs on "92.5 The Box." HipHopWired says he will present “Concrete Jungle” Saturday afternoons from 2-6pm, and “Next In Line” Sundays 7-9pm. "In addition to radio, Tha God has been known to tap into the world of comedy alongside Grand Hustle comedian Lil Duval," reports HipHopWired. "The duo's Hood State Of the Union Web series has spurned into a new Website, TheHoodStateOfTheUnion.com. The site will feature their comedic antics as well as new and original sketch comedy features." The site is set to launch May 12.

* The Alliance for Women in Media teams with Dove for a new series of public service announcements. The Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, formerly American Women in Radio & Television, and the Dove Self-Esteem Fund (DSEF) have launched a new radio PSA campaign to inspire parents and mentors to empower girls to reach their full potential. The campaign will feature a series of recordings voiced by Amy Poehler, Katie Couric, Gayle King and Lisa Ling — "all supporters of the Alliance for Women in Media who have been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of mentoring and building positive self-esteem among girls and women," says AWM. "With the support of Alliance for Women in Media’s thousands of members, these PSAs will run throughout the year on radio stations nationwide and contribute to the Dove Self-Esteem Fund goal to educate and encourage the next generation to build a positive relationship with beauty." Says AWM President Cary Broussard, "Dove has a made a real difference in how we permit ourselves to think about beauty. Dove continues to build credibility with girls about the power of genuine beauty and how it starts from the inside. We are so proud of our members featured in this smart, innovative PSA campaign." [More »]

* Report: Chicago Progressive Talk WCPT loses another key executive — interim VP & GM Jeff Chardell. Veteran Chicago media reporter Robert Feder writes, "The future of Chicago’s progressive talk radio took an unexpected turn Tuesday with the resignation of Jeff Chardell." He doubled as Director of Sales at the Newsweb Radio station. Feder tells us that Chardell’s exit follows the late-February departure of Harvey Wells, who had been vice president and group station manager of Newsweb Radio for six years. While he’d carried the interim title for two months, Chardell was believed to be vying for Wells’ job permanently. The 30-year veteran of Chicago media sales and management confirmed Tuesday (April 27) that he’s leaving, effective May 11, to accept a new position as director of health care marketing and sales with Tribune Health Care, a national sales initiative integrating broadcast, print and online platforms of Chicago-based Tribune Co. Of his tenure at Newsweb, Chardell said: “It was a very good opportunity for me at the time. They’ve been very good to me. They’ve got an exclusive, niche format that I truly believe in. It’s a format that really, really works for our clients and our listeners. They listen for long periods of time and they love what we do.” WCPT is an AM station that simulcasts on three Newsweb FMs — WCPY-FM, WCPT-FM and WCPQ-FM.

* Tom Vorpahl is named Board Chairman of Catholic network Relevant Radio parent Starboard Media Foundation. Vorpahl has served as a member of Starboard's board since 2006, and as CEO since June 2008. Vorpahl succeeds Bill Raaths as Chairman. Raaths remains a member of the board. Vorpahl names Rev. Francis Hoffman as Executive Director of Relevant Radio. "The newly created position of Executive Director is reflective of Rev. Francis Hoffman's roles and responsibilities," says Vorpahl. "Fr. Rocky brings with him a passion for Relevant Radio and a deep conviction of furthering his priestly service to God's people through the use of media evangelization. We are blessed with his service and experience."

* Salem Communications signs with AirKast to launch 57 radio station mobile applications. The apps are designed for listeners with either iPhone or BlackBerry devices. Some 71 Salem radio stations will have both iPhone and BlackBerry mobile apps available for listeners by May. "We are thrilled with the mobile apps that the AirKast team has produced for Salem. Both the iPhone and BlackBerry apps have been everything we could ask for — and AirKast delivered them incredibly quickly," says Salem Web Nework SVP & General Manager Tom Perrault. "Our entire company is eager to see the continued growth of our radio stations via mobile apps in the coming years." The mobile apps will allow listeners to tune into their favorite Salem stations from their mobile phones, enabling listeners to hear live broadcasts as well as view song lyrics, see artist and album information, read reviews, watch videos, listen to station podcasts and more. "Salem immediately understood the importance of branding and changing content in real-time for its mobile applications," says AirKast President & COO Simon Moy. "AirKast gives Salem these core necessities while delivering multimedia-rich and feature-robust applications for its listeners."

* Colleen Brown will deliver a keynote at the BIA/Kelsey Digital Strategies for Broadcasting 2010 Conference. The Fisher Communications President & CEO will deliver her keynote address Tuesday May 18 at 9:30am. The BIA/Kelsey conference will be held May 17-19 in Jersey City, NJ. Brown will tell how Fisher has built a digital portfolio that has enabled tit to successfully diversify beyond its traditional broadcast business. "The proliferation of mobile technology is redefining the media industry by creating new opportunities for local broadcasters to better serve their communities through more personalized content, greater neighborhood involvement and enhanced advertising solutions for local businesses," says Brown. "The power of traditional broadcast remains unsurpassed and we must leverage these inherent strengths as we expand our digital portfolios and look to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead for our industry."

* Arbitron says it is bolstering the sample for diary and PPM service with new cellphone enhancements. Effective with the Spring 2010 Diary survey and the March 2010 PPM ratings service, it is now including cellphone households that rarely or never answer their landlines. The sample from cellphone households that rarely or never answer their landlines will be in addition to sample from homes that can be reached exclusively by cellphone, aka cellphone-only or CPO. The boost in cellphone sample is designed to help improve sample quality for younger demographics and provide a more complete representation of the market because cell phone homes that rarely or never answer their landlines previously had little or no chance of being included in our surveys. Arbitron estimates that with this addition, approximately 35% of the Persons aged 18-34 sample will come from the cellphone households in diary markets and approximately 40% in PPM Markets by year-end 2010, on average across all markets. These enhancements are also designed to help improve sample quality for ethnic demographics. The proportion of cellphone sample will vary by market based on cell phone penetration estimates from Arbitron's proprietary cell phone screener surveys and results from the government's National Health Institute Survey (NHIS). Arbitron estimates that approximately 35% of its Persons aged 18-34 sample will come from the cellphone households and approximately 17% of Persons aged 12+ sample will come from the cellphone households in diary markets.

These changes represent a 70% increase in the diary market cellphone sample compared with year-end 2009. The cell phone sample is expected to be approximately 17% of the total Persons aged 12+ Diary market sample, on average across all markets. The diary market cellphone sample is designed to be comprised of approximately 15% from CPO households, plus approximately two additional points from cellphone homes that rarely or never use landlines. Arbitron has experienced improvements in the Persons aged 18-34 sample performance as a result of cellphone sampling procedures that are now in place in all diary markets in the 50 U.S. states. These new steps are designed to further improve Arbitron's sample performance in general and among Persons aged 18-34s in specific. Arbitron estimates that approximately 40% of the Persons aged 18-34 sample will come from the cellphone households and approximately 25% of the Persons aged 6+ sample will come from the cellphone households by year-end 2010 in PPM markets. The cellphone sample in PPM markets is scheduled to be comprised of approximately 20% CPO households plus approximately five additional points from cellphone homes that rarely or never use landlines.

* Arbitron says it continues to make progress with important sample quality and compliance metrics among young adults. Arbitron says that progress is reflected in the March 2010 PPM survey. The average Designated Delivery Index (DDI) for Persons aged 18-34 exceeded the benchmark in all 33 PPM currency markets while Average Daily In-Tab rates among Persons aged 18-34 have reached all-time highs, says Arbitron. Sample size metrics are at the same levels as the previous month and exceed the benchmark; the average DDI for Persons aged 6+ was 108 in March and 102 for Persons aged 18-54. The average DDI for Persons aged 18-34 across the 33 currency markets was 92, substantially higher than the 80 benchmark for the demographic. The average DDI among Black persons aged 18-34 was 93 in February, also significantly higher than the 80 DDI benchmark. The average DDI among Hispanic persons aged 18-34 was 88, surpassed the benchmark in 18 of the 22 PPM markets with a significant Hispanic population. The DDI represents the the average among 33 PPM Currency markets, 19 markets for black, 22 markets for Hispanic and 14 markets for language preference. The Average Daily In-Tab Rate experienced a year-over-year gain of 10%, to 82.8% among all persons in all PPM markets and a 24% percent increase, to 78.1% among Persons aged 18-34, says Arbitron. The Average Daily In-Tab Rate for Black and Hispanic Persons aged 18-34 are at all-time highs. These metrics exceed the benchmarks in their respective categories. Black Persons aged 18-34 achieved a 75.1 percent Average Daily In-Tab Rate. Hispanic Persons aged 18-34 achieved a 79.8 percent Average Daily In-Tab Rate. Another key indicator of sample quality, Sample Performance Indicator (SPI) continues to make substantial forward progress, according to the ratings company. The SPI across all of the PPM markets in March 2010 was 24.9% — 23% higher than it was a year earlier.

* The RAB launches Account Manager, a new online application and platform. Account Manager incorporates real-time account management with CRM, projections and forecasting, and order tracking. "The software provides RAB Member stations with a powerful set of tools to help manage and track key account data and client interactions seamlessly while being connected directly to their RAB.com account," says RAB. The platform also allows sellers to track specific activities with clients while providing tools for creating real-time projections based on presented business and closed orders. Account Manager is fully integrated with RAB.com so sellers can access other important tools. "Regent has always put a strong emphasis on training and tools to make our folks as successful as possible as they pursue their career goals," says Bill Stakelin, President & CEO, Regent Communications, and an early adopter of Account Manager. "This new tool from RAB is impressive and our folks see it as another way that will help them remain leaders in their markets." As an online program, Account Manager can be accessed anywhere there's an Internet connection, including mobile devices like Apple’s iPhone, the iPad and Blackberry phones with an Internet browser. This unique feature helps managers track accounts and monitor sales activity remotely. Managers have the opportunity to look at an individual staff member's performance or run reports to rollup data from an entire account group, thus allowing for short and long-term projections. "Forecasting and strategic sales planning are an imperative to running our station clusters; RAB's new account management tools provide a great resource to enable us to do so in real-time," says Weezie Kramer, Regional President, Entercom Communications Corporation. "We're on board in a few markets and plan a further rollout." RAB President & CEO Jeff Haley says, "We've long felt that a customized account management tool would benefit our members and the entire industry and are thrilled a number of member groups are early adopters." Account Manager is priced at $50 for a base account, covering up to five sellers. Additional sellers may be added to an account for $5 per seller per month. More information for stations is available from RAB.

* Kathy Brown exits as Operations Manager of Radio One's four-station Washington DC cluster. Brown also was Program Director of Urban AC "Majic 102.3" WMMJ-FM. She joined Radio One in 1996 and had served as Operations Manager of the DC cluster since March 2005. Previously, Brown was OM of Radio One's Baltimore cluster and handled direct programming of WWIN-FM. Neke Howze, PD of WKYS, temporarily adds group OM duties for the DC group until a permanent replacement for Brown is named. Brown's exit comes only a few weeks after that of longtime Radio One DC General Manager Michelle Williams.

* Former CBS Radio New York Sales executive Maire Mason is named Director of Sales at Univision New York. The Univision radio cluster includes Spanish Tropical WXNY, Mexican WQBU and Spanish News-Talk WADO. During her time at CBS Radio New York she also served as General Manager of WCBS-FM, WWFS and WXRK. Mason, who had been GM moved down to GSM in December 2008 during a management shakeup at CBS Radio New York, as reported here at the time. She exited CBS last November.

* Premiere Radio Networks promotes Central Region Sales VP Douglas Johnston to Central Region Sales SVP. Based in Chicago, Johnston will continue to lead the company's sales efforts for the Central Region and oversee the Chicago and Detroit offices. "I'm proud to be a part of Premiere as we continue evolving to meet the challenges of marketers in the 21st century, while working with clients to develop creative solutions and deploying our consumer touch points for on-air, online, events and mobile," says Johnston. "Being a member of the Premiere team the past 20 months has been rewarding both professionally and personally, and I'm very excited about the future." EVP of Sales Carol Terakawa says, "Since joining Premiere in 2008, Doug has proven to be a tremendous asset. His leadership, innovative thinking and creativity have been instrumental in helping our team meet the needs of our customers as they grow their businesses on air, as well as online." Johnston started his career in 1990 at Katz Media Group. He's since worked at Disney/ABC, Infinity Promotions Group, Viacom/CBS, XM and most recently at Univision Communications, where he served as VP Client Development Group.

* Folger Media Inc. adds radio programming vet Jules Riley as a Media Consultant, effective April 27. Most recently programming for Greater Media in Philadelphia, she was previously the first Program Director of Adult Variety Hits "106.5 The Arch" WARH, St. Louis. "Jules was instrumental in the success of The Arch in St. Louis," says Folger Media President Joel Folger. Her multi-format background makes her a perfect fit for what we do best — Adult Hits. She will work with new clients and on new format development." Riley adds, "I'm thrilled to join Joel Folger at Folger Media Inc. and look forward to working with him to grow the nation's leading Adult Hits consultancy. Joel is a truly creative programmer and a longstanding force in the consulting industry. His history of developing and growing brands speaks for itself. I can't wait to get started."

* Get "The Point"? Another format flip in Salt Lake City, the second in less than a week. “Utah’s 104.7 Cool Classic Rock” KYLZ flipped late Monday afternoon (April 26) to “104.7 The Point,” with the slogan, "Utah’s new home for modern music." The transition was marked by back-to-back airings of Linkin Park’s “In The End” and Coldplay's “Viva la Vida.” That follows the end of “101.9 The End” KENZ, which last week flipped to a 90s-centric "Gen X" format as "101.9 Salt Lake City" with the positioner tag line, "gen x music." With the latest flip, KYLZ has quickly restored the Triple-A format to the market. KYLZ moved into the Salt Lake City market in March 2009 from Evanston, WY. The new “104.7 The Point” is online here, with a splash screen and the promise "don't worry, we have a really cool new Website that we're getting ready to launch." Streaming audio to hear the station is available from the temporary splash screen. KYLZ is currently owned by 3 Point Media Utah, debtor-in-possession. It had been a Millcreek Broadcasting station.

* Citadel puts “Joe Scarborough Show” on hiatus to develop longer version with Scarborough & Mika Brzezinski. Since the end of 2008, Scarborough and Brzezinski, the hosts of “Morning Joe” from 6-9am ET on MSNBC, have been the hosts of the two-hour radio show for Citadel from 10am-noon. The current radio show has the same sensibility as “Morning Joe” and has some of the same guests, writes the New York Times' Brian Seltzer. The radio studio is at 30 Rockefeller Center, down the hallway from the “Morning Joe” studio. In a news release, Citadel says the hosts are taking a “brief hiatus” to “focus on developing the new program,” which will be three hours long. “In this business, you’re usually forced to change the tire while you’re going 60 miles per hour. This is a chance to take a deep breath,” a person familiar with the radio show tells Seltzer. That person said the original version of the radio show came together somewhat suddenly, perhaps without sufficient development time. In a statement, Scarborough says that Citadel “shares our vision of where talk radio is going in the future and will be working with us to expand ‘The Joe Scarborough Show’ into a three-hour program.” He adds, “We look forward to the debut of the new show and know our listeners will appreciate the focus and direction we’ll be taking.” The news release suggests that the additional hour will allow for more guests and more listener calls. A debut date for the lengthened show is not specified. During the hiatus, some radio listeners will still be able to hear Scarborough and Brzezinski: Sirius XM recently added MSNBC to its channel lineup.

* Spanish Broadcasting System's Board of Directors approves a reverse stock split. SBS sends out a notice to its shareholders that its board and Chairman & CEO Raul Alarcon Jr. — the company's controlling shareholder — have approved a reverse stock split for class A and class B common stock. The split would not be more than one-for-five. The notice, reported in an SEC filing, does not commit SBS to the reverse split, and while the company now has approval to do it, it is not a sure thing that it will. The board took the action earlier this month, as SBS faced a Nasdaq delisting notice. The warning was sent by the stock exchange because SBS stock was trading below the minimum $1 per share. The SBS stock has since gone up to above the dollar earmark.

* Jim Vicevich is returning to Hartford's "News Talk 1080" WTIC-AM after a month's absence. Vicevich said he'd be back on the air Monday (April 26), after signing a contract with CBS Radio Sunday morning, reports the Hartford Courant. The talk show host left WTIC-AM last month after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract. "Forgive me for not giving everyone more notice but everything sort of came together in the last 48 hours by everyone (and there was a lot of every ones) involved. I will be returning to WTIC 1080 tomorrow morning at 9am as we continue our work to spread the gospel of personal freedom and individual liberty across New England and really throughout so many states around the country," Vicevich wrote in a Sunday blog post at Radioviceonline.com. Last month, he wrote on the same blog, ""I am so sorry to inform you, my loyal listeners and friends, that, as of this morning at 8:30, I am no longer employed by WTIC 1080. Over the course of four months, we were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. I want you to know I would never think of leaving you without saying good bye, especially in turbulent times like this, but the station made the decision to keep me off the air for the final day of my contract. So this will have to be my way of saying thank you." At the time, as we reported then, WTIC Operations Manager Steven Salhany said, "Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a mutually amicable agreement. Jim has decided to move on and we wish him well." Now the station is heralding on its Website, "Jim Vicevich is Back! Jim Vicevich rejoins WTIC 1080 this morning! Listen to 'Sound Off Connecticut' at 9am..."

* WRKZ, Columbus, OH, returns to Active Rock "99.7 The Blitz" after two years as “Rock 99.7.” The North American Broadcasting station is now seeking new on-air hosts. The syndicated "Bob & Tom" morning show is out. Afternoon host Ronni Hunter will audition with Paul “Neander” Marshall, a veteran Rock personality, the week of May 3. WRKZ was previously Active Rock WBZX-FM from 1992-2008 when it flipped to "99.7 The Rock" as WRKZ with a 90's-centric format. The change back comes after seeking listener input on the programming. "The Blitz" is online at www.theblitz.com.

* Edison Research: "The future for online radio ... just got a little murkier" with the new Facebook/Pandora deal. That applies to both terrestrial broadcasters and online-only streamers who are not part of "this master plan" writes Edison Research's Tom Webster in an article at The Infinite Dial. "In this year's edition of The Infinite Dial, our cross-platform study on radio's digital future, we noted three distinct factoids: Pandora is by far the most widely recalled brand in online radio; Facebook is by far the most popular social networking Website; The Internet has nearly caught Radio for music discovery" writes Webster. "Now mull those factoids over in light of what we recently learned from F8, Facebook's developer conference. Last week's series of announcements regarding Facebook's new Open Graph initiative will be talked about for years to come, but their impact upon radio will certainly be felt this year. The most important development as far as the Infinite Dial is concerned is Facebook's pending integration with Pandora. Essentially, Facebook has created a giant 'like' button for the Web, and is closing the loop on all the data associated with expressing preferences online." The Edison Research article "The Assimilation Of Music Discovery" adds: "Consider this: the next time you visit a Website equipped with these tools and express an opinion, Facebook will capture this data, whether you are on Facebook or not." According to Webster's analysis, "Search engines are already preparing for the next generation of search – prioritizing links from your network – and Facebook has jump-started the process by making your friends' 'likes' around the Web part of their social graph, and your social data stream."

* The FCC launches a Spectrum Task Force to advance the FCC’s spectrum agenda. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says the task force will also promote collaboration across the agency. Julius Knapp, Chief of the Office of Engineering Technology, and Ruth Milkman, Chief of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, will co-chair the cross-agency working group. “To lead the world in mobile, the FCC must ensure that our nation’s spectrum is being put to its highest and best use,” says Genachowski. “Maximizing this essential 21st century resource will create jobs, drive economic growth, and encourage innovation and investment. The FCC’s National Broadband Plan lays out a comprehensive roadmap for promoting greater spectrum efficiency and flexibility, and ensuring sufficient spectrum for broadband. The Spectrum Task Force will keep us on this charted course.” The Spectrum Task Force will play a critical role in the execution of the spectrum recommendations in the National Broadband Plan, including long-term spectrum planning. The Task Force will include the Chiefs of the Enforcement, International, Media, and Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureaus, as well as the Chief of the Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis.

* Former broadcaster Jeff Alan is indicted by a federal grand jury for using a phony Social Security number. He's charged in Portland with using a false Social Security number to obtain a bank loan and credit cards and to seek employment since at least 2004. It turns out that his real name is Jeffrey Alan Brent. Alan, a native of California, vanished in the mid-1980s from Los Angeles, where he had married three times and had three daughters, according to The Oregonian newspaper. Although he began his career in radio, he had recently worked in television as a news anchor, including in Johnstown, PA, where the Tribune-Democrat reports that his former life in California was one that apparently people in Pennsylvania and Oregon knew nothing about for years. In 1993, his second wife and the mother of his two younger daughters had her missing ex-husband declared officially dead in California courts, according to published reports. Her daughters reportedly collected thousands of dollars in Social Security benefits. Alan, 59, a Portland, OR, resident, was arrested by federal agents at his home there. He had been the former news director of a Portland-area station from 2006-08, when the station was sold and he was let go. While living in Johnstown from 1991-96, Alan was news anchor and director of the nighly newscasts of Fox affiliate WWCP-8 in Johnstown and ABC affiliate WATM-TV-23 in Altoona. Alan also had taught a broadcasting class at Pitt-Johnstown. The Oregonian reported that Alan began his career in broadcasting in radio while still a teenager but moved into the TV syndication business in the early 1970s and worked in the industry until his disappearance in 1986.

* "News Talk 1190 AM" WOWO, Fort Wayne, axes afternoon talk host Pat White after 14 years at WOWO. White was abruptly replaced as host of WOWO's afternoon talk show Friday (April 23), and is replaced by Pat Miller, who has also hosted talk shows on WOWO. “I'm in shock. I had no idea,” White tells Fort Wayne's News-Sentinel. “I came in around noon. They told me they wanted to go in a different direction, and that was it.” Station management was unavailable for comment, but White acknowledged his ratings had dipped recently. Even so, he said, the weekday show from 3-6pm previously had often been No. 1 in its time period. According to the News-Sentinel, while White's show often touched on political topics, it was not exclusively political, addressing a variety of local topics. But White said he suspects WOWO executives want the afternoon show to be more political, just like the popular nationally syndicated show that precedes it, hosted by Rush Limbaugh. “They said the show had a great lead-in from Rush, but that's not the kind of show I do,” White said. A release from the radio station said “The Pat Miller Program” will focus on topics of local and national importance while allowing listeners to interact with the host. “Anyone who has followed Pat's [Miller] amazing progress as a talk show host since he started at WOWO eleven years ago knows the kind of passion and knowledge Pat brings,” says WOWO Operations Manager Dan Mandis. Federated Media General Manager Mark DePrez says in the news release that Miller's style “is most compatible with the best lineup in the business consisting of Charly Butcher, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.” White says he hopes to find another radio job.

* Christopher Ornelas joins the NAB as EVP and Chief Strategy Officer, May 10. Ornelas will report to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "Chris Ornelas is a proven leader for whom I have enormous respect," says Smith. "His deep understanding of Washington and telecommunications policy will serve radio and television broadcasters well, and I am thrilled to have him join our team." Ornelas most recently served in the Washington offices of Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck (BHFS), focusing his practice on telecommunications and technology policy. In this role, Ornelas advocated on behalf of wireline, cable, wireless and satellite operators on matters before the FCC, National Telecommunications and Information Administration and Congress. Prior to joining BHFS, Ornelas was chief counsel on communications and technology policy in Smith's U.S. Senate office, overseeing all matters relating to communications, media, entertainment and technology before the Senate Commerce Committee. In that role, he developed and advanced multiple legislative initiatives on a wide array of communications and technology issues and advised the Senator on legislation that considered digital content protection, media ownership, spectrum allocation, broadband deployment and regulation, and telecommunications reform. Ornelas's career also includes nearly a decade in the Washington offices of law firm Wilkinson Barker Knauer, where he represented broadcast clients on policy, regulatory and transactional matters before the FCC. In this capacity Ornelas licensed some of the first HD Radio stations in U.S. and assisted several broadcasters with regulatory matters surrounding the transition to digital and high-definition television. "I'm honored to join such an extraordinary organization during such a pivotal time in Washington for broadcasters," says Ornelas. "There are a multitude of pressing issues facing free and local broadcasters today that present real challenges for our industry. I look forward to hitting the ground running."

* Three Aurelius companies tell the bankruptcy court that Citadel stock purchases were within the court's rules. Aurelius Capital Partners, Aurelius Capital Master, and Aurelius Convergence Master respond to Citadel's motion that the bankruptcy court force the Aurelius companies to sell their recently purchased 16.7 million shares in Citadel. Attorneys for the Aurelius funds, in a response to Citadel's motion, say the Aurelius companies represent "three distinct pools of capital," and that their stock purchases are all under the "substantial shareholder" threshold that would trigger the notification requirement. The filing adds, "This is no accident" and says the Aurelius shareholders were well aware of the restrictions on stock purchases. The filing also says Aurelius' counsel consulted Citadel's lawyers about the meaning of the court orders before the purchases of the shares. The latest filing also says Citadel's counsel "made virtually no effort to learn the facts" about the Aurelius purchases, but "instead raced to file this motion seeking to strip the shareholders of their holdings." In a previous motiont, the Aurelius companies raised a preliminary objection to Citadel Broadcasting's reorganization plan, saying it overpays senior creditors with no distribution to shareholders. The Aurelius entities have become Citadel shareholders in recent months, collectively now owning a stake in the bankrupt broadcasting company of about 5.5%. As recently reported here, Citadel is asking the bankruptcy court to void the stock purchases, in an emergency motion asking that Aurelius Capital Management and its affiliates be blocked from buying up shares in the company.

The broadcast company, which remains in Chapter 11 reorganization, told U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Burton Lifland that Aurelius and its subsidiary companies, and Senior Managing Member Mark Brodsky have purchased 16.7 million shares of Citadel common stock in recent weeks, making it a "substantial shareholder" in violation of court orders requiring advance written declaration of large purchases of the Citadel stock. The Aurelius filing says the lenders with which Citadel arranged its prepackaged Chapter 11 will receive more than 90% percent of the company and portions of a new $762.5 million loan, while Citadel management would receive up to 10% of the new company's stock under an incentive program. Said Aurelius, "These stock options could enrich management by more than $100 million. Holders of old equity interests in the debtors would receive no distribution under the plan." Aurelius says the Citadel plan relies on "unduly pessimistic, low-ball financial projections" made when valuations were lower for all companies, and particularly broadcast companies, and notes that, since the deal was made with Citadel, the financial markets have risen dramatically, the high-yield and lending markets have improved significantly, and the debtors' operating results have outpaced management's expectations substantially." Aurelius also claims there are "serious doubts" that the plan was proposed in good faith. The new stockholders say a more detailed objection, and a request for discovery, will soon be filed seeking a fair opportunity to contest the Citadel reorganization plan.

* Citadel’s reorganization plan hits another bump in the road to emerging from Chapter 11. The Michigan Department of Treasury objects to Citadel’s plan, claiming Citadel’s Alphabet Acquisition Company subsidiary, through which Citadel acquired the former ABC Radio, “failed to file its 2008 Michigan Business Tax return and remit the taxes, penalties, and interest due for the said period." RBR reports that the Michigan taxing authority says the failure to file the delinquent tax return is a violation of federal law. “Debtor’s disregard of [the federal statute] raises a doubt as to whether debtor’s proposed plan is offered in good faith as required by [the federal bankruptcy statute],” the filing claims. The state treasury department also reportedly objects to any order which would discharge Citadel’s corporate officers from individual responsibility for the corporation’s tax liability to Michigan.

* A bankruptcy judge okays the settlement between Regent Communications and Resilient Capital Management. That clears the way for Regent to compete its restructuring April 27. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross quickly responded to an emergency motion filed by Regent for that approval. Shareholder Resilient agreed to drop its ojection to Regent's reorganization plan, while Regent agreed to cover $125,000 Resilient has paid for attorneys' fees. That ended Resilient's attempt to delay the effective date of the Regent Communications plan to end its Chapter 11 bankruptcy court case. Approval of the settlement allows the court's previous OK of the reorganization plan to proceed, and Regent is expected to exit Chapter 11 before the end of the month. Resilient had sought to have a shareholders equity committee formed to evaluate the true worth of Regent Communications.

* Dallas Sports Talk producer Mike Bacsik's racial Twitter comments result in suspension at "The Ticket" KTCK. One tweet in particular gained a good deal of attention. After Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs between the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, Sunday night, Bacsik tweeted, "Congrats to all the dirty Mexicans in San Antonio." That was one of a series of tweets that were described as "progressively worse." Now, "Sportsradio 1310 The Ticket" KTCK, Dallas, has posted this announcement on its Website: "Radio station KTCK in Dallas has suspended the employment of KTCK producer, talk host and former major league pitcher Mike Bacsik in response to comments he made on his personal Twitter account following San Antonio’s win over Dallas last night. With regard to the suspension, KTCK and Cumulus Market Manager Dan Bennett said, “Mike Bacsik’s comments were unacceptable and offensive, and are inconsistent with the core values of KTCK and Cumulus. We have made the decision to suspend Mr. Bacsik with the hope that he will take this time to consider the insensitive and hurtful nature of his comments.” The station also has posted an apology from Bacsik: "I'm sorry for my horribly insensitive tweet last night about the Hispanic community in San Antonio. I have embarrassed myself, my family, friends, The Ticket, and my host Norm Hitzges. I am deeply sorry and understand why so many people are upset. I am dealing with my actions by asking for forgiveness from my wife, kids, parents, The Ticket and Cumulus family, friends, and everybody who was and should have been offended by my tweets last night. Most importantly I am asking for forgiveness from my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I have made a terrible mistake. I apologize and I hope you can forgive me."

* The ad industry is fighting an expansion of FTC regulatory powers that would give them oversight of radio spots. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and 40 advertising industry trade associations have sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressing their join opposition of expansion of the FTC's enforcement authority over "virtually every sector of the American economy," including advertising. "The proposed expansion of FTC authority envisioned in H.R. 4173 would reverse the considered decisions of two earlier Congresses, granting such sweeping powers that the Commission could essentially act as an unelected legislature, governing industries and sectors that had nothing to do with the financial crisis." The letter adds, "Granting the Federal Trade Commission broad new authority across all but a few sectors of the American economy is not a necessary or relevant response to the causes of the recent recession." H.R. 4173 would allow the FTC to expand its rulemaking and enforcement powers, including seeking civil penalties for unfair or deceptive acts without the requirement of coordination with the Justice Department.

* The battle over the Performance Rights Act reaches Monday's Washington Post, with both sides represented. NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith offers radio's argument against the royalty fees on music aired by free local radio, while musicFIRST Executive Director Jennifer Bendall presents the pro-PRA position. Both air their respective positions in the Post's April 26 Op-Ed section — Smith's here and Bendall's here. Smith writes, "It's the Washington way: Get legislation introduced that benefits a special interest, identify a 'face' for your industry, mount a pricey lobbying campaign, and hope the bill passes before the American people notice. The Performance Rights Act, aggressively supported by" the RIAA "is one example." Bendall counters, "Congress is poised to close a loophole in copyright law that allows AM and FM music radio stations to earn billions in ad revenue every year without compensating the artists and musicians who created the songs listeners tune in to hear. The Performance Rights Act has been approved by the Senate and House judiciary committees." Smith's commentary is headlined, "Don't tread on radio for record labels' problems." Bendall's, "Musicians deserve to be paid for use of their work."

In his commentary, the NAB chief tells Post readers, "Supporters tell a woeful tale of a once-famed musician struggling to make ends meet, clinging to the hope of legislation that would reverse decades of injustice and secure a financially sound future for recording artists across America. But in this case, local radio stations — the musicians' greatest and longest-serving promotional partner — would be responsible for signing checks worth hundreds of millions of dollars, instead of the record label executives who have systematically abused artists for decades. In fact, 50 percent of the proceeds from this new fee on radio stations would be funneled directly into the coffers of the record labels." Smith goes on to repeat an argument previously promoted by the NAB. "With 50 percent in the labels' pocket, the remaining money would be divvied up by SoundExchange, an organization launched by the RIAA to collect and dispense royalty payments to artists. The disbursement would be split 45 percent for the featured artist and 5 percent for the background musicians — if SoundExchange can locate them. But given media reports that SoundExchange had trouble finding the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the location loophole seems to be a rather big 'if.'"

* Radio One Baltimore: "Sign the No Radio Tax Petition" to "Help Save Black Radio." All of Radio One's stations in Baltimore are asking listeners to sign the petition to stop the Performance Rights Act. The petition tells listeners of the four radio stations: "Senate Bill 379 is a bill, which will destroy Black Radio and remove it from our list of radio listening choices. This bill taxes radio stations based on the items played for their listening audience. S. 379 will place a huge burden on radio stations in today’s economy. Radio stations will have to begin cutting programs that do not bring in huge profits. Since the revenue from most Black Radio stations is small or nonexistent, they will be the first to go. Most of the tax revenue will be sent overseas to foreign companies that own many of the record labels. So please do your part by filling out the form below to add your name to the 'No Radio Tax' Petition to HELP SAVE BLACK RADIO!" The identitical promotion for the petition appears on the Websites of Hip Hop "92Q Jamz" WERQ, Urban AC "Magic 95.9" WWIN-FM, "News Talk 1010" WOLB-AM, and Gospel "Spirit 1400" WWIN-AM.

* Talk "AM 680" WRKO, Boston, host Tom Finneran has no regrets about a disparaging on-air "whale" comment. As previously reported here, Finneran made the comment about Howie Carr’s female producer. The Boston Herald's Jessica Heslam reports Finneran was confronted outside WRKO's studios, and asked whether he regretted making the “whale” comment, Finneran told the Herald, “There’s nothing to regret. I’m not making any comment.” The former House speaker also said he had no comment when asked whether station management has talked to him about his remark. The morning-drive host referred to Carr’s producer as a “whale” during the show April 16, the same day Carr was slapped with a weeklong suspension for bad-mouthing the station. When asked about Carr’s suspension, Finneran said, “I don’t have any particular thoughts on that. I’m sure that the management team has their own thoughts on it.” Finneran made the remark about Carr’s longtime producer, Nancy Shack, who goes by “Sandy” on the air, while bantering with co-host Todd Feinburg and producer Bill Cooksey. The trio were talking about nail clippings when the conversation turned to Shack. “Click on the jumping whale,” quipped Finneran. A laughing Cooksey told Finneran his whale comment wasn’t “right,” yet repeated it when Feinburg asked what his co-host had said. Finneran then said, “Cooksey’s been saying that for six months.” The jumping whale reference comes from a radio spot touting an Alaskan cruise with Feinburg. At the end of the commercial, Feinburg tells WRKO listeners to click on the jumping whale on the station’s Website for more details. The station is looking into the comment. “As I’ve been saying all week, this is an internal matter and there’s nothing else to say,” said station spokesman George Regan. Entercom Boston VP & Market Manager Julie Kahn and WRKO Program Director Jason Wolfe were both on vacation last week. Heslam notes that in 2006, WRKO fired host host John DePetro for calling gubernatorial candidate Grace Ross a “fat lesbian” on his show.

* It looks like Sirius XM stock will not be delisted, as it continues above $1 per share for seven days. "Sirius XM investors can breathe a sigh of relief," writes The Street. "It appears the satellite radio provider's stock will not be delisted from the Nasdaq when the company meets with the exchange for a discussion next week. That, some argue, could provide a floor for Sirius XM's share price." Sirius XM shares have now closed above the $1-per-share mark for seven consecutive sessions, which has helped to ease fears that the company could face a delisting on April 29, when it will meet with a Nasdaq hearing panel. "This is an unprecedented situation with a stock close to penny-stock levels but with a multibillion market cap," says Jack Hain, an analyst with Barrington Research Associates. "That doesn't happen." Hain says that with few foreseeable negative catalysts on the horizon to drive the stock down, Sirius XM's delisting troubles may be a thing of the past. It wasn't always clear that Sirius XM had a good chance at beating the Nasdaq's minimum big price requirement. While the stock did manage an eight-session string of above-$1 finishes in late February, Sirius XM hasn't finished above $1 for 10 consecutive sessions since September 9, 2008. If a stock closes below the $1 mark for 30 consecutive business days, it is granted a grace period of 180 calendar days to regain compliance with the Nasdaq's listing requirements or face delisting. To regain compliance, a stock like Sirius XM would have to close at or above $1 for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading sessions. Sirius XM had been granted a 180-day grace period after receiving a warning letter from the Nasdaq in September 2009. As the stock failed to regain the $1 mark for a sustained period of time, Nasdaq sent a second notice to the company after a March 15 deadline passed. Sirius XM immediately requested a hearing with the Nasdaq's Listing Qualifications Panel, which put off any action on the stock's continued listing.

* Arbitron and the PPM Coalition settle "their outstanding disputes and plan to move forward collaboratively." Under the leadership of House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Arbitron and the PPMC have worked jointly with the Media Rating Council (MRC) to implement a series of steps designed to enhance the recruitment methodology of the PPM ratings service. These enhancements include the addition of address-based sampling with targeted in-person recruiting to increase PPM panelist participation in key market segments. "Arbitron remains committed to the continuous improvement of our PPM ratings service," says Arbitron CEO & President William Kerr. "We have worked with the PPMC and the MRC to design these initiatives, and we believe they will help Arbitron deliver the quality data that our customers expect. These initiatives, together with other elements, are part of a larger ongoing program by Arbitron to obtain and retain MRC accreditation. We appreciate the leadership of Chairman Towns and his team for helping move this dialogue forward." Charles Warfield, COO of ICBC Broadcast Holdings, on behalf of the PPM Coalition offered this reaction: "We believe that this agreement represents a positive step that moves both groups forward in a spirit of collaboration," said "This has been a long and difficult journey, but we are committed to working closely with Arbitron and the MRC and seeing the implementation of these initiatives." Univision President & CEO Joe Uva adds, "Reliable ratings data is vitally important for all stakeholders in the radio marketplace. Arbitron's commitment to evolve its methodology is a step forward in achieving that goal." Previously, Spanish Broadcast System (SBS), a member of the PPM Coalition, and Arbitron had both indicated a settlement in their dispute might soon be announced, and SBS resumed PPM encoding at its stations. But there had been no previous word of a broader settlement. Now, SBS CRO Frank Flores says, "We are very pleased with the settlement. We hope it marks the beginning of a new kind of partnership with Arbitron where we all work together to continuously improve the PPM service which we believe will instill a new level of confidence in its results."

The initiatives include the addition of targeted in-person recruitment to Arbitron's PPM panelist recruitment approach that currently includes mailings and phone calls. Arbitron says that "In-person recruitment benefits all broadcasters as it targets population segments that are more likely to be reachable only by cell phone – including youth and minorities. Arbitron will also use address-based sampling to select landline households to further improve geographic proportionality." This enhanced recruitment approach is scheduled to begin in July 2010 with targeted in-person recruiting. In-person recruiting would initially be deployed in the high density Black and Hispanic areas across the top 25 PPM Markets by year-end 2010; with implementation of address-based sampling and the addition of targeted in-person recruiting across all geographies of all PPM Markets by the end of 2011. Additional initiatives undertaken by Arbitron to help support minority and all broadcasters include: launching a previously disclosed engagement metric in 2010; increasing the PPM sample size for people 18-54 by approximately 10 percent by mid-2011 as previously disclosed; forming a minority leadership council in 2010 to bring the leadership of broadcasters and agency communities together; and expanding current initiatives directed toward advertiser outreach for minority radio. "We hope that this agreement has placed us on the road to the improved audience measurement," said Jim Winston, Executive Director of the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters. "We have been talking with Arbitron for more than three years about PPM, and I am pleased that we have been able to come to an agreement for moving forward." Says Jessica Pantanini, Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA) chair-elect and COO of Bromley Communications, "In order to effectively reach and connect with minority populations, quality data and audience representation is imperative for agencies and advertisers. We appreciate the commitment to address the needs of minority communities and embrace the implementation of these initiatives." Media Rating Council CEO & Executive Director George Ivie says, "The MRC has been focused on seeking more in-person recruitment, meter-installation and respondent coaching, as well as improved sample distribution, in Arbitron's PPM methodology as part of our accreditation proceedings. We are pleased to see Arbitron agree to add these enhancements, which we believe can improve the quality of Arbitron's currency ratings, and the MRC is proud to have been an independent and neutral component of this ongoing dialogue as requested by the House Oversight Committee."

* Wall Street reacts positively to the Arbitron/PPM Coaltion agreement. Wall Street analysts are reacting positively to the settlement between the two factions in the multi-faceted battle over Arbitron's PPM electronic ratings methodology. CJS Securities Senior Analyst Robert Labick says the agreement is "a huge positive step forward." With this agreement, Labick expects Arbitron to get a renewal with Univision, and to reduce their legal expenses. Both of those factors were cited by the ratings company when it reported its financial results last week (April 22), the same day the agreement with the PPM Coalition was announced.

* Positive reaction continues to the settlement between Arbitron and the PPM Coalition. New Jersey Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, who has been a leading voice calling for an investigation of Arbitron's PPM, says he's pleased with the agreement. Menendez tell us, "I am pleased to see that after so much effort expended on the matter by so many, Arbitron and the PPM Coalition have agreed to a settlement that will allow all parties involved in this matter to move forward in a collaborative manner to ensure minority-owned stations and minority-focused stations are fairly represented in ratings." He adds that the radio stations are "vital for the communities they serve." However, he notes that "the dramatic financial storm created by the combination of the economic downturn and the implementation of a flawed PPM ratings methodology forced many to the edge of bankruptcy." But Menendez says the agreement gives him cause for optimism. "I look forward to seeing the results of Arbitron's efforts to improve its ratings methodology and to continue working with my colleagues in Congress and minority stakeholders to ensure fair standards for the PPM methodology are implemented in all markets nationwide. "

* Two FCC Commissioners release statements on the agreement between Arbitron and the PPM Coalition. Commissioner Michael Copps says he's "pleased" with the announcement. "This would appear to be a major step forward. How successful it will be will depend, of course, on implementation of the terms of agreement. It was obvious that the Arbitron PPM was not fully representing minority audience count, to the commercial disadvantage of minority radio broadcasters." Copps adds that he looks forward to "learning more about the details of both the agreement itself and the implementation phase. Meanwhile, I am encouraged that the parties have been able to bring us this far. And I am especially grateful for the leadership of Representative Edolphus 'Ed' Towns, Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform in moving this issue forward." Commissioner Mignon Clyburn says, "For many months now, I have expressed my displeasure about the way in which Arbitron was employing its Portable People Meter (PPM) technology. Both the Media Rating Council (MRC) and the PPM Coalition registered serious and detailed concerns about, among other things, Arbitron’s commitment to obtaining a truly representative sample. The evidence presented suggests that the PPM was having a disproportionally negative impact on urban radio stations that primarily serve minority communities. If Arbitron failed to take action to upgrade its methodology, it was likely that the faint diversity that currently exists on radio would be further undermined. Fortunately, due in large part to the leadership of Representative Edolphus 'Ed' Towns, Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Arbitron recently engaged in constructive discussions with the MRC and the PPM Coalition to address these important concerns. Over the last few months in particular, the parties worked together to develop a framework that would ensure more accurate counting of minority listeners in order to truly bring the apparent technical advantages of the PPM system to fruition. While I do have some general structural concerns about the voluntary nature of the MRC’s process, I am nonetheless heartened that the parties have negotiated a solution without formal governmental action. I will continue to stay engaged with the parties as they implement their agreement to ensure that all radio stations and listeners receive the promised benefits of the PPM system."

* Arbitron reports first quarter net income was up 11.4% — says PPM problems hurt financial results. For the first quarter Arbitron's ne income was $13.7 million, or $0.51 per share (diluted), up from Q1 2009's $12.3 million, or $0.46 per share (diluted). Net income for the first quarter of 2010 included a pre-tax pension settlement charge of $1.2 million, or $0.03 per share (diluted). Net income for the first quarter of 2009 included an $8.2 million charge, or $0.19 per share (diluted) relating to the reorganization and restructuring initiated during that quarter. For the first quarter of 2010, the Company reported revenue of $95.9 million, a decrease of 2.6% compared to revenue of $98.5 million during the first quarter of 2009. Revenue for the quarter declined versus the first quarter of 2009 as the result of a number of previously disclosed factors including: the decision by Cumulus and Clear Channel to subscribe to a competitor's diary-based radio ratings service in a limited number of small and medium-sized markets; the continuing impact of the advertising recession on renewals and new business; and the impact of certain customers, primarily Univision, not subscribing to the PPM service in certain markets. The impact of these items during the quarter offset the increase in revenue realized from the ongoing transition to PPM pricing in the 33 markets where the service is currently commercialized. Costs and expenses for the first quarter declined by 6.3%, from $75.4 million in 2009 to $70.7 million in 2010, due largely to the impact of a $8.2 million restructuring and reorganization charge reported in the first quarter 2009. Operating income in the first quarter increased 9.3%, from $23.1 million in 2009 to $25.2 million in 2010. Earnings before interest and income tax expense (EBIT) for the quarter were $22.7 million, an increase of 13% compared with EBIT of $20.1 million for the first quarter of 2009. Says Arbitron President & CEO William Kerr, "Our results in the first quarter do not fully reflect the progress we have made in our PPM commercialization plan. We remain optimistic that an improvement in overall economic conditions will positively impact the advertising marketplace, which could favorably impact our customers and our own business." The Arbitron CEO adds, "While we are encouraged by recent improvement in the overall economic environment and in the radio industry in particular, we also know that it will not turn around overnight. However, we are committed to working with our customers to help position the radio industry to benefit from the recovery as it may occur."

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski says he still intends to complete the FCC's media ownership review this year. Genachowski says his goal is still to get the FCC's quadrennial review of media ownership rules completed by year's end. Genachowski this week gave that response to a question during a press conference following the FCC's public meeting launching its aggressive broadband implementation agenda. He said he had nothing to add on a timetable for an FCC response to the court decision limiting the FCC's ability to enforce net neutrality, other than that lawyers were working on a solid legal foundation. Asked why he had no timetable, the chairman said he had "excellent" lawyers working on that solid foundation. Genachowski said and he would deal with those legal issues "as we have to." He admitted the court decision creates more work for the Commission, but said it would be accomplished.

* The new RTDNA/Hofstra Survey finds revenue boost for TV Websites, increase in audio streaming for radio sites. The “TV and Radio on the Web” portion of the RTDNA/Hofstra University Annual Survey found that more TV station Websites are turning a profit in 2010 and many sites are increasing their content while eliminating site elements that may not be working well. According to the survey, TV station Websites have continued to climb in profitability – up 4.3% in the last year. The survey also found that Websites with bigger staffs are more likely to make a profit. Radio Websites didn't fare as well as TV. For those sites, the percentage making a profit and breaking even both fell, although modestly. The percentage losing rose. Radio stations saw an increase in audio streaming and blogs, according to the survey. Still pictures and news video both dropped slightly this year. The complexity of the radio Website had little to do with the market size. The key determinant of complexity was how many people work in news. The consistent jump in Website complexity comes when a station or group has at least three people in news. The survey also found that newsroom employees “helping on the Web” for television sites went up 10% over the last year.   More from RTDNA...

* Cumulus Media names Stu Gorlick as VP of Sales for their Hudson Valley-Poughkeepsie 10-station cluster. The Hudson Valley stations include WPDH & WPDA, WRRV & WRRB, WCZX, WKPX & WZAD, WEOK & WALL, and WKNY. With more than 17 years of sales management experience, Gorlick most recently was Group Sales Manager for Cox Radio Connecticut and earlier spent eight years on the sales management team at WFAN, New York. "Stu's diverse background makes him the executive we have been looking for to help our Hudson Valley stations reach a new level of success," says Cumulus Northeast Regional VP Chuck Bortnick. "We are thrilled to be adding him to the Cumulus team."

* One can find just about anything on Craigslist — even a radio station for sale. Actually this is the second station-for-sale listing on Craigslist. This one is for Nexus Broadcasting's "99.7 Talk" KRBR, Sulphur Springs, TX. And it's available for only $200,000. It's listed on the Dallas edition of the online classified site — here. The ad reads: "The station is currently News Talk with contracts with Top talent names like Glenn Beck, Dr Laura, Michael Savage, Dave Ramsey etc. This station is worth much more than the listed price. I have a commercial FM Radio station for sale which covers Sulphur Springs and Paris, TX and surrounding areas. This is a 6000 watt FM station with room to grow. The price includes all equipment and the license. No real estate in that price, but available optionally. I am unable to operate the station properly due to health reasons - so I reluctantly am letting it go at this rock bottom price. The station has been on the air since July 2009 and has received tremendous listener response. With the talk radio format the station nearly runs itself. Just walk in make some sales and its like a cash machine for you." It then offers a link to the station's Website, and closes with: "This is going to sell fast at this price - so contact me via email asap."

* Report: Former Orlando radio host Shannon Burke is likely to be released from jail in May. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Burke is expected to be released from the Orange County Jail within a month, according to a jail spokesman. The former "Real Radio 104.1" WTKS-FM, Orlando, talk host was transferred to Orange County earlier this month from the Seminole County Jail, where he had served about four months for shooting his wife, Catherine, and their dog in April 2009. In January of this year, an Orange County judge ordered Burke to serve 60-days on a probation-violation charge. He'd been on probation from a 2007 Orange County reckless driving incident.

* New York State Supreme Court Judge Shirley Kornreich puts Access.1 Communications into receivership. Kornreich has ruled that Guggenheim Corporate Funding can proceed with its plan to name Ocean Ridge Capital's Bradley Scher as "receiver over the FCC licenses as designated in the loan agreement," for Access.1, which is financially troubled, but not in bankruptcy. The company owns WWRL-AM, New York, smaller stations in other states, and syndicator SupeRadio Networks. Access.1 received a cash infusion in August 2008 when it sold for $9.5 million a group of stations in Atlantic City, NJ, to local owners Atlantic Broadcasting — "NewsTalk 1400" WOND-AM, Classic Rock "The Shark 103.7" WMGM, Rock "102.7 The Ace" WJSE, Classic Hits "Kool 98.3" WTKU, and Spanish WTAA-AM. Kornreich's ruling in favor of Guggenheim gives the Access.1 creditor the option of an eventual sale of the company. Guggenheim loaned Access.1 a reported $53 Million in 2004, and reported a default on that loan the following year. The loan was reworked with a much higher interest rate, which ultimately resulted in a second default in 2008. If Kornreich's name sounds familiar, she's the same judge overseeing the dispute between Spanish Broadcasting System and Arbitron, which is reportedly heading for a negotiated settlement.

* Former Westwood One and Premiere Radio Networks executive Gary Krantz launches Krantz Media Group consultancy. KMG is a full-service consultancy with Premiere Radio Networks and BlogTalkRadio already signed as clients. Also already on board with KMG are online video site My Damn Channel, music-discovery platform TuneGenie Networks, and social radio network BlogTalkRadio. KMG's talent representation department signs talk hosts Nicole Sandler and Karel. "KMG is launching at one of the most exciting times in the media industry," says Krantz. "Our mission is to identify new revenue clients for our partners, secure national distribution for brands and talent on all audio and video distribution platforms, and identify investors that will fund emerging companies' capital needs." Krantz has previously served as President of Air America, EVP of Operations at Premiere Radio Networks, and Chief Digital Media officer at Westwood One. Krantz adds, "The fact that we have launched with 'best in brand' companies like Premiere, My Damn Channel, TuneGenie, and BlogTalkRadio underscores our opportunity for success. In addition, Karel and Nicole Sandler are both unique voices in Talk radio that have huge potential." Says Premiere President of Content & Affiliate Relations Julie Talbott, "We're delighted to partner with Krantz Media Group to continue providing national advertisers with top-rated programs and services to reach their target audiences."

* New Jersey Governor Chris Christie wants NJN, the state's public radio and television system, to become independent. New Jersey Network (NJN) will become independent of the state, if Christie's plans are approved by the state legislature and implemented in New Jersey's budget. Christie wants to spin off NJN into an independent entity as of January 1. NJN Interim Executive Director Howard Blumenthal has told the state Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee that the stations would continue producing New Jersey centered news and public affairs programming across all media platforms. Christie's budget proposal slashes NJN's budget in half for the next fiscal year starting July 1. "We'll do more, we'll do it with less," says Blumenthal. "Our production systems will change so they're consistent with the industry, not with the industry 20 years ago." NJN operates nine radio stations with six translators throughout the state and four regional TV stations. All of the stations carry the same programming for their medium, radio or television.

* Emmis Interactive signs with the New York State Broadcasters Association to consult with their member stations. Emmis Interactive will provide sales consulting services to NYSBA as part of their objective to enhance their education of the interactive space. “We are excited about offering Emmis Interactive’s Sales Training to our member stations. The training, entitled ‘The Path to Building a Successful Local Interactive Business,’ is a practical approach that will ensure attendees return to their stations with tangible ways to build their business,” NYSBA SVP says Richard Novik. “We believe what the New York State Broadcasters Association is doing for its member stations is extremely important for the growth and vitality of our industry,” says Emmis Interactive co-President Deborah Esayian. “They know their stations’ needs and are responding in a multitude of creative ways. We have been inspired by their leadership and consider it a privilege to partner with them and educate their stations all across New York state – we are so honored they suggested this approach!” Emmis Interactive’s sales consulting services will be available to all of NYSBA's 300 member stations through a series of trainings. Members of the Emmis Interactive staff will also speak at the NYSBA Executive Conference in June, and at their Digital Leadership Conference in September.

* Cox Radio's WMXB-FM, Richmond, VA, flips from Hot AC "Mix 103.7" to Alternative "103.7 The River." The new format features 1990s to current music from artists such as Daughtry, Dave Matthews Band, The Cure, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morisette, Radiohead, Nickelback, Kings of Leon, Sheryl Crow, U2, Bob Marley and The Red Hot Chili Peppers. Says Assistant PD Melissa Chase, "103.7 The River, Richmond's Best Alternative, is completely different from cookie-cutter formats that can be heard in any other city. We talked with thousands of Richmond radio listeners and carefully crafted a new kind of station, designed specifically for Richmond, and staying true to the music. We're playing 52 minutes of music every hour and we'll never talk over your songs." VP & General Manager Bob Willoughby tells us, "Cox Radio is extremely excited by the upgrade on 103.7. Richmond is a unique city that needs a station like this. We purposely selected the name 'The River' to reflect an iconic part of Richmond culture. We're proud to be providing our city with Richmond's Best Alternative." The new station is online at 1037river.com. Cox says that 103.7 will change calls to WURV.

* "101.9 The End" comes to an end, as Citadel Triple-A KENZ, Salt Lake City, flips to a 90s-centric "Gen X" format. The new brand, at least for the moment, is "101.9 Salt Lake City" with the positioner tag line, "gen x music." There's a question as to whether KENZ can or will use a "Gen X" brand per se in Salt Lake City, because of the “X96” monicker used by Simmons’ Modern Rock KXRK in the market. The flip came mid-afternoon Wednesday (April 21). There are reports that the entire on-air staff is gone with the end of "The End." That brand was originally at 107.5, at "the end" of the FM band, launching 14 years ago this month, and then moving to 101.9 nine years later. The new format at 101.9 is virtually identical to Citadel's recently-launched "Gen X" stations in a number of markets, including Memphis, Baton Rouge and Harrisburg. The new station is online at 1019utah, where visitors are greeted by a splash screen, and an opportunity to listen to its online streaming. The "Gen X" format combines a 90s-centric fusion of rock and rhythmic hits aimed at a younger demographic than Triple-A, Hot AC, or similar formats.

* Salem Communications will flip "Money 1260" WWRC-AM, Washington DC, to News-Talk as of May 15. We previously reported that Salem is purchasing WWRC from Red Zebra Broadcasting. However, the original report indicated Salem would keep the station as Business Talk, including retaining an affiliation with Business Talk Radio Network. Now, however, comes word of the format flip plans. Salem will begin operating WWRC May 15 under an LMA, while the license transfer is pending at the FCC. "There is no better place to have a platform for our brand of Talk radio than in our nation's capital, and this acquisition provides us with just such an opportunity," says Salem Radio Division President David Santrella. The official announcement of the acquisition, LMA, and format plans, came from Salem, Wednesday (April 21). Seller Red Zebra operates “ESPN 980” WTEM-AM in the DC market. The primary investors in Red Zebra are Daniel Snyder, better known as the owner of the Washington Redskins football franchise, and Dwight Schar, a minority owner of the team. Red Zebra obtained WWRC from Clear Channel two years ago in the same package that included WTEM. Salem is paying Red Zebra $3.1 million for WWRC, according to the filing at the FCC.

* EMF is purchasing Adult Hits "Sam 105.1" WSSM, Greenville-New Bern, NC, from NextMedia for $230,000. Educational Media Foundation will convert the station to a non-commercial outlet, airing EMF's "K-Love" Contemporary Christian format. NextMedia owns five other stations in New Bern. The deal follows NextMedia's Chapter 11 restructuring which puts the radio broadcaster over the ownership limit in the Greenville-New Bern market.

* The Virginia House of Delegates rejects budget cuts in state funding for public radio and television. The House removed Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposed $592,835 cut from the list of potential slashes. The current $1.6 million in funding was retained for the next two years by a 52-43 vote. Delegates rejected a number of the Virginia governor's proposals, including cuts to the Comprehensive Services Act for at-risk children, use of teacher retirement benefit savings to help maintain school and police funding, among others.

* Maryland's Attorney General will review if a Baltimore radio show should be considered a campaign donation. The state's Board of Elections requested an opinion after Maryland's Democratic Party accused former Gov. Robert Ehrlich of breaking campaign finance rules by continuing to host a weekly WBAL-AM talk show after announcing his candidacy to run again for governor. The Baltimore Sun reports that the AG's office is being asked to determine if the airtime for the now announced candidate should be considered an in-kind campaign donation from station owner Hearst Radio. "This pattern of behavior is one of skirting the rules and pure common sense," says Maryland Democratic Party Chair Susan Turnbull, "He is accepting thousands of dollars in airtime." State rules limit an individual's donations to $4,000 per candidate per four-year election cycle.

* General Manager Jim Engster acquires the Louisiana Radio Network. According to several published reports, Engster has acquired a majority stake in the company that owns the Louisiana Network, to be renamed Louisiana Radio Network, and Tiger Rag magazine. Terms for the sale were not disclosed. Engster will serve as President of the network which has 79 affiliate stations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Engster previously worked for the network as News and Sports Director for 15 years before becoming a talk host. From 2003-06, he served as General Manager of WRKF-FM, Baton Rouge, before returning to the network as General Manager.

* Dave Duncan is named Broadcast Operations Coordinator of "Wall Street Journal This Morning." Duncan, who will also perform the same duties for "Wall Street Journal This Weekend," will oversee technical operations for the two syndicated shows and their daily audio podcasts. "We are fortunate to have someone with Dave's consummate technical and production skills and considerable enthusiasm join The Wall Street Journal This Morning team," says WSJ Radio Network Executive Director Nancy Abramson. "This is an exciting time for Dave to join the program as more stations pick up multiple hours of the show for morning drive." Duncan joins WSJ Radio after several years with "New Jersey 101.5" WKXW-FM, Trenton, where he produced "New Jersey's First News" and "The Morning Show with Jim Gearhart."

* Sirius XM Radio says a free application for Android-powered smartphones will be available in May. The app will give consumers access to over 120 channels of sports, talk, entertainment, news, comedy and commercial-free music on Motorola's Droid and the Google Nexus One, according to a news release. The Sirius XM app for the Droid and Nexus One will give mobile consumers the freedom to listen to the satcaster's premium online content "on the go on their smartphones over cellular and WiFi networks." Says Sirius XM Radio President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein, "Sirius XM will make it easy and convenient for Droid and Nexus One users to access our superior programming and exclusive content that they can't get anywhere else. We are happy to add the Droid and Nexus One to our growing portfolio of apps for smartphones that bring subscribers the best in mobile audio entertainment." The app will be available as a free download through the Android Market on the handset or by visiting www.siriusxm.com/android. After downloading the free app, users will then be able to register for a seven-day free trial to Sirius XM Premium Online on their compatible smartphones.

* A new Jacobs Media’s report says smartphones, Pandora, and Facebook are the stars of new technology. Jacobs Media’s Tech Poll VI shows results of online surveying of more than 26,000 Rock radio listeners across 78 stations. Pandora, over-the-air's biggest online competitor, emerged as one of the big winners in Tech Poll VI. Among respondents who listen to streaming audio, nearly four in ten access Pandora, and the majority of those who listen agree it is better for music than most commercial radio stations. It is especially popular among fans of the Alternative and Triple A formats, as well as smartphone owners. "Pandora’s rampant growth is underscored in this study," says Jacobs Media’s Digital Director Tim Davis. "Our study also notes that about a quarter of Pandora listeners tune in on a mobile device, signifying the importance of being wherever the audience is." The survey also shows that nearly three in ten respondents have a smartphone, and of them, eight in ten are downloading apps. More than half of smartphone owners who enjoy apps have downloaded a radio-related app, whether it is an "aggregated app" like Clear Channel's iheartradio, individually branded station apps, or apps for music services like Pandora. "It is significant that more than a majority of smartphone users have owned these devices for a year or less," says Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. "Like Batman’s utility belt, consumers customize their smartphones with apps that entertain, inform, and amuse." Tech Poll VI illustrates how social media has permeated all demographics and radio formats. Overall, eight in ten respondents have a profile on a site such as Facebook, MySpace, or LinkedIn – including the vast majority of Classic Rockers. Of those connected to social media sites, more than one-third are fans, followers, and friends of one of the stations that participated in Tech Poll VI. The survey also finds that Internet streaming continues to grow, as more than four in ten people listen to streaming radio at least weekly, with local station streams leading the way. Two-thirds of respondents now own an iPod-like device, and of them, six in ten connect them to the vehicles they drive, signaling more competition for terrestrial radio for in-car listening. Satellite radio remains flat for the fourth consecutive year, and only 3% of current Sirius XM subscribers say they would discontinue the service if Howard Stern left the network.

* Bustos Media realigns its Regional Mexican programming company-wide under its "La GranD" brand. KLMG-FM, Sacramento; KBBU-FM, Modesto; and, KZTA-FM, Yakima, WA, will adopt the brand under "La GranD" Program Director Cesar Valdiosera, with some modification of music programming on the stations. Says Bustos Media CEO Amador Bustos, "The new Arbitron electronic PPM measurements are making all radio operators rethink all aspects of how to attract and retain audiences. La Ke-Buena has been an effective brand for many years, but our research showed that consistency and broader music rotation are the most effective elements to increase ratings." Also key to a PPM world is engaging the listener with a reason to stay with the station for longer periods of time. "We plan to engage our listeners with the best music, big contests, top notch radio personalities, but less talk, and the latest technologies and interactive platforms including Mobile texting, social networking and online interaction," adds Valdiosera.

* Citadel's "610 The Sports Animal" KNML-AM, Albuquerque, NM, will switch from ESPN Radio to Fox Sports Radio. The change, which will come before the start of the 2010 football season, will allow its live morning show to expand an hour (7-10am), while a local afternoon program is implemented. "The Jim Rome Show" will remain in middays (10am-1pm). Says "Sports Animal" General Manager Milt McConnell, "Our new relationship with Fox Sports ensures that we will be able to continue bringing central New Mexico live sports broadcasts of professional and college teams that we can choose and are not dictated to take." AM Operations Manager Pat Frisch adds, "We will continue offering UNM Women's Basketball, The Isotopes, Notre Dame Football, ACC, Big East Football and Basketball, NFL Double-Header Sundays, Monday Night Football, a local afternoon show and the NCAA Basketball Championships."

* Kenard "K2" Karter is joining Rhythmic CHR "106 KMEL," San Francisco, as Assistant Program Director, May 17. Karter spent the past six years at co-owned "107-5 FM" WGCI, Chicago, and was most recently the Music Director for WGCI and sister "Kiss FM" WKSC. "I'm proud of the foundation I've gained by learning from some of the best radio minds in our business," says Karter. "I am truly privileged to have an opportunity to work and live in the Bay and for a heritage brand such as KMEL." Cluster Operations Director and KMEL Program Director Don Parker tells us, "I'm thrilled to have Kenard advancing his career with Clear Channel by stepping up to APD here at KMEL. His experience in the format and reputation within the company are fantastic. He's the final piece of a tremendous team of talent that will ensure even greater success for this amazing station."

* Towson University's Triple-A WTMD-FM, Baltimore, names Scott Mullins as Program Director. Mullins, who starts in early May, fills the gap created by the exit of Billy "Zero" Gallagher, who left in October less than a year after taking the post. Mullins previously was Music Director and interim PD for Radio Milwaukee's Triple-A WYMS-FM. "Scott is a huge talent in public radio," says WTMD General Manager Steve Yasko. "He will use his uncanny intuitive sense of where music is going and extensive experience with public radio to create exciting and worthwhile programming for our listeners." Mullins says he looks forward to "exploring Baltimore's deep, vibrant music scene and expanding WTMD's role as the voice and focal point for the city's music, art and creative communities."

* Former Country KUPL, Portland, OR, midday host Rick “Bubba” Taylor is joining "Oldies 106.7" KLTH, Portland. Taylor, who was also Music Director at KUPL, joins the Clear Channel Classic Hits station for mornings, Monday (April 26). Taylor was recently ousted from KUPL after 26 years. He says, I'm so excited to join Oldies 106.7, Portland’s only Oldies station." Taylor adds, "Oldies 106.7 will allow me to work with my good friends and get involved with the community to help the town I love." Many thought “Bubba” would never leave KUPL — until Alpha Broadcasting took over the station and began making changes. Earlier this month, he surprised his listeners as he announced: "After 26 years at this wonderful, great radio station, KUPL, I am going to come off the airwaves and spend some time with my family." Taylor then introduced his replacement, Lola Montgomery. Asked what spending more time with his family meant, and whether he was exiting by choice, Taylor would only say, "I will plan to spend more time with my family, but currently looking for the next opportunity." Now, he finds that "next opportunity" at "Oldies 106.7."

* Classical South Florida is acquiring WXEL-FM, West Palm Beach, for $3.85 million from Barry University. Classical South Florida (CSF), whose parent is public radio programmer American Public Media, also owns WKCP-FM and a low-power repeater in Palm Beach County. Under the agreement, CSF will air separate programming on WXEL-FM, currently an NPR member station. WXEL-FM will obtain new call letters, and all 14 fulltime employees will receive offers to remain. Barry University, which has been trying to sell station since 2004, says it will use the proceeds of the sale to pay down debt owed when it bought the WXEL complex in 1997. Before going to the FCC, the sale must be approved by the Florida Department of Education. Following approval, CSF may apply to the FCC for transfer. Station execs expect approval in about four months.

* The FCC issues a notice of violation to three Lubbock stations for spurious signals causing airport interference. The notice goes to Wilks Broadcasting's KLLL-FM (96.3), KONE-FM (101.1) and KMMX-FM (100.3) in Lubbock, TX. The Avalanche-Journal — at Lubbock Online — reports the three stations with transmitters near Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport were written up by the FCC "for emitting signals that could interfere with the airport's instrument landing system." The Commission issued a notice of violation to station KLLL, and a joint notice of violation to KONE and KMMX after FCC technicians noted "spurious signals" on February 24 and 25 while searching for radio interference sources near the airport. Station officials were notified, and engineers corrected the problems the same day. The Lubbock newspaper writes that the notices were the newest chapter in a story of electronic interference that rendered the airport's instrument landing system unreliable for about 10 days, starting February 2. Initially, technicians identified a variety of points related to arcing on electric lines owned by Lubbock Power & Light and Xcel Energy. On February 24, FCC technicians monitored "spurious emissions" from both KONE and KMMX that were both outside the stations' assigned frequencies and more powerful than FCC regulations allowed, the federal report says. The FCC order, issued by the agency's Dallas district office April 14, gives the stations 20 days to write a report explaining how the problems occurred, what steps were taken to correct the problem at the time, and what will be done to ensure the stations' signals don't interfere with the instrument landing system in the future.

* Journal Communications radio revenues were up 7.1% in the first quarter of this year. Overall broadcast revenues, including TV, were up 8.6% percent, but broadcasting was the only division to gain, and for the company as a whole, revenues dropped 3% year-to-year in the first quarter of 2010. "We generated a significant increase in operating earnings in the first quarter despite a decline in publishing and printing services revenue," says Journal Communications Chairman and CEO Steve Smith. "Ongoing discipline in expense management and aggressive action throughout the last year has substantially driven down our overall cost platform. In addition, the high operating leverage of the broadcast segment has allowed much of our increase in revenue to drop directly to operating earnings, further improving our financial results. We also reduced debt by another $16.7 million this quarter following a $63 million reduction in 2009, continuing our financial discipline and enhancing our financial flexibility. Even with improved revenue expected in our broadcast segment in the second quarter of 2010, we expect overall company revenue in the second quarter to lag the prior year period with challenges in publishing advertising and printing services revenue. However, our results will benefit from our lower cost structure and we intend to execute our local market business strategy in order to position Journal for a return to top-line growth." Broadcasting operating earnings lead the way of Journal's three divisions. For the first quarter, broadcasting revenue increased 8.6% to $42.6 million compared to $39.2 million in 2009. Local advertising revenue increased 0.6% and national advertising revenue decreased 2.3%. Olympic revenue was $2.2 million. Total broadcast political and issue advertising revenue was $0.7 million compared to $0.1 million. Retransmission revenue was $1.6 million compared to $1.3 million. Broadcasting operating earnings more than tripled to $7.7 million from $1.7 million. For the first quarter, revenue from radio stations increased 7.1% to $14.2 million from $13.2 million. Radio political and issue advertising revenue was $0.1 million in 2010 and 2009. Operating earnings from radio stations were $2.6 million this year compared to $1.1 million in the year ago period. Radio operating expenses decreased 4.3%, which the company says was "due to the reduction in employee related costs and other cost saving initiatives." For the first quarter overall, revenue of $98.5 million decreased 3.0% compared to $101.5 million for the first quarter of 2009. Operating earnings of $10.1 million are compared to an operating loss of $0.4 million. Net earnings were $5.3 million compared to $0.1 million. The operating margin was 10.2% for the first quarter of 2010 compared to a negative 0.4% margin last year. EBITDA was $16.8 million compared to $6.7 million, an increase of 152.8%.   More from Journal Communications...

* Cox Radio parent Cox Enterprises’ revenue was down in 2009; optimism for this year is expressed. Cox Enterprises released an annual report Tuesday (April 20) showing its revenue dipped about 3% in 2009. The company notes that's its first revenue drop in decades. The Atlanta-based media giant reported $14.7 billion in revenue, down from $15.2 billion in 2008. The privately held company did not disclose its profit/loss for the year. Cox Enterprises says the revenue dip was due, in part, to exiting the majority of its print automotive classified publications last year and the sale of newspaper properties in Texas, North Carolina and Colorado. Of its $14.7 billion in revenue, Cox Communications was responsible for $9 billion, Manheim generated $3.4 billion, Cox Media Group, which oversees Cox Radio Inc., took in $1.8 billion and AutoTrader.com had $629 million. Cox also noted its 10-year compound annual growth rate was 9.1%. Cox Enterprises Chairman James Kennedy says the company is now emerging from a downturn in healthy shape. He indicates he's "optimistic" for 2010.

* Morning talker Tom Finneran’s whale comment makes waves at "Boston's Talk Station AM 680" WRKO. WRKO management is reportedly looking into a disparaging "whale" remark that morning-drive host Tom Finneran hurled at Howie Carr’s longtime producer, the same day Carr was suspended for bad-mouthing the station, reports Jessica Heslam at the Boston Herald, where Carr is a columnist. "Finneran, co-host Todd Feinburg and producer Bill Cooksey were yakking about nail clippings Friday when the on-air exchange went below the belt, according to audio obtained by the Herald," writes Heslam. “The Kowloon’s crunchy today. Nancy! Nancy! What’s with all the toenails?” said Cooksey, referring to Carr and his producer, who goes by the alias Sandy on the air but whose real first name is Nancy. “You mean Sandy his producer?” Feinburg asked. “Or whoever. Whatever she calls herself today,” Cooksey said. “Click on the jumping whale,” said Finneran. A laughing Cooksey told Finneran his whale comment wasn’t “right” – yet he repeated it when Feinburg asked what his co-host had said. “Cooksey’s been saying that for six months,” Finneran shot back. Entercom Boston VP and Market Manager Julie Kahn told the Herald the station is “handling it internally.” Kahn is quoted as saying, “I don’t think it’s a big deal. I mean, it’s a big deal if it’s a problem but we’re handling it,” Kahn said. “None of this stuff is acceptable. We’ll do the right thing as always.” However, Heslam writes, "WRKO-AM fired host John DePetro in 2006 for calling gubernatorial candidate Grace Ross a 'fat lesbian' on his show." Carr declined comment. Finneran did not return messages left at his home. Carr’s producer could not be reached. Cooksey declined comment. Carr remains on suspension this week for his unspecified comments.

* Would Jerry Seinfeld have done better than David Lee Roth as Howard Stern's CBS Radio replacement? The NY Daily News reports that CBS Radio fantasized about getting Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David or Jon Stewart to replace Howard Stern when he left his ultra-successful terrestrial morning radio show at the end of 2005, says the then-CBS executive in charge of the search. CBS ultimately settled for David Lee Roth, says former CBS exec Rob Barnett, because he was the only viable candidate with an ego large enough to think he could step into Stern’s shoes. “That couldn’t have been your first choice,” Stern’s sidekick Robin Quivers said. “Seventy-eighth choice,” said Barnett, who eventually rose to the position of CBS Radio President before he was downsized out of a job. Barnett guested on Stern’s Sirius XM when he made the comments. He and Stern both said the drama led to many dead ends and some lingering hard feelings. Foremost, said Barnett, the idea of replacing Stern, who had one of the most popular syndicated shows in the country, was a “ridiculous impossibility."

* Consolidation of media outlets was vilified and defended at a Tuesday FCC cross-ownership workshop. FCC representatives heard from an 11-member panel of local media representatives and some critics of newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership, in which one company owns both a newspaper and television station in the same market. The April 20 workshop was held at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Tampa Bay Online (TBO) reports the Commission reps also heard from about 15 citizens who spoke out at the sparsely attended four-hour session, which drew an audience of only about 35. The issue apparently is not as volatile as in 2007, when hundreds turned out to sound off against cross ownership at a similar workshop in Tampa. And some of those who spoke wandered off topic to urge the FCC to support more low-power radio stations and local public access cable channels. "Cross ownership is not the critical issue in national communications, but it bears watching," said Karen Dunlap, President of the Poynter Institute, a school for journalists that owns the company that publishes the St. Petersburg Times. John Schueler, President of Media General's Florida Communications Group, said the company's ownership of The Tampa Tribune, WFLA, Channel 8, and TBO.com, as well as the company's community newspapers, has produced a successful business model that makes it possible to continue to fund journalism. Media General's Tampa holdings were grandfathered in when the FCC's banned cross-ownership in 1975. He acknowledged there have been newsroom layoffs and budget cuts over the past two years but said most media outlets have done the same as the industry struggles to deal with a sluggish economy and increased competition from the Internet. He said the company's newsrooms in Tampa would have been even more affected without the benefits of owning both a newspaper and a television station. In recent years, media companies have been seeking repeal or relaxation of the cross-ownership ban. Critics of cross ownership on the panel included Robert Dardenne, chairman of the journalism department at the University of South Florida, and Bernard Lunzer, president of the Newspaper Guild. They argue that consolidation of media outlets leads to less content, fewer journalists and less diversity in newsrooms.

* The FCC mails out the first batch of this year's EEO audit letters. A total of around 150 radio stations will receive this year's Equal Employment Opportunity audit letters, representing 5% of stations. Which lucky stations get them? They're randomly selected. A complete list of the radio stations selected for the April 2010 Radio EEO Audits, provided by the FCC, is available here from TPMedia. The letters also remind stations that have a Website and five or more full-time employees that they must post their most recent EEO public file report on their Websites by the deadline by which it must be placed in the public file.

* Baseball’s opening day brought local radio broadcasts surges in audience listening. For the three newest markets added to the 2010 Arbitron Baseball Report, the three markets of the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals showed large gains in ratings and share according to data from the Arbitron PPM ratings service. WLW-AM, broadcasting the Cincinnati Reds, produced a 7.7 average quarter-hour rating for Men aged 25-54 and a 51.3 average-quarter-hour share of radio listening on April 5, 2010 from 1:00PM – 4:30PM. "Opening Day for the Reds is like a National Holiday in Cincinnati with seemingly everyone listening to, attending, or watching the game," according to Cincinnati Reds VP of Corporate Sales Bill Reinberger. "It's a welcome sight to see that the data produced by the PPM ratings service reflects what the Reds mean to Cincinnati." Chris Meinhardt, Arbitron Sports Manager noted that, “The addition of these three heartland teams to the Radio Report show large in-game estimates reflecting the loyalty of nearly a century and a half of America’s favorite past-time.“ Play-by-play broadcasts of Cleveland and Kansas City produced average-quarter-hour shares of over 20 for Men aged 25-54 in the afternoon games. For Opening Day Games – April 5, 2010 – PPM estimates show: Cincinnati Reds, WLW-AM, 51.3 AQH share, 7.7 AQH rating, 1-4:30pm broadcast; Kansas City Royals, KCSP-AM, 25.3 AQH share, 4.0 AQH rating, 3-6:15pn; and, Cleveland Indians, WTAM-AM, 20.5 AQH share, 3.7 AQH rating, 2-4:30pm. These three teams will be included in the upcoming edition of the Arbitron Sports Report: PPM Radio Listening for Pro Baseball. That report will include 28 teams in 26 markets and will be made available to subscribing agencies, advertisers, stations and teams.

* Is Ryan Seacrest planning to kiss "Kiss FM" Los Angeles goodbye? Rumors persist on which job Seacrest is considering giving up since an interview was published in the Los Angeles Times in which he suggested he has too many jobs, and might give up one of them. He suggested to the LA Times, it was "one that I have to make a decision on sooner or later and probably something that your audience will be familiar with.” That would suggest Los Angeles local radio — "Kiss FM" KIIS, where he hosts a local morning show. Observers helping spread the rumors insist it won't be any of his TV ventures, especially "American Idol." And none of them can see him ditching his Premiere Radio Networks syndicated show, now airing on half a zillion stations. Our rumor-monger in L.A., TPMedia West Coast correspondent Ron Stevens tells us, "When his current contract at KIIS expires, he likely won't renew. He'll tell Clear Channel Radio if they want him on the L.A. station, pick up the PRN syndicated show. And they just might do that. It'll save cash-pressed CCR a BIG paycheck in the market."

* "Playing What We Want" in India — "Jack FM" is invading another country. Brand owner SparkNet Communications is partnering with London-based United Radio Consultants to bring "Jack FM" to India. SparkNet EVP of Licensing Ken Benson says, "We're not interested in simply trying to export the Jack brand into India. That wouldn't succeed and, besides, it wouldn't be any fun! We want to collaborate with Indian broadcasters to create one or more Jack-like radio brands that work across India. I'm talking about something which not only is Indian-born-and-bred, but also which captures the spirit and success of Jack." United Radio Partner in Delhi, Sunil Kumar adds, "A solution based around the Jack concept is very well-timed, and it could be the way for an existing operator to redefine itself and truly own its audience. Alternatively, a newcomer could enter the market with something distinctive. Working with SparkNet and Indian radio partners, we can deliver tools, experience and insight to develop something home-grown and localised for individual Indian areas."

* Citadel is asking the bankruptcy court to void an investment company's purchase of Citadel stock. Citadel has filed an emergency motion with the court asking that Aurelius Capital Management and its affiliates be blocked from buying up shares in the company. The broadcast company, which remains in Chapter 11 reorganization tells U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Burton Lifland that Aurelius and its subsidiary companies, and Senior Managing Member Mark Brodsky have purchased 16.7 million shares of Citadel common stock in recent weeks, making it a "Substantial Shareholder" in violation of court orders requiring advance written declaration of large purchases of the Citadel stock. Citadel discovered the stock transactions through filings with the SEC. The court also requires that Citadel be allowed to file a "Notice of Objection" for purchases of 11.96 million shares or more. Citadel's emergency motion asks that the court to void the stock purchases by Aurelius and related entities, with the shares to be resold, and any profits from the re-selling to be donated to non-profit organizations. One report says the stock grab by Aurelius just falls short of an attempted "hostile takeover" by the Vienna-based "asset manager specialized in credit and structured products with an experienced international team." In its SEC filing, Aurelius indicates it does not intend to be a passive investor. “To the extent permitted by applicable law, rules and regulations, the Reporting Persons [Aurelis] may seek to influence the outcome of the Bankruptcy Proceedings, including, among other things, through (i) direct and/or indirect communications with participants in the Bankruptcy Proceedings and (ii) direct and/or indirect communications with other persons, including other stockholders or creditors of the Issuer [Citadel]. Aurelius Capital Management, on behalf of the Aurelius Funds, may become actively involved in the Bankruptcy Proceedings, with the goal of protecting and maximizing the value of the Aurelius Funds' respective investments.”

* An independent bankruptcy examiner will be appointed by the end of the week in Tribune Co.'s Chapter 11. This comes after the company and its creditors reached agreement on accepting Judge Kevin Carey's proposal for the additional inquiry. The examiner will investigate the entire case, including Sam Zell's buyout of the company and whether the recently announced settlement between Tribune and some of its creditors is fair. Confirmation hearings on Tribune's reorganization plan have been set for the week of August 16. The deadline for the examiner's report is in mid-July.

* GE Capital files a complaint in Black Crow Media Group's bankruptcy proceedings. GE Capital reasserts its claims to over $38 million in debt and an additional $242,000 in funds that covered the company's payroll. GE has moved to put Black Crow into receivership; however, Black Crow has moved to delay the deadline to submit its reorganization plan until September 9. A hearing on Black Crow's motion and another to extend the time to accept or reject unexpired real properety leases is set for April 27 in Jacksonville.

* Michelle Burden is joining Sun Radio Network (SRN) as Director of Affiliate Relations, April 26. Burden, who’s Sun Radio office will be in Chicago, began her radio career as Producer of the Doug Banks Morning Show until moving to the record business nine years ago. She’s served for industry giants such as Warner Brothers, Sony BMG and most recently Universal Island Def Jam. In her role at Sun, Michelle will lead efforts to affiliate a new program offering to be announced in the coming days. “For several months we have been carefully searching the country for the perfect team members as we continue to reshape the network syndication industry. The moment we met Michelle and learned her story there was no question that we needed to make her part of our family.” says SRN President and CEO Jason Bailey. “The respect that Michelle holds across the industry is a testament to the kind of person she is and the kind of team member she will be on this amazing journey with us. I couldn’t be more pleased to have her by our side.” Says Burden, “I am so thrilled to become a member of the Sun Radio team. I look forward to working with stations across the country to bring them innovative, new programming that truly will make a difference.”

* CBS Corp. President and CEO Leslie Moonves earns over $43 million for 2009, according to SEC filing. The total compensation includes $3.5 million in base salary plus a $15-million bonus. The 60-year-old chief executive also received stock worth $7.6 million and stock options that are currently worth about $14.3 million. According to the Los Angeles Times, Moonves' total package for 2009 was more than double what he was awarded in 2008 when the company's stock dropped precipitously. In 2008, the package was $21.2 million. No stock options were granted that year. In a statement, CBS defends Moonves' compensation. "More than 85% of Mr. Moonves' compensation is keyed to performance-based measures, ensuring that its actual value will continue to be closely aligned with that of the company's shareholders." CBS' controlling shareholder and chairman, Sumner Redstone, collected $16.2 million for 2009. Redstone, who turns 87 next month, garnered an additional $16.8 million in total compensation for his role as chairman of his other company, Viacom Inc., according to a separate filing. Between the two companies, Redstone collected a total of $33 million in compensation. Viacom Chief Executive Philippe Dauman's total compensation for 2009 was slightly more. He was awarded a total package of $34 million.

* Barclays Capital: Radio leads the way for a bounce in the advertising forecast. According to analysts at Barclays Capital, ad forecasts for most media have been raised, including a strong boost in radio expectation, and local TV has moved into double digits. Barclays estimates that total 2010 U.S. advertising will grow 5.5% year-over-year in 2010 vs. prior estimate for +3.5% year-over-year. Radio is now expected to grow by 7.4%. The largest source of category upside to the prior estimates was automotive and political TV advertising, particularly in the back half of 2010. The Analysts note that optimism has been growing in the key automotive sector throughout the first quarter. They expect that the automotive advertising category for both the manufacturers and dealers will continue to strengthen. In 2009 the automotive advertising category as a percentage of the total fell roughly 200 basis points (bps) vs. 2008, or roughly $3.5 billion year-over-year. The Center for Media Research says the report anticipates that automotive could potentially regain this $3.5 billion in 2010, driving upside for those media heavily exposed to automotive advertising dollars - specifically the local TV stations, sports entertainment cable networks, local radio, and outdoor. Auto spending could bleed outward into more non-traditional cable networks given the current state of the relatively expensive TV scatter marketplace, says the report. Other factors driving the more optimistic expectations include clarity about the Supreme Court decision which lists restrictions on corporate spending on federal candidates and continued upbeat remarks from the big seven entertainment companies about double-digit growth in scatter pricing.

* Bonneville and KSL Broadcast Group parent Deseret Management Corp.makes management structure changes. The changes are in advance of KSL President and CEO Bob Johnson's May 1 transfer to Deseret Mutual Benefits Administrators. Deseret Management President and CEO Mark Willes will add the KSL duties. Deseret Book Co. EVP & COO Jeff Simpson will move to the same titles for KSL, reporting to Willes. KSL operates KSL-AM and TV, Salt Lake City. "All of us involved with the KSL Broadcast Group are pleased for the opportunity Bob Johnson has to lead Deseret Mutual," says Willes. "He has served for two decades in the management of KSL and related broadcast properties and has produced exceptional financial and nonfinancial results."

* Former Dallas Cowboys football star Michael Irvin is close to a deal with "Sports Radio 560" WQAM-AM, Miami. The Miami Herald, playing up that Irvin is also a former University of Miami star, reports that WQAM wants to give Irvin an early afternoon show. They are already moving current early pm host Sid Rosenberg to mid-to-late afternoons. Beginning Monday (April 19), Rosenberg moved to the 3-7pm slot previously held by Jim Mandich, who left his 4-7pm show earlier this year after being diagnosed with bile duct cancer. "It's an honor for me,'' says Rosenberg. "I will try to follow the tradition of good radio that Jim gave us.'' Orlando Alzugaray, who had hosted 2-4pm, moved to 10am-noon, following Joe Rose's 6-10am show. For the time being, Curtis Stevenson is hosting from noon to 3pm. Irvin's Dallas-based show, with co-host Kevin Kiley, will run from noon-3pm, starting May 1, "if a deal can be finalized as the station expects," reports the Herald. Irvin hopes to syndicate the show nationally. He's no stranger to the radio microphone. He previously hosted a show on "ESPN 103.3" KESN-FM, Dallas. That show was cancelled in the midst of a rape allegation against Irvin, of which he's since been cleared. At the time, KESN said the timing was coincidental — they'd already planned to cancel the show because of weak ratings.

* Radio host Jim DeRogatis resigns Chicago Sun-Times, joins Columbia College Chicago & Vocalo.org blog. DeRogatis, co-host of Chicago Public Radio’s nationally syndicated “Sound Opinions” resigned Monday (April 19) as pop music critic at the Sun-Times to join the faculty of Columbia College Chicago and become a blogger for Vocalo.org. As a Vocalo.org blogger, he joins Chicago media reporter Robert Feder who calls DeRogatis "one of America’s premier authorities on everything that rocks." Feder reports that in a note to Sun-Times Editor-in-Chief Don Hayner, DeRogatis wrote: “Many of the best things that have happened in my career and in my life I attribute to the Sun-Times — the institution, but most of all the people, with you at the top of that list.” Except for a three-year break in the mid-’90s — part of which he spent as deputy music editor at Rolling Stone — DeRogatis has been the newspaper’s rock and pop guru since 1992, according to Feder. DeRogatis, 45, will join the Columbia College faculty this fall as a full-time instructor in the English Department of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He is expected to continue teaching the “Reviewing the Arts” course he has taught for the last two semesters there. In a statement released through the college, he said: “Journalism and cultural criticism are in a period of radical reinvention, and their futures will be shaped in part by the students in Columbia’s desks right now. After 15 years at Chicago’s best daily newspaper, I am thrilled to have been offered the opportunity and the challenge to help guide those students, whose diverse interests, rampant love of the arts, and pervasive enthusiasm has been unmatched at any other school I’ve ever visited.”

* Former WINK-TV, Fort Myers, anchor Trey Radel is the new morning radio host at Fort Myers' "92.5 Fox News." Radel exited the TV anchor position at the CBS affiliate last month to join the Florida Prosperity Agenda, but has done fills on the radio "Daybreak" program that airs on "92.5 Fox News" WFSX, and is simulcast on AM's WINK and WNOG. He's now named the new permanent host of the morning radio show. The slot had been vacant since Mandy Connell left to join talker WHAS-AM, Louisville, as 9am-noon host.

* Now the FCC is getting involved in the fight over a white supremacist's radio ads in Missouri. Broadcasters there have already asked Missouri's Attorney General to determine if Glenn Miller's hate-filled spots must be aired under FCC rules, by determining if the write-in candidate for a senate seat is actually a bona fide candidate. The state's AG is now asking the FCC to get involved. And the Missouri Broadcasters Association, which brought the issue to Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster is seconding his request for a Commission ruling on the spots which include anti-semitic and racist content. Thirding the request is a Kansas City station which has taken heat for the political spots, but said they were forced to air them unedited by federal rules. The FCC requires broadcasters to give qualified federal candidates access to airtime. And federal law says the stations can't censor or edit the ads.

* Fox Sports Radio Network enters a long-term extension of its distribution agreement with Fox Sports Enterprises. As the Fox Sports Radio Network approaches its 10th anniversary this fall, the network marks the milestone with a long-term extension of its distribution agreement between Premiere Radio Networks and Fox Sports Enterprises, and a re-designed logo. The Fox Sports Radio Network, a division of Premiere Radio Networks, was launched in 2000 by Premiere and Fox Sports Enterprises. The parties recently renewed their long-term agreement to continue producing and distributing the Fox Sports Radio Network to millions of listeners throughout North America and Canada. Specific terms were not announced. In addition, the Fox Sports Radio Network is enhancing its distribution platform, further synchronizing the audio, digital, online and television assets of Fox Sports Enterprises, FoxSports.com and the Fox Sports Radio Network. "The result is expected to extend the reach, visibility and engagement of these brands with consumers," says the network in a news release. "The Fox Sports Radio Network also celebrates this anniversary with a bold new logo that better represents its exciting sports entertainment lineup featuring nationally renowned personalities such as Stephen A. Smith, Dan Patrick, Jim Rome, Chris Myers, Steve Hartman, Petros Papadakis, Matt “Money” Smith, Tony Bruno, JT 'The Brick' and others." Fox Sports Radio is currently heard on nearly 400 radio station affiliates across the U.S. and Canada, as well as www.FoxSportsRadio.com, XM Satellite Radio channel 142 and The American Forces Radio Network.

* Envision Radio Networks signs a national syndication deal for the technology radio program "Make It Work." A one-hour program currently airing on KSFO-AM, San Francisco, will be expanded to two hours for the national rollout. Make It Work Media will continue to produce the tech news program; Envision will handle distribution and advertising. "We are thrilled to add Make It Work to our network," says Envision President & CEO Danno Wolkoff. "Jeremy and Make It Work have already achieved sales and ratings success in one of the toughest markets in the country and we look forward to spreading that same success to other markets throughout the U.S." The show is hosted by Make It Work co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Jeremy Anticouni. The first Make It Work Inc. radio show, "Tech News," currently airs on KNX-AM, Los Angeles.

* Ford announces first car to feature Sync in-car technology software to work with Twitter, Pandora, Stitcher. Ford says that its Fiesta subcompact car that comes to market later this year will be the first to feature software that will allow its Sync in-car communications and entertainment technology to work with Twitter, Pandora and Stitcher. The new in-car technology can only increase Pandora's competiveness with over-the-air radio. The software, called AppLink, will enable drivers to use smart phones such as BlackBerries and iPhones to control all three popular Web-based services with voice commands. Ford previously said it planned to offer the software but didn't say when. The Fiesta is expected to reach dealer showrooms by early summer, and Fiesta buyers will be able to download the software by the end of this year. Ford plans to introduce AppLink on all Sync-equipped vehicles next year. Ford spokesman Alan Hall says many drivers already access Twitter, Pandora and Stitcher from their smart phones while driving. "We have the platform that allows them to be used safer," says Hall. With the new software, drivers can ask Sync to read their Twitter feeds through Orangatame Software's application called OpenBeak. However, the system doesn't allow the driver to respond, according to the spokesman. "You would do that outside the car," Hall says. Twitter is among the most popular social networking sites on the Internet. Pandora is a free music Website and Stitcher is a fast-growing Website for news, talk radio and entertainment.

* Washington Blogger Wonkette: "Nancy Pelosi Wants To Refill Ke$ha’s Bottle of Jack With Ca$h." Wonkette, generally in the same political spectrum as Pelosi, has some harsh words for the House Speaker for her recently announced support of the Performance Rights Act. The well-known blogger writes, "While Real Americans spent yesterday standing together in government-funded places and overthrowing the government, former Go-Go’s guitarist Nancy Pelosi was busy defending the rights of America’s musicians to get paid more money for their 'creativity,' of all things. Ugh, this lady and her pet causes." The often-quoted "DC Gossip" writer adds, "Pelosi went to some 'advocacy event' hosted by the Recording Academy — makers of the televised witchcraft spectacle the Grammy Awards — to talk about this thing called the Performance Rights Act, which would make radio stations pay some sort of compensation for that musical stuff they play. She said there’s an 'army of advocates' in Congress who are working extra-hard to pass this socialists-for-vocalists scheme, because they nothing better to do." Wonkette then asks, "Where is America’s 'army,' of freedom?" The NAB is often criticized for calling the PRA royalties "a performance tax." Wonkette, it seems, is one up on the broadcasters association as she calls it a "pro-welfare initiative," noting radio's opposition. She says radio is "already doing enough for Ke$ha and these other music losers by promoting them all the time, for free."

* Oldies "98.1 Gold" WIBN-FM, Earl Park, IN, is off the air after an accident topples the station’s tower. WIBN Assistant Program Director Jerry Stifle tells Radio-Info.com, “What we can see from the tractor sitting in the field, it got caught in the tower guy wires and down it came.” A photo of what Stifle described is available here. Stifle says the tower fell directly onto the station’s transmitter building, destroying the building and equipment. A photo of the inside of the wrecked transmitter building, after the tower was brought down, is here. On its Website, the Brothers Broadcasting station says: "WIBN 98.1 is temporarily off-the-air on the FM dial. We are continuing to stream the best of the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s online at www.981wibn.com." The online message adds that listeners should check back there for further updates on their return to an over-the-air signal. However, due to the extent of the damage, a rapid return to an on-air signal is not expected.

* Strategic Radio Solutions Consultant Hal Rood: "There is a bright side to being 'American Stranded in Europe.'" Rood, stranded on a client trip to Finland by the volcanic cloud that has disrupted flights in and out of Europe, is writing a blog about his experience at the request of MSNBC. In a Monday (April 19) entry, Rood writes "There IS a Bright Side to Being an American Stranded in Europe." He tells us, "I travel well over 100,000 miles every year for a total of nearly 2 million. Very often as I have traveled in the past, I see the worst in people as they cut lines, push and shove and forget how to speak with civility to one another." But, writes Rood, "In fact, I've made so many friends along the way. Some people I may never see again...yet others, perhaps? In fact, one group of German grad students, whom I traveled via train with for 12 hours. One of the students is going to start a Facebook page for the 'Gang of 9', which dubbed ourselves." He adds, "You'd better believe I've been trying to also pay it forward and will continue to do so. I'm excited to report that human goodness is alive and well and when the chips are REALLY down, we see humanity's BEST."

* Lancaster Online: "Another live radio crew bites the dust." WMHX-FM "Mix 106.7," fires its on-air staff. "A bad year for central Pennsylvania radio got worse last week when Citadel Broadcasting Corp., parent company of WMHX-FM, fired its on-air staff," writes Stark Ravings' Eric Stark. "Rick Sten, Diane Grey and John London, all true pros, were let go." The station, running jockles flipped formats to "Channel 106.7" featuring music from the late 1980s to early 2000s, with the new slogan "Hair bands to hip-hop and everything in between." Mix 106.7 aired a Hot AC format. Stark writes, "Local listeners emailed me to say they were shocked to hear Tone Loc and Motley Crue instead of James Taylor and Billy Joel." However, he's not as upset about the format flip as the loss of live hosts on WMHX. "The music is not what bothers me; it's what's between the music that separates the good stations from the bad ones. Now WMHX runs bumpers — brief announcements up to 15 seconds long placed between a pause in programming and a commercial break. There's no human contact with this format." And it's not just this one station; Stark sees an unfortunate growing trend. "I give it 10 years, tops. That's how long it will be until I have to explain the role disc jockeys and on-air personalities once played at radio stations."

* Search Showdown Radio Show launches online to help business owners lasso local sales. Search Showdown tells us, "Internet users today are so savvy when using search to find local businesses that if a local business is not listed at the top of the search results, it won’t be found. Google offers several business solutions, advertising opportunities, and productivity tools through their Local Business Center and Adwords program." But, says a news release, "When attempting to use these tools to attract new customers and sales to their business, however, local business owners often don't have any idea where to start let alone how to manage a profitable search marketing campaign. Trying to navigate this new world of marketing often leads to little more than frustration for a local business owner whose marketing experience has been mostly limited to purchasing an ad for the online yellow pages or local business directory." The solution to his "can now be found for free by simply tuning in to a fun, informative new talk radio show. Cherie Yvette, founder of The Urban Cowgirl, is a Google gunslinger and search marketing expert with a new call-in Internet radio show called the Search Showdown. Tuesdays at 6pm CST, after delivering a powerful search marketing lesson, Yvette takes callers’ questions about their own search campaigns and answers them live on air. The show is part of The Urban Cowgirl’s mission to help local business owners ambush their competition and win the search showdown by moving their local business listing to the top of the search results. The Urban Cowgirl is Cherie Yvette, an entrepreneur and speaker. Search Showdown is online Tuesdays at 6pm CT at www.theurbancowgirl.com/classroom.

* A Chicago judge rules Clear Channel will remain a defendant in lawsuits filed in the E2 nightclub tragedy. The E2 judge denies Clear Channel's request to be dropped as a defendant, reports WLS-TV, Chicago. A total of 21 were killed in a stampede to get out of the club in 2003. Clear Channel employed a disc jockey that plaintiffs say incited the stampede. They had asked a Cook County judge to drop them from various lawsuits. Relatives of the victims have filed wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits in the tragedy. They had high hopes for a speedy resolution after a judge approved a partial settlement against the club's owners in October 2006. When Cook County Judge Kathy Flanagan approved a move that put $2.5 million of insurance money into a fund for victims of the 2003 stampede, their attorneys hoped the pot would swell as other defendants settled or were found financially liable in court. However, nearly four years later, the fund remains at $2.5 million — what the Chicago Tribune calls "a paltry sum considering it would be divided among survivors and the families of those killed, not to mention dwindled by years of attorney fees."

* “You have an army of advocates standing by your side ... on Capitol Hill," Nancy Pelosi tells recording industry. House Speaker Pelosi delivered opening remarks at the Recording Academy’s “GRAMMY on the Hill” annual Advocacy Day Thursday morning (April 15) in the Capitol Visitor Center. The Recording Academy's annual advocacy event honors legislators who work to improve the environment for music makers and artists. “Creativity deserves to be celebrated, honored, and encouraged as a cornerstone of our national strength," said Pelosi. “In coming to Congress today, you are sending a message too often lost outside the recording studio, in the political debate, or on the airwaves – that ideas, music, and imagination are as valuable as any material invention. And artists deserve to be compensated for their work and rewarded for their contributions to our economy and our culture." In an apparent reference aimed at countering the Congressional opposition to the Performance Rights Act, and support of the Local Radio Freedom Act, Pelosi added, “You have an army of advocates standing by your side – from both parties – on Capitol Hill." The House Speaker apparently believes the PRA can yet wend its way through the legislative process. “Here in Congress, we must ensure that your voices and imagination are heard in our political discourse," she added. "And we will continue to address your concerns, and represent your hopes and dreams in the future.”   More from www.speaker.gov ...

* WRKO-AM, Boston, talk host Howie Carr says his unpaid suspension is "no big deal." As we first reported early Saturday (April 17), Carr is suspended for publicly and repeatedly bad-mouthing the station. The "Boston's Talk Station AM 680" 3-7pm conservative host receives a one week suspension which began Friday (April 16). Entercom Boston VP and Market Manager Julie Kahn says Carr’s behavior toward his employer has become increasingly caustic and intolerable. “His behavior and his anger at the company is unacceptable because he denigrates the company, the medium, the station, the signal, and he’s a highly, highly, highly paid employee,’’ says Kahn. She declined to comment publicly on the exact trigger for the suspension, or its terms. However, a source with knowledge of the situation tells the Boston Globe the contretemps with Carr, which dates back to a bitter contract dispute in 2007, has escalated markedly in recent weeks and included verbal attacks on station managers. Carr’s contract with the station, the source said, pays him in the neighborhood of $1 million a year, meaning the suspension could cost him between $16,000 and $17,000. Carr, who is also a columnist for the Boston Herald, over the weekend, Carr tells the Herald, “I’m off this week anyway, fleeing the Marathon, so it’s no big deal. I’ll be back soon, finishing my time, as always the happy warrior of AM radio.” The Herald, in a Sunday (April 18) article, reports that radio analyst Brian Maloney suspects Carr is “attempting to head to another station and they know and they’re not happy.” Maloney also says he strongly suspects there’s some effort being made to sign Carr at new conservative talk station WXKS-AM (1200), which recently swiped Rush Limbaugh - who preceded Carr on the air weekday afternoons - from WRKO’s lineup. “There’s some real bad blood between Carr and Entercom at this point,” says Maloney. This isn’t the first time Carr has had a public dispute with his employer. In 2007, he tried to leave WRKO to host a morning drive-time show for rival talk station WTKK-FM. Then he sued WRKO, alleging that provisions in his contract that forced him to stay with the station were illegal, comparing himself to an “indentured servant.’’ He returned to the station four months later to resume his show, but has never hidden his hard feelings about some of his on-air colleagues, and how the station is run. More recently, some station observers say, Carr was distressed when the station dropped the nationally syndicated show of conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh in March after more than 15 years.

* Mobile advertising is "the new disruptor" according to Borrell Associates 2010 Local Mobile Advertising Forecast. Borrell's new report says that local mobile marketing has emerged on the scene faster than any other new medium over the past 90 years. The report, "The 2010 U.S. Local Mobile Advertising & Promotions Forecast," identifies the initial allure for local businesses as being mobile couponing. "Coupons are the category to watch — at least initially," says Borrell Associates CEO Gordon Borrell. "We view advertisers' growing love affair with coupons as a major key to the emergence of mobile marketing. The fastest-growing and most obvious application is also the easiest to implement: text-based coupons." Borrell says redemption rates for mobile coupons are 10 times that of mail- or newspaper-distributed coupons. "There's something dramatic going on, and heavy implications for direct mail, yellow pages, newspapers and anyone else in the coupon-distribution business." The report details how mobile marketing is set to reach dominant penetration levels faster than any medium before it, thanks to an existing installed base of cell phones &,dash; 80% of the population, rapidly being exchanged for smart phones — currently about 31% of the population and growing. By contrast, when the Internet was born as a commercial medium in the mid-1990s, only 8% of households had a modem-enabled computer. The report says last mobile marketing reached $2.7 billion last year and is expected to grow 84% annually, hitting $57 billion by 2014. A subcategory – mobile advertising – is already in the billions. Local mobile advertising, according to the report, hit $285 million in 2009 and is expected to double this year to $586 million, then spike upward to $4.7 billion by 2014.

* Former FCC Commissioner and civil rights leader Benjamin L. Hooks dies at the age of 85. The first African-American FCC Commissioner, Dr. Hooks was best known as a civil rights leader including service as Executive Director & CEO of the NAACP from 1977 to 1992. He died early today (April 15). A Baptist minister who headed two churches, a lawyer, a criminal court judge, and a businessman, he had been a television host and producer in Atlanta when President Richard M. Nixon named him to a seat on the FCC in 1973. After serving a five-year term on the Commission, Hooks continued to work for diversity in the entertainment industry at the NAACP. After his retirement from the civil rights organization, he served as an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis, which named the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change in his honor. He also continued to preach at the Greater Middle Baptist Church. He was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2007.

* Ralph Snodsmith, the longtime WOR-AM, New York, host of "The Garden Hotline," dies at the age of 70. According to "NewsTalk 710" WOR, Snodsmith died Friday night (April 16) from complications from an accident suffered last month. Snodsmith, who was heard on WOR for over 35 years, was a specialist in gardening who tilled the mediums of radio, television and publishing to help homeowners in New York and across the country to care for their plants and to help them to thrive.He died in Fredericksburg, VA. He died from complications of a broken hip, said Mary Snodsmith, his wife of 47 years. "He was just a gentle man. He cared about people. And he liked people," she said. WOR-AM News Director Joe Bartlett called Ralph Snodsmith "the foremost authority on gardening." Says Bartlett, "He's helped millions of people with their gardening questions, whether it's their indoor plants, gardens or trees." Snodsmith for eight years served as a gardening expert on "Good Morning America," wrote several popular books on gardening, including "The Tri-State Gardener's Guide" and "Fundamentals of Gardening," and lectured at the New York Botanical Garden.

* "Name That Convention," say RTDNA and SPJ. The Radio Television Digital News Association and the Society of Professional Journalists will host their first joint national journalism conference September 25 - 28, 2011 at the Sheraton New Orleans. "Both groups are working together to bring you and all journalists the best journalism-related speakers, sessions and learning opportunities available," says RTDNA. "But to begin the collaboration, we need your help!" They tells us they are currently searching for a title for their national event. "The name could be creative, inspirational, fun or practical — but we want YOU to help in the process." Those wanting to take a stab at it — and radio people are supposed to be creative — can share their ideas using an online entry form. "You may enter as many ideas as you want until the deadline, June 1, 2010." The winner will be announced at www.rtdna.org, June 30. Those submitting suggestions to "Name That Convention" will be eligible to win free convention registration for two years.

* With the National Broadband Plan completed, FCC Broadband Initiative Director Blair Levin is moving on. Levin is leaving the FCC May 10, bound for a new position as a communications and society fellow at the Aspen Institute Communications and Society Program. Levin led the team that put together the FCC's recently released National Broadband Plan and before that worked with FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on the Obama administration's Technology Transition Team. Levin had served as Chief of Staff to former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt in the 1990s. "Blair has been masterful in providing wisdom to the Commission about how technology and market trends interact with the nation's public policy agenda," says Genachowski. "His leadership in raising the quality of work and thought throughout the Commission is beyond measure. I am sure he will continue to make similar contributions for the country while he is at the Aspen Institute."

* "Kiss" hello to "Gen X" at 99.7 KKSN-FM, Kansas City, MO. It's a "marriage" made in programming! It's not fully a format flip; but, rather, more of a repositioning — as the Entercom station adds "Gen X Radio" to its existing "99.7 Kiss FM" identity. Yes, both brands are in use, with "Gen X" above the "Kiss" logo on the station's Website. The music changes from a standard Hot AC blend to an 80s & 90s Adult Hits formula, with more of a Rock edge, including a lot of music not aired on Hot AC stations. Kansas City native Matt Gapske takes over mornings, replacing the syndicated Kidd Kraddick. However, syndicated Ryan Seacrest remains in middays. Mackenzie joins Kelly Urich in afternoons as co-host. Kim Iverson disappears from the schedule; nights, at least for now, are unhosted. Not only does Seacrest remain in weekday midday, but his "American Top 40" remains in the Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm slot. The revamp was unveiled Friday afternoon (April 16) during the afternoon show. Urich tweets on Twitter, "GEN X RADIO! RIGHT NOW on 99.7 KISS FM! I could use a retweet or two." Two other tweets say "I just brought a bunch of stuff from home and shoved it in the system" and "They finally let me bring my music library to 99.7. Give a listen today!"

* Clear Channel Madison Operations Manager Mike Ferris adds Program Director at "96.3 Star Country" WMAD-FM. Ferris takes on direct PD replacing Jon Reilly, who departed in February after six years. As OM, Ferris will continue to oversee programming of clustermate "101.5 Classic Rock That Rocks" WIBA-FM. Ferris has been with the cluster for ten years. Meanwhile, in a related move, WMAD Promotions Director and midday host Stephanie Peters is elevated to Assistant PD. She is also Executive Producer of WMAD's "John and Tammy" morning show.

* Boise morning host KeKe Luv completes his eight-day no-sleep Radiothon against Child Abuse. He was awake for a long time, in a Radiothon for child abuse at Peak Broadcasting's "Kiss FM 103.3" KSAS, Boise, ID. The marathon broadcast for a cause reached its conclusion Friday (April 16) at 5pm MT. He passed the seven-day mark Thursday (April 15), with coverage of the event from around the world. For the third consecutive year, KSAS morning host and Program Director Steve Kicklighter — best known as Keke Luv — was "Live for 175." But this year extended that to 192 hours, broadcasting for eight days without sleep to coincide with April as Child Abuse Prevention Month while bringing attention to this significant local cause. The extra day was dedicated to Robert Manwill and the children hurt this year due to child abuse. His medical condition was continually monitored by professionals in order to ensure a safe and successful campaign. Video from a mere six days — available here — confirmed what the medical experts said, he was OK overall. Peak Broadcasting Boise SVP & Market Manager Kevin Godwin, a day before the end of the marathon, that Keke was “really starting to struggle." Said Godwin, "He is losing his voice as he did for 'Live for 175' in 2008 and his doctors and health care professionals have been helping him with ways to overcome swelling of his eyes and cramps in his legs. Fortunately his blood pressure, heart rate and blood sugar levels have been nearly perfect throughout the week and he has stuck to a very healthy diet to keep his metabolism and energy up.”

* The FCC sends a notice of unlicensed operation to an unlicensed Omaha AM station — "Liberty Radio." Sean Murta of Omaha receives the notice that says, based on information received at the FCC's Kansas City office, it had found that an unlicensed station at 1640 AM was operating from Murta's home. The notice says the field strength of the signal was over the maximum for unlicensed broadcasts, and that its ground wire was radiating and exceeding the three-meter combined maximum for all radiating elements. The FCC warned Murta to cease operating the station immediately. He says, however, he won't cease station operation. Rather, he will "correct the problem." Liberty Radio airs political talk, and Murta claims that the FCC's notice was the result of a complaint "from a bitter man who didn't want to hear that his politician was a puppet and that someone in Nebraska could operate a radio station without red tape." The station claims it's a Part 15 low powered station, whch does not require a license. "Yes, we have been visited by the FCC, but they and we are very cooperative," says Liberty Radio on its Website, calling the grounding issue a "gray area." Murta says that problem is being corrected. He adds that a new transmitter will improve its signal in Omaha.

* Two Board positions are up for a vote, as Emmis misses its April preferred stock dividend. Emmis says that holders of its 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to elect two new members to the company's Board of Directors. The election is triggered by Emmis' non-payment of its April 15, 2010 Preferred Stock dividend. The election is set for the company's annual shareholders meeting, July 14. Nominations for the two director positions must be received by the company's Secretary by the close of business on Monday, April 26, in accordance with the company's by-laws. Emmis now hasn't paid the dividend for six consecutive quarters, which, under the terms of the preferred stock, means the board increases from eight to 10 directors.

* Mark Ramsey: "Listeners spend a lot more time with Radio than with Pandora, right? Wrong." Ramsey — who describes himself as "a media industry thought leader" — writes at Hear 2.0, "So are Pandora listeners lightweights when it comes to the amount of time they spend with Pandora compared with the amount of time radio listeners spend with radio? Not at all, say the data." Says the operator of Mark Ramsey Media, "According to the gold standard figures from Ando Media, the average Pandora listener tunes in Pandora for just under one hour per session. Meanwhile, an Arbitron source tells me the average radio listener to music formats listens to the average music station for....about an hour per day. When you factor in the other music stations, total listenership to music radio is, on average, about two hours per day. And guess what, the average Pandora user (I'm talking about the ones who use Pandora, not the ones who register and disappear) has about two listening sessions per day. So, in other words, the daily usage of Pandora is almost exactly equal to the daily usage of music radio among those who consume each." Ramsey concludes the article: "So don't let ill-informed yahoos convince you that Pandora and its like are somehow less "sticky" than the average music radio experience. Nor should you believe that Pandora can hold listeners longer than your music station can."

* A Florida "Conservative Talk Station" is "Moving to the Right" — of the dial. Talk WBOB-AM, Jacksonville, says April 26 will see their ”big move to the right!” The station is being sold to New Covenant Ministries, but the format will survive with a move from WBOB's 1320 to 1460 WZNZ-AM. The latter station — the soon-to-be new home of the Conservative Talk — currently airs Queen of Peace Radio. Starting April 26, most of the conservative talk programs heard on WBOB will move right to 1460 WZNZ — including the current line-up of Bill Bennett, Laura Ingraham, Glenn Beck, Mark Levin and The Wall Street Journal. The Jacksonville Observer reports that "What’s the Buzz?" hosted by Lenny Curry and Cindy Graves will continue to air on the new station, as will the "Jacksonville Observer Radio Show with Tom Patton." WZNZ Station Manager Henry Hoot says, “Our board of directors heard from hundreds of loyal WBOB listeners who want this great programming to continue. The sale of WBOB will be complete before the end of April and we look forward to scheduling our conservative talk line up on AM 1460 WZNZ.” There will be a short period in which WBOB programming is simulcast on both frequencies.

* "Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan" KDKA-FM and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette agree to an expanded partnership. The editorial and marketing partnership will include cross-promotion of new content to be unveiled in the coming weeks, reports the Post-Gazette. Some of the new content will include a weekly sports roundtable show as well as high school, college and professional sports programming. "This partnership gives our highly engaged sports audience a true power play: They will have a new way to connect with the Post-Gazette's award-winning coverage, and they will have greater access to the exciting new voice of KDKA-FM Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan," says Post-Gazette President Chris Chamberlain. Post-Gazette columnist Ron Cook appears daily from 10am-2pm on the "Vinnie and Cook" show. Other Post-Gazette personalities are expected to provide content for new shows. In addition, KDKA-FM's programming will be available at post-gazette.com and daily sports headlines from the Post-Gazette will be featured on KDKA-FM broadcasts. Says CBS Radio Pittsburgh SVP & Market Manager Michael Young, "Pittsburgh sports fans are the most passionate fans in the country, and they desire in-depth coverage and lots of commentary on their beloved teams,"

* Jim Mandich, who's fighting cancer, returns to the Miami Dolphins radio team, at least temporarily. Mandich who is fighting bile-duct cancer, will return to the Dolphins radio team next week when he helps kick off three days of coverage of the NFL Draft. Mandich will co-host the first four hours of Fins on the Clock next Thursday on Miami's "South Florida's Sports Animal 940 AM" WINZ, according to The Palm Beach Post. Mandich will be joined on the air by ex-Dolphins Kim Bokamper, Keith Byars, Jimmy Cefalo, Troy Drayton, Sam Madison, Nat Moore, Louis Oliver and Keith Sims. The draft will begin at 7:30pm next Thursday (April 22). Rounds 2 and 3 will start at 6pm Friday, followed by the final four rounds beginning at 10am Saturday. For the first time in three months, Mandich, 61, was heard on-air two weeks ago, speaking with fellow Dolphins analyst Joe Rose on "Sports Radio 560" WQAM-AM. "Still have a long road ahead of me," he told Rose. "This is a tough fight. But I'm up to the challenge." Although Dolphins game-day broadcasts are moving from WQAM to WINZ, Mandich hopes to continue calling games with Cefalo, the play-by-play man.

* A new FM Talk station is coming to South Bend, Indiana, next month, among a series of radio changes there. Conservative talk show hosts Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck apparently will move from WSBT-AM to what was 95.3 WAOR-FM in the first two weeks of May, reports the South Bend Tribune. At that time, 95.3 FM will become "FM News Talk 95.3" – affiliated with Fox News Radio – and billing itself as "Michiana's News Channel." WSBT, in turn, will counter with its own locally originated talk show from 3-5pm, expand the airing of the Dave Ramsey show from noon to 3pm and continue its affiliation with the Mike Gallagher show, running it from 9am-noon. WSBT also will no longer be affiliated with Fox News. Instead, it will use "one of the mainline network newscasts," says Program Director Bob Montgomery. The changes will occur May 10 at WSBT. WAOR's Classic Rock format will move up the dial from 95.3 to 95.7, replacing the Hip-Hop format previously on WLRX-FM (95.7). Eventually, "The Bob & Tom Show" will move over from "103.9 The Bear" WRBR-FM, taking over the morning slot there. Brad Williams, General Manager for Federated Media, which owns 95.3 FM among other stations in the market, says he can not confirm nor deny that the Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck shows will be coming to 95.3 just yet because of a confidentiality agreement with syndicator Premiere Radio Network. "I am just ecstatic that we are going to be able to take and launch this monster news talk on the FM side of things," Williams says. "We have signed the nation's top radio talk shows." Williams says Federated Media's success in Fort Wayne with the news talk format was the impetus for the change. Williams also says that longtime local radio and TV personality Gary Sieber will host a local morning show on 95.3 FM featuring news, sports and weather. WSBT's Montgomery confirms the Limbaugh and Beck talk shows are leaving his station. But, he adds, "It wasn't the blow to the stomach that some people might think."

* Resilient is appealing a decision against its motion for a shareholders committee in Regent's Chapter 11. The approval of Regent Communications' reorganization plan, and the companion rejection of shareholder Resilient Capital Management's motion by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross, is being appealed. Resilient, a 6.6% shareholder, says it still wants a potentially better deal for shareholders of Regent common stock. Resilient told Gross before the ruling that it wasn't satisfied with the 12.8 cents per share offered, which Regent calls "a gift." If, or how much, this will slow Regent's exit from Chapter 11 is not known. Also, will other shareholders again join Resilient in its objections? Sanders Morris Harris, another large shareholder, came forward late last week to back Resilient's proposal for a shareholders committee at the 11th hour. “I believe that the company is being undervalued and that there is substantial residual value for the equity holders that is not being realized,” said a letter to the court's clerk from Don Sanders. Sanders Morris Harris owns over 5.5 million shares — about 13% of Regent’s stock. Some smaller shareholders also wrote to the court in support of a special committee being appointed. However, Gross acknowledged Regent's position that with a shareholders committee, there was little chance the shareholders would do better, and that the $5.5 million “gift” might no longer be available with a substantial delay.

* CBS could see an 8% stock upside if the radio ad market improves in 2010, according to Trefis. CBS’ radio business has seen steady declines in advertising revenues over the past few years, says Trefis. "We estimate that radio business constitutes 13% of the $9.22 Trefis price estimate for CBS’ stock. In comparison, other media companies like Disney, Time Warner and Viacom have little or no presence in the radio market." In its report, Trefis notes that BIA/Kelsey estimates that the radio ad market will begin to slowly recover in 2010. "We estimate that there could be an 8% upside to our $9.22 Trefis price estimate for CBS’ stock if the radio ad market were to grow instead of decline as we forecast. The majority of historical ad revenue declines for CBS’ radio business can be attributed to 1) CBS’ strategy of divesting some of its radio stations and focusing on the biggest and most profitable markets, and 2) declining radio advertisement market." Trefis currently forecasts a decline in the broader U.S. ad market — TV, cable, radio, newspapers, outdoor — in 2010 and a slow recovery starting in 2011. "We estimate that radio’s market share in the total advertising market will decline from about 6% in 2009 to about 4.5% by the end of Trefis forecast period. This implies overall radio market ad revenues declining from about $15 billion in 2010 to about $13 billion by the end of our forecast period." The Trefis report — available here — adds, "Unlike our declining radio ad market forecast, BIA/Kelsey expects that the radio ad market will grow by 1.5% in 2010 and growth rates will range from 2% to 4% in subsequent years."

* Interpublic’s Magna updates its 2010 U.S. Media Advertising Revenue Forecast: U.S. ad revenue is looking up. Magna's new forecast is an update from the company's quarterly report in January. In total, Magna says, it expects media suppliers to generate $164.5 billion dollars of advertising revenue during 2010. Following continued improvements in the economy and an increased likelihood of sustained growth in the near-term, Magna forecasts that excluding Political and Olympic broadcast advertising, on a normalized basis the U.S. ad economy will grow by 1.6% during 2010, ahead of their prior forecast of flat year-to-year growth. Including Political and Olympic advertising, Magna now expects 3.0% total industry growth for 2010. They are also increasing long-term forecasts, now expecting growth to average 3.5% between 2010 and 2015, up from a 2.3% gain previously forecast. For the second quarter of this year, Magna forecasts U.S. media suppliers will collectively generate 2.0% more ad revenue on a normalized basis than they did for the prior year period, even accounting for the very weak economy experienced in early 2009. Normalized Industry revenues will rise from $40.1 billion in Q2 2009 to $40.9 billion during Q2 2010. Although Magna sees television as the largest ad platform and online as the fastest growing, it has some good news for radio. Magna believes radio revenue will grow 1% this year, compared to a 4.4% decline previously forecast. Online advertising will again prove to be the fastest growing medium during 2010. Magna expects 12.8% growth in online advertising revenues, led by 16.8% growth in paid search.

* The new RTDNA/Hofstra Survey finds radio news doing more with less; typical radio news staff is one person. At radio, the amount of news holds steady with the typical radio news staff remaining at just one person. "If anything, radio news is even more centralized now than it has been, with the typical news director overseeing the news on three stations, and more than 80% of radio news directors saying they have additional station responsibilities beyond news," says RTDNA of the annual survey results. For TV, the amount of news on the average station rose to another record high, five hours per weekday, up from last year's record high of 4.7 hours. The survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2009 among all 1,770 operating, non-satellite TV stations and a random sample of 4,000 radio stations. Valid responses came in from 1,355 TV stations and from 203 radio news directors and general managers representing 301 radio stations. Over the next few weeks, RTDNA will incrementally release a series of results from the full survey to RTDNA members including information on how TV news is changing, social media usage, technology development, Web trends and one-man bands. RTDNA Members can access the full data from the survey here. The annual survey is conducted for RTDNA by Bob Papper, the Lawrence Stessin Distinguished Professor of Journalism and chair of the Department of Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations at Hofstra University. This research was supported by the School of Communication at Hofstra University and the Radio Television Digital News Association.   More from RTDNA...

* "America's Morning News" passes 75 affiliates in 10 months on the air; now heard in 10 of the top 25 markets. Talk Radio Network Entertainment and The Washington Times say "America’s Morning News" has attained a milestone in growth, reaching over 75 affiliates in 10 months on the air, adding 39 affiliates in recent months. America’s Morning News, a syndicated morning-drive radio show from Talk Radio Network Entertainment and The Washington Times, "is becoming a leading source for breaking news coverage on radio," says a news release. The show, hosted by the Times' John McCaslin, is now heard in 10 of the top 25 markets. "America's Morning News is the direct result of a close relationship with Talk Radio Network Entertainment, the Washington Times, and all of our valued syndication partners, and we are ahead of schedule in securing additional stations," says TRNE CEO Mark Masters. "Working together, we've developed a next generation Talk radio program that is rapidly gaining national audience share. Our collaboration with the Washington Times has positioned America's Morning News for an audience hungry for this unique and innovative blend of content."

* Clear Channel KRPT-FM, San Antonio, flips from Country "92.5 The Outlaw" to Talk as "92.5 The Patriot." The new talker, launched Thursday morning (April 15) at 9am (10am ET), is using the slogan "Common Sense, Values and the Love of the Country." The lineup of mostly syndicated talk shows includes Phil Hendrie, Dr. Laura, Mancow, Michael Savage, Neal Boortz and Clark Howard. Co-owned "NewsRadio 1200" WOAI-AM Program Director Peter Bolger adds programming duties at "The Patriot." Says Clear Channel San Antonio President & Market Manager Matt Martin, "It's has been a great run with The Outlaw and the Texas Country format. It is one of my personal favorites, but 92.5 The Patriot is a perfect compliment to the blowtorch, 1200 WOAI, and fills a need in the market for a second compelling Talk radio station. We have built tremendous partnerships with our clients on 1200 WOAI and Ticket 760. I am excited about this unique opportunity to offer an additional highly qualitatively superior audience solution." The new station is now online at www.925thepatriot.com — which displayed a countdown until the launch of the new format. A chance to hear the station is available from a streaming audio link on the site.

* WPLJ-FM, New York, Music Director Anthony Mascaro is promoted to Operations Manager. "Tony has been a tremendous asset to the WPLJ Programming Team since he rolled through the door from Providence," says Citadel Programming VP Scott Shannon. "He certainly deserves this recognition and promotion." Mascaro has been WPLJ's Music Director since 1997. He "rolled through the door from Providence" from WPRO-FM. Mascaro is a multiple recipient of the "Music Director of the Year" Award from Billboard. "Tony has done a terrific job here at 'PLJ; he has been instrumental in maintaining our audience shares in New York City's highly competitive marketplace," says WPLJ-FM and WABC-AM President & GM Steve Borneman.

* Veteran AC programmer Jim Ryan joins CBS Radio, two years after leaving Clear Channel to start a consultancy. Ryan joins CBS as VP of AC Programming, and will also directly program "Fresh 102.7" WWFS, New York, and "Fresh 105.9" WCFS, Chicago. At Clear Channel he was SVP of AC Programming, and the longtime Program Director of New York's AC ratings leader WLTW. When he exited those positions, his content consultancy listed WLTW and parent Clear Channel Radio as clients. Ryan was once called "AC's Main Man" in an article two years before he left WLTW. "Jim Ryan commands the throne of AC radio in the United States," said the write-up. As Ryan takes over programming WWFS, current PD Brian Thomas, who has been doing double duty, will focus on Classic Hits WCBS-FM, and continue providing oversight for CBS Radio's Classic Hits stations as CBS Radio VP of Classic Hits Programming. In Chicago, the "Fresh" PD slot was vacant. Says CBS Radio Programming SVP Greg Strassell, "Throughout his illustrious career, Jim has been a force to be reckoned with in the Adult Contemporary community, having programmed some of the top stations in the country. CBS Radio has been aggressive in expanding its AC offerings and targeting the female demographic and we have no doubt Jim has the passion and know-how to help us further achieve our goal." Ryan adds, "CBS Radio is known for being a destination where the industry's strongest programmers grow and thrive. It is with great anticipation that I become a member of this elite team, and I am truly honored to be working with such leaders in the industry. I look forward to raising the profile of CBS Radio's already distinguished AC stations, and working with the company's immensely talented programming teams to reinforce and grow these notable assets."

* Radio voice and TV face Sean Hannity — missing in action? Hannity was scheduled to air his Fox News TV program from a Tea Party rally in Cincinnati Thursday night (April 15). But the live remote telecast was cancelled, and instead the show aired from a New York studio. At first, it was said that Hannity had a “family emergency.” There were also reports that some at the rally were told a “technical issue” forced the cancellation. But, in the end, Fox News explained it cancelled the telecast. "FoxNews never agreed to allow the Cincinnati Tea Party organizers to use Sean Hannity's television program to profit from broadcasting his show from the event," said Bill Shine, executive vice president of programming. "When senior executives in New York were made aware of this, we changed our plans for tonight's show." Fox New said Hannity returned to New York once it became apparent that the local Tea Party organizers were raising money based on his widely-promoted attendance at the rally. Network executives said they had not been aware Hannity was being billed as a headliner or that event organizers were charging an admission fee to Hannity's show. Hannity had promoted his expected presence at the rally for a week on his prime time program. Samuel "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher, who campaigned for Sen. John McCain and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin during their unsuccessful presidential bid and was scheduled to be a guest on the broadcast, announced to the Cincinnati crowd that Hannity would not appear. The rally, however, continued with a sellout crowd of thousands, although some who had paid said they wanted refunds. There is no mention of what happened on Hannity's radio program Website, and so far there's been no comment from Premiere Radio Networks which syndicates his radio show.

* Spanish Broadcasting System resumes encoding for PPM, as a tentative agreement is reached with Arbitron. TPMedia has confirmed that SBS has resumed encoding its radio stations for Arbitron's Portable People Meter ratings service in five markets where the PPM service is now currency in which SBS has stations — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Miami. A total of 19 stations are involved. A court filing says SBS and Arbitron expect to file a settlement of their dispute April 29. Spanish Broadcasting System and Arbitron are reported close to an agreement that would end the legal battle over PPM encoding by SBS, which had stopped the encoding with court permission, after an initial cessation resulted in a temporary restraining order being obtained by Arbitron. We are told that legal teams for SBS and Arbitron hope to finalize a tentative out of court settlement to their two-month old legal battle within the next two weeks. We have now received confirmation from an SBS source, on the condition of remaining anonymous, that an agreement in principle has been reached, and encoding has been resumed ahead of the finalization of the agreement later this month. No other specifics of that tentative agreement are as yet forthcoming. March 31, New York Supreme Court Judge Shirely Kornreich lifted her order forcing SBS to keep encoding PPM, and the two sides were to appear before her again tomorrow (April 15). Both sides were urged to negotiate a settlement to their dispute. Since then, there've been reports of discusions, which Arbitron has previously confirmed. Although an official joint statement on the latest developments is pending, we are told that tomorrow's court session is to be postponed until the final details of the dispute resolution are completed. At that time, it's expected that the court will be asked to dismiss the pending case, or at least place it in abeyance.

* Spanish public radio KDNA, Yakima, WA misspent nearly $59,000 in public funds, according to a CPB audit. The latest trouble for the long troubled noncommercial FM station also includes an audit report that it did not file accurate financial reports and did not adequately notify the public about board meetings. The audit, conducted by the Inspector General for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, reviewed the station's finances in 2007 and 2008. CPB is the station's primary source of revenue. The Spanish radio station's interim manager says she's taking aggressive steps to get KDNA's finances in order and follow guidelines for public information and public meetings, reports the Yakima Herald, which has followed the previous controversies leading to the ouster of the station's former manager — reports frequently repeated by TPMedia. "Radio KDNA" – as it is known – "has been producing educational noncommercial programming for the Spanish-speaking of Washington state since 1979," according to its Website. In his 24-page draft audit report, Inspector General Kenneth Konz suggests the CPB's management consider withholding $104,161 in federal funds KDNA is scheduled to receive later this year "until the station adequately demonstrates compliance with CPB Communications Act requirements for open meetings, financial reports, EEO, and donor lists." Konz also recommended that the station be required to return nearly $90,000 in funding. "Future entitlements may be jeopardized by continuing noncompliance," the report said.

* NextMedia's "95 Rock" WIIL "moves" from the Chicago market to the Milwaukee market. Actually, the station changes its city of license from Kenosha, WI, which placed it in the Chicago market, to Union Grove, WI, which puts it in the Milwaukee market. That removes WIIL from the "over-the-cap" status it had as NextMedia reorganzies. And that means the station does not have to be sold. No other changes are made — same call letters, same frequency, same format, same staff, same Website. NextMedia is spinning off two other stations that will lose their exemptions from FCC caps with the reorganization of the company, as it prepares to exit Chapter 11. NextMedia filed for Chapter 11 last December, one day behind Citadel. According to its filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for Delaware, NextMedia owed $162.3 million to its first lien lenders, headed by Wilmington Trust as agent, and $89.6 million to second lien holders, headed by NexBank. NextMedia owned 36 radio stations in seven medium and suburban markets and some 5,200 billboard faces in six markets, at the time of its filing.

* A bankruptcy court okays Regent Communications' reorganization plan, rejects Resilient's delay motion. Friday (April 9), U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross heard arguments on Resilient Capital Management's motion to delay the proceeding for the appointment of a special committee representing current shareholders. Gross promised a Monday (April 12) ruling to either approve Resilient's motion or to confirm Regent's reorganization plan. He chose the latter. Resilient claimed Regent's proposed $5.5 million “gift” to shareholders undervalues the true worth of the company. Under Regent's bankruptcy plan, shareholders will receive approximately 12.8 cents per share, which the company calls "a gift." Oaktree capital, Regent's largest secured creditor, will become the primary owner of Regent Communications. Resilient was no longer alone in seeking a special shareholders committee. Sanders Morris Harris, another large shareholder, came forward to back the proposal at the 11th hour. “I believe that the company is being undervalued and that there is substantial residual value for the equity holders that is not being realized,” said a letter to the court's clerk from Don Sanders. Sanders Morris Harris owns over 5.5 million shares – about 13% of Regent’s stock. Some smaller shareholders also wrote to the court in support of a special committee being appointed. However, Gross acknowledged Regent's position that with a shareholders committee, there was little chance the shareholders would do better, and that the $5.5 million “gift” might no longer be available with a substantial delay.

* Tribune Company files its reorganization plan with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The plan, Tribune said, would "keep the company intact, reduce its debt, and provide it with sufficient liquidity to expand its business in the future." Tribune filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in December, 2008, and has continued operating its newspapers, broadcasting assets and interactive properties without interruption since then. Tribune's one radio property is News-Talk WGN-AM, Chicago. The reorganization plan, which must be approved by Tribune's creditors and the Court, is expected to enable the company to emerge from bankruptcy later this year. "Tribune's leadership team and employees have done an outstanding job of stabilizing and refocusing the company's business," says Chairman Sam Zell. "Today's filing represents a significant and positive step forward for the business." Tribune CEO Randy Michaels adds, "We continue to transform Tribune into an industry-leading media company, improving our competitive position. This Plan better positions us to continue serving our users, readers, viewers, listeners and advertisers across our media platforms and gives us an opportunity to expand our business upon emergence from a solid financial base." Last week, as we reported then, Tribune said it had come to an agreement with its major creditors that would have the senior credit facility lenders controlling 91% of the equity in a reorganized Tribune, while holders of senior notes would be repaid in cash, debt, and stock. That agreement is part of the Tribune reorganization plan. Tribune says it expects to continue its recently implemented retirement plan, with a 401(k) and profit-sharing, while the employee stock ownership plan is terminated.

* A large group of senior creditors in Tribune's bankruptcy case is attacking a proposed settlement. The creditors are insisting that Tribune Co. Chairman Sam Zell and the company's board of directors share in the cost of any resolution of the 16-month-old case. The Los Angeles Times reports the group also decried a proposal in the settlement agreement that calls for as much as 7.5% of the company's equity to be set aside for management compensation programs, diluting the value of other new shareholders in a reorganized company. The creditor group, which said it represents $3.6 billion, or 42%, of the most senior level of Tribune debt, is composed largely of hedge funds and led by distressed-debt investor Oaktree Capital Management. The group filed court papers Monday (April 12) calling the settlement proposal "internally inconsistent and unfair" and saying that it offered Zell and others immunity from legal claims arising from the company's failed 2007 leveraged buyout without asking for anything in return. "This is a settlement made possible with 'other people's money,' " the group's filing said. It vowed that a reorganization plan based on the settlement would be "dead on arrival." Tribune, which owns WGN-AM, Chicago, would not comment on the filing.

* Broadcast news executives are pessimistic about journalism's future, and think broadcast news is going in the wrong direction. That's only one item from a survey of more than 350 news executives, conducted by the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism in association with the American Society of News Editors and the Radio Television Digital News Association. The survey finds news execs applaud cultural and techological changes in their industry but are lukewarm about charging for online content while worried about how to find new revenue streams. The broadcast news executives are noticeably more pessimistic about journalism's future, by a margin of nearly two-to-one — 64% vs. 35%. One of the key findings of the survey — available here — is: "Fewer than half of all those surveyed are confident their operations will survive another 10 years—not without significant new sources of revenue. Nearly a third believe their operations are at risk in just five years or less. And many blame the problems not on the inevitable effect of technology but on their industry's missed opportunities." Nevertheless, only 10% say they are working on plans to require payment for online content. Most of the online effort is focused instead on more conventional revenue sources. Display and banner online advertising, for all that it has failed to grow, is still the Number One area of effort and the one on which news executives pin their greatest hopes. The survey report also indicates that most news executives think the Internet is changing the fundamental values of journalism. Six out of 10 feel this way — though executives from broadcast operations do so more than executives from newspapers. And their biggest concern is loosening standards of accuracy and verification, much of it tied to the immediacy of the Web.

* Sirius XM Radio says it added 171,441 net subscribers in the first quarter of 2010. That compares to a net subscriber decline of 404,422 in the first quarter of 2009. The satcaster ended the first quarter with 18,944,199 subscribers, an increase of 344,765 over the year ago quarter. In further highlighting its first quarter 2010 subscriber growth, Sirius XM also says that gross additions increased by 29% and deactivations decreased by 11% compared to the first quarter of 2009; self-pay churn improved to 2.0% for the first quarter of 2010 from 2.2% for the first 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 first quarter of 2010 to 45.2%, up from 44.6% for the first quarter of 2009. "Our subscriber results represent a remarkably positive turn from the year ago quarter, reflecting the broad appeal of our unrivaled programming, the benefits of a recovering auto industry and an improving economic environment for consumers," says CEO Mel Karmazin. "We also expect to report solid revenue growth and strong growth in pro forma adjusted income from operations for the first quarter of 2010." Sirius XM plans to release first quarter 2010 financial results next month.

* HD Radio is given a date to power-up — May 10. The Federal Register has published the FCC's order authorizing the previously announced power upgrade for HD Radio, indicating the order takes effect May 10. That's the date most FM stations may increase digital power to 6% of analog power — from the current 1% maximum. The stations must first give notice to the FCC within 10 days of effecting the increase. May 10 is also the date that FM stations can ask for permission to increase their HD Radio signals to between 6db and 10db through an informal application to the FCC showing that the upgrade will not cause interference to analog stations. The FCC order, issued in January, applies to all FM stations except those already operating in excess of class maximum power. The order also includes a procedure for resolving interference complaints.

* Conservative radio talk show host Paul Beaudry is running for Congress as a Republican. Beaudry resigns from "True North Radio" which airs on "Radio Vermont" WDEV-AM-FM, Waterbury, VT, to seek Vermont's congressional seat now held by Congressman Peter Welch, a two-term Democrat. “I have given my two weeks notice,” after four years hosting the call-in show, Beaudry said in a telephone interview with Vermont News Guy. Now, WCAX.com reports Beaudry says he's seeking the Republican nomination to run against Welch, casting himself as a fiscal conservative who will represent Vermont's independents and conservatives if elected to Congress. The 47-year-old Beaudry says he's decided to run because of concerns about the national debt, the war on terror, the economy and energy. Republican Keith Stern, a small business owner, is also seeking the Republican nomination.

* Comic Steve Harvey is bringing his syndicated morning radio show to television. The simulcast will begin this fall on Centric, the spinoff network to BET that appeals to older viewers. "The Steve Harvey Show" — syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks — airs on some five dozen radio stations nationwide. Harvey, of course, is no stranger to television. He formerly starred as Steve Hightower in a weekly sitcom on The WB Network, now the "W" in The CW. BET also says that Academy Award winner and former radio host Mo'Nique will return for a second season of late-night comedy. When she left her Radio One syndicated afternoon radio show, a year ago, Mo'Nique (Monique Imes) said she was doing so to "further her career in television, film, and comedy."

* American Forces Radio Network adds Dial Global’s syndicated Country “The Lia Show,” starting next week. Hosted by Lia Knight, the night offering will be satellite beamed into 175 countries to U.S. military personnel, as well as to staff at American embassies and consulates worldwide via AFN's Mainstream Country channel, beginning Monday (April 19). Back in the U.S.A., “The Lia Show” is aired on more that 160 radio stations.

* Pat Cassidy is returning to morning news anchor at WBBM-AM, Chicago, after 18 months as a talk show host. CBS-owned All News WBBM announced Cassidy's return to his old job, Monday (April 12). But will his detour from news anchor to opinionated talker affect the way listeners perceive him? “I don’t think it’s going to have a major impact,” Cassidy tells Chicago media reporter and Vocalo.org mainstay Robert Feder. “I think a percentage of the audience — if not a large percentage of the audience — still viewed me as newsman when I was doing the talk show. I never lost that image to a lot of people.” Feder writes, "Declaring he was 'happy to be back on the best radio news team in America,' Cassidy, 59, will officially rejoin longtime anchor partner Felicia Middlebrooks next week" — from 5-10am weekdays. “I can hardly wait to feel the energy in that newsroom during the first big breaking news story,” he said. “I get a real rush out of it. I can hardly wait for that to happen. . . . I hope to be able to pick up right where I left off.” For Cassidy, says Feder, it marks the end of an ill-fated venture that began in 2008 when he jumped to Citadel Broadcasting News-Talk WLS-AM in hopes of reinventing himself as a politically conservative talk show host. The prominent role he expected at WLS never materialized after ratings for Don and Roma Wade’s morning show suddenly sprang back to life under Arbitron’s PPM. That left Cassidy to make the best of a two-hour midday slot he shared with Mancow Muller — turning them into radio’s version of “The Odd Couple” — until management pulled the plug on their show in February.   More from Robert Feder at Vocalo.org...

* Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, signs a new three-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. The new deal will keep Blackhawks hockey on WGN, the Blackhawks' flagship station, through the end of the 2013-14 NHL season. The team has been with WGN since the start of the 2008-09 season. John Wiedeman continues as the play-by-play announcer; Troy Murray serves as the color analyst. Says WGN VP & General Manager Tom Langmyer, "This is tremendous for our listeners who have the chance to connect with a great 'radio sport.' There's nothing like the magic of radio play-by-play and we're thrilled to continue to bring the excitement Blackhawks hockey to our listeners. WGN's partnership with the Blackhawks was built on belief. From our previous relationship with [team president] John McDonough and [SVP of Business Operations] Jay Blunk, we knew when [owner] Rocky Wirtz hired them, this was going to be big. Since then, we have both worked hard in rebuilding our respective brands in Chicago."

* The NAB says NAB Show attendance is up this year — to 88,044 from 82,650 last year. "Content professionals from across the globe turned out in force at the NAB Show, and we're delighted by the extraordinarily positive feedback from both attendees and exhibitors," says NAB EVP Dennis Wharton. "The uptick in attendance and dazzling technology on display here in Las Vegas demonstrates again the NAB Show's enduring popularity and status as the premiere global event for the content marketplace." Of a total of 88,044 registered attendees, some 23,900 are international, according to the attendance figures for the 2010 NAB Show, released by the National Association of Broadcasters. Those international visitors represent 156 countries. News media personnel accounted for 1,153 in attendance. The final 2009 attendance total was 82,650.

* The NAB names Crystal Radio Awards winners at the NAB Show in Las Vegas. Bonneville leads with four of ten. The awards are given each year for community service. Bonneville, with four Crystal awards, leads the 2010 honorees. The winners, chosen from among 50 finalists were announced at the ASCAP-sponsored Radio Luncheon at the NAB Show. Named are Bonneville's Classic Rock KSWD-FM, Los Angeles; Country WIL-FM, St. Louis; News WTOP-FM, Washington DC; and Hot AC WTMX-FM, Chicago. The other six Crystal Radio Award winners are: Hubbard Talk WFMP-FM, Minneapolis; Regent News-Talk WJBC-AM, Bloomington, IL; Fife Communications Hot AC KCVM-FM, Cedar Falls, IA; South Central AC WIKY-FM, Evansville, IL; Paul Bunyan Broadcasting Country KBHP-FM, Bemidji, MN; and, Lenawee Broadcasting AC WLEN-FM, Adrian MI.

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski is a featured Tuesday morning (April 13) speaker at the NAB Show. Genachowski began by noting it wasn't his first time at an NAB-sponsored gathering in Las Vegas. "The last time I was at an NAB convention I was here … as a broadcaster. It was in the late 1990s, and I was part of the USA Broadcasting team launching stations that had carried HSN. We focused on local sports as anchor programming — expensive — as we launched original programming including local news and children’s — all expensive — against fragmenting audience and ad dollars. Not easy. Meanwhile, of course, we were trying to make sure we got our DTV license applications in on time — protecting our basic must-carry rights, and hoping we might get digital must carry. I know first-hand the challenges of local broadcasting. And I certainly understand the real-world impact on broadcasters of the economic crisis we’ve been suffering through. I have enormous respect and admiration for the many broadcasters who succeed as businesses while providing news and other programming that serves America’s local communities. And who do so in this time of change, as cable and satellite have continued to grow, and as use of the Internet and mobile phones has exploded." And the FCC Chairman revealed his early connection to broadcasting. "By the way, not widely known but true: I was a radio DJ while in high school, spinning disks – literally – on an old carrier-current station. And so I have particular appreciation for the accomplishments of the radio industry. I note with pride that, notwithstanding new sources of audio programming, radio has actually grown its over-the-air audience by almost 10% over the last decade. Through our Media Bureau, we recently authorized a power increase for HD radio. We also updated our rules to let AM stations use FM translators. I appreciate the many voices of thanks on these topics when I visited the floor yesterday. And I was impressed on the floor by what I saw of the work being done on the transition to digital of both radio and TV." A full transcript of Genachowski's prepared remarks, supplied by the FCC, is available here from TPMedia (Word format).

* NAB President & CEO Gordon Smith delivers his first NAB "State of the Industry" at the 2010 NAB Show. Smith used his opening keynote Monday (April 12) to make it clear, the NAB is not about to capitulate on its opposition to the Peformance Rights Act, "First, let's talk about radio and the fee the recording industry wants to levy on stations when they play music. It's what we call a 'performance tax.' Labels like to call it a 'right' or a 'royalty,' but whatever you call it, it's basically a bailout of the major recording companies, three of the four largest of which are foreign owned. I think the American people have had enough bailouts," said Smith. "The economics behind all of this are fascinating. For 80 years, free promotion and free play were the yin and the yang of the music world. Life was in balance. Then a little thing came along called the digital revolution, which the recording industry handled about as well as Louis the 16th handled the French revolution. Technology chopped the head off the record industry's business model. So what did the industry do? It began suing people. The problem is that you can't stop technology with trial lawyers. You know you're in trouble when the health of your business is reduced to suing teenagers. And how's that lawsuit thing been working? Not so great. So now, the recording industry, with desperation in its eye, has decided to bite the hand that feeds it. Who's hand? Ours. In other words - us. In short, the RIAA decided radio stations should pay for promoting the record companies' songs. To fully appreciate the outrageousness of this, recall that just a few decades ago record label representatives were willing to break the law and risk jail time for the economic benefit that radio promotion offers." Making the PRA the main point of his speech, Smith added: "The recording industry, of course, says this new fee is about fairness to artists. A statement that would be hilarious if it weren't so breathtakingly brazen. Under the record labels' proposal, the record company would get at least 50% of the money; the performer would get 45%; and the background musicians would get 5%. But if the record company can't find the performer or the background musicians, it would keep 100% of the money. You know, it's amazing in the age of Google that the record labels are having a hard time finding artists to whom they owe money. According to one report, the labels had trouble locating the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Here's a suggestion: start looking in Utah. And that's not the half of it. Look at the case histories. Artists from Benny Goodman to Count Basie, from the Beatles to Pink Floyd, from Cher to Eminem. And new groups I have never heard of routinely sue their record labels for unpaid royalties. One case alone included 300 performers." The new NAB chief acknowledged the argument that radio should pay to play because new technologies do, and responded to it. "Now yes, satellite radio and the Internet do pay a fee for the songs they play. But what we're talking about here is free, local radio — available to everyone. If you choose to pay to listen to Sirius you won't hear the local news or weather updates on the Elvis channel. And you have to ask, can you name a single Grammy winning artist that would be in that position were it not for radio?" The full text of Smith's "State of the Industry" address at the NAB Show in Las Vegas is available here.

* The NAB Show in Las Vegas served as a showcase for HD Radio. Our Jay Thomas reported that HD Radio was everywhere at the NAB Show. HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital spotlighted the digital radio technology. Jay, a former longtime broadcaster and radio engineer, now an IT Specialist, tolds us the Las Vegas event was a "tekkie's delight." HD Radio-equipped vehicles were on the floor, including a 2011 Ford SuperDuty and a Volvo XC60 in the lobby between the Central and North halls. Also featured were a number of other HD Radio-capable devices, including the Microsoft Zune HD. iBiquity says HD Radio is now available as a factory-installed feature in more than 85 vehicles from 15 leading brands. And receivers are available from a number of major audio brands, including Alpine, Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, and JVC.

* A dozen major media companies will provide print & video content on mobile devices using “Pearl Mobile DTV.” In a joint statement, the companies say the programming is predicted to eventually reach nearly 150 million U.S. residents. It will include live and on-demand video. The companies involved are Belo, Cox Media Group, E.W. Scripps, Fox, Gannett Broadcasting, Hearst Television, ION Television, Media General, Meredith, NBC, Post-Newsweek Stations and Raycom Media. Using existing broadcast spectrum, the service will enable member companies to provide content to mobile devices. The new venture is designed to complement the FCC’s National Broadband Initiative by providing consumers mobile access to video content while reducing congestion of the nation's wireless broadband infrastructure. The service's mobile content network will have the capacity to deliver local and national time-sensitive emergency information to citizens across the U.S.

* Charlie Wilkinson is named President & Market Manager for Clear Channel's five-station Charlotte cluster. Wilkinson most recently was General Manager of CBS Radio's KLOL-FM, Houston, and KMVK-FM/Dallas. He previously was General Manager for Clear Channel stations in both Houston and Dallas. "We are very pleased to welcome Charlie back to Clear Channel," says Eastern Region EVP of Operations Tom Schurr. "He is a talented and accomplished manager and will bring tremendous energy and expertise to our Charlotte station operations." Wilkinson says he's "thrilled to be back with Clear Channel Radio, leading these five terrific stations in the vibrant Charlotte market. I look forward to working with the Charlotte team to continue providing exciting radio programming to our listeners, and results-driven marketing solutions for our customers."

* The FCC's Media Bureau sets details for its April 20 media ownership workshop in Tampa. The workshop, at the University of South Florida in Tampa, will explore the impact of the newspaper-radio cross-ownership ban and the effect these combos have on the quantity, quality, diversity and responsiveness of local news and public affairs programming. Steve Waldman, Senior Advisor to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will moderate the panel with panelists including Robert Dardenne (Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Journalism and Media Studies), University of South Florida Karen Dunlap (President), The Poynter Institute Bernard Lunzer (President, The Newspaper Guild and Vice President Communications Workers of America), Patrick Manteiga (Editor and Publisher), La Gaceta John Schueler (President, Florida Communications Group) and Media General Ken Tonning (President and General Manager), among others. The afternoon forum will be open to the public, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. The public will be given an opportunity to participate by way of an open microphone.

* "The radio business is overconsulted and relies too heavily on focus groups," says a Cape Cod newspaper writer. Additionally, radio relies on "other less-than-passionate ways of recording what people want. Stations all seem to get their marching orders from some giant conglomerate, leaving programmers and disc jockeys out of the loop," writes David Spuria for the Cape Cod Times. That assessment comes in an article on the departure of "Pixy 103" founder Suzanne Tonaire, who left "Cape Cod's Rock" WXPC, West Yarmouth, MA, "after an unprecedented 23-year run." Then the programming, not the stated format, changed — and not for the better, says the Cape Cod Times report. According to the article, "The trend in the rock format of late reflects both economic and programming realities," writes Spuria. "Rock stations are dying. The reasons are legion, but a key factor is the music. Rock music has lost most of its fun appeal." Who is to blame? "Ownership has a lot to do with this change. Makkay Broadcasting, which had owned the station for many of those years, was a forward-thinking group. It also developed its brand over at WRZE, The Rose, and later acquired WCIB as well. Nassau Broadcasting came in to purchase PIXY and also owns Frank FM. The change in style was not apparent right away. As with all corporate takeovers, things take time to develop." But develop they did, says Spuria. And Rock format fans are not happy with the changes.

* CMT Radio and Westwood One are launching a new weekend version of "CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan." The four-hour weekly program will be available to stations beginning the week of May 10. It will feature highlights from each week's "CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan" broadcasts and will be available to stations throughout the weekend. "CMT Radio Live" airs weeknights from 7pm-midnight, featuring current country music hits and classic favorites, interviews and performances, on-location event coverage and live fan interaction.

* Spanish-language broadcaster LBI Media (Liberman Broadcasting) reports Q4 and full-year 2009 results. Fourth quarter revenues were down 1% from the same period the previous year, while operating expenses were down 67.6% percent in Q4, to $22.8 million from $70.4 million a year ago, when it took an impairment charge of $45.1 million in Q4. Not considering that impairment charge, net operating expenses were down by 9.8%. The Q4 revenues both years came in at $26.1 million. LBI's EBITDA was up 5.6% to $6.4 million from $6 million for Q4 2008. Net income is reported at $200,000 for the final quarter of 2009. That's a major turnaround from a loss of $49.4 million a year earlier. For the full year, net revenues were down 11.5% to $102.9 million from $116.3 million, with radio down 9% percent – to $59.1 million from $65.3 million. Total operating expenses were up 15.7% to $206.3 million from $178.3 million, mostly due to higher impairment charges in 2009. Without the impairment charges, operating expenses would have fallen 7.9% to $79.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA in 2009 was down 19.8% to $34.6 million from $43.2 million. For the full year, LBI saw a net loss of $107.3 million, compared to $87.3 million for 2008, with the added impairment charges partly offset by a $13.1 million increase in income tax benefit. Says LBI President & CEO Lenard Liberman, "While the current economic environment still presents challenges for the broadcasting industry, we are encouraged by the sequential improvement we have seen in our total revenues since the second quarter."

Previously, 12 major broadcast companies reported 2009 year-ending financial results. All of those reports are available from TPMedia in a special section, found here.

* National Spot Radio’s strong first quarter revenue results are rolling into an even better second quarter. That's the assessment of Katz Media Group President & CEO Stu Olds. In his latest memo, he says this is especially positive as Q2 is historically the company's strongest quarter. KMG Consolidated Radio ended Q1 up 19% — and based on business on the books now, Q2 is pacing up 21% year-to-year. Olds says April is up 1%; May, 27%; and June, 31% so far. "While these pacing numbers only reflect business on the book as of today," writes Olds, "this is certainly a very strong start to Q2 and reflects continued and accelerating momentum from Q1. While last year’s second-quarter comparisons are favorable, the depth of this market rebound continues to be driven by broad-based category support, inventory pressure that is pushing up pricing, and radio’s expanding value in the marketing mix." In the seven leading categories, accounting for almost 90% of revenue, most are showing growth, with retail leading the way in Q2, up 59.7%. Telecom is up 44.3%; consumer products, 36.1%; professional services, up 25.8%; automotive, up 10.6%, following a 33.7% first quarter growth from the prior year. The entrtainment category is so far flat. Financial services is down 7.8% after a 2.2% first quarter gain. The list of top second-quarter advertisers includes Verizon, Safeway, Home Depot, Geico, Gneral Motors, Mercedes, Lexus, and Sony Pictures. With the increased demand, pricing is "following first-quarter trends upward." Olds reports that's consistent across all regions and markets. "No-charge and low-charge spots are being reduced and many markets are facing demand that is challenging supply levels," says the Katz President & CEO in his memo. He again offers the same advice from previous memos that staffers should communicate market conditions, cost-per-point clearance levels and the need to get to market placement sooner. "The last-minute environment of 2009 is clearly behind us, so don't let our key customers be surprised by the rapidly changing market conditions in the first half of 2010."

* The New York Post is reporting that Clear Channel has an "Unclear future" and may "collapse." The Post's Josh Kosman writes, "If radio giant Clear Channel Communications can't restructure its debt in the next few years, it will likely collapse, sources told the Post. And that is exactly what some of its large creditors want." Clear Channel, the nation's largest radio station owner, has been unsuccessfully negotiating with some lenders to refinance its crippling debt, a source tells the newspaper. "There have been various initiatives over the last month," said a second source, described by the Post as "close to the situation." It's unclear whether the private-equity owners, Bain Capital and THL Partners, or Clear Channel's creditors first initiated the discussions, writes Kosman. A spokesman for Bain and THL said, "There have been no discussions" between the owners and creditors since they clashed in December. Bain and THL bought Clear Channel in a $24 billion leveraged buyout in 2008. It may take about four years, but if the company can't manage to change its capital structure, it will ultimately default on its $18.4 billion debt, sources said. "The market for refinancing loans is hotter than at any time since the recession, but that's not helping Clear Channel, whose large creditors — Centerbridge Partners and OakTree Capital Management — are not passive LBO lenders." For months, there has been a war between Clear Channel and its creditors. A group of lenders in December threatened to sue the company if it followed through with a plan to raise new debt at its Clear Channel Outdoor subsidiary in order to repay Clear Channel debt. Clear Channel changed the terms of the loan so it did not need approval and raised $2.5 billion, allowing it to pay back enough of its loans to avoid a near-term default. "I don't think they will be able to get away with avoiding them twice," a third source said, according to the Monday (April 12) report.

* Entercom Communications gives Conservation International (CI) $1 million in airtime on its radio stations. The grant will go toward raising awareness around a CI convened coalition called Team Earth, which was created as a platform to address some of the most pressing environmental issues of our day. Kicking off the grant, Entercom and CI produced a public affairs program called “Conversations,” a series of three shows about conservation. “On behalf of all of Entercom, we are delighted to support Conservation International’s efforts around Team Earth and the platform it creates to get this important message out to our listeners” says Entercom Director of Sustainability Jaimie Field. “I’m confident that our company, our partners and our 30 million listeners can make a difference.” The three part public affairs series will cover topics ranging from use of carbon offsets to financing conservation and support for local livelihoods in poor nations to the critical need for freshwater and the amazing world of amphibians. The shows will air on Entercom radio stations across the country and can also be accessed on demand on Entercom.com and on TeamEarth.com. “We are so pleased that our partnership with Entercom is launching through this series of radio shows including two of Conservation International’s closest friends – former Simpsons writer George Meyer and Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam,” says Conservation International Senior Director of Team Earth Julie Blackwell . ““We also appreciate Entercom's support of Team Earth in getting the word out about not only the work we do to conserve the environment, but also what their listeners can do.” This summer, Team Earth will present a series of PSAs that will focus on an ongoing campaign that encourages the fair and sustainable use of the earth's resources through individual action. More about the partnership between CI and Entercom is available at TeamEarth.com.

* An overwhelming majority of Americans are opposed to the FCC regulating the Internet. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 53% of adults oppose FCC regulation of the Internet, with another 19% not sure whether it’s a good idea or not. Just 27% of Americans now believe the FCC should regulate the Internet like it does radio and television. That marks a 22-point drop in support for federal regulation of the Internet since June 2008. Among those who use the Internet every or nearly every day, opposition to FCC regulation rises to 63%. Some 64% of Republicans and 58% of those not affiliated with either major party oppose government regulation of the Internet, while Democrats are closely divided on the question. The survey follows the recent federal appeals court ruling against an FCC effort to impose so-called “net neutrality” rules on Internet providers which would force them to treat all Web traffic equally. But some Internet providers have been attempting to slow the traffic of major downloaders, arguing that they slow Internet service for other customers. The court ruling, says The Washington Post, “could prompt the FCC or Congress to write new rules or laws to more concretely establish the agency as a regulator of Internet services.” However, according to the Rasmussen Reports survey, 34% of Americans think Internet providers should be able to slow down the downloading of large amounts of material so other customers are not effected, while 38% disagree and say the providers should not be able to slow down those large downloads. Another 28% are undecided. Among those who download music or movies from the Internet several times a week, not surprisingly, 72% say Internet providers should not be able to slow large downloads.

* Harker Research: "Is Pandora’s Westergren a Pathological Liar?" — when he "talks down" local radio. "Why are so many statistics and factoids Tim Westergren, Pandora’s founder, utters a distortion or lie?" begins a new Harker Research Radio InSights article. "Is it because he doesn’t understand? Is it because he is misinformed? Or is it purposeful, a willful effort to distort and mislead? Were he just talking up his service, we could let it pass. The problem is that Westergren seems to go out of his way to talk down local radio, fabricating false and misleading comparisons to denigrate local radio." The Harker article then adds, "So we believe it is time to take a closer look at Westergren’s claims." That it does, citing stats claimed by Pandora, and otherwise reported stats that would dispute the online music provider's claims. Just one example: During a recent public session, Harker says Westergren asserted that over the entire history of broadcast radio, less than 100,000 songs have ever been played. "This may be to counter the criticism that Pandora has too few songs in its library, well under a million," notes the Radio InSights article — adding, "A little common sense ought to be enough to shoot this one down. First, only a foolish person would pretend to have an accurate count of how many different songs have been played from (say) 1920 when KDKA signed on." Harker then cites Joel Whitburn's RecordSearch.com. "Joel Whitburn says there have been over 40,000 Pop hits since 1955, over 20,000 Country hits since 1944, and 20,000 R&B hits since 1942. That’s 80,000 hit songs in just three formats. There are a dozen additional formats including Rock, Jazz, Classical, Easy Listening, Adult Standards, Big Band, Spanish, Gospel, and Religion each with their own music that add tens of thousands of songs that local radio stations play today. Then there is the low end of the dial. Eclectic and ethnic stations at the non-profit end of the FM dial probably play 100,000 different songs by themselves. And these are only the songs that can be heard right now. How likely is it that radio has only played 100,000 different songs ever? Zero." The full article — and there's much more — is available here from Harker Research.

* Citadel’s Adult Variety Hits “Mix 106.7" WMHX, Harrisburg, PA. flips to "90s and Today" as “Channel 106.7.” The entire staff of “Mix" is out with the change. WMHX became “Mix 106.7" at the start of July 2005, when the Adult Variety Hits format replaced CHR-Top40 "106.7 Coolpop." Citadel has recently launched other 90s Hits stations using an “X” branding, such as "Gen X" in Baton Rouge and "Music For Generation X“ in Memphis. However, in Harrisburg, WMHX's sister station is Active Rock “105.7 The X” WQXA, precluding the "X" for the new 90s and today format. “Channel 106.7” is now online at www.mix1067fm.com.

* Emmis Communications executives will receive bonuses only based on achievements under a new bonus plan. The Emmis Board of Directors has just approved the new plan which ties the payment of bonuses to "the attainment of specified EBITDA goals." According to an SEC filing, Emmis will determine quarterly whether the goals were met for domestic and international radio, interactive, and total company EBITDA. Each participant in the bonus plan will have a quarterly goal. If the goal is met, and a bonus is due, it will amount to 20% of that person's target bonus. At the end of the year, the board will look again at whether goals were reached, and if an annual bonus is due, it will be the individual's annual target amount less any quarterly bonus payments. Emmis tells the SEC that there will also be an "excess bonus pool," with 10% of the amount by which the company EBITDA exceeds the annual goal. Each participant who achieves their specified EBITDA goal will also be part of that bonus pool, in proportion to their target bonus amount. The new plan covers Emmis' current fiscal year which ends February 28, 2011.

* A 27-year-old Charlottesville broadcaster dies after being shot along with a woman companion. Timothy Davis, who was Operations Director for Charlottesville-based noncommercial WNRN-FM, was shot as was the woman, as they watched a sunset. We learn today that he has died of his injuries. The woman has since been released from the hospital. WNRN Board Chairman Maynard Sipe says, "All of us at the station understood over the past few days that Tim’s condition continued to be critical, but news of his passing is still a shock. Everyone associated with the station is grieving." The FBI and several Virginia agencies investigated the shooting, and now say a suspect has been arrested. WNRN, aired on eight frequencies throughout Virginia, announced a Monday afternoon (April 12) memorial service for Davis on the station's Website. We originally reported the shooting incident last week, in an item that is now found on TPM NewsPage2.

* Retired Cox Vice President of Research Tom McClendon dies Saturday (April 10) at the age of 62. He died from a kidney infection complicated by pneumonia and weakened lungs, according to Cox Radio. In a note to staff, CEO Bob Neil says, “Most of you know that Tom was Broadcasting’s longtime VP/Research, and has been serving as a Consultant for us since his retirement. Tom was a friend to me from the moment I walked in the door at Cox in 1986, and was a champion of finding out what our viewers and listeners wanted from us. Many of the research tools we use today have Tom’s fingerprints all over them. I have asked his wife Lynne to let me know when the Memorial Service is, and I will pass it along when I get it."

* A Pennsylvania judge rules a radio host can continue using his airname at a rival station. In a 13-page ruling), Judge Terrence Nealon denied a request for a preliminary injunction sought by The Scranton Times LP, which operates "Rock 107" WEZX, Scranton, to prevent radio personality John Gasper from using the name "John Webster" when he started his new show Monday (April 12) on "NewsRadio" WILK-AM-FM, Wilkes-Barre, owned by Entercom. WILK reports the judge's ruling on its Website, and offers a link to the judge's full ruling on the case. The station reports that John Webster worked for WEZX for 25 years before quitting a few weeks ago to pursue talk radio at WILK. He replaces Kevin Lynn who was a talk host at WILK for more than seven years before being let go in late March. "The Morning News with Webster and Nancy" debuts on WILK on Monday morning 6-9am. The Citizens Voice newspaper, reporting on the judge's weekend ruling, writes: "In reviewing Gasper's contract with The Scranton Times, Nealon wrote that The Scranton Times 'merely acquired the non-exclusive right to use that name in advertising and publicizing the 'Daniels & Webster' show," and that 'nothing expressly grants The Scranton Times sole and exclusive ownership of the performer's on-air name, 'John Webster.' " Nealon noted that The Scranton Times has not determined what the new format will be for its morning radio show on "Rock 107," nor has it decided who the hosts will be for that program. The judge said it is possible the station may hire a new co-host and continue to call the program, "Daniels & Webster." Gasper was co-host of the "Rock 107" morning show "Daniels & Webster" from 1985 until last month.

* Kidd Chris is once again involved in controversy for an on-air stunt, this time at KUFO, Portland. He finally got back on the air when Alpha Broadcasting's KUFO hired him after a long absence from on-air radio, after being fired from WYSP, Philadelphia, over a racist song performed live and then repeated several times. Now, Chris Foley was reported missing in action after a stunt at KUFO drew the attention of federal government agents. He wasn't on the air Friday morning. His Kidd Chris page at KUFO.com was blank, through the weekend, except for the explanation: "Content embargoed for on-going investigation." It's now back to normal, however. All of this came after Secret Service agents visited Alpha Broadcasting Portland, to investigate a report of money bleaching. The agents were sent to Rock "101 KUFO" Thursday morning (April 8) after hearing that "The Kidd Chris Show" had been broadcasting a "how to" class on bleaching and counterfeiting money, said a Secret Service representative. Portland's "Fox 12" KPTV reported that during the show, Kidd Chris or his associates were bleaching genuine currency, the Secret Service official said. Bleaching currency is a federal offense. The agents told Kidd Chris to stop bleaching the money immediately and he obliged. Secret Service officials said they did not expect criminal charges to be filed against the station or Kidd Chris. Many listeners posted comments on KUFO's Facebook page asking why Kidd Chris was not on the air Friday morning. KUFO's responded to fans with the following comment: "When the Secret Service is involved there is only so much we have control over." It now appears that all has returned to normal.

* Former KISS-FM, Chicago, personality "Radio Boy" gets jail time and probation for soliciting teen sex. Former part-time radio host Michael Wawrzyniak, 25, who went by the name "Radio Boy" at "103.5 KISS-FM" WKSC, was sentenced Friday (April 9) to six months in jail for soliciting a 13-year-old boy. Wawrzyniak also was placed on probation for 30 months, and has to register as a child sex offender for 10 years, according to Chicago's WGN-TV. He pleaded guilty last August to indecent solicitation of a child. "You don't appreciate the damage you did," said Judge Blanche Hill Fawell. "You have minimized the damage." The radio station earlier said he was fired the day after his arrest in January 2008. Assistant DuPage State's Attorney Enza LaMonica said Wawrzyniak, of Chicago, communicated with the boy over the MySpace social networking Website. Police were called after his parents discovered their son had intimate contact with Wawrzyniak. An undercover police officer posed as the boy over the Internet and arranged a meeting, at which Wawrzyniak was arrested. LaMonica asked for a 4 1/2 year prison term, out of a maximum of five he could have received. "He was out there seeking children to abuse," LaMonica said. "This victim was not even close to the legal age." Wawrzyniak has another charge pending of possession of child pornography. Before the arrest, Wawrzyniak was a weekend disc jockey and did production work at KISS-FM.

* Radio personality Roy Daniel "Dusty Dan" Baldridge is sentenced to five years in prison on child porn charges. The former Lexington, KY, morning personality had admitted to two counts of possession of child pornography in a plea deal, under which two additional charges were dropped. Friday (April 9), he was sentenced to five years on each of the two to which he pleaded guilty, with the sentences to run concurrently. Baldridge, as "Dusty Dan," had been part of the morning show on "98.1 The Bull" WBUL, Lexington, KY. Police say that they found 500 images on Baldridge's home computer. The most explicit images showed boys engaged in various sexual acts. Baldridge will also be required to be registered as a sex offender for 20 years. Baldridge was orginally arrested last October, and charged with receiving stolen property and possession of a defaced firearm after two men allegedly broke into his house and took a firearm that was previoulsy reported stolen. The burglary investigation lead police to Baldridge's possession of child porn. The grand jury ultimately dismissed the firearms and stolen property charges. Baldridge was fired by WBUL, when he was arrested.

* Former "Real Radio 104.1" WTKS, Orlando, midday host Shannon Burke begins probation violation sentence. Burke was was transferred from the Seminole County, FL, jail to the Orange County, FL, jail to begin his probation violation sentence, ordered earlier this year by a county judge. He just completed six months for guilty pleas to a felony charge of animal cruelty for shooting his dog and a misdemeanor charge of using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol last year. Both charges constituted of a violation of probation from a prior DUI.

* Garry Meier returns to afternoons, as Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, revamps its weekday programming. Meier moves his show to 3-7pm weekdays beginning Friday (April 9). Current PM drive host Steve Cochran shifts to 1-3pm. Greg Jarrett and John Williams remain in their respective 5-9am and 9am-1pm shifts. "Response to Garry's early afternoon show has been great, and we want more people to know he's on WGN Radio," says Program Director Kevin Metheny. "This schedule adjustment gets Garry more starts in front of more listeners, often following the powerful audience magnet of the Chicago Cubs." John Williams will also host a show on CBS Radio's News-Talk WCCO-AM in Minneapolis, where he spent four years prior to joining WGN Radio in 1997. Williams will broadcast from the WGN Radio studios, airing from 9am-1pm in Chicago and from 1pm-3pm in the Twin Cities. "Over the years I've remained in contact with many of my friends at WCCO, including Program Director Wendy Paulson," says Williams. "A few months back Wendy asked if I would be interested in doing some fill in work on WCCO while they searched for a replacement to Don Shelby." Following Garry Meier, Jim Laski will air evenings from 7-10pm, when not preempted by sports broadcasts.

Meanwhile, CBS Radio's "830 WCCO" announces the return of Williams there. "I spent four fantastic years on air at WCCO Radio before going to Chicago," says Williams. "Both stations have a long history, are hugely successful and are pillars in their respective communities. I now get the best of both worlds." Says WCCO Program Director Wendy Paulson, "John is a perfect complement to our afternoon programming lineup with his show from 1 pm to 3 pm and Michelle Tafoya from 3 pm to 6 pm. He has stayed connected to the Twins Cities, he understands our community. He's smart, articulate and is entrenched in the Midwest lifestyle." The WCCO "John Williams Show" will "focus on current events, news of the day, sports, television programs, movies and books with a thoughtful perspective and quirky sense of humor. Williams excels at drawing out listener views on all sides of the issues and his guests never get a pass on the tough questions," says the station's announcement.

* Renel Brooks-Moon returns to mornings at Rhythmic AC "Kiss FM" KISQ, San Francisco, Monday (April 12). She will also continue as the PA announcer for the San Francisco Giants and as a leader in community organizations and charities. Says Renel Brooks-Moon, known around the Bay area simply as Renel, "Who says you can't go home again? I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to my radio home and contribute to the rebirth of Kiss. I can't wait to reconnect with the listeners who I've missed so much." Clear Channel San Francisco Operations Manager Don Parker tells us, "We are excited to welcome Renel back to 98.1 Kiss FM, the Bay’s Old School," "As word of her return gets out, we've been overwhelmed with the positive feedback from KISS listeners, staff and advertisers." Renel replaces Morris, who returns to afternoons. Efren Sifuentes, who has been covering afternoons, is out.

* Mark Kunkel is named Journal Broadcast Group Tucson Director of Sales. Kunkel will oversee sales for Journal's two television stations, four radio outlets and three digital side channels in the Tucson market. Kunkel comes to Journal Broadcast Group from Denver, where for the past five years he was SVP & Director of Sales with a small group that included multi-market and affiliated stations. "Mark brings great enthusiasm and outstanding leadership abilities to all of our stations' sales projects. He is a strong addition to our team," says VP & General Manager Julie Brinks. Says Kunkel, "The many products we have to offer the community positions us like no other media entity in the Tucson market, which makes this a very exciting time for our future."

* Shawneen Thompson joins Radio One St. Louis as Station Manager for Urban AC WFUN-FM & Urban WHHL-FM. Thompson most recently was Sales Manager for CBS Radio's Urban "V-103" WVEE-FM and Talk WAOK-AM, Atlanta. She previously worked for Cox Radio's Rhythmic Oldies WALR-FM and Urban WFOX-FM, Atlanta, as an Account Manager and Local Sales Manager. Says Radio One Regional VP Chris Wegmann of Thompson, "She has proven herself to be a true professional with a positive attitude that gets it done."

* A series of changes at Westwood One's affiliate sales department includes two returning members. Stuart Greenblatt and Rezell Simmons are the returnees. Greenblatt rejoins as Senior Director, overseeing station affiliations for the new line of Harpo Radio products — two shows from Gayle King and Dr. Oz among them. Simmons returns as Regional Director responsible for Urban and Top 40 clearances including the new "Fab 30 with Perez Hilton" and the MTV Radio Network. Tristan Morgan joins as Regional Manager, from Citadel Hot AC WPLJ, New York, and will also be responsible for clearances of Top 40 and Urban content. Nicholas DeGregorio joins as Regional Director coming from United Stations Radio Network, and responsible at Westwood One for affiliations for the VH1 Classic Rock programming and Hot AC Prep Services, plus other long form music shows. Sue Falco moves from Regional Director, Talk division, to National Director of Country Radio. Rich Burg is named Senior Director, Sports. Burg, who joined Westwood One in 2004 as an intern, will now oversee the clearances for all of Westwood One's Sports programming.

* Dallas radio personality Ron Chapman and consultant George Johns launch a new talent consulting firm. The two previously worked at KVIL-FM, Dallas, where Chapman was Program Director. They are now partnering with former KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, General Manager Roy Laughlin to offer consulting services for air talent. The services will include "working labs" at individual stations as well as online Webinars. Audience Development Group Managing Partner Tim Moore tells us, "Here are two gifted people who bring incredible stylistic techniques from the past, into today's talent void, bereft of most of the secrets of pyrotechnic stylistic delivery, at a time when its arguably more critical than at any time over the last 30 years. Ron and George's presence in a radio environment equate to master painters or sculptors as visiting faculty at a great university. Their ability to transfer rare skill-sets to good radio talent is game-changing." Scott Shannon of Citadel Broadcasting says, "With George and Ron, you have two radio legends, who also happen to be great teachers, that's a lethal combination." Chapman is set to be inducted in the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame on April 13 at the NAB Show Radio Luncheon in Las Vegas.

* The FCC releases its new "New" Form 323 – after the latest revisions – and sets another new filing deadline. The FCC Media Bureau releases the latest revision of the "Ownership Report for Commercial Broadcast Stations," FCC Form 323. It is now available on the Commission’s electronic filing system. With the newest version of the previously revised Form 323, the new deadline for filing biennial ownership reports for commercial broadcast stations is July 8, reflecting ownership interests existing as of November 1, 2009. After an earlier revision of the revised form, it was announced there would be another change — this one to allow the Media Bureau to make it machine-readable for data entry, as opposed to requiring manual data entry.

* NPR and NABET conclude contract negotiations, agree on a new five-year contract. The National Association of Broadcast Engineers and Technicians, Communications Workers of America (NABET-CWA) and National Public Radio said Friday (April 9) they've successfully concluded contract negotiations, and a new five-year contract has been ratified by the bargaining unit members with a strong show of support. The negotiating teams focused on two key issues: broadcast recording technicians' jurisdiction, and staffing. The new contract redefines the scope of covered work to support NPR's adoption and use of new technology across the newsroom. It also specified a no-layoff clause for reasons other than budget or programming changes, and proposes a gradual voluntary buyout of up to 17 of NABET's 64 members over the five-year contract term.

* Apple makes an aggressive entry into mobile advertising as it unveils iAd. Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced the new mobile ad platform, knocking Google and saying current mobile ads "suck." The iAd will be built into Apple's new iPhone operating software, and allows interactive ads to be embedded into applications that run on its devices, including the iPad and the iPod Touch. Apple will also sell the ads. The move dramatically ramps up Apple's rivalry with Google, says the New York Post. The Internet giant has an extensive mobile ad network and is gaining market share with its own mobile operating system, Android. But Google is also facing pushback from regulators, with signs mounting that the government will challenge its acquisition of mobile ad firm AdMob on competitive grounds. Jobs said that the iAd will give developers a new revenue stream. "We want to help developers make money with ads so they can keep their free apps free," Jobs said. But Apple also stands to make a chunk of change. Right now it gets a cut of revenue from programs sold through its App Store, but nothing from free, ad-supported apps. It will keep 40% of iAd revenue, while developers get 60%. Jobs said most mobile advertising out there "sucks." When users click on an ad they are usually taken to the advertiser's Web page and must find their way back to the app. Jobs said iAd will display so-called rich media ads -- featuring video and interactive content -- without leaving the app. Jobs Thursday (April 8) showed off the iAd at an event to preview the new iPhone operating system, which lets users multitask by switching seamlessly between third-party apps without draining battery life. Although developers can preview the system now, users will have to wait until summer, when Apple is expected to roll out a couple of new iPhones.

In related news, Apple announces new upgrades to the iPhone software, with the 4.0 OS allowing for multitasking. This will enable users to stream music in the background while simultaneously doing something else. That's a feature the iPhone previously didn't allow. The updated operating system will roll out this summer for the iPhone and iPod Touch, and in the fall for the new iPad .

* Almost half of Americans have profiles on social media sites, says new Arbitron/Edison Research study. The percentage of Americans age 12 and older who have a profile on one or more social networking Websites has reached almost half (48%) of the population in 2010 – double the level from two years ago (24% in 2008), according to the new national survey from Arbitron and Edison Research, The Infinite Dial 2010: Digital Platforms and the Future of Radio. The new study, released Thursday (April 8), also reveals that consumer use of social networking sites is not just a youth phenomenon. While nearly eight in ten teens (78%) and 18 to 24s (77%) have personal profile pages, almost two-thirds of 25 to 34s (65%) and half of 35 to 44s (51%) also now have personal profile pages. The study also shows that 30% of Americans age 12 and older, who have a profile on at least one social networking Website, use those sites "several times a day" compared with only 18% one year ago. "The use of social networking sites has expanded beyond younger consumers, with substantial numbers of Americans over the age of 35 now using social media," says Bill Rose, Arbitron Senior Vice President of Marketing. "Social networking has become a part of mainstream media behavior," says Tom Webster, Edison Research Vice President of Strategy and Marketing. Since 1998, this notable research series has reported on and analyzed consumer use of the Internet, digital platforms and their impact on radio. "Americans continue to hold radio in high regard, with nearly eight in ten saying they plan to listen to as much AM/FM radio in the future as they do now – despite advances of technology" says Arbitron's Rose. "Younger consumers show interest in radio on mobile phones," says Webster. "More than four in ten mobile phone owners age 12 to 24 say they would listen more to FM radio if a tuner were built into those phones."

The Infinite Dial study shows that more people, 12 to 34, discover new music from the Internet than from radio. Some 52% of respondents in that demographic said "Internet," while 32% say radio is their first choice. For the overall results, not broken down by demos, radio still leads at 39% percent to 31% for the Internet. Still, that's down from 2002, when 63% said radio was their first choice, compared to only 9% for the Internet. During Thursday's Webinar on the Infinite Dial study, Rose said that music discovery is "a dangerous image to lose if you are in the radio business." According to Rose, radio must set a "credible image" as a source of new music. Rose later said music discovery "used to be the franchise of AM/FM radio, and it's something radio should be very mindful of protecting."

Key Findings about Radio and Digital Platforms:

• Nearly one in four Americans has listened to audio from an iPod or other MP3 player connected to a car stereo: Although consumers often have to deal with myriad adapters and other barriers to in-car listening, 54 percent of iPod/MP3 player owners have listened to their device in their car; this equates to 24 percent of all persons age 12 and older having listened to an iPod, iPhone or other MP3 player while connected to a car stereo.
• Three in ten 12 to 24s are "very interested" in online radio in the car and on mobile devices: Among those age 12 to 24, 30 percent are "very interested" in listening to online radio in-car, while 28 percent are "very interested" in listening to online radio on mobile devices.
• Consumers say radio station Websites are improved but TV and print sites are leading the local battle: Nearly half of people age 12 and older give credit to radio for improvements in their Websites. Forty-eight percent say that radio station Web sites have gotten more interesting compared to 17% believing them to be worse or less interesting. However, monthly visitation to radio station Web sites (16%) among persons 12+ lags visitation to local TV and local newspaper Web sites.

Other key findings:

• The Internet passes TV as most essential medium in Americans' lives: For the first time, more Americans say the Internet is "most essential" to their lives when given a choice along with television, radio, and newspapers; 42 percent chose the Internet as "most essential," with 37 percent selecting television, 14 percent choosing radio, and 5 percent said newspapers. While television still leads among those over the age of 45, Internet dominates among younger persons age 12 to 44.
• More than six in ten households with Internet access have a Wi-Fi network at home: Sixty-two percent of homes with Internet access have wireless network set-ups in their homes, more easily enabling the consumption of digital media in any room of their home, as more and more devices feature built-in Wi-Fi such as the new Apple iPad.
• Texting has become a daily activity for nearly half of all mobile phone owners: Nearly half of mobile phone owners (45 percent) age 12 and older text multiple times a day. Three quarters of teens (75 percent) and persons age 18 to 24 (76 percent) text multiple times a day compared with nearly two thirds (63 percent) of 25 to 34s; and four in ten (42 percent) 35 to 44s and 45 to 54s (37 percent).
• Broadband access has leveled and growth has stabilized for some digital platforms: Growth of residential broadband has leveled off, with 84 percent of homes with Internet access having broadband connections. The slower growth of residential broadband is associated with little year over year change in weekly usage of online radio (17 percent) and online video (29 percent). The study suggests that expanded use of use of mobile devices and in-car Internet may spark the next wave of growth.

This study, as well as previous studies, may be downloaded free of charge via the Arbitron and Edison Research Websites at www.arbitron.com and www.edisonresearch.com. A total of 1,753 persons were interviewed to investigate Americans' use of digital platforms and new media. From January 25 to February 22, 2010, telephone interviews were conducted with respondents age 12 and older chosen at random from a national sample of Arbitron's Fall 2009 survey diarykeepers and through random digit dialing (RDD) sampling in certain geographic areas where Arbitron diarykeepers were not available for the survey. Diarykeepers represent 51% of the completed interviews and RDD sampled respondents represent 49% of the completed interviews. The study includes a total of 371 cell phone interviews.

* Pandora's online music service is "a game-changer" for U.S. radio listeners, says Vision Critical. The Interactive research and technology firm's new three-country radio study finds a vast difference in the way U.S. consumers with a smartphone are listening to radio, compared to their Canadian and British counterparts. Vision Critical surveyed more than 3,000 adults in the U.S., UK and Canada and found that while those in Canada and the UK are using applications on their smartphone or iPod Touch to listen to AM/FM radio, U.S. users are more likely to use their apps to listen to Web-only radio and music streaming services. Among adults in the US who have listened to online-only radio in the past month, Pandora leads the pack as the favored online music service (42% having listened in the past year), followed by Rhapsody (6%), last.fm (5%) and Yahoo! (5%). The findings come from Vision Critical’s “Radio Futures 2010” study, conducted in February and March of this year. Further survey results will be shared at next Monday’s RAIN Summit West conference in Las Vegas. “This speaks to the kind of transformational impact that Pandora is having in the U.S. marketplace,” says Jeff Vidler, SVP and Managing Director of Vision Critical’s Radio practice. “It’s no coincidence that the one market where we see web-only services trump broadcast radio on smartphone apps is the only jurisdiction where Pandora is legally available – and it speaks to the need for US broadcasters to step up to the plate with their own streaming apps before Pandora owns the distribution channel.” At the time of the survey, nearly one-third (31%) of U.S. smartphone and iPod Touch users said they’ve listened to Internet radio or a music streaming service on their device in the past week. In contrast, just 19% reported listening to an AM or FM station on the same platform.

In the U.K., where Pandora is not legally available but the music streaming service Spotify is, broadcast radio holds a clear edge for listening. A total of 31% of U.K. smartphone and iPod Touch users said they listened to broadcast radio in the past week using the apps on their device, compared to 21% who reported listening to web-only radio or streaming services. In Canada, where neither Pandora nor Spotify is legally available, broadcast radio still dominates, with 14% of smartphone and iPod Touch users saying they have listened to AM or FM stations on the platform in the past week, while only half that many (7%) reported listening to web-only radio or streaming services. Data for this report is based on online fieldwork collected between February 26 and March 8, 2010. Participants include 3,021 engaged online consumers aged 18+ in the U.S. (1,007), U.K. (1,013) and Canada (1,001), randomly selected from Vision Critical’s representative and restricted-access global panels. The Radio Futures 2010 study was developed in association with RAIN (the Radio and Internet Newsletter). Further survey findings will be presented April 12, 2010, at the RAIN Summit West conference in Las Vegas – and the full survey report will be available April 13 from the study’s director, Jeff Vidler.

* Internet ad revenues reach a record quarterly high of $6.3 billion in the fourth quarter of 2009. The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) say the IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report for the full year 2009 shows that while U.S. Internet advertising revenues, at $22.7 billion for the year, declined 3.4% from 2008, there are signs of an emergent recovery in the industry. The fourth quarter of 2009 hit a record quarterly high of $6.3 billion, a 2.6% increase year-over-year and a 14% increase over the third quarter of 2009. Highlights of the report include: Search and display-related advertising continue to represent the largest percentages of overall interactive advertising spend. Search revenues, comprising 47% of the total, amounted to nearly $10.7 billion for 2009, up slightly from 2008. Display-related advertising—which includes display ads, rich media, digital video and sponsorship—totaled nearly $8 billion in 2009, showing an increase of 4% from 2008. One component of display-related advertising, digital video, continues to experience robust growth, with an almost 39% increase from 2008 to 2009. These latest revenue figures underscore the significant share shift taking place from traditional media to digital. Based on industry data from PwC from 2005 to 2009 in five key U.S. ad-supported media (television, radio, newspapers, consumers magazines and Internet), the Internet’s share of combined ad revenue grew from 8% to 17%. “The latest IAB Internet Advertising Revenue Report makes clear that digital media are now a core component of successful advertising and marketing campaigns,” says IAB President & CEO Randall Rothenberg. “As consumers spend more of their time immersed in digital media, marketers are increasingly reaching them there—building brands online and making digital the central force in their cross-media strategies.” David Silverman, PwC Assurance partner, adds: “The record $6.3 billion spent on Internet advertising in the fourth quarter of 2009, while certainly aided by seasonal demand, is a strong indication that the worst of the economic impact on Internet advertising is over and that the seeds of growth have been planted.” More from IAB...

* Cumulus Media teams with private equity firm Crestview Partners to form Cumulus Radio Investors. Cumulus Media, the second largest radio broadcast company in the United States based on station count, and Crestview Partners, a $4 billion private equity firm with a strong media focus, today (April 7) announce the formation of a strategic investment partnership that will seek to invest in premium radio broadcasting companies that present attractive opportunities for significant long-term capital appreciation. The partnership's objective is to deliver significant value and achieve attractive returns through Cumulus' proven skills in radio station management and operations, as well as its proprietary technology platform. Under the terms of the partnership, Crestview will lead an investor group that would invest up to $500 million in equity in the partnership, to be called Cumulus Radio Investors (CRI). Together with debt financing expected to be available through the capital markets, CRI could target acquisitions totaling in excess of $1 billion. Cumulus would provide all management, financial, operational and corporate services to the partnership and its operations pursuant to a management services agreement. Cumulus will be compensated through management fees as well as incentive compensation based on investment returns. Cumulus successfully formed a similar private partnership, Cumulus Media Partners (CMP), in 2006 with three other leading private equity funds to acquire the radio broadcasting business of Susquehanna Pfaltzgraff Company in a transaction valued at approximately $1.2 billion.

Cumulus Chairman, President and CEO, Lew Dickey, says "We are pleased to announce the formation of Cumulus Radio Investors in partnership with Crestview and other investors to uniquely combine the synergies of one of the largest radio broadcast companies with the backing of a strong financial sponsor whose senior partners, Thomas Murphy, Jr. and Jeffrey Marcus, have significant investing and operating experience in the radio industry. We will be deliberate and disciplined in our investment approach, but we are prepared to move quickly to capitalize on the strategic investment opportunities that we believe are available today." Jeffrey Marcus and Thomas Murphy, Jr., both partners of Crestview, tell us, "Crestview is excited to partner with Lew Dickey and the rest of the Cumulus Media management team to pursue investments in the radio industry. The Cumulus Media team has demonstrated the ability to grow radio businesses while achieving significant operational efficiencies. We are confident that our investment and operating experience in the radio industry combined with Cumulus Media's management capabilities and strong technology platform will lead to compelling investment opportunities."

* Tribune Co. – the owner of Talk WGN-AM, Chicago – announces a settlement with major creditors. Tribune Co. filed for Chapter 11 protection in late 2008. The company has reached an agreement with its major creditors that, the company said, is expected to allow it to exit bankruptcy later this year. The agreement is supported by credit facility lender JP Morgan and Angelo Gordon, and by Centerbridge Partners, which holds about 37% of the company's senior notes. Tribune says the agreement will "settle all potential claims arising from the company's going-private transactions in 2007." Some creditors have claimed that the going-private deal led Tribune to take on too much debt. The material terms of the agreement have now been filed with the bankruptcy court. Under that agreement, the senior credit facility lenders will control 91 percent of the equity in the reorganized Tribune, while the note holders will be repaid in a combination of cash, debt, and stock. "We're very pleased that an agreement has been reached, and we appreciate the support we've received form JP Morgan, Angelo Gordon, Centerbridge, and the committee," says Tribune CEO Randy Michaels. "This will enable us to file our plan prior to next Tuesday's court hearing (April 15). It is another significant step forward as we continue to transform our media businesses, attract and retain talented people, and seize opportunities to grow." The reorganization plan must still be voted on by creditors and approved by the bankruptcy court.

* Three creditors seek to force BizRadio into an involuntary Chapter 7 bankruptcy. BizRadio, the embattled Houston-based broadcaster, has faced mounting problems since one of its founders settled an SEC lawsuit in November. Stephen Cook of Houston, Florence Reiley of Bellaire, Michigan, and Kevin Deering, who lives in Argyle, north of Dallas, filed an involuntary petition in U.S. Bankruptcy Court today (April 7). BizRadio has 21 days to respond to the filing. Meanwhile, reports The Houston Chronicle, BizRadio CEO Daniel Frishberg is battling with the receiver appointed in the SEC case. The SEC sued BizRadio co-founder Albert Kaleta and his investment firm, Kaleta Capital Management, claiming they mislead investors about the sale of $10 million in promissory notes. The receiver was appointed to recover money from investors, primarily from BizRadio and Frishberg's own investment firm. Last month, writes the Chronicle's Loren Steffy, the receiver subpoenaed financial records and any other information related to the ties between BizRadio and Kaleta. Even as he was squaring off with the receiver, Frishberg sold BizRadio's Houston station, KTEK 1110 AM, to Salem Communications for $3.7 million, which includes the cancellation of a $1.26 million loan. BizRadio bought the station from Salem for $7.6 million just two years ago. Steffy notes, "Ironically, just a month before the latest sale, Frishberg told a state district judge that he would never sell the station for $3.5 million because it would be unfair to BizRadio's investors."

* A court reporter in a California capital murder case vents on Talk Radio — before jurors reach a guilty verdict. A woman who worked as a court reporter on a capital murder case called into a local radio talk show the night before the jurors reached a guilty verdict, offering her opinions on the case, the defendants and the victim, KPSP-TV, Palm Springs, learned Thursday (April 8). "Please if there are any jurors listening...turn off your radio, I could get in big trouble," a caller to "K-NEWS FM 94.3" — identifying herself only as 'Carol' — said while speaking to the radio station. 'Carol' told the station that she was a court reporter who was working the case of Jamar Thomas, who was convicted Wednesday (April 7) of robbing and murdering former Marine and security guard Wallace Brown. She apparently transcribed the preliminary hearing and may have worked on other hearings in the case, in which prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, sources tell KPSP. In her three minute call, she went into her opinions on both the accused gang members and the victim, former U.S. Marine Wallace Brown, who died days after he was beaten in June 2007 by Thomas and allegedly three other men. "Throw out to all your listeners that these guys were gang members and it enhanced their reputation to kill somebody," 'Carol' said. The penalty phase in Thomas' trial is set for Monday (April 12). Thomas could be sentenced to death or life without the possibility of parole.

* AudienceBakery.com names radio exec Bob Shannon as VP of Client Services, Large Markets & Major Groups. Shannon will lead AudienceBakery's efforts to develop and provide programming solutions and services to major market stations and groups in North America and Europe. Most recently Shannon was a columnist for the now-defunct Radio and Records. Shannon — who formerly was Music Division EVP at TM Century for a decade — tells us, "Despite, or maybe because of the sea change occurring all around us, there's never been a more exciting or challenging time to be in media. Phil Hall, and the team he's building at Audience Bakery, has a unique understanding of and a dynamic vision for the role radio will play over the next decade. My three constituencies will be our listeners, our stations, and our advertisers. On a personal note, it's great to be working with people I've long respected and who believe in our business and its future." Audience Bakery CEO Phil Hall says, "Our commitment is to provide our clients with stellar product that places an emphasis on the value of local, differentiated content," said. "To accomplish this goal, and to provide the level of service we believe our client's need, our bench strength has to be deep. Bob's unique mix of business and creative know-how underlines that commitment."

* Radio veteran Tony Garcia moves to RegionalHelpWanted.com as VP of Local Markets. After 14 years with Jefferson Pilot, then Lincoln Financial, and then Greater Media, Director of Syndication for Bob & Sheri Garcia moves from his former Charlotte base at WLNK to Denver to join RegionalHelpWanted.com, which helps others find jobs. Garcia says he had "a terrific time" working with Bob & Sherry and Matt & Ramona and "the other very talented folks that we've syndicated over the years," but that now he's "very excited about this new opportunity." And he says he will still be "very active in radio." Garcia's last day on the job in Charlotte was Wednesday (April 7). RegionalHelpWanted.com partners with local broadcast stations to design, build and maintain Websites throughout the country. The goal is "to capitalize on the fact that most help wanted advertising is local, not national." RegionalHelpWanted.com is a subsidiary of onTargetjobs, Inc. The company operates over 350 local online job boards in the U.S. and Canada in strategic alliances with media partners in each local market.

* JetCast releases its new customizable UniversalPlayer for Internet broadcasters. "With JetCast’s new UniversalPlayer, Internet radio broadcasters now have a turn-key solution for monetizing their online content," says JetCast Co-Founder Jeff Pescatello. "The only thing Internet broadcasters need to do is promote their stations, the monetization occurs automatically." The new UniversalPlayer provides a number of innovative revenue solutions in addition to the built-in display, in-stream and pre-roll advertising revenue, says JetCast.

* An FTC filing reveals Liberty Media is increasing its stake in Sirius XM Radio. According to a filing with the Federal Trade Commission, Liberty Media plans to purchase an additional stake in the radio satcaster. Nearly a year after Liberty Media put $530 million into Sirius XM Radio in exchange for a 40% stake, the company has apparently decided to buy some more. No public announcements have been made by either company. However, Liberty is restricted from owning more than 49.9% of the company until 2011. The FTC granted early termination of the deal, which constitutes a determination that the agency and the Justice Department won't block the deal during the waiting period under antitrust laws.

* It pays to be Glenn Beck, who made $32 million in the 12 months ending March 1. New York Daily News Political Correspondent Celeste Katz cites Forbes magazine, writing, "His company, Mercury Radio Arts, churns out books, runs a profitable Website, and manages his sold-out appearances." The political writer, though, notes that Beck insists he's not political, even after leading the charge against health care reform, feeding the frenzy of the Tea Party members, and telling his loyalists President Obama has "a deep-seated hatred for white people." Beck tells the new issue of Forbes magazine, "I could give a flying crap about the political process. We're an entertainment company." Beck says, "I aspire to Walt Disney's never-ending quest to try to improve the quality of what he's doing, his never-ending vision of, 'Yes, it can be done.'" Here's where the money comes from, Forbes reports: Publishing (books and Fusion magazine), $13 million a year; Radio, $10 million; Digital/Online, $4 million; Paid Appearances, $3 million; Fox News, $4 million. The linchpin of the Beck moneymaking machine is Christopher Balfe, 31, president of Mercury. Writes Forbes: "Chris Balfe has two goals: building on existing businesses and creating new ones." Balfe's vision for the future: "We have 400 radio stations; we could have 500. We sold 3 million books last year; we could try to sell 4 million or 5 million. We have 5 million [monthly unique visitors] on Glennbeck.com; we could have 10 million." As to the key to his success, there are the occasional pangs of regret, Beck says, but "I think I say the things that people are afraid to say – and sometimes the things people are too smart to say."

* It's "Go Live For 175" at "103.3 Kiss-FM" KSAS, Boise, with Keke Luv's marathon broadcast for a cause. For a third consecutive year, CHR-Top 40 "103.3 Kiss-FM" Program Director and afternoon host Keke Luv will broadcast for 175 consecutive hours. That's seven days without sleep to help create public awareness that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and the important issue that it represents. The radio personality will add an eighth day this year, dedicating it to Robert Manwill and children hurt this year by child abuse. "Go Live For 175" begins today (April 8) and continues nonstop until next Friday (April 16) at 5pm. Peak Broadcasting Boise SVP & Market Manager Kevin Godwin says, "With the tragic child abuse stories we have followed in the Treasue Valley over the past year, 103.3 Kiss FM’s Live for 175 is more important now than ever. Assaults on kids ages one through nine is the second largest cause of death here in Idaho. As a parent, and resident of the Treasue Valley, this is a tragedy. If we can use the significant power of 103.3 Kiss FM to prevent one senseless act, this will all be worthwhile."

* "610 Sports Radio" KCSP-AM, Kansas City, names Shan Shariff as its new midday host. "New School with Shan Shariff" will air weekdays 9-11am starting Monday (April 12). Shariff comes to KCSP-AM from "ESPN Radio 1240" WCEM-AM, Cambridge, MD, where he was the Program Director and afternoon host. He also hosted a weekend show on Sports Talk "106.7 The Fan" WJFK, Washington DC.

* Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network and Fraunhofer IIS partner to offer real-time text news to mobile devices. The texts will include local and national weather, sports scores and news headlines. The text info will be delivered directly to mobile devices in the U.S. through a simple to navigate menu structure. The service is based on Fraunhofer's Journaline data service, which transmits text-based information over digital broadcast systems. "As two of the most innovative products on the market today, Journaline and Total Traffic Network are the perfect match of technologies to deliver the highest quality service for traffic and enhanced information," says Fraunhofer head of Multimedia Realtime Systems Harald Popp. "Total Traffic Network has the ideal platform for news delivery, and Journaline ensures that all information is transmitted quickly, reliably and smoothly, and presented to the user in a convenient way for immediate access." Says Clear Channel Radio EVP of Distribution Jeff Littlejohn, "Total Traffic likes to focus on 'standardized' rather than 'proprietary' solutions. These international standards make it easier for our receiver partners to implement services in an economical and expeditious manner." Total Traffic SVP Lance Locher adds, "This is a natural extension to our offering — our users already rely on us for up-to-the-minute traffic updates and with Journaline technology we’re able to offer them real-time news topics that they care about." Total Traffic Network offers traffic information in 125 metropolitan areas in four countries, with more than 125 million users.

* Schurz Communications enlists Tribune Interactive to provide the digital platform for Schurz's Websites. Schurz is an Indiana-based family-controlled media group with more than 60 newspaper, radio and television Websites. Flagship properties for Schurz, a 138-year-old company, include the South Bend Tribune, along with WSBT-TV, WSBT-AM and WNSN-FM in that market. Tribune Interactive will provide digital technology, syndicated content and customer service for Schurz's Websites, which will be revamped and relaunched this summer, using Tribune Interactive's "Power to the Producers" (P2P) platform. "We're certain that a shared, common platform will let our publishing and broadcast partners collaborate better and compete more effectively in the online space," says Schurz Communications' VP of Digital Kerry Oslund. Schurz operates 16 radio stations, in addition to 11 daily and eight weekly newspapers, 10 TV stations, and other media operations.

* WideOrbit names Doug Bertelmann as a Regional Sales Director for the business software provider. WideOrbit says its radio division has seen tremendous growth in the past year and is currently used by more than 4000 radio and television stations to streamline operations and reduce costs. "I'm very happy to be a part of WideOrbit and their expanding radio sales organization," says Bertelmann. "It's exciting to join WideOrbit during this incredible time of growth. WO Traffic for Radio and WideOrbit Automation for Radio are compelling and powerful solutions that are helping many leading radio broadcasters manage the new complexities of the digital era." Before joining WideOrbit, Bertelmann spent four years as the North American sales and marketing manager for David Systems, a German broadcast automation developer. Before that, he sold radio traffic systems for CBSI which later merged to form Wicks Broadcast Solutions. "Doug is a talented individual, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing radio broadcasting clients and prospects," says WideOrbit VP of Sales Mike Zinsmeister. "Doug's depth of experience will help guide radio broadcasters through their available options, helping them to make informed decisions and arriving at the best possible outcomes based on their needs."

* Saga Communications adds iMediaTouch to four more markets, says OMT. The iMediaTouch, already in operation at 43 of Saga's 91 radio stations, is added in Milwaukee and Des Moines; and will be installed in Springfield, IL, and Charlottesville, VA, in the near future. "OMT is a very responsive company to work with and I get a strong sense that OMT is in a good position to rapidly conceptualize, develop, and deploy the types of changes we will be looking to implement in order to increase the efficiency of our operations," says Saga IT Director Tracy Cleeton. Greg Urbiel, Corporate Director of Engineering, adds, "I feel quite confident that we've discovered both the company and the people who will be responsive to our needs, and a system platform that can anchor our present efforts toward standardization." OMT is a technology solution provider to the media and broadcast industry.

* Westwood One, Radio One, and Regent Communications report 2009 year-ending financial results, including fourth quarter numbers and full year figures. Previously, Clear Channel, Fisher, SBS, Beasley, Saga, Entravision, Cumulus, Salem, and Citadel had reported their year-ender results. NewsPage has assembled all of the reports on one special summary page. You'll find it here from TPMedia.

* A federal appeals court deals the FCC a defeat; issues a blow against "net neutrality," a Commission priority. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit rules the FCC doesn’t have power to regulate how Internet providers manage networks, and vacates a 2008 FCC order that required Comcast to treat all Internet traffic the same and justify its network management practices. The court rules the FCC lacks the authority to regulate Internet providers in that area. The ruling is a blow to proponents of “net neutrality” — the concept that Internet service providers should treat all data equally, rather than restricting access for certain sites, as long as those sites are legal. The FCC issued the order after a 2007 complaint over Comcast's practice of slowing or blocking access to peer-to-peer networks for some customers. Comcast filed a petition for review, citing jurisdictional and other grounds. The FCC argued that barring Comcast from interfering with its customers' peer-to-peer use was "reasonably ancillary" to its responsibilities under the 1934 Communications Act, but the appeals court Tuesday (April 6) ruled the FCC "failed to make that showing," vacating the FCC's order. The ruling gives Comcast a victory for the time being; however, the White House and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski have proposed net neutrality rules and are expected to continue working to give the FCC the authority to enforce equal treatment of traffic through ISP's networks — or to explore applying telephone network common-carrier regulation to Internet providers.

"The court in no way disagreed with the importance of preserving a free and open Internet, nor did it close the door to other methods for achieving this important end," says FCC spokeswoman Jen Howard. According to the Wall Street Journal, "For most consumers, the issue of net neutrality—tech-industry shorthand for the idea that Internet providers should treat all forms of Web traffic equally—is still largely abstract." Big Internet providers say ordinary Web users have no reason to fear restrictions on legal content. But companies like Google Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. that want to profit from offering more Web video and other high-bandwidth services are concerned that some day the big telecommunications companies will use their power to restrict certain kinds of Web content or charge more to deliver it at high speeds. The court's decision prompted calls from Democrats and consumer groups for Congress to pass new legislation to give the FCC more authority to police Internet providers. "They may have won the battle only to face a larger war," says Rebecca Arbogast, a telecom analyst for Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. Inc.

* The FCC extends the "Open Internet" reply comment period, following the court ruling against the FCC. April 6, a federal appeals court ruled the FCC does not have the authority to enforce net neutrality, in an appeal of a prior Commission ruling against Comcast. Wednesday, the FCC extended the reply comment period for its "Open Internet" proceeding to April 26. The original due date for replies was March 5. That was extended to April 8. The latest 18-day extension is in response to requests by the CTIA, the United States Telecom Association and the Open Internet Coalition for more time in order to study and consider the legal implications of the Tuesday ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit.

* "News-Talk 92.3" KTAR, Phoenix, says Darrell Ankarlo will no longer be heard on the station. The station says he will "devote all of his time and energy to recovering from a traumatic brain injury, suffered in a traffic collision a year ago." Russ Hill, director of News, Talks and Sports Programming, told listeners at the end of the Wednesday (April 7) show, "Ankarlo Mornings will no longer be heard on KTAR-FM after today." According to a report on KTAR's Website, Hill said the station was "certainly not happy" about the announcement and had expected that Ankarlo would be "a long-term fixture," spending more than a decade in Phoenix. Things changed one year ago when Ankarlo was involved in a collision on a Phoenix street that left him with a brain injury, said Hill. "The audience is very familiar — because of Darrell's transparency and KTAR's openness — about his journey over the last year and it hasn't been an easy one," said Hill. "Despite an amazing effort on his part to fight and push, go through therapy, do everything in his power to get back from that serious injury that he suffered, he never did return full-time and unfortunately hasn't been able to do that," said Hill. "Moving forward, he is going to be able to devote all of his time to his recovery." While Ankarlo will no longer do his talk show, Hill said he will not be alone as he pursues a full recovery. "Darrell and his family will continue to be supported and continue to be taken care of by KTAR and our parent company until he is fully healthy and able to do what he wants to do full-time again." Scott Sutherland, vice president and general manager of Bonneville Phoenix, said "Darrell is going to spend 100% of his energy engaged in his fight to return to perfect health." He added, "Darrell possesses a strong sense of resolve and I have no doubt that he will overcome any and all challenges that he may face." Ankarlo came to KTAR in 2007 and hosted the 9am to noon talk show.

* A Puerto Rico Congressman asks the FCC to reconsider how it defines local radio markets in Puerto Rico. Rep. Pedro Pierluisi (D-PR, non-voting) makes the request in a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. He says Arbitron considers all of Puerto Rico a single market, while there are actually eight metros in Puerto Rico. "Consequently, individuals in Puerto Rico are treated differently from those on the U.S. mainland, who have the ability to own a greater number of stations because of more appropriate market definitions," writes Pierluisi, a Democrat who represents Puerto Rico. "The geography and size of the island of Puerto Rico make it physically impossible to be one 'market' for purposes of a radio audience. A listener in San Juan cannot hear a station in Mayaquez and vice versa," he added. "Absent implementation of one of these two approaches, there will likely be a decrease in minority ownership of radio stations as broadcasters will be forced to sell their stations." Genachowski says the FCC will be reviewing market definitions in the 2010 quadrennial review of broadcast ownership rules.

* RTDNA announces the 2010 regional winners of the Edward R. Murrow Awards. The Radio Television Digital News Association offers the rewards for excellence in electronic journalism. RTDNA judges awarded 599 regional Edward R. Murrow Awards in 14 categories, including Overall Excellence, Breaking News, Investigative Reporting, and Website. The Murrow Awards reward the excellence that Edward R. Murrow made a standard for the electronic news profession. Overall entries and participating news organizations were both up for the 2010 Murrow Awards. For the first time, online news organizations were eligible to enter in any of the 14 categories; online news organizations were defined as organizations that should, as their principal function, disseminate news and information but are not internal parts of a radio or television station. "I'm excited to see not only increased entries in the awards this year from our traditional television and radio competitors, but also the winning entries from new media newsrooms able to win a regional Murrow Award for the very first time," says RTDNA Chairman Stacey Woelfel. WTOP-FM, a large market radio station in Washington, won 12 Murrow awards, the most given to any news organization. WXIA-TV/WATL-TV in Atlanta won eight Murrows, as did KARE-TV in Minneapolis, both stations were awarded the largest number of Murrows for a large market television station. KCLU-AM/FM in Thousand Oaks, Calif. and KNAU-FM in Flagstaff, Ariz. received seven Murrows each, the most Murrows awarded to a small market radio station. WISC-TV in Madison, Wisc. won eight Murrows, the largest number of awards given to a small market television station. Star Tribune in Minneapolis, an online news operation, won four Edward R. Murrow Awards. Many of the entries focused on communities grappling with the health care debate, state government issues, the gloomy economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. A complete list of winners is available at RTDNA.org.

* The FCC is evacuated for two hours Wednesday morning (April 7) because of an apparent bomb threat. The Hill reports staffers were forced to linger outside the building in 90-degree heat for over two hours. The building in Southwest Washington was evacuated around 9:30am, according to FCC spokesman David Fiske. He said employees returned to the building around 11:30am. Throughout the afternoon, speculation in the media mounted that the FCC headquarters was evacuated because of a bomb threat. Fiske did not confirm that a bomb threat was the cause of the evacuation and referred inquiries to the Federal Protective Service. Sources confirmed to the industry Website Television Broadcast that a bomb threat was the cause. “Several buildings cascaded into the threat warning,” the source told TVB. The evacuation comes just one day after a federal court ruled the FCC does not have the jurisdiction to regulate broadband service provider's network management practices. The decision was a major blow to the FCC's top priority of enacting net neutrality regulations, and also puts some measures of its National Broadband plan at risk. While the timing of the incident is peculiar, there is so far no indication that the evacuation was related to the court ruling, writes The Hill. "After all, bomb threats in federal buildings are not uncommon in Washington."

* Longtime San Diego morning hosts "Jeff And Jer" say they're about to make a comeback. The duo writes on their Website of a forthcoming radio return on a national weekend show. They were last heard on AC "Star 94.1" KMYI, San Diego, until last August when they were unable to reach a contract renewal agreement. On their jeffandjer.com Website, they tell fans, "As the Jeff and Jer Showgram gets close to 8 months off the air in San Diego, which is just about an entire school year, we are able to start giving you some news on things to come! There’s going to be quite a few things to tell you about in the upcoming days to weeks. All of us on the showgram are very happy and we’re all excited. San Diego is our home! We will always be your morning show locally when you get up and get ready for work and get your kids off to school. We will tell you more about that in time. What we do want to finally unveil to you and tell you about today is something really cool. The Jeff and Jer Showgram will have a national weekend show! Weekends with Jeff and Jer! We signed with Roy Laughlin! Roy is a cool dude. He ran KIIS-FM in Los Angeles for many years during Rick Dees and he’s the one that put Ryan Seacrest on the radio and was very instrumental in that as Ryan took over for Rick Dees about 7 years ago. Roy will be leading the way with WEEKENDS WITH JEFF AND JER!"

* Jake Hartford is bringing his Saturday morning talk show back to News-Talk WLS-AM, Chicago. Starting this weekend, “Awake with Jake” will air from 5-7am Saturdays on the Citadel Broadcasting station. Robert Feder at Vocalo.org tells us, "It’s official: After spending two years down the dial — and two weeks in radio limbo" Hartford returns to the station where his show started. "Hartford’s show attracted a large and loyal following on WLS for more than 10 years before he was abruptly fired in a cost-cutting binge in 2008," writes Chicago media reporter Feder. "He’s the latest exile to be brought back by Drew Hayes, who launched the station’s original talk format and recently returned as operations director." Says Hayes, “Jake really is a WLS guy through and through. I only wish we could have gotten him back on in time for his legendary time change show,” referring to, as Feder explains for us non-Chicagoans, "Hartford’s twice-a-year bit in which he instructed listeners to set their clocks back in spring and set them forward in fall. (Speaking of hours, Hayes said the show likely would expand beyond its 5-to-7am slot at some point.)" For the last two years, Hartford has hosted Saturday mornings on Newsweb Radio’s WCPT-AM (820), a Progressive Talk station. “Awake with Jake” was pulled off the air two weeks ago — immediately after news was published by Feder that WLS was courting Hartford to return. Jake Hartford is the airname of Jim Edwards, a lifelong Chicago resident and former producer at CBS-owned WBBM-TV, Channel 2, where he won 12 Chicago Emmy Awards. He began using the Jake Hartford name when he started doing the weekend radio show while still employed at Channel 2.

* Alert FM continues gaining support of state broadcasters associations. The New Jersey and Missouri State Broadcasters Associations join Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee in supporting Alert FM, the FM radio-based personal alerting and messaging system from Global Security Systems. Using existing FM data subcarriers, Alert FM allows local, state and national emergency managers to deliver emergency alert messages to any electronic device with an FM receiver. "In any emergency, FM radio's single-point to multi-point transmission assures the delivery of critical information to an infinite number of FM-enabled devices simultaneously — a huge advantage over wireless broadband's point-to-point system which overloads and jams in that scenario," says New Jersey Broadcasters Association President & CEO Paul Rotella. "Expanding the availability of FM on a variety of devices and implementing Alert FM at local radio stations will save more lives." Missouri Broadcasters Association President & CEO Don Hicks says, "The activation of the standard FM receiver chip that already resides in the majority of mobile phones in use in the U.S. will save lives right now. By putting Alert FM into operation, radio can provide an immediate and highly effective emergency Alerting system that optimizes the existing FM infrastructure to reach targeted or widespread groups of people with life-saving messages." Alert FM will operate as part of FEMA's Integrated Public Alert and Warning System during the NAB Show in Las Vegas next week.

* Regent Communications files objection to shareholder Resilient Partners' proposal for shareholders' committee. In a court filing, Regent formally objects to Resilient's motion for the appointment of a shareholders' equity committee in Regent's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. A hearing on both Regent's reorganization plan, and Resilient's request is scheduled for Friday (April 9). Regent calls its proposed 12.8 cent-per-share distribution to shareholders a gift, and claims Resilient hasn't met its burden of proving a shareholders' committee is necessary. Regent tells the bankruptcy court that Resilient itself may "jeopardize the gift to equity" that management and the company's Board of Directors "fought to obtain." In its motion, Resilient argues that Oppenheimer & Co. undervalued Regent by comparing it with an "arbitrary" selection of other companies that didn't include those closest in size to Regent. It also says it believes there' s a "substantial likelihood" that there is sufficient value in Regent for a distribution to shareholders. The 6.6% shareholder says that for that reason a committee should be named to represent shareholders' interests. Regent, however, contends that it's insolvent. "Appointing an official committee of equity security holders will not change that fact," says Regent.

* Interep bankruptcy trustee Kenneth Silverman is seeking $20 million from the former board of directors. Named in the suit is the defunct rep firm's Chairman & President and CEO Ralph Guild, Howard Brenner, Leslie Goldberg, Marc Guild, John Palmer, George Pine, Arnie Semski, Arnold Scheiffer, Terry Bate and David Kennedy. Kennedy was Interep's vice chairman and CEO before it filed for bankruptcy two years ago. The suit alleges a "break of fiduciary duty and waste and mismanagement of Interep" and cites a letter from Oaktree Capital in 2005 that asked the board to consider restructuring. A second letter from Oaktree said that "as equity holders, we have become very concerned about the lack of true independence of the board." Silverman says Interep's financial condition "was in a constant state of decline" for more than five years before the bankruptcy filing, citing competition from Katz Media and defections by top sales personnel. The court filing details a long and ultimately fruitless back-and-forth between Interep and Oaktree, during which Ralph Guild reportedly informed the board that various other deals were possible. During that time, Oaktree also offered $1.10 per share, but no transaction with any party ultimately came through, and Interep ceased operations. We previously reported that Silverman was seeking millions of dollars from former clients of Interep. He filed recovery claims against a number of radio groups saying that in the final months of Interep's operations many broadcasters were over-compensated and that the money should be returned for the benefit of Interep creditors. Silverman has filed claims against Inner City for the return of $1.5 million and Emmis for $1.1 million. Other groups said to be targets include Buckley Radio, CBS Radio, Cox, Entercom, ESPN Radio, Lincoln Financial, NextMedia, NRG, Radio Disney, Renda, Salem, and SBS. Vendors such as Arbitron are also being named in the trustee's recovery efforts.

* The Tennessee Titans want Citadel to decide on their radio deal by May 17. The Tennessee Titans and its related Dream Suites file a motion with the bankruptcy court, seeking to have the judge compel Citadel Broadcasting to accept or reject the team's contract with the radio group. That contract runs through February of next year. They want Citadel to decide by May 17. Citadel, which is moving the games in Nashville from Country WKDF to Sports "104.5 The Zone" WGFX, this season, owes $1.9 million due August 15 and $1.9 million due one month later, with Citadel getting the ad inventory to sell for "considerable revenues." Citadel also has a deal with Dream Suites for a luxury box at LP Field, plus 200 complimentary tickets for each Titans home game. "The radio broadcast of the Programs is important to the Titans," says the bankruptcy court filing. "First, it is important to them in terms of maintaining their fan base. The Titans fans, which ultimately are responsible for driving the Titans' revenues, expect the Programs to be broadcast as they have in past years. Failing to do so will cost the Titans some of their fan base, which in turn will cost the Titans a loss of revenue. Moreover, the Programs are a direct source of revenue for the Titans." The filing adds, "If Citadel does not wish to broadcast the Programs, then the Titans can and will provide that opportunity to another broadcaster. However, if the Titans have to find someone other than Citadel to broadcast the Programs, they need to begin that process immediately." Citadel is not currently in default of the agreements.

* The FBI and several Virginia agencies are investigating the shooting of a woman and her radio host companion. Struck by a shotgun blast to the back as she and a friend watched the sunset off the Blue Ridge Parkway, a young Palmyra woman turned and raced toward the man with the weapon, who fled, reports the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Bloody and screaming, the woman then ran toward a passing pickup truck and pleaded with the couple inside for help, according to the sheriff. Her friend, a 27-year-old Charlottesville disc jockey with muscular dystrophy, lay badly wounded about 150 feet down the mountainside, where the force of the blast had propelled him. The shooter remains at large. The FBI; National Park Service; Virginia State Police; and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are investigating along with county sheriff's deputies. Authorities declined to identify the victims. But Charlottesville-based noncommercial WNRN-FM General Manager Mike Friend says the wounded man is WNRN "Boombox" host Tim Davis, known on-air as "DJ Prolapse." WNRN is aired on eight frequencies throughout Virginia. Davis is listed in serious condition and the woman in stable condition at the University of Virginia Medical Center.

* The FCC posts for comment a petition for rulemaking asking for AM stations pre-sunrise authority rules change. The petition from New Jersey engineer Richard Arsenault calls for a change to allow Class B and D AMs to sign on with up to 500 watts into their daytime antennas at 5am rather than 6am, the current authorization. "Restricting PSRA commencement until after 6am restricts service from AM broadcast stations, a disproportionate number which serve smaller communities with limited local radio choices," writes Arsenault. "For example, an individual waking up to a clock radio at 5:30am would unlikely set the clock radio to a Class D AM station because of the off-air status or substandard power prior to 6am, making reception difficult or non-existent. This problem is magnified with consideration that 'morning drive' is the most important time slot for many stations, the time when radio listenership is maximized and of greatest importance and service to the general public."

* The Radio Mercury Awards announces the call for entries for the 2010 awards. One commercial will take home a $100,000 grand prize. Winners will be announced September 27 at the start of Advertising Week in New York City. The entry deadline is June 11. New to this year's competition, all categories will now be accepting spots that were delivered via stream to computers, mobile applications or Internet device. "As our industry and business moves forward with new digital platforms, it is not only appropriate but necessary for our industry awards competition to reflect the complete sponsored audio content space," says RAB President & CEO Jeff Haley, who also serves as co-chair of the Radio Creative Fund. Complete details, rules, and entry fees are available at www.RadioMercuryAwards.com.

* Northeast Indiana Public Radio agrees to sell its Fort Wayne station and translator to Star Educational. WCKZ-FM, licensed to Orland, IN, and FM translator W204BF, both serving the Fort Wayne, IN, market are being sold to Star Educational Media Network for $225,000. Bob Heymann of Media Services Group represented the seller in this transaction. Mark Jorgenson of Jorgenson Broadcast Brokerage represented the buyer.

* BIA/Kelsey sets plans for Digital Strategies for Broadcasters 2010. The continuing shift toward digital media serves as the backdrop for BIA/Kelsey’s Digital Strategies for Broadcasting 2010. Digital Strategies for Broadcasting (DSB) from BIA/Kelsey is focused on the hundreds of millions of dollars that broadcasters are poised to earn from the full array of digital services that are transforming the industry, ranging from Websites and mobile apps to HD, 3D retrans and the new electronics. This event brings together senior broadcast executives and top digital media experts to examine new platforms and revenue opportunities in local television and radio. DSB is scheduled for May 17-19, at the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson, Jersey City, NJ. Now in its second year, Digital Strategies for Broadcasters will feature cutting-edge analysis, and presentations from top broadcast executives and thought leaders. BIA/Kelsey says in its announcement, "At this year’s event we’ll turn a sharp focus on reinventing local television and radio. If broadcasters play it right, the emergence of online media can be a major plus for their business. To capitalize on this opportunity, local TV and radio stations must diversify beyond pure-play broadcast business models."

* A CNN pilot that resulted in David Shuster's MSNBC Suspension also involved NPR's Michael Martin. The New York Observer reports reports that "according to CNN sources, the network's in-house team shot a pilot for a news show featuring David Shuster of MSNBC and Michel Martin of NPR as co-anchors. The pilot, we're told, also featured medical and opinion segments, and included appearances by several current CNN contributors, including Chrystia Freeland, the U.S. managing editor for the Financial Times and Jeffrey Toobin of The New Yorker." The Observer writes that when contacted "Ms. Martin declined to comment. Ditto Mr. Shuster. Ditto CNN."

* All News WTOP, Washington DC, PPM ratings rebound after encoding error is corrected by Arbitron. The Bonneville station's March Week 2 numbers show it back on top of the 12+ and 25-54 rankings again. WTOP still awaits fully corrected numbers for the month of March in which the station's PPM numbers fell sharply for part of the first week. Arbitron discovered that errors in encoding March 5-8 caused, among other anomalies, WTOP's 25-54 weekend ratings to fall from 10.4 in week four of February to a 0.7 during the first week of March, but the station rebounded to an 8.5 in the next week. Last week, we reported that WTOP News & Programming VP Jim Farley said Arbitron "acknowledged a coding problem on their end and promised to fix it in time for the full March Book." Farley, who says he and his boss Joel Oxley had an extensive discussion of the issue with the ratings company, adds, "We may not see it in time for the next weekly, but they told us we'd see it for the full month."

* Arbitron releases its first comprehensive PPM report of pro baseball radio audience listening. "The Arbitron Sports Report: PPM Radio Listening for Pro Baseball" covers in-game, play-by-play estimates for the 2009 season and includes 25 teams in 23 markets in which PPM has been commercialized. "Through the years there's been no better way to follow a team than daily and nightly broadcasts of games on the radio," says Arbitron Sports Manager Chris Meinhardt. "America's relationship with baseball is as healthy as ever. Arbitron's inaugural PPM Radio Listening for Pro Baseball shows that relationship and loyalty by reporting the 2009 performance of 25 teams in 23 commercialized PPM markets." The top 10 teams individually average over 115,000 listeners per game in their home market. PPM not only reflects the number of listeners, but shares of listening that dominate local markets. For example, the playoff between the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers garnered more than one million listeners in Minneapolis and Detroit combined. "Tradition, success and to a lesser extent, the team's flagship station drive audiences," added Meinhardt. "St. Louis, Detroit, Philadelphia, Boston and Minnesota dominated their markets with broadcasts that averaged more than 14 shares from Men aged 25-54 when games were being played." The reports are available to subscribing agencies, advertisers, stations and teams.

* Country KUPL, Portland, midday talent Rick "Bubba" Taylor is exiting; welcomes his successor. Taylor is leaving the Alpha Broadcasting station after 25 years to spend more time with his family. He welcomed his replacement — Lola Montgomery — on Tuesday's show (April 6). She's returning to the Portland market from Entercom Country KKWF, Seattle. Speaking of the outgoing "Bubba" Taylor, Program Director Scott Mahalick says, "Rick has been a staple in the market not only on air but as a MD and an APD. Rick is a genuine, hard-working individual who really helped shape KUPL over the years. He will be greatly missed and I wish him all the luck in the future."

* David Keiser is the new VP & Director of Sales for the Emmis St. Louis cluster, starting April 26. "Dave is a great manager who knows how to win in the 'Emmis way,' says SVP John Beck. "He is well-respected and an enthusiastic leader with a 27 year track record in the radio industry." Keiser, a veteran of the cluster, will oversee sales for News-Talk KFTK-FM, Classic Hits KIHT-FM, Alternative KPNT-FM and Rock KSHE-FM. He was previously with KSHE for 15 years, including eight as General Sales Manager. Keiser returns to Emmis St. Louis from five years at Cox Radio's News-Talk WSB-AM, Atlanta, as Local Sales Manager.

* Dial Global creates Dial Global Distribution Services to provide distribution services for third party companies. The new division will enable program providers to distribute audio programming regionally or nationwide. To support DG Distribution Services, Dial Global hires Dee Perkins, formerly with Westwood One, for the new position of Distribution Sales Manager. "The creation of this new division allows Dial Global to leverage its existing satellite infrastructure to service third parties with network distribution needs," says EVP of Technology Conrad Trautmann. "Dee brings with her unrivaled experience, excellent customer relationships and a complete understanding of all aspects of distribution technology." Perkins, based in New York, will oversee the company's brokered satellite distribution business. "Dial Global's satellite distribution platform offers groundbreaking options for new and existing clients," says Perkins. "This is a great chance to create new opportunities and partnerships while expanding Dial Global's business." Perkins spent the past five years as a technical affiliate relations expert and satellite sales manager for Westwood One.

* TargetSpot partners with Cox Media Group to deliver advertisements into CMG's online radio streams. As part of the new agreement, Cox Media's 82 Websites and 86 radio outlets covering 19 markets will be integrated into TargetSpot's Internet advertising network, which offers enhanced targeting and analytic capabilities to advertisers. "Partnering with TargetSpot will help CMG generate more revenue from advertisers who seek better accountability and enhanced services," says Cox Media Group Senior Director of Digital Sales Strategy & Training Jeffrey Ulrich. "Advertisers will be able to buy our inventory through the TargetSpot network, utilizing its technology to drill down and reach targeted and highly-engaged audiences." TargetSpot CEO Eyal Goldwerger tells us, "CMG'S radio network reaches a great audience in some of the top revenue generating markets in the United States. TargetSpot advertisers – brands and media buyers – will be able to reach an engaged consumer base through CMG's large radio network that already has returned some outstanding results for advertisers." TargetSpot's Internet advertising network now includes 76 radio groups and pure-play online music providers.

* "World Class Rock" as "X106-7" replaces "FM Talk 106.7" at KPWT, San Antonio. The station Monday (April 5) unveiled its new format at 5pm after being in stunt mode ahead of the new format. "X106-7" was unveiled only ten months after "FM Talk 106.7" made its debut. The Cox Radio talker ended its format with a series of clips of talk shows that came to a slurring stop. Before the weekend, we heard only the sound of a ticking clock with an announcement that the station would be changing formats Monday at 5pm with a $5,000 giveaway — $1,000 for each of the five best guesses of what the new format would be. Entries were being taken at a "1067mystery" Facebook page. The new "X106-7" is now online at x1067fm.com. Visitors to the former "FM Talk 106.7" site are redirected to the new url. The "World Class Rock" kicked off with Talking Heads' "Take Me To The River" followed by the Rolling Stones' "Waiting On A Friend," Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" and Pete Townshend's "Let My Love Open The Door." Other artists heard in the first hour included Eric Clapton, Peter Gabriel and Pink Floyd. The one current selection in the first hour was Train's "Hey, Soul Sister." "X106-7" launches with 10,000 songs in a row, currently underway. Programming VP Virgil Thompson says "World Class Rock" is "quality rock music presented in an intelligent manner without silly pop songs or rock that's too heavy." The music covers a span of 40 years and today.

* Radio One names Regional VP Chris Wegmann as Market Manager of its five-station Washington DC cluster. Wegmann replaces longtime Market Manager Michelle Williams, who resigned. Wegmann previously was VP & Market Manager for Cox Radio Atlanta, after managing Cox's cluster in Houston. Before that, he was an RVP for Clear Channel Louisiana. Radio One DC Director of Sales Jack Murray also exits to start his own company, Fix Media. Murray's exit had been previously announced. Williams' resignation was unexpected. The Radio One DC cluster includes Urban AC "Magic 102.3" WMMJ, Urban "KYSDC 93.9" WKYS, Gospel "Praise 104.1" WPRS, Gospel "Spirit 1340" WYCB-AM, and " News Talk 1450" WOL-AM.

* Norman McKee is named CFO of San Diego-based Local Media of America. McKee will oversee the financial affairs of Local Media's six-station San Diego radio group, reporting directly to CEO John Lynch. "LMA possesses strong media assets and the addition of Norm's extensive financial expertise to the leadership team even further positions the company for future acquisitions on both a local and national scale. I am very pleased to have Norm McKee join LMA as CFO," says Lynch. McKee served for more than ten years as the CFO of Saga Communications. Most recently, he was CFO of Live Sports Radio, an in-stadium broadcasting business. "This is an exciting time in the radio broadcasting industry and I look forward to being a part of Local Media of America," says McKee. "The combination of John Lynch and his LMA team, along with the resources provided by Thoma Bravo, provides an exceptional foundation on which to build a leading media company." In January, Local Media acquired San Diego-based Finest City Broadcasting and its three Mexico-based stations in the San Diego market: XHRM-FM, XHTZ-FM and XETRA-FM. The company also holds a joint operating agreement with Broadcast Company of America, led by CEO John Lynch, operating XEPRS-AM, XHPRS-FM and XEPE-AM.

* "Psycho Mike" Catherwood of the KROQ-FM, Los Angeles, morning show is named the new co-host of "Loveline." Catherwood of the "Kevin & Bean Show" will co-host Westwood One's "Loveline with Dr. Drew Pinsky" — the nation's longest running radio call-in program. It airs Sunday through Thursday nights. "I can't properly describe how honored I am," says Catherwood. "I'm a local guy who grew up listening to Kevin & Bean and Loveline, so to be a part of both shows is downright surreal. Dr. Drew is what makes Loveline special, so I'm going to do my best to add something positive to the show without getting in his way." Dr. Drew, who has hosted Loveline for 25 years, is also the host of VH1's popular "Celebrity Rehab" where he indulges viewers into the private world of celebrity addiction recovery. "We're really going to have some fun this year," says Pinsky. "How could adding a co-host named 'Psycho Mike' not make for some great radio? Mike's huge personality will bring a new energy to the show that our audience will feel immediately."

* An emotional David Kaplan tells WGN-AM, Chicago, listeners he's disappointed by his show's cancellation. Kaplan hosted "Sports Central" for a final time, Monday (April 5) and signed off saying he was “very disappointed” by the cancellation of the long-running program on the Tribune Co. News-Talk station, reports Chicago media reporter Robert Feder. Kaplan, 49, a 15-year veteran of the station, will continue hosting Cubs post-game shows and other sports features for WGN. "But," writes Feder, "the nightly franchise he fronted has fallen victim to a ludicrously misguided lineup change dictated by WGN program director Kevin 'Pig Virus” Metheny.' In a touching farewell at the end of Monday’s broadcast, Kaplan said: “Folks, tonight is an emotional evening for me. It is the end of an era on WGN Radio. ‘Sports Central’ will no longer be heard on this radio station. Please know how fortunate I feel to have been able to come into your homes and cars for the past 15 years on most weekday evenings. Talking sports in my hometown of Chicago is my No. 1 passion outside of my family. It’s something I have never taken lightly since the first day I put my headphones on here at WGN Radio in the late, great Bob Collins Studio. The decision to terminate ‘Sports Central’ was not mine, and I’m very disappointed to see the show go. I grew up listening to this station, and I dreamed of hosting the show the late, great Jack Brickhouse once hosted. My dream came true in 1995.” As of next week, “Sports Central” will be replaced from 7-9pm Monday through Friday by a “current events talk show.” Feder writes the new show is "fronted by convicted felon and radio rookie Jim Laski, the former city clerk of Chicago who served 11 months in prison for accepting bribes."

* AC WNIC-FM, Detroit, fires morning show hosts Kevin O'Neill and Lisa Barry, after their Monday (April 5) show. Clear Channel's WNIC is replacing them with a "very music-intensive" show, according to Operations Manager Todd Thomas. He says it was a move prompted by Arbitrons PPM. "Looking at how PPM operates, we're finding that a lot of music really moves the needle," Thomas told The Detroit News. "With the morning show, we were going up against some of the juggernauts that we have in town, it was like David and Goliath, so that was the reason for the decision." The "100.3 WNIC" morning show ranked No. 1 among listeners ages 35-64 over the holiday season, when it played Christmas music, but by February it was tied for 11th place in that demographic. For the overall, 12-plus demographic it ranked No. 14. Monday was almost exactly the 30th anniversary of O'Neill's arrival in Detroit. "The ironic thing was, without knowing what was going to happen, in the final break this morning I alluded to the fact that 30 years ago yesterday, April 4, was my first day on the air in Detroit," said O'Neill, who was still a bit dazed. "Ten minutes later, I'm being marched down the hallway." It was a year ago that O'Neill, then on afternoons at the station, was tapped to replace Chris Edmonds when he was let go from the WNIC morning show. Edmonds is filling in at CBS-owned WOMC-FM, since Dick Purtan's retirement last week. "They're good people at WNIC, I loved it there," O'Neill said. He had hoped with the departure of Purtan from rival WOMC that he and Barry would have an opportunity to go after some of the veteran morning man's listeners.

* Houston morning radio veteran Sam Malone returns to the air next Monday as morning host on KSEV-AM. Malone, who spent 12 years at KRBE and three years at KHMX through late 2008, will work 6 -9am, starting April 12, on "The Voice 700 AM" – owned by Texas State Sen. Dan Patrick. "It's beyond cool," says Malone. "I've known (Patrick) for a long time. When we first met in 2004, he said something to the effect that I was going to be working for him some day," Malone tells the Houston Chronicle's David Barron. Malone has been working guest spots on KSEV since last fall, when the non-compete portion of his contract with Clear Channel Radio expired. He says his new KSEV morning show will mix the pop-culture staples from his long-running show on KHMX and KRBE with the political talk that is a staple of AM radio. However, he said he will avoid the harsher edge that is common among many shows of that genre. "I'm not an angry person. I'm laughing my way through life," he says. "There are serious issues to talk about, but, as I said a couple of days ago, there are too many people yelling on talk radio. People know about my conservative values, but I'm able to convey the feeling of 'let's have a discussion' with no yelling. There's no banging on the table."

* Bridge Ratings says radio listening is being diverted to Podcasting, mp3s, Internet streams, and satellite radio. The latest Bridge Ratings study on "Audio Device Consumption Trends" shows Net interest growing the upper demos as it has peaked with younger users, but that terrestrial radio TSL is declining among all age groups. The "Audio Device Consumption Study," based on a sample of more than 1,900 consumers, finds that overall weekly Internet streaming TSL increased by 3%, Podcasting TSL is up 15%, mp3 players TSL rise 7%, satellite radio TSL, up 2% — all this while terrestrial over-the-air radio TSL falls 10%.   More from Bridge Ratings...

* Kelly Music Reserch says that radio listeners want "On Demand" with their participation in music research. "Americans are no longer satisfied with Freedom of Choice. In a digital world, we want Freedom of Choice On Demand. Consumers now expect to do what we want, when we want," says a new KMR blog report. "As we have documented in the Kelly Music Research blog over the past several months, online research has been embraced by many other industries and we are finding digital On Demand testing can work for our industry too." The latest report from Kelly notes that "Traditionally, Callout and other telephone research happens between the hours of 5pm and 9pm local time," and that is a problem. "As Kelly Music Research has begun permitting our telephone research panelists to migrate to our 24/7 On Demand digital music testing platforms, it is clear the market is ready for it. Telephone research panelists are giving us their email addresses without hesitation so they can participate in our music surveys when it is convenient for them. Radio listeners are happy to share their opinions about music, but not while they are sitting at the dinner table." The full report is available here from Kelly Music Reserch.

* Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth says, "The issues should be on the radio" but radio must seek the ads. In his monthly "From the Corner Office" column on the Greater Media Website, Smyth says the recent Supreme Court decision allowing corporations more freedom to engage in political advertising is significant for radio. "The experts estimate that political spending of all kinds will weigh in at $4.2 billion for this upcoming midterm election," writes the Greater Media CEO. "This compares to a little less than $3 billion in 2008. There are other reasons for the increase, including the growth of grassroots giving that really took off during the Obama campaign, the increased passion on both sides of the political spectrum which spurs giving by major donors, and the very nature of the issues confronting our country at this point in our history." Smyth adds, "Whatever the reasons, political spending is going to be an enormous opportunity for radio, and many in our industry are already gearing up to make our case to the political consultants and agencies that will control these dollars. The fact that we are becoming proactive in this advertising category is overdue and welcome news." But, he says, "there is more we need to do than simply make our pitch to issue and candidate buyers. For as massive as their spending has become, in most cases, politicians rely on broadcast television to get their message across."   Read Smyth's full column here.

* Legendary Country radio personality Johnny Western is retiring after more than 60 years on the air. The Hall of Famer's last show will be Saturday (April 10). The "1070 The Ranch" KFTI-AM, Wichita, KS, midday host started in radio as a teenager in the 1940s, and went on to a career that included film, television and music. He has worked for KFTI since 1986 when it was KFDI-AM. Says Journal Broadcast Group VP & General Manager Eric McCart, "We consider it an honor to have worked with a legend — a true Country and Western icon. Johnny is the greatest storyteller and joke teller; he makes us laugh every day and we're sure going to miss him." Western received his first guitar when he was 12 and was singing and playing on the radio in Minnesota at age 13. By 1949 he had his own fulltime radio program on KDHL and was dubbed the youngest DJ in the U.S. in commercial radio by Billboard. At 16 he recorded his first release, “The Violet and the Rose.” Signed to a contract by his idol, Gene Autry, after graduation, Western was featured in several movies between 1957 and 1959. Signed by Autry's agent after Autry retired, Western then did a pilot for a series called "Pony Express," was cast in five feature western films and appeared in 32 episodes of televised westerns. He toured and performed with the Johnny Cash Show from 1958 to 1997; co-wrote themes for "Johnny Yuma" - "The Rebel" and "Bonanza" with Cash; and wrote and sang the theme song for the TV series "Have Gun Will Travel."

* TotalPopularMusic.com founder Mark Harris reports major first quarter growth, says site stats have quadrupled. Harris exclusively tells TPMedia News Page that growth of the site during the first quarter of 2010 has been "amazing." He says the quarter began with slow but steady increases. More recently, as the TPM President & CEO launched a commitment to expansion of NewsPage — plus NewsPage 2 and now NewsPage Archives — both total hits (page views) and unique visitors more than doubled. And, he says, in the final week of the first quarter, as a new RSS feed was launched for NewsPage, the growth rate for the quarter — from start to finish — was "exponential." Harris says he anticipates even greater growth in the second quarter with the soon-launching radio board, "Radio Bored." He explains the new national radio board in a separate announcement on this Website. "What amazes me most," says Harris, "is that this growth has come without any reciprocal support of other Radio & Media News sites which we have in the past supported." He adds, "After some unfortunate incidents with other sites, the only one we now actively support is AllAccess.com. Since the demise of R&R, this is the only one-stop for radio professionals that I consider an absolute must read. Of course, I hope those I refer to our friends at All Access will also continue daily visits to our site."

* SpongeTech Delivery Systems is now being sued by CBS Radio for failure to pay for radio advertising. We previously reported that SpongeTech is being investigated by the SEC for possible securities laws violations. Now comes a report that CBS Radio is suing the New York-based seller of soap-filled sponges for failing to pay more than $366,000. CBS Radio says SpongeTech admitted last month that it owes $366,231 for spots provided since last September. According to the New York Post, the court filing also includes an "affidavit of confession" signed by SpongeTech Comptroller Mark Kranczer, promising to pay the money owed based on an agreed-upon payment schedule. According to the court document, writes the Post, SpongeTech defaulted on two payments since the affidavit was signed, bringing the total amount owed to $383,112, including interest and other costs. SpongeTech's CFO Steve Moskowitz denies owing CBS Radio money and said he "never saw the suit" and is "not aware of the suit." A large part of the money owed CBS Radio is for spots aired on Sport Talk "The Fan" WFAN-AM, New York. So far, SpongeTech has been sued in New York alone for more than $1 million in overdue bills by the likes of Citi Field, Madison Square Garden and the New York Giants, and other suits in other areas have also been filed.

* It pays to be a senior executive of Cumulus Broadcasting, as the company reports bonuses in an SEC filing. Cumulus says it "approved discretionary cash bonus payments" for EVP & co-COO Jon Pinch of $120,000, and EVP & co-COO John Dickey, $145,000. Also reported, SVP & Treasurer and CFO J.P. Hannan receives $17,500. "The Compensation Committee, taking into account similar criteria, approved a $469,000 discretionary cash bonus payment for Mr. L. Dickey," adds the SEC filing. Also revealed, "the Compensation Committee approved awards of 320,000 shares of restricted common stock, pursuant to the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, to Mr. L. Dickey. The awards were made in accordance with Mr. L. Dickey’s employment agreement, and were comprised of 160,000 time-vested shares (vesting at a rate of 80,000 shares on the second anniversary of the date of grant, and 40,000 shares on each of the third and fourth anniversary of the date of grant) and 160,000 performance-based shares, all of which would vest in accordance with the terms and conditions of the employment agreement and the Company’s 2008 Equity Incentive Plan, on March 31, 2013."

* The FBI interviews radio host Sam Kennedy amid reports Kennedy is behind threatening letters to governors. Kennedy is "up to his eyeballs" in the Guardians of the Free Republics, says the owner of Texas-based Republic Broadcasting Network, and is behind letters sent to all 50 governors, prompting an FBI investigation. The Christian Science Monitor reports that Kennedy is the "man at the center of the Guardians of the Free Republics" — and "he's already gotten a Texas radio station in hot water as law enforcement reacted rapidly to what has been construed as a direct threat to all 50 U.S. governors." Says John Stadtmiller, who runs Republic Broadcasting Network based in Round Rock, Texas, of Kennedy, "He was in the mix in setting this whole thing up, and he's up to his eyeballs in this Restore America project." RBN broadcasts Kennedy's weekly "Take No Prisoners" show. "Restore America project, as articulated on the Guardians of the Free Republics Website, is part screed, part call to action to depose an illegitimate government in favor of restoring the people's 'common law,'" says the published report. Friday afternoon (April 2), Stadtmiller, reached by phone, told the Monitor, "I talked to Kennedy a half-hour ago and ... I told him I'm getting a lot of heat, that you stirred the pot here, and that your plan for how to deal with the media and let them know what is going on has failed miserably." The FBI interviewed Kennedy for two hours Friday but did not arrest him, Stadtmiller says. The interview focused on two shows Kennedy did two months ago about the Restore America project, in which Kennedy set a March 31 deadline as the day we "begin to reclaim the continent." The letters mailed to the governors were part of that plan, confirms Stadtmiller. The Monitor writes, "Republic Broadcasting Network is well known to those who study extremism, as well as to the FBI. It's a rabble-rousing station that trafficks in conspiracy theories – part of a long-standing American tradition of underground radio." Republic Broadcasting Network is a satellite, shortwave, and Internet radio station.

* The Obama Administration endorses the radio royalty Performance Rights Act, says Commerce Department. The Obama Administration sides with the artists and record companies in the performance royalty issue, reports Ars Technica. Commerce Department General Counsel Cameron Kerry has sent a letter to Sen. Patrick Leahy endorsing such a royalties on recorded music aired free on over-the-air radio. The letter portrays what the NAB calls a "performance tax" as fair compensation for hard work. "The Department has long endorsed amending the U.S. copyright law to provide for an exclusive right of public performance of sound recordings," says Kerry's letter. The missive further describes radio's payment exemption as nothing more than "an historical anomaly that does not have a strong policy justification." Kerry also brought up the fairness issue, noting that Internet Webcasters and satellite radio already pay a royalty — not to mention every other industrialized country. The letter notes that many artists can't collect the public performance money due them in other countries because of "the lack of reciprocal protection under U.S. copyright law."

The NAB reacts, expressing disappointment, but not surprise. "NAB was aware this letter was coming, which is a position taken previously by the Bush Commerce Department," EVP Dennis Wharton says in a statement. "We're disappointed the Commerce Department would embrace legislation that would kill jobs in the U.S. and send hundreds of millions of dollars to foreign record labels that have historically exploited artists whose careers were nurtured by American radio stations. The good news is that 260 members of the House of Representatives and 27 U.S. Senators are standing with hometown radio stations and against the RIAA."

* Arbitron admits to, apologizes for Washington PPM encoding error that negatively impacted WTOP-AM ratings. Arbitron accepts responsibility for the error at the beginning of March that caused lower numbers for the DC Bonneville News-Talk station. WTOP-AM previously questioned the drop which was claimed to be more significant than should be expected in normal fluctuations — especially in contrast to the snow-related larger than normal ratings in February. The station previously had indicated a drop-back from February's numbers was expected, but the drop appeared excessive compared to prior months. The problem, March 5-8, caused WTOP's 25-54 weekend ratings to fall from 10.4 in week four of February to a 0.7 during the first week of March. WTOP-AM News & Programming VP Jim Farley says Arbitron "acknowledged a coding problem on their end and promised to fix it in time for the full March Book." Farley, who says he and his boss Joel Oxley had an extensive discussion of the issue with the ratings company, adds, "We may not see it in time for the next weekly, but they told us we'd see it for the full month." So far, Arbitron has declined any opportunity for public comment on this problem.

* Spanish Broadcasting System seeks to have Arbitron's breach-of-contract lawsuit against SBS thrown out. SBS has filed a petition in New York's state Supreme Court seeking to put an end to the legal action. Arbitron claims that SBS breached its contract for ratings services, and mainstains that Spanish Broadcasting System's lack of PPM encoding has caused Arbitron to lose more than $1 million. Previously, SBS claimed a "significant victory" as it stopped encoding for PPM with court approval. SBS said, "The court's reversal of its earlier TRO [temporary restraining order] is a significant victory for SBS, which ceased encoding its broadcasts based on a loss of confidence in Arbitron's PPM methodology and its belief that the methodology undercounts minority audiences to the detriment of the minority radio broadcasters." New York Supreme Court Judge Shirley Kornreich rescinded her temporary restraining order requiring SBS to continue encoding for Arbitron's Portable People Meters in five markets while the two companies enter mediation. SBS has ceased encoding in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Miami.

* Univision begins encoding for PPM in five markets, even as rival SBS pulls the plug on PPM encoding. Univision has begun encoding its stations in Miami, San Diego, Phoenix, San Antonio and Las Vegas. There's no word yet on whether the Univision stations will become Arbitron subscribers in the five markets. Also not known is exactly why Univision Radio has taken this action — whether it's intended to give a competitive advantage; or, with coincidental timing, is a response to pressure from ad agencies over the lack of ratings for several months. Univision stopped encoding and subscribing to the PPM service some months ago. Univision Radio and SBS are both members of the PPM Coalition, a group that has been fighting Arbitron's PPM methodology, claiming it harms minority broadcasters. The PPM Coalition has been pushing for a full FCC investigation of the PPM methodology. Univision is so far offering no explanation of why it started encoding, or what its intention actually is.

* Spanish Broadcasting System claims "significant victory" as it stops encoding for PPM with court approval. Says SBS, "The court's reversal of its earlier TRO [temporary restraining order] is a significant victory for SBS, which ceased encoding its broadcasts based on a loss of confidence in Arbitron's PPM methodology and its belief that the methodology undercounts minority audiences to the detriment of the minority radio broadcasters." As we reported earlier, New York Supreme Court Judge Shirley Kornreich rescinded her temporary restraining order requiring SBS to continue encoding for Arbitron's Portable People Meters in five markets while the two companies enter mediation. SBS has ceased encoding in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco and Miami. The SBS stations ceased encoding as soon as the previous TRO was rescinded. SBS Chief Revenue Officer Frank Flores says, "I am glad that Justice Kornreich considered our argument and ruled in our favor." Arbitron, meanwhile, says, "We respect the Court’s decision but are disappointed and believe that the radio industry is best served when all broadcasters in a market are encoding their signal. SBS remains a valued client and we intend to continue to engage with them in an ongoing dialogue in order to achieve resolution." As we previously reported here, SBS and Arbitron are entering into mediation. SBS isn’t dropping its lawsuit against Arbitron over PPM methodology, but it is agreeing to mediation with the ratings company. Arbitron and SBS have informed Kornreich that they've chosen Fordhan Law School Dean John Feerick as the mediator. Kornreich has urged the two companies to attempt mediation in an effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. SBS says the court found that Arbitron failed to demonstrate that it will suffer "permanent and irreparable harm" if SBS doesn't encode. The new ruling rescinding the TRO reads: "Arbitron's characterization of its business as one in which the loss of any one client will cause irreparable harm has not been established and is not plausible." Flores still says that SBS is committed to reaching an amicable solution with Arbitron.

* Nearly half of all Americans now have a profile on one or more social networking Websites. According to the new Infinite Dial 2010 national survey from Edison Research and Arbitron, 48% of Americans 12 and older have at least one social networking profile, up from 34% in 2009. And some 30% with social network profiles check more than once a day. That's up from 18% a year ago. "The growth in the number of Americans with profiles and the frequency in which they check their personal pages reflects how social networking has transformed the online experience in the past 12 months," says Arbitron SVP of Marketing Bill Rose. "For millions of Americans" says Edison Research President Larry Rosin, "social networks are becoming as important as 'traditional media' networks, which is having a profound impact upon how people discover information and share content." This is the 18th in a series of studies Arbitron and Edison have conducted since 1998 on topics relating to the Internet and New Media. The complete study will be presented in a Webinar, April 8. Those interested can register at www.arbitron.com or www.edisonresearch.com.

* NextMedia is placing two stations in Chicago's suburbs into a trust as part of its bankruptcy emergence. AC "Star 105.5" WZSR, Woodstock and Oldies "Y103.9" WWYW, Dundee, are being transferred to the Mile High Station Trust, headed by Elliot Evers, to be sold. A third station tagged for a similar transfer is in North Carolina — Adult Variety Hits "Sam 105.1" WSSM, Havelock. The trust transfers are now at the FCC. The stations are being spun off to satisfy ownership caps in the Chicago and Greenville-New Bern markets. NextMedia previously tried, unsuccessfully, to claim the stations did not actually compete in the metro markets and should be grandfathered.

* Westwood One syndicated talk host & anchor Jim Bohannon is selected for induction into the SOPJ Hall of Fame. Bohannon is named for induction by the Hall of Fame of the District of Columbia's Pro Chapter of Society of Professional Journalists. The induction ceremony is set for June 15 in Washington DC. Bohannon is host of Westwood One's "The Jim Bohannon Show" airing on more than 300 radio stations. Bohannon also host-anchors Westwood One's "America in the Morning," airing on 356 stations weekdays from 5-6am ET.

* Dave Grosby will move from "SportsRadio" KJR-AM, Seattle, to rival "710 ESPN" KIRO-AM in August. Grosby first joined KJR-AM when it went all-Sports in 1991 and was paired with Mike Gastineau as "Grosby & Gas" in afternoons. He reportedly will join KIRO as co-host for Kevin Calabro's afternoon show. Grosby was also the longtime radio voice of the Seattle SuperSonics before the team's move to Oklahoma City.

* The FCC issues its quarterly report on inquiries and complaints to the Commission. The report covers the top subject areas for inquiries and complaints processed by the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau during the second and third quarters of 2009. During the second quarter, the total number of inquiries for all four reported categories grew from 245,505 in the first quarter to 585,164. The number of Radio and Television Broadcasting inquiries increased from 215,928 in the first quarter to 563,397 in the second quarter of 2009. The majority of the Radio and Television Broadcasting inquiries, more than 98%, pertained to equipment related issues. During the third quarter, complaints in the reported categories decreased from 70,341 to 62,660. There was a significant decrease in the Radio and Television Broadcasting category, with complaints decreasing to 6,700 in the third quarter. The second quarter had 12,940 indecency or obscenity complaints, down to only 1,827 in the third quarter.

* The FCC releases more than five dozen letters as members of Congress push for FM tuners in cellphones. The Commission released the letters from Chairman Julius Genachowski, sent to Congressional representatives who are seeking to have FM included in the mobile phones so they can receive Emergency Alert System notifications. Genachowski's letters don't promise that he'll support the pro-EAS inclusion of FM tuners. Instead, they point to a December action by the FCC launching a 28-month period during which the cellphone companies are to develop a "Commercial Mobile Alert System" (CMAS). Genachowski says the FCC’s position neither requires nor prohibits the use of FM for emergency alerts via mobile phones.

* A bill in the Ohio Senate would ban the broadcast of 911 calls. We previously reported that Alaska's legislature was also considering such a measure. In all a total of seven states are now considering such a prohibition or have already enacted legislation to stop the practice. In Ohio, violators would be fined $10,000. Broadcasters could still read transcripts of 911 calls, but the airing of the actual recording of the caller's voice would not be allowed. Other states on the 911 ban-wagon are Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wyoming.

* CHR-Top40 "FM 97" WLAN, Lancaster, PA, is embroiled in a controversy over ads for an alleged scam. A Pennsylvania man says he was targeted by a fake check scam while listening to his favorite radio station. Kyle Heidlebaugh says he heard a spot that caught his attention on WLAN. The ad said he could earn an extra $1,400 to $2,400 every two weeks. It's the kind of ad that will get someone's attention. "(I) thought, you know, new home owner, I could use a little extra cash. Hey, why not give it a shot?" Heidlebaugh tells Lancaster's WGAL-TV. So, as instructed, Heidlebaugh sent his resume to the email address in the ad. He got a return email telling him he was hired by the Midmark Corporation. There was no interview. There were no questions. And then Heidlebaugh received two checks totaling $4,600 with specific instructions. "You're supposed to take 10% profits out of these checks and then money gram the rest of the money," Heidlebaugh says he was told. Figuring at this point that the so-called job was a scam, Heidlebaugh did not wire the money. And it's good he didn't. This is the fake check scam which costs Americans billions of dollars a year, reports WGAL-TV. After depositing those checks, your bank lets you have access to that money, assuming that the checks you deposited are going to clear. But several days later you hear from your bank and they're telling you those checks are fakes. And now you're on the hook for thousands of dollars. According to Heidlebaugh, "WLAN FM 97" attracts younger listeners with its programming and he's afraid they may not be savvy enough to figure out this scam. "I think they should pull the ad immediately and find out who placed the ad and investigate them," he said. WGAL-TV's "News 8" says the ad is still running on WLAN, and radio station management has given a "no comment" to all of their questions.

* Talk WHAM-AM, Rochester, NY, and host Bob Lonsberry are facing a suit over shooting death comments. The Clear Channel station and its talk host are being sued for slander and outrageous conduct. The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports it's one of three civil lawsuits filed in the wake of an accidental shooting death that occurred in Allegany County. The suits stem from an incident in December 2007 when John Gisel, a Webster resident, accidentally shot and killed Brandon Haugh of Geneseo, Livingston County, while the two were on separate hunting trips. Gisel was tried and found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide on March 25, 2009, and Haugh's widow Lisa has since filed a civil suit accusing Gisel of negligence and seeking unspecified damages. Lonsberry's involvement centers on a radio show he hosted on March 26, 2009. Court documents say that Lonsberry was discussing the case on WHAM-AM with Haugh's mother, who said that Gisel had never apologized to her or any of her family for the incident. In response, Gisel's sister Jacqueline Inzinga called the show later to say that Gisel was under instruction from counsel to avoid all contact with the victim's family. During Inzinga's call, Lonsberry suggested on the air that the incident could not have been an accident, and asked Inzinga how it felt to have a brother who was "a cold-blooded murderer" among other comments, according to the court summons. Gisel and Inzinga are the plaintiffs in the suit against Lonsberry and Clear Channel, seeking $3 million in damages after "substantial injury to their reputations and standing in the community

* Sean Hannity's Freedom Alliance is downgraded from four stars to two by Charity Navigator. The abrupt downgrade by the nonpartisan watchdog occurred within two days after Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed complaints against the Freedom Alliance with the FTC and IRS — as previously reported here. Those complaints also named Hannity and Oliver North Jr., who run Freedom Alliance and their Freedom Concerts that have raised millions of dollars over the past decade. Salon.com's Joe Conason writes, "Freedom Alliance has often boasted of its high ratings from charitable watchdog groups, specifically citing the four stars awarded by Charity Navigator to bolster its credentials as a benefactor of military veterans and their families. That generous assessment was particularly valuable because another major rating agency, the American Institute of Philanthropy, has long treated Freedom Alliance with deep skepticism." The four-star rating that Freedom Alliance formerly enjoyed, according to Charity Navigator's Website, indicates that a charity is "Exceptional" and "Exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause." By contrast, a two-star rating means that a charity "Needs Improvement" and "Meets or nearly meets industry standards but underperforms most charities in its Cause." CREW's Website blog notes the down-rating of its target.

* Rush Limbaugh responds to President Obama's televised criticisms of him in a CBS News interview. Harry Smith asked Obama about "the level of enmity" against the President on radio and television. "Well, I think that when you listen to Rush Limbaugh or Glenn Beck, it's pretty apparent, and it's troublesome, but keep in mind that there have been periods in American history where this kind of vitriol comes out," Obama said. "It happens often when you've got an economy that is making people more anxious and people are feeling like there is a lot of change that needs to take place. But that's not the vast majority of Americans. I think the vast majority of Americans know that we're trying hard, that I want what's best for the country." Responding, Limbaugh says that the economy isn't responsible for his success: "I have yet to have a down year at the EIB Network." In an email to Politico, Limbaugh writes, "I and most Americans do not believe President Obama is trying to do what's best for the country. Never in my life have I seen a regime like this, governing against the will of the people, purposely. I have never seen the media so supportive of a regime amassing so much power. And I have never known as many people who literally fear for the future of the country." The flap between Obama and Limbaugh comes as CBS News reports the President's approval rating is at an all-time low. Limbaugh's ratings — for radio listeners — remain high.

* CBS Interactive Music Group rolls out its Radio.com application for iPad. The app was created exclusively for iPad to make it easier for music, sports and news fans to navigate through content. CBS is banking that the Radio.com App for iPad will become the online destination for radio listening. The application brings together programming from CBS Radio and its streaming partners, including Yahoo! Music, among others, with Last.fm's proprietary scrobbling technology, artist pages, photo galleries, charts and event listings backed by a community of more than 40 million monthly users. Users will be able to intimately interact with in excess of 550 professionally programmed music stations and at least three dozen news, talk and sports stations from across the nation.

* NPR is ready for Apple's iPad, with a new app and an iPad-optimized Website. The NPR appication organizes NPR content under News, Arts & Life, and Music categories, with a special navigation bar and audio controls for access to hundreds of NPR stations and programs. Similar to the NPR iPhone app, the iPad version offers station search, playlists, and bookmarking. The NPR iPad-optimized Website has all of the content of NPR.org, but showcases photojournalism and photo galleries in particular and is optimized for the iPad's multitouch interface. "The iPad represents the perfect marriage between our online and audio storytelling," says NPR Digital Media SVP & GM Kinsey Wilson. "We've created an immersive experience that gets us closer to the classic NPR driveway moment than anything we've previously done in the digital space. And thanks to some of the technical innovations we've made in the past year, we were able to be up and running at the launch of iPad."

* Non-stop Hip Hop replaces AC at North Carolina's WKJX, Elizabeth City; "Mix 96" gives way to "96.7 The Block." East Carolina Radio's 96.7 had been AC for close to six years, until it begn stunting on April 1, before launching the new Hip Hop format. Visitors to www.Mix96NC.com are told simply, "WKJX-FM is now 96.7 THE BLOCK!" The small print says, "Website coming soon..."

* Sports Animal kills Clear Channel’s “96 Rock” WOSC Salisbury, MD; ESPN Radio replaces the former music. WOSC, serving Salisbury and Ocean City, MD, as well as Sussex County, DE, licensed to Bethany Beach, DE, is now Sports Talk “95.9 The Sports Animal." The Clear Channel Radio outlet is airing ESPN Radio's full lineup with the exception of a local show hosted by John “Whiskey” Wilson and Randy Scott from 4-7pm. Wilson was the Program Director and afternoon host of “96 Rock.” WOSC will also carry Baltimore Orioles baseball. Sister AM “Sportstalk 960” WTGM continues airing the full Fox Sports Radio lineup. The FM station was a Rock outlet for more than 10 years. It's Website — www.96rocksyou.com — now redirects to the new site, 959thesportsanimal.com.

* Coastal Broadcasting flips “Coast Country 106.7” WKOE, North Cape May, NJ, to Oldies “Fun 106.7” WFNE. While the new "Fun" doesn't yet have a Website, the station has a Facebook page, which displays the new logo and the announcement of the new format. The flip puts Coastal in competition with its former station at 94.3 which was "Oldies 94" until sold to WIBG-AM, Ocean City, which relaunched it as "Wibbage FM" WIBG-FM. Visitors to the now defunt "Coast Country 106.7” Website — at www.1067CoastCountry.com are redirected to the main Coastal Broadcasting System ("CBS") site. The format flip also marks the return of the "Fun" name to Cape May County, NJ. Coastal's main station "The Coast" WCZT, Wildwood, was once "Fun 98.7" WFNN. TPM's Mark Harris, who helped former 94.3 co-owner Larry Keene launch 94.3 in 1976 and served as Operations Manager & Program Director and morning host for eight years, tells us that 94.3 was originally WWOC. Several years after Harris left WWOC, Bil Huf, who handled sales and some on-air, eventually formed Coastal Broadcasting and purchased WWOC, changing it to WCZT. Later, Coastal obtained 98.7, and eventually exchanged the two identities, moving "The Coast" to 98.7, while moving 98.7's Oldies format to 94.3.

* Willobee Carlan is named Operations Manager of Shamrock Communications' Wilkes Barre-Scranton cluster. Carlan, known on-air as just "Willobee," is leaving WEQX, Manchester, VT-Albany, NY, where he's been OM & Program Director and afternoon host. Willobee will also be PD of Classic Rock "Rock 107" WEXZ. The cluster also includes AC "Cool 92.1 & 100.1" WQFM and Sports "ESPN Radio" WEJL-AM. After five years, Willobee's last day at WEQX is April 16, and he starts at his new gig, April 19. "This is certainly the end of an era for me," says Willobee. "These past five years at EQX have been the most fun I’ve ever had in radio. I am very proud of my accomplishments here and hope that I’ve left my mark. It’s not easy saying goodbye to such an amazing family. I will continue to be a friend and a fan." Looking ahead he adds, "And now I look forward to the next chapter of my career with Shamrock Communications. They are a solid company with deep heritage and an amazing group of people. I look forward to be in the ranks with the Lynett family, Jeff Laird and Chuck Browning. I am very excited to be reunited with Sandy Gamblin, a former GM who I had the pleasure of working with at The Edge in Phoenix. I am confident that we are going to make great radio together." At WEQX, Assistant PD & Music Director Amber Miller is named interim PD; Jason Irwin will handle afternoon drive as well as interim MD duties.

* "FM Talk 106.7" ends at KPWT, San Antonio, as the station moves into stunt mode ahead of a new format. That new format will be unveiled Monday (April 5), only ten months after "FM Talk 106.7" made its debut. The Cox Radio talker ended its format with a series of clips of talk shows that came to a slurring stop. At last listen, we heard only the sound of a ticking clock with an announcement that the station will be changing formats Monday at 5pm with a $5,000 giveaway — $1,000 for each of the five best guesses of what the new format will be. Entries are being taken at a "1067mystery" Facebook page. There's some speculation that 106.7 might bring back its former Rhythmic CHR "Power 106.7" or the prior Mainstream CHR-Top40 "Z1067." It was "Power 106.7" that was killed off in late May 2009 to make way for "FM Talk 106.7" after a period of stunting until the beginning of June. The call letters KPWT were first adopted when "Power" replaced "Z1067" KELZ.

* A federal judge dismisses a photographer's lawsuit against Talk "New Jersey 101.5" WKXW, Trenton, NJ. WKXW owner Millenium Radio Group was named in the suit as were former afternoon co-host Craig Carton, now morning co-host at WFAN-AM, New York, and WKXW afternoon co-host Ray Rossi. The judge ruled that calling someone gay is not slanderous, according to the New Jersey Law Journal. U.S. District Judge Joel Pisano predicted the state Supreme Court, which insisted on equal protection for same-sex couples in 2006, would be unlikely to "legitimize discrimination against gays and lesbians" by treating a homosexual reference as a slur. Peter Murphy sued the station and hosts, alleging that Carton and Rossi – complaining about a photo Murphy took of them for the "Best of 2006" issue of New Jersey Monthly – falsely suggested that he was homosexual, after he served them with a cease-and-desist letter blocking the use of the photo on the station's Website and in fan Photoshop parodies. The judge also rejected Murphy's copyright claims and a claim under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act of 1998.

* "News Talk 97.3" KIRO host Dave Ross is credited with saving Seattle's July 4th fireworks show. A grass-roots radio and online campaign, led by restaurateur and chef Tom Douglas, and featured on KIRO, was launched after the annual Fourth of July fireworks show over Lake Union was cancelled due to a lack of sponsorships. On KIRO's "Dave Ross Show," Douglas pledged $5,000 to keep the fireworks bursting in air. Ross pledged $1,000, as Douglas put out the challenge to Seattle area businesses to contribute what they could to keep the fireworks show going. Phone calls and emails then came in from Seattle businesses. By Thursday (April 1) afternoon, $80,000 was raised from local companies — then Microsoft and Starbucks agreed to match $125,000 each to help with the effort. Later in the evening, Paul Allen's company, Vulcan, contributed $50,000, bringing the total pledges to $432,000. Pledges continued Friday morning and just before 9am, Bill Pettit of Merrill Gardens, called in to announce the final pledge to reach the $500,000 goal. "I am amazed, but not surprised, by the overwhelming community support for an event that all of us now own," says Ross.

* "Scott and BR" return to San Diego Sports Talk "XX 1090 AM" after three week contract dispute. Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith took themselves off the air at "Sports Radio" XEPRS when the dispute began. SignOnSanDiego.com reports that Jack Evans, Programming & Operations VP for Broadcast Company of the Americas, which owns "XX Sports," made the announcement Thursday afternoon. “After lengthy, good-faith negotiations by all parties involved, I am very happy to announce to you the issues have been resolved,” Evans said on the air. No specifics were given, but Kaplan and Smith, who claimed they left the air because their contracts had been breached, said Thursday that their contracts would be "lived up to." Says Kaplan, "We never asked for one penny more than what the contract stated." He adds, "We didn't use this as a time to renegotiate and get more. ... We're getting paid now what the contract originally said." Says Smith: "We're going to do the job we signed up to do." Kaplan and Smith, who started as a team nine years ago Thursday (April 1) at XTRA Sports 690, signed a four-year contract that took effect at the beginning of 2009. XX Sports management denied throughout the dispute that they had breached the contracts and said Kaplan and Smith could return to the air at any time. The hosts said they had three other opportunities in San Diego but ultimately decided to return to a station where, as Kaplan said, "we've got seven years invested." San Diego News Network, meanwhile, reports Kaplan, reached by phone shortly after the official announcement aired on the station Thursday afternoon, said, “It’s all good. I’m excited to be coming back. This was a first for me, going through something like this. It wasn’t fun. But everybody just put their cards on the table and thankfully, we were able to work it out.” Added Kaplan: “Like (Chargers general manager) A.J. (Smith) always says, 'It’s just business, it’s not personal.'”

* A big shake-up at Rock "The Loop" WLUP, Chicago, starts with news that afternoon host Eddie Webb is leaving. Program Director Rick Balis says the highly rated Webb is leaving the station as of Friday (April 2). Morning personality Byrd will segue to afternoons, while nighttime host Pete McMurray shifts to mornings. According to Balis, Eddie Webb has a syndication opportunity awaiting him, which is the reason for the departure. "We hate to see him go, but we get it," he said. "It's an exciting new era for him." Chicago Radio and Media reports that Webb rejoined WLUP in November 2007, after spending a few years in other markets and opportunities, including being one of the original programmers of the Rock stations for XM Satellite Radio. Prior to that, he worked at both WLUP and WRCX. Byrd has only been the morning host for four months, since Jonathon Brandmeier was pushed out of the Emmis-owned station. Webb was also the station's Music Director. Assistant Music Director Nicole Gamboa will now move up into that role. Also announced is the hiring of Walter Flakus as a part-time fill-in host. Flakus was the keyboardist and founding member for the Chicago-based rock band Stabbing Westward. He also was a Music Director and host for XM's Alternative stations, as well as an A&R rep for Q Prime Management in New York.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Sun-Times' Lewis Lazare reports that Webb has gotten his big break. After a two-and-a-half-year stint with WLUP, he is leaving for New York, where he will be based to host a new nationally-syndicated Classic Rock show being developed jointly by Westwood One and VH1 that is set to launch on May 24. "It's a great break for Eddie," says WLUP General Manager Marv Nyren, who also indicated "The Loop" has first dibs on Webb's syndicated show in Chicago. Nyren said he will decide whether to pick it up after he listens to the pilot.

* Kim Amidon gets a wake-up call for mornings on Smooth AC "94.7 The Wave" KTWV, Los Angeles. Amidon, left KOST-FM's morning show in 2007 after nearly 22 years, starting Monday (April 5) for one week will be co-hosting the 6-9am show live with Pat Prescott. Amidon tells The Orange County Register's Gary Lycan, "I am so happy to be part of the Wave team. I love the music and how it's evolving, and I have known so many of the people there for years, so it really feels like a homecoming for me," she said in an email. Amidon returned to CBS Radio more than a year ago, first doing some air work on Classic Hits K-Earth 101.1 FM, then more recently some overnight and weekend shifts on KTWV. "I didn't even realize how much I missed it," she says. Amidon tells Lycan that Program Director Jhani Kaye called me up and told me I was too young to retire, so I said okay. To be back on the air, and to hear from long-time listeners, and feel a part of a team again, it is just the best," she said. Amidon will be filling in for Brian McKnight. Kaye, who programs "K-Earth" as well as "The Wave," is credited with a recent ratings increase, writes Lycan.

* Former Governor and now candidate Robert Ehrlich will remain on-air at WBAL-AM, Baltimore, until July. The Hearst talker says Ehrlich will continue on-air until he officially files as a candidate to again seek the governor's office. That's slated for July, two months before Maryland's primaries. Ehrlich has said he will be a candidate, and his wife/co-host says she is willing to continue the Saturday morning show solo when her husband's candidacy becomes official. WBAL-AM General Manager Ed Kiernan tells the Baltimore Business Journal that he's offered incumbent Governor Martin O'Malley his own show — an offer that has previously been declined. Ehrlich is expected to run against O'Malley in Maryland's November gubernatorial election.

* Say hello to "Boomer 106.9" ... as WRCG-AM, and FM translator, Columbus, GA, flips from Talk to Oldies. "Boomer" – online here – is using Scott Shannon's "True Oldies Channel" and is airing Mike Harvey's syndicated Oldies show. Remaining from the former format is locally-produced Sports Talk "The Past Noon Show" with Coach B R Johnson, and Atlanta Braves baseball. The "Boomer 106.9" positioner makes use of the frequency of the AM station's FM translator frequency. The PMB Broadcasting LLC outlet's AM signal is on 1420. A bit of trivia: WRCG stands for Radio Columbus Georgia.

* Two area men hope to revive WPAZ-AM, Pottstown, PA, which is now silent. Great Scott Broadcasting took the station off the air in Decembe, but Ross Landy and Rick Rogers have formed the "WPAZ Preservation Association." They are attempting to raise money to buy the station and return it to the air. Landy tells the Pottstown Mercury he wants to revive what he considers an "endangered species" of local community radio with the re-establishment of WPAZ-AM. "For me, personally ... I've always loved radio since I was a kid," says Landy, noting that, as a musician, it's specifically "local, community-owned radio" with which he has a fascination. When WPAZ went dark suddenly back in December, many longtime listeners of the station expressed their opinions about the station's closing to The Mercury and to each other. Many of those expressions were of sadness and dismay over losing the programing they had listened to for years. Landy, 37, who has lived in the area for about seven years, recalled seeing some of the feedback from WPAZ fans in The Mercury. Landy and Rogers have spoken to Great Scott CEO Mitchell Scott and have until May to raise the money to purchase WPAZ. They've launched a Website to do that, but so far the money has been slow coming in. They hope that will change with two benefit concerts to raise funds later this month.

* Ando Media releases its monthly Internet audio Top 20 Ranker for February. The Ranker is a listing of the top-performing Internet audio stations and networks measured by the Webcast Metrics audience measurement platform. Highlights from the Domestic February Ranker 6:00am to 8:00pm include: Average Active Sessions improved 1.85% among the Top 20 clients versus the month prior; Sessions Started improved 7.01%; Average Time Spent Listening increased 2.88% from 2.27 to 2.34 hours. Pandora Corporate again tops the Top 20 Ranker, followed by CBS Radio and Clear Channel Radio. Citadel and Entercom round out the first five. The full February rankings are available here from Ando Media (pdf). Ando will be hosting a Web conference to discuss the February Ranker, Wednesday, April 7 at 3pm ET.

* HD Radio developer iBiquity announces expanded support for HD Radio technology from seven automakers. The announcement comes at this week's annual New York International Auto Show. Carmakers, including BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Lincoln, Scion and Volvo, are highlighting their expanded commitments to HD Radio with new vehicle launches and more cars at dealerships. "The auto industry is accelerating its commitment to HD Radio Technology," says iBiquity Digital President & CEO Bob Struble. "HD Radio Technology is now a core element of the entertainment package offered by leading automakers. Our technology provides a digital pipeline to the consumer, with crystal-clear audio, more content choices and new services such as iTunes Tagging, Real Time Traffic, Journaline and other information."

Meanwhile, BMW of North America makes HD Radio standard as it launches the 2011 BMW 5 Series Sedan. This marks the first time BMW's entire product line is equipped with standard HD Radio technology. Most of the 2011 BMW model lineup featuring HD Radio started production this month and will be available at dealerships by June. BMW was one of the pioneering automotive OEMs to embrace HD Radio by providing the entertainment upgrade as an option in select models in 2006. Since then, BMW has continued to expand its commitment by adding HD Radio to more vehicles in its product lineup — and in 2007, BMW became the first automaker to offer factory-installed HD Radio receivers as an option across its entire product line.

* Entercom Kansas City says revenue from Glenn Miller political ads will be donated to two non-profits groups. Miller is a white supremacist write-in candidate for the U.S. Senate. His ads, which include Inflammatory language about Jewish and non-white residents, have aired on Entercom's News-Talk KMBZ-AM and Country WDAF-FM. In what Entercom called "an effort to fire back," donations will be made to the Jewish Federation and the Olathe, KS, branch of the NAACP. The local NAACP President Henry Lyons reacted by saying, "It's nice to see the man's message backfire in such a way."

Meanwhile, the Missouri Broadcasters Association has written to state Attorney General Chris Koster asking him to determine whether Miller is a “legally qualified” Senate candidate, as radio stations receive protests over political spots Miller is airing. The Springfield man has filed as a write-in candidate for the office. He’s bought time on several stations to air ads that demean Jews and non-whites, sometimes using racist language. Some broadcasters have said they’re airing the commercials only because they’re required to under federal law. A station must allow federal candidates “reasonable access” to their facilities, and it must air the messages of all legal candidates without changes. Other stations, however, want Koster to determine whether Miller really is legally qualified before they run the spots. A Koster spokesman says the attorney general had received the letter but had not reached a decision. In its letter, the association asks Koster to determine whether Miller meets residency and other requirements of the law, and whether he’s properly using his name, Frazier Glenn Miller. The stations also want to know when the general election campaign officially begins. Under federal law, candidates may not have full access to commercial time until the election is deemed to have started. “There’s some uncertainty at this point as to whether Mr. Miller is qualified and whether he has a right to be on (the air) at this stage,” says Mark Sableman, a St. Louis lawyer who wrote the letter on behalf of broadcasters.

* CBS News' Russ Mitchell to moderate "The Future of Broadcast News" Super Session at the NAB Show, April 12. The session will be jointly produced by NAB and the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA). Panelists for the Super Session include Steve Grove, News and Politics, YouTube; Jerry Gumbert, President & CEO, Audience Research & Development; Bob Horner, President, NBC News Channel; Paul McTear, President & CEO, Raycom Media; and Harvey Nagler, VP of News, CBS Radio. Mitchell, Sunday edition anchor for "CBS Evening News" and correspondent for the network's Sunday Morning program, will moderate. "Reaching broader audiences, particularly young people, requires broadcasters to rethink how news is produced and delivered," says Mitchell. "This session provides a great opportunity to hear from station executives and news professionals who are thinking outside the box to deliver high quality news products for consumption anytime, anywhere." In announcing the session, NAB tells us, "National and local broadcast news continues to inform and connect local communities in spite of slashed budgets and reduced staff, while new opportunities for repackaging and delivering the news have never been better." In the "Future of Broadcast News," says NAB, "a dynamic panel of leading broadcast news professionals and decision makers share their insights on maintaining the integrity of the station news product amidst a changing industry." The NAB Show is scheduled for April 10-15, in Las Vegas.

* The Oakland Raiders sign a new syndication agreement with Compass Media, move to KITS-FM and KFRC-AM. After Citadel "Hot Talk 560" KSFO-AM, San Francisco, said it will no longer broadcast the Raiders games, the new deal was announced by Compass Media Networks. KSFO had been the flagship radio outlet for a multi-state, multi-station Oakland Raiders Radio Network since the 2005 season. In San Francisco, the new home outlet will be CBS Radio Alternative Rock "Live 105" KITS. According to Compass, the Oakland Raiders' games will also air on AM, on Classic Hits KFRC, 610AM, this season. We previously told you, "KSFO reportedly has lost the syndication rights to a new syndicator that will select a different local outlet in San Francisco." That has now been confirmed. KSFO General Manager Mickey Luckoff says the station was unable to "come to terms with what has been a perpetual losing franchise." According to Luckoff the Raiders wanted too much of an ad inventory for the games &mdash that for what Luckoff calls a "minimal return in revenue or audience." Early Wednesday, the first word of change came when KSFO suggested it "voluntarily" dropped the Raiders, while our source in San Francisco suggested KSFO had been dropped by the NFL franchise in favor of a new syndication deal with a then as-yet unnamed new syndicator.

* Sports Talk "710 ESPN" KSPN-AM, Los Angeles, announces Angels baseball deal with crosstown KLAA-AM. KSPN will allow "AM 830" KLAA to air some of ESPN Radio's national weekday programming, while KLAA will allow KSPN to simulcast at least 60 Angels games this season. "We're very excited about expanding the presence of ESPN in Southern California and renewing our relationship with the Angels," says KSPN VP & General Manager Chris Berry. "This association will enhance what is already a powerful lineup of play-by-play partners, including the Lakers and USC." The 710 AM signal has long been associated with the Angels, beginning with KMPC when the expansion Los Angeles Angels joined the American League in 1961. Following a six-year hiatus after the 1996 campaign, the Angels returned to 710 again with KSPN in 2003. KLAA became the home of Angels Baseball following the 2007 season and continues to carry each of the 162 regular season games. "This partnership with ESPN Radio will allow listeners of AM 830 KLAA the opportunity to follow sports both on the local and national level," says KLAA President Dennis Kuhl. "In addition to the excitement of Angels Baseball, Ducks Hockey, and Notre Dame Football, Southern California fans will have access to up-to-date news and interviews with key personalities in the world of sports through ESPN's Scott Van Pelt and Doug Gottlieb." Angels broadcasts will continue to be produced by KLAA. "AM 830" KLAA is a locally owned and operated 50,000 watt radio station which provides an all-locally-produced live Sports and Sports Talk format serving Southern California, and is the flagship station for the Los Angeles Angels.

* Dickey Broadcasting's WSB-AM, and the Atlanta Braves sign a multi-year partnership with Skyview Networks. Skyview will serve as official radio network provider. "680 The Fan" WSB-AM is the flagship station for the Braves. Skyview will provide satellite distribution services and smart receivers across the Atlanta Braves radio network. "We chose Skyview Networks as our distribution partner because of their great track record in reliability and their operating platform tailored to sports content," says Dickey Broadcasting Operations Manager Jim Mahanay. "We look forward to a long relationship with Skyview and the dependability they bring to the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and Dickey Broadcasting." In February, Skyview began deploying next generation smart receivers across the Atlanta Braves Radio Network of 134 affiliates. This technology provides Dickey Broadcasting with the ability to localize and regionalize advertiser messaging. "We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Dickey Broadcasting and the Atlanta Braves," says Skyview President Ken Thiele. "I am confident that with our automation systems and our advanced distribution platform, they will see the opportunity to increase the size of their network and the opportunity to increase revenue through the ability to localize and regionalize advertising." The Atlanta Braves radio broadcasts with Jim Powell and Don Sutton begin Monday (April 5).

* Clear Channel Radio Cincinnati signs a new multi-year marketing partnership with "Fox 19" WXIX-TV. The agreement, effective April 1, is a broadcast and joint marketing deal under which WLW-AM and "Fox 19" will partner news operations and content, cross-promoting brands across various platforms, including over the air and online. Personalities will be shared as they will be heard and seen on radio, television and online. "Fox 19" will also provide hourly news and weather updates on AM 550 "55KRC The Talk Station" WKRC. The "Simply Money" program currently heard on WKRC will be seen during "Fox19 News." Says WXIX-TV VP & General Manager Bill Lanesey, "We are very excited to align our Stormtracker weather brand with the tradition and power of WLW and bring the other Clear Channel properties under our Your Home for News umbrella." Clear Channel Radio Cincinnati President & Market Manager Chuck Fredrick tells us, "We look forward to working with one of the premiere television companies in the area. Fox19 provides outstanding content to the community and will be a great addition to our Clear Channel market leading brands."

* New owners flip WAYI, Louisville, KY, to Urban “104.3 The Beat” WWPW. Radio Multi-Media takes control of the station, licensed to Charlestown, IN, which had simulcasted Contemporary Christian “105.9 Way-FM” WRVI. “104.3 The Beat” has signed with the syndicated Rickey Smiley morning show, and plans local programming in other dayparts. Smiley will be followed by Terry Fox in middays, Shawn Blaze in afternoons and DJ Kaos & Silly Azz in nights. Program Director Chuck Atkins says The Beat will be completely accessible to local artists, promoters and community leaders.

* Eastlan Ratings adds six more markets for its radio audience measurement service. Eastlan adds Casper, WY; Elko, NV; Fairbanks, AK; Klamath Falls, OR; Owensboro, KY; and St. Cloud, MN. The new markets are added in time for the Spring ratings period, which runs until May 26. Says Eastlan Ratings President & CEO Mike Gould, "We really appreciate the opportunity to provide service to broadcasters at a time when every investment must be so closely scrutinized. We view it as a tremendous compliment to be chosen to help small and medium-market broadcasters restore their revenue streams. It is an exciting time to be associated with the radio industry as committed local broadcasters in smaller markets are busy re-inventing how business is done. On many occasions over the years, small-market local broadcasters have been the pioneers in initiating meaningful change that ultimately spreads throughout the entire radio community. I think we are in the midst of another of those periods right now."

* Veteran CNBC contributor Ron Insana will host a new daily, two-hour morning radio show for Compass Media. Insana launched the short-form “Market Score Board” business reports for Sports Talk stations last year, and once hosted a weekend long-form talk show for Westwood One. Considered one of the founding personalities of business news television, he will host a 7-9am daily talk show beginning May 10. The new offering already has commitments from several Salem Business Talk stations. Insana will continue hosting his “Market Score Board" which now airs on more than four dozen stations, which also is syndicated by Compass Media Networks. "Ron Insana is one of our country's most credible voices on news, business and politics," says Compass CEO Peter Kosann. "He has interviewed leaders of state, CEOs, and American presidents. He has witnessed firsthand some of the most significant news events of the past 25 years. His knowledge is deep. His words compelling. His show will be destination programming for Americans looking to understand how the events of today will impact us all."

* CBS Radio Talk WTIC-AM, Hartford, CT, host Jim Vicevich exits, after being unable to reach a new deal. "Unfortunately, we were unable to reach a mutually amicable agreement," says Operations Manager Steven Salhany. "Jim has decided to move on and we wish him well," Salhany tells the Hartford Courant. Vicevich gave his explanation on his blog at Radioviceonline.com, writing: "I am so sorry to inform you, my loyal listeners and friends, that, as of this morning at 8:30, I am no longer employed by WTIC 1080. Over the course of four months, we were unable to reach an agreement on a new contract. I want you to know I would never think of leaving you without saying good bye, especially in turbulent times like this, but the station made the decision to keep me off the air for the final day of my contract. So this will have to be my way of saying thank you. You are the most loyal and as the SOS says, brightest, well informed audience that any talker could have. Please be assured that I wish this were not so, but this is still America, where the individual, and business for that matter, can decide their worth for work. On that point we could not agree." Vicevich says, "Radioviceonline.com will continue without interruption, with the chat room and live video so we can continue our conversations that started here a year and a half ago."

* The NAB Education Foundation announces the winners of the 12th annual Service to America Awards. Winners will be honored at the Celebration of Service to America Awards dinner, June 14, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. The celebration recognizes outstanding community service by local broadcasters. Radio stations receiving the awards are Hubbard Radio's KSTP-FM, Minneapolis; and Pamplin Communications' KPAM-AM, Portland, OR. A 2008 recipient of the Service to Children Award, KSTP-FM is being honored once again for their outstanding community service during the 2009 calendar year. KSTP-FM has raised money for the Children's Cancer Research Fund and Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. Fundraisers included KS95 for Kids Radiothon, KS95's Change for Kids Finale and the KS95 for Kids Golf Tournament. Other initiatives included the Torchlight 5K and school supply and toy drives. KPAM-AM receives a Service to Community Award. KPAM-AM's "Operation Santa Claus" raised money to provide financial assistance to members of the armed forces and their families. All contributions went to the Salvation Army's "Home Front War Relief Program." In five days, over $131,000 was raised. More than a half-million dollars have been raised since the program's inception in 2004. A complete listing of all award winners, radio and television, is available here. "Day in and day out, broadcasters across America demonstrate a commitment to community service and charitable fundraising that no other business or technology can match," says NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "The NAB Education Foundation looks forward to honoring this latest group of radio and television stations for their outstanding programming initiatives and public service campaigns that shine a spotlight on the enduring importance of free and local broadcasting."

* Debut Broadcasting reports that 2009 full year revenues declined 22% to $2.068 million; net loss reduced. Debut, in an SEC filing, says radio operations were down 9.8%, noting that the was better than the industry overall. Debut's net loss narrowed 50% to $419,000. Debut owns Impact Radio Networks and station clusters in Vicksburg and Indianola, MS. The company is selling three stations in Greenville, MS. Earlier this year the company restructured its debt and CEO Steven Ludwig exited. Debut is now led by Ronald Heineman.

* Regent Communications files with the FCC to put stations in Ft. Collins and Lafayette into a trust for divestiture. The debtor-in-possession filings are for stations that will be over the limit when Regent's Chapter 11 reorganization is completed. The reorganization plan calls for a debt for equity takeover of Regent by lender Oaktree Capital, which constitutes a change of control. That will end the grandfathered status of clusters that are above the FCC limits under current Commission rules. KARS-FM, Laramie, WY, and its booster in Fort Collins; and KPEL-FM, Abbeville, are immediately placed in the “Fort Collins-Lafayette Divestiture Trust.” There’s also a contingency trust for all Regent stations should that become necessary for the company’s “expeditious emergence from bankruptcy while the FCC transfer approvals are pending.” Jay Meyers of Broadcast Management & Technology is in charge of both trusts.

* Citadel files bankruptcy court motions to extend its exclusive period for filing Chapter 11 reorganization plans. Citadel also seeks to extend its time for assuming or rejecting property leases. The motions are scheduled to be heard April 8. Citadel CEO Farid Suleman reportedly wants to retain control of the reorganization process. Meanwhile, a Website has been established by the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors for general information about the case. The site is at chapter11.epiqsystems.com. Citadel has now filed its February financial report with the court, showing revenues of $53,441,319 with net income at $4,142,899.

* Westwood One says it has reached a new agreement with its lenders, modifying its debt covenants for 2010 and 2011, beginning with the first quarter of this year. The company says the new covenant levels "will provide us with a significant increase in our operational and financial flexibility and reduce financial risk. These amendments will allow us to continue to focus on our revenue initiatives and enacting our plans to continue investing in our infrastructure and the key drivers of our business on a broader basis."

* The trustee for bankrupt Interep's Chapter 7 liquidation seeks millions of dollars from former clients of Interep. Radio groups who used the bankrupt company as their national ad sales rep are now a target for trustee Kenneth Silverman. He's filed recovery claims against a number of radio groups saying that in the final months of Interep's operations many broadcasters were over-compensated and that the money should be returned for the benefit of Interep creditors. Silverman has filed claims against Inner City for the return of $1.5 million and Emmis for $1.1 million. Other groups said to be targets include Buckley Radio, CBS Radio, Cox, Entercom, ESPN Radio, Lincoln Financial, NextMedia, NRG, Radio Disney, Renda, Salem, and SBS. Vendors such as Arbitron are also being named in the trustee's recovery efforts.

* Nearly $70 million in total compensation is reported for the top three executives of satcaster Sirius XM Radio. The company's proxy statement, just filed with the SEC ahead of the annual shareholders' meeting, shows that CEO Mel Karmazin received $43.5 million in compensation in 2009, President Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein received $10.7 million and President Operations & Sales James Meyer was given $14.9 million last year. Compensation includes salary, bonuses, and stock and option awards. The proxy filing shows that Karmazin was rewarded far beyond his base salary of $1.2 million. His total compensation, including $7 million in bonus and $35 million in option awards, was $43,466,790. The previous year, he received $1,256,000. Greenstein added onto his base salary of $850,000 with a $4 million bonus and about $8 million in option awards, for a total of $10,713,285. He made about $2.4 million each of the two previous years. Meyer started with a base salary of $950,00 and ended with total compensation of $14,876,932. His 2007 and 2008 packages were worth around $3 million each. Sirius weathered a financial crisis in early 2009 by bringing in new investor Liberty Media, which now owns 40% of the satellite radio company.

* Sirius XM Radio files an explanation of a possible reverse stock split. In a Schedule 14A Preliminary Proxy Statement filed with the SEC, the satcaster covers information on a possible stock split, citing the notification from Nasdaq of possible delisting. The satcaster tells the SEC it still hopes to avoid a reverse stock split, but will do it if appeals of the delisting fail. "The purpose of any reverse stock split would be to increase the per share trading value of our common stock above $1.00 if necessary to comply with such rule. We meet all of the Nasdaq Global Select Market's continued listing criteria, other than the minimum bid price requirement. Our board of directors intends to effect the reverse stock split only if the implementation of the reverse stock split is determined by the board of directors to be in the best interests of the company and its stockholders."

* Rick Murray is promoted to the new position of VP of Integrated Marketing & Promotions at Premiere Radio Networks. Murray moves up from Director of Marketing and Brand Development for "After MidNite With Blair Garner." He'll now be responsible for marketing, brand development, partnerships, and promotions for all of Premiere's nationally syndicated Country shows — After MidNite, The Big D & Bubba Show, and The Crook & Chase Country Countdown. Murray, based in Nashville, reports to Premiere SVP of Programming Jennifer Leimgruber. "Since joining Premiere last year, Rick's marketing expertise and creativity have been key to the continued success of After MidNite With Blair Garner," says Leimgruber. "We're delighted to have Rick expand his role and confident he'll continue to drive growth and success across our country programs."

* The FCC drops gender from its 2008 advertising anti-discrimination order. It's not that the Commission favors gender discrimination — but rather the order, now corrected, is aimed at preventing racial discrimination. Specifically, the FCC's "clear intent" was to put a stop to "no Urban dictates" and "no Spanish dictates." The Commission acknowledges that some advertising is reasonably gender-targeted on product categories that are appropriate specifically for women or men. Despite the "erratum" to its advertising nondiscrimination requirement, the 2008 order still doesn't say how stations and ad agencies should implement its provisions.

* The FCC grants a 90-day extension to several companies to request permanent cross-ownership waivers. The Commission's Media Bureau grants the extensions to apply for the waivers of the newspaper-broadcast rule to Cox Enterprises, Bonneville International, Calvary Inc., Scranton Times LP, and Morris Communications The FCC is still considering the companies' request that the deadline for waiver requests be delayed until 90 days after a court decision on challenges to the changes in the ownership rules. The new deadline for the filings is July 6. The Media Bureau says its extension does not constitute action on the companies' request for a delayed deadline.

* "The Zone@94.1" WZNE Program Director Nik Rivers adds PD of "Fickle 93.3" WFKL, Rochester, NY. Rivers adds programming duties for the Adult Variety Hits station following the departure of Terese Taylor who was PD for WFKL and AC clustermate "Warm 101.3" WRMM. "Warm" is seeking a new PD. In another announcement from the Stephens Media Group Rochester cluster, Joe "Tre" Lopez has been hired as Production Director for the cluster and afternoon host on "The Zone," replacing Brody, April 5. Tre was most recently afternoon host at CBS Radio Alternative "103.1 The Buzz" WPBZ, West Palm Beach. Also, Promotions Coordinator Scott Hixson is promoted to cluster Marketing Director, filling a vacancy created by the January exit of Sarah Anken. Danielle Raymo is named to take over as Promotions Coordinator. One more announcement: "Homeless" Mark Maira is promoted to Imaging Director for WFKL and WRMM.

* Jeff Cushman is out as Program Director at CBS Radio Hot AC "Mix 105.1" WOMX, Orlando. Cushman is now seeking a new opportinity, while CBS Radio Orlando Market Manager Dave Robbins is seeking a new PD for WOMX. Confirming Cushman's exit, Robbins says, "We appreciate his many efforts through the years and wish him nothing but the best in his future pursuits." Until a new permanent programmer is named, Bobby Smith is named interim PD for "Mix 105.1" says Robbins.

* Bill Gamble exits as Program Director at CBS Radio Chicago Country WUSN & AC WCFS after eight months. Gamble, now seeking his next opportunity, tells All Access, "There are some great folks at US99 and Fresh 105. I'm proud of the accomplishments that we were able to make in the time that I was there, and I look forward to watching Michigan State win the national championship and then getting back to work." Gamble has more than 20 years experience in programming stations in Chicago and Denver. At "US99" WUSN Assistant PD & Music Director Marci Braun will assume interim PD duties, while at "Fresh 105" WCFS, APD & MD Joe Epperson will do the same for that station.

* Bruce St. James exits CBS Radio Phoenix after only a few months on the job; has a new unspecified position. During his short tenure at the cluster, the veteran programmer was Program Director of Rhythmic CHR "101.5 Jamz" KZON and Country KMLE-FM. Says St. James, "I've come to this very difficult decision as I have before me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity within radio. As soon as I can let out the details I will. My deepest thanks to VP & Market Manager Tim Pohlman, and the entire CBS/Phoenix staff." A Phoenix native, St. James previously was Program Director of Riveria's crosstown duo Rhythmic CHR "Power 92" KKFR and Alternative "The Edge 103.9" KEDJ. St. James joined KKFR as PD in 1998 after serving as Program Director of Rhythmic AC KMCG-FM, San Diego.

* Former Baltimore Orioles catcher Chris Hoiles joins "Fox 1370" WVIE-AM, Baltimore, Monday (April 5). Also joining to co-host a new 1-3pm show on "Sports Radio" WVIE is former minor league baseball exec Adam Gladstone. The two will replace Premiere Radio Network's Jim Rome in the time slot. The Baltimore Sun tells us the new show will be baseball oriented, with special emphasis on the home team Orioles. "We are thrilled with the prospect of having Hall of Famer Chris Hoiles as part of the Fox 1370 lineup," says WVIE General Manager Bob Pettit. Hoiles was a 19th-round draft pick of the Detroit Tigers' in 1986 but spent his entire 10-season major league career with the Orioles. From 1989 to 1998, he played in 894 games for the team, hitting .262 with 151 home runs and 449 RBIs. Hoiles and Gladstone are already partners off the air. The two formed a company – The Hoiles-Gladstone Group – organizing hunting trips with various sports celebrities.

* Pandora Yeargin-Johnson is appointed VP of Network Sales and Marketing at Sun Radio Network. In the newly created position, the 20-year marketing veteran will work on new strategic partnerships for "Your Weekend With Jim Brickman" and "The Long Drive with Motor Trend's Bob Long," plus a soon-to-be-announced Urban AC project. "I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are to have Pandora on the Sun Radio team," says Sun CEO Jason Bailey. "Our clients are faced with more choices in media than ever before. It's rare to find someone with Pandora's scope of experience in terrestrial radio who also understands and embraces the innovative multiplatform approach our company is spreading across the nation." Yeargin-Johnson tells us, "I am very excited about joining the growing Sun Radio Network family in a role that affords me the opportunity to 'deliver the difference' for clients nationwide." Most recently, Yeargin-Johnson worked for Citadel Media. Previously she has been with Clear Channel Radio and CBS Radio.

* WMNF-FM, Tampa-St Petersburg, FL, suspends doctor's show after discussion of hepatitis C outbreak at clinic. Dr. Carol Roberts' show is put on hold by "Community Radio 88.5" WMNF. For 11 years, Dr. Carol Roberts has dissected everything from homeopathic remedies to nutrition therapies on her twice-monthly alternative medicine show for WMNF-FM, reports the St Petersburg Times. But the station placed Roberts' show on hiatus because of a controversy over how WMNF officials and listeners learned that eight patients in her Brandon holistic medical clinic tested positive for hepatitis C last year. The incident is now under investigation by the state Health Department. "We had some concerns about … whether we were opening up our listeners to any potential problems," says Rob Lorei, director of news and public affairs for WMNF. "Clearly people can hear her show and then look her up in the phone book. … We want to make sure our listeners are safe." Lorei said WMNF would review the Health Department's final report, expected soon, reinstating the show if there are no serious problems. But, writes the Times, at least one WMNF staffer remains upset Roberts didn't notify the station about the outbreak. Lorei received an anonymous letter on the issue in early March. And the controversy raises new concerns about how much volunteers' outside activities may affect WMNF's image and listeners. When the St. Petersburg Times published a story on the outbreak March 20, Roberts was scheduled to appear on WMNF's Women's Show to talk about her new book. Instead, she explained away many of the story's negative connotations, leaving some to wonder if she used the radio station to counter the story. "I felt it would be disingenuous if I didn't talk about it," said Roberts, who added that she offered to cancel her appearance. "(Not informing WMNF) is a public relations mistake. It doesn't reflect on the kind of medicine I practice or how we handled (the outbreak)."

* Houston Rock Radio pioneer Pat Fant dumps FM for Web broadcasting. Mike McGuff blogs, "There has been a lot written about the upcoming Houston Independent School District online radio station going live next school year. The Internet station is called K12RadioHouston and will target student's parents with music and news about the school district. It will be the first of its kind in the nation. But only on mikemcguff.com will you find out about RFC Media – the company behind it. The story starts several decades ago in the early 70s when a 21-year-old Pat Fant spun The Who's I'm Free on 101 KLOL. Most know that radio station became one of the top rated rock outlets in the country under Fant's leadership. But that was then." The Houston Chronicle reported, "A new Internet-based radio station could generate more than $500,000 a year for the Houston Independent School District. K12RadioHouston is expected to launch in July as the first streaming station for a public school system. HISD and a media company plan to split the profits, which are estimated to reach $1 million in the first year." Fant tells the mikemcguff.com blog, "Broadcast radio is in my rear view mirror." Fant adds, "I'm taking everything I learned from doing compelling, one of a kind radio and offering it on a different kind of delivery system." Fant told the Chronicle, “You don't need a transmitter. You don't need a tower. There's not a public school district in the county that has its own full-time Internet radio station.” Fant is the co-founder of RFC Media.

* Philadelphia broadcast news legend Malcolm Poindexter dies at the age of 84. Although best known for his many years with KYW-TV, now known as CBS 3, Poindexter began the broadcast phase of his "diverse and illustrious career" at sister radio station KYW-AM, when it launched its "Newsradio" format in 1965. He went over to the TV station news department two years later, becoming one of the first African American reporters seen on Philadelphia television. Poindexter, who "had a remarkable multi-media career spanning more than 50 years in journalism," according to a CBS 3 report, began in the print media. His assignments included serving as a reporter for the Philadelphia Tribune, The Bulletin, Jet and Ebony magazines, the Associated Negro Press, and the London Daily Express, before joining KYW-AM. He began his career with the Philadelphia Tribune and the Associated Negro Press in 1947 as a general assignment reporter and writer. During his 15 years with the Philadelphia Tribune, he served as a writer/photo-journalist, columnist, sportswriter and editor, city editor, business manager, assistant comptroller and comptroller. He later joined the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. In 1965, when KYW Newsradio was launched, Poindexter was one of the first reporters hired. All of his achievements have not gone without national recognition. On June 30, 1980, People magazine featured Poindexter in an article entitled "A Philadelphia Anchorman Fights to Change His Mean Streets." The story chronicled Poindexter's move from an affluent section of Philadelphia to a poor, ethnically mixed neighborhood, where he provided leadership in efforts to help his community. The four-time Emmy Award winner and legendary newsman retired from CBS 3 in February 2001. He passed away Tuesday morning (March 30), according to KYW-TV. In 1996, Poindexter was inducted into the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame, which has posted to a tribute to Poindexter. In addition to his Emmys and other industry honors, Poindexter received more than 300 community awards throughout his career.

* Former Indiana University radio reporter Todd Leary will go to trial in July on 17 counts of fraud charges. The Former IU basketball player was the university's radio reporter for the past nine seasons until his arrest before the IU-Purdue game in February on a warrant charging him with fraud in an alleged theft of mortgage escrow funds in a non-radio business. Court documents show that Leary's former teammate, Brian Evans, cooperated with state investigators to uncover the scheme, according to the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette. Leary, 39, is accused of conspiring with former title insurance broker Joseph Garretson, who has been charged in a $2.7 million fraud scheme, between July 2008 and February 2009. The majority of the charges are Class C felonies, with penalties of up to four years in prison for each count.

* New Generation Programming suspends operations; co-owner/co-founder Chuck Geiger exits. Geiger, who started the radio consulting and programming company with Chip Miller in January, says, "The time is not right for something like this. We decided to put the company in suspended animation for the time being. I have been disengaged from day-to-day radio for close to a year now and I'm working in the print and online sales world.” Back in early January, Geiger told us, "Today marks the start of New Generation Programming, a full-service programming advisory team. I've partnered with Chip Miller in Memphis, whom I've known for a quite a few years as a solid programmer with creative arms in programming, ownership and a keen sense of business skills." New Generation Programming, at the time was described as, "A new frontier in AC, Classic Rock/Hits, CHR and primarily Country radio programming advisory."

* Jetcast increases the availability of its online streaming barter program. The program allows Internet radio broadcasters of any size to reduce or eliminate their online streaming costs, while taking advantage of online ad revenue by participating in ReplaceAds. Radio's digital revenue is expected to grow to $500 million in 2010, and to $800 million by 2014, according to a new report from BIA/Kelsey. "Now is the perfect time for us to ramp up our innovative streaming barter program as more and more online radio broadcasters look for new technologies that will grow their top and bottom line revenue," says Jetcast co-founder Jeff Pescatello. With its online streaming barter program, Jetcast is able to offer Internet radio broadcasters unlimited audio or video streaming in exchange for a small portion of the ad avails in and around the broadcast stream. Jetcast also allows any broadcaster to use its barter program to eliminate the expense traditionally associated with high bit rate streams, even if the station uses another provider for its low bit rate streams. Jetcast will be showcasing its barter program at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 12-15.

* Political spots being aired on Entercom's "News Radio 980" KMBZ-AM, Kansas City, are creating controversy. The political advertisements, for a write-in candidate for U.S. Senate, include "racially charged and anti-Semitic claims," reports the Kansas City Star. KMBZ Program Director Neil Larrimore says the station has no choice but to run the ads under federal law. The spots are for Glenn Miller, who has filed papers with the Missouri secretary of state to run as a write-in candidate for U.S. Senate from Missouri. Miller formerly headed the White Patriot Party. He has reportedly been called a white supremacist and paramilitary organizer by the Southern Poverty Law Center. One political ad is described as telling white people to "take their country back" from Jews and non-whites. Larrimore tells the KC Star, "The company is required by federal law to run these spots and to do so without any edits. Our hands are tied." He also says Miller has purchased airtime on at least one other local station. KMBZ is running disclaimers before the Miller commercials, as it is permitted to do. The newspaper reports that, while Miller has filed with the Missouri Secretary of State, he has not yet filed with the Federal Election Commission and is not required to unless he raises or spends $5,000 or more. There is also no FEC record of the "Committee to Elect Write-In Candidate Glenn Miller to the U.S. Senate," which is indicated as paying for the ads.

* CREW files complaints with the FTC and IRS against Sean Hannity, his Freedom Concerts, the Freedom Alliance. Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) filed the complaints because of alleged "prohibited political activities" and "illegal and deceptive marketing practices." Lt. Col. Oliver North is also named. Copies of the complaints were also sent to the attorney generals of the states in which concerts are scheduled to be held this summer. CREW’s FTC complaint alleges Hannity and Freedom Concerts have engaged in illegal and deceptive marketing practices by suggesting that all money generated by ticket sales for the Freedom Concerts he sponsors each summer goes to scholarships for children of killed and wounded service members. In fact, the concerts are staged by Premiere Marketing, which is headed by Duane Ward – also the head of Premiere Speakers Bureau, which exclusively represents Hannity and North. After staging the concerts, Premiere donates an unknown portion of the concert proceeds to the Freedom Alliance. Hannity has promoted the concerts on his show, making statements such as, “Every penny, 100% of the donations are applied to the Freedom Alliance scholarship fund.” Similarly, promoting the concert on Hannity’s program, North has said, “There’s no overhead. There’s no expenses taken out. Every penny that’s donated or that’s raised through things like the Freedom Concerts” goes to the scholarship fund.” In addition, Hannity has pledged that all the proceeds of his new book, “Conservative Victory,” will go to Freedom Alliance. CREW’s IRS complaint against Freedom Alliance asks the IRS to consider revoking its charitable tax status because the organization has engaged in prohibited political activities. "When Freedom Alliance first formed in 1999, the IRS conditioned its charitable tax status on the organization removing politically partisan materials from its Website and warned it not to intervene in political campaigns," says CREW. "Despite those warnings, Freedom Alliance’s Website includes links to Lt. Col. North’s columns, which are largely political, rents its mailing list to a communications firm that works for organizations that 'seek to reach Republicans and conservatives across the United States,' and hosts an annual 'Freedom Cruise' with Republican politicians such as former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele," writes CREW. "In addition, Freedom Alliance appears to have a relationship with Team America, a PAC formed by Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-CO), dedicated to anti-immigration efforts and supporting conservative candidates."   More from CREW...

* Some 24% of persons 12+ have listened to an iPod, iPhone or MP3 player while connected to a car stereo. That's according to the new "Infinite Dial" 2010 national survey from Arbitron and Edison Research. The national study shows that 44% of all Americans age 12 and older own an iPod or MP3 player. Among that group, 54% have connected their players for listening in the car. "Nearly one in four Americans over age 12 say they have listened to their digital music players by connecting it to their car stereo," says Arbitron SVP of Marketing Bill Rose. "The car is clearly a crucial battleground for people's attention," said Larry Rosin, Edison Research President, "and our study shows that most of those who do listen in this fashion do so more than once a week." The findings are from a national survey of 1,753 persons ages 12 and over. This is the 18th in a series of studies Arbitron and Edison have conducted since 1998 on topics relating to the Internet and New Media. The complete study will be presented in an April 8 Webinar.

* Arbitron Monday (March 29) released cumes estimates from RADAR 104 for the 51 rated networks. The most current cumulative audience estimates indicate that Network Radio delivers more listeners across major buying demographics as compared to the RADAR 103 network audience report. Comparatively, the March 2010 RADAR 104 report shows an increase in the number of people reached by network radio for key buying and selling demographic groups. The latest report shows 788,000 more listeners for Persons 18-plus. Persons 12-plus show an increase of 684,000 listeners compared to RADAR 103. The only demographic showing a loss is 18-49 adults, down 90,000 from RADAR 103. The "RADAR 104 Network Rankings by Key Demos—Daypart Cume" report is available here from Arbitron.

* Arbitron says it met or exceeded all sample size metrics across 33 currency markets in the February PPM survey. The average Designated Delivery Index (DDI) for Persons aged 6+ was 108 in February and 102 for Persons aged 18-54 across the 33 currency markets. Black Persons aged 18-34 reached a 94 DDI in February — the average among 33 PPM Currency, 19 markets for black, 22 markets for Hispanic and 14 markets for language preference. The February average DDI was 92 for all Persons aged 18-34; 88 among Hispanic persons aged 18-34* and 92 for Other Persons – not Black and not Hispanic – aged 18-34. The Persons aged 6+ average daily in-tab rate across the 33 currency markets for February maintained the 82% achieved in January exceeding the benchmark of 75% by a significant margin. The average in-tab rate for the 18-34 demos reached new high marks and exceeded the 70% benchmark. The average in-tab rate was 77% for all Persons aged 18-34 in February 2010. For Black Persons aged 18-34 the average in-tab rate was 74% and the average in-tab rate was 80% for Hispanic Persons aged 18-34. The 33-market average SPI in February 2010 was 22.4%. That, says Arbitron, is a 12% increase over the 14-market average from the same month last year of 20%.

* Spanish Broadcasting System and Arbitron are entering into mediation. SBS isn’t dropping its lawsuit against Arbitron over PPM methodology, but it is agreeing to mediation with the ratings company. Arbitron and SBS have informed New York Supreme Court Judge Shirley Kornreich that they've chosen Fordhan Law School Dean John Feerick as the mediator. Kornreich has urged the two companies to attempt mediation in an effort to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. SBS Chief Revenue Officer Frank Flores says his company will not drop its lawsuit regarding perceived problems with PPM methodology until and unless an agreement is actually reached.

* Marijuana is a cash crop for California radio stations — as pro pot political spots begin airing. CBS Radio's "NewsTadio 1070" KNX-AM, Los Angeles reports that radio and TV spots are sparking the airwaves in support of the legalization of pot in Los Angeles and San Francisco. California, the first state to legalize medical marijuana 15 years ago, could now be the first state to make the herbal weed legal for recreational use as well. The issue will be put it to a vote in November with an initiative on the ballot to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. The measure would allow adults over 21 to buy up to an ounce and grow small amounts, though they wouldn't be able to use it in public or near minors. The Tax Cannabis Act would allow local governments to collect on every marijuana sale. A 2009 statewide poll showed 56% of California voters in support of legalizing and taxing marijuana. That figure may be even higher now in light of severe financial crunches at both the municipal and state level in the Left Coast State.

* ESPN Radio leaves Abilene, TX, as "ESPN Radio 1560 AM" flips to Classic Rock "Rock 1560 the Zoo" KZQQ. Abilene's Reporter-News writes, "Local event programming — including Abilene High School and McMurry University sports, among others — will continue to be carried" by KZQQ, says Radio Abilene President Parker Cannan. The company owns two other stations, KWKC-AM and FM "Star 106." ESPN Radio had aired on 1560AM since July 2006. “Business-wise, it wasn’t possible for us,” Cannan told his radio audience when asked by a caller about financial negotiations between Radio Abilene and ESPN Radio. Cannan made his remarks while appearing on a call-in sports show hosted by Al Pickett, which will now be broadcast on KWKC 1340 AM. Cannan also said he was told that “they’re doing this to about 50 or 60 of the smaller markets.” In an interview with the Reporter-News, Cannan said negotiations began about three months ago with ESPN Radio, as the station’s contract was set to expire. “They gave ultimatums and I couldn’t live with them. I didn’t think it was good for the company. I didn’t think it was good for Abilene,” Cannan said. Cannan declined to give details of the negotiations, except to say there were “multiple” issues involved beyond financial considerations.

* Starbucks brews up a new ad campaign with Clear Channel Radio to promote its new line of coffee flavors. The eight-week campaign running on select Clear Channel Radio stations also promotes Starbucks' special $1.50 Tall coffee prices. The campaign, developed with Katz Marketing Solutions and CCR's Creative Services Group, features four on-air interviews with Starbucks Global Coffee Educator Jason Simpson, asking customers to go on a "coffee journey" and try a new Starbucks "bold flavor" each week. The spots are airing in morning drive in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington DC. Air personalities in Boson, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle are taking part in video tutorials with Starbucks baristas. The videos stream live on station Websites beginning this week and will be updated with new content weekly. "Starbucks is an extremely creative company when it comes to promotional efforts, and we were excited to collaborate with them to produce this original, imaginative campaign," says Clear Channel Radio President & CEO John Hogan. "We were able to create two unique ways of reaching the coffee-drinking population by tying the on-air tactics to the visual element of the video tutorials with the help of our own local personalities."

* Entravision expands its digital team in Denver, naming two new appointments. Entravision Denver adds J. Basil Dannebohm as Interactive Sales Manager and Ryan Mulligan as Web Content Publisher. Both appointments reflect the Spanish-language radio operator's ongoing focus on its cross-platform content and sales initiative, Entravision 360, providing integrated marketing across the company's TV, radio, online and mobile properties. In his new role, Dannebohm will be responsible for all interactive sales and operations for Entravision's Denver properties, working closely with Mulligan, who will oversee development and management of all online content for the cluster's four Websites, to develop and create customized solutions for advertisers interested in reaching the growing Hispanic community in Denver. The four Websites include Entravision's three radio stations "Jose 92.1" KJMN-FM; "La Tricolor 96.5" KXPX; and "Maria 1090" KYBG-AM — as well as Univision Colorado KCEC-TV. Over the next several months, Entravision Denver will be rolling out new functions and capabilities like Vida Nocturna, a nightlife and dining web site that will feature local hot spots, and Tu Salud, a health and wellness web site that will provide health related information in Spanish. The team recently launched Busca Denver, the first Spanish-language search directory in the Denver metro area. "Adding experienced professionals like Jeremy and Ryan is another example of our ongoing investments in our digital properties," says VP & GM Mario Carrera. "Building out our sites gives our audience another platform to see and hear our top content while meeting advertiser demands for new solutions. Jeremy and Ryan have already made significant contributions to our business and we look forward to working with them on these growing platforms."

* CBS Radio is preparing to put Los Angeles talker KFWB-AM on the sales block under orders from the FCC. The move comes eight years after the FCC first told the network to get rid of one of its L.A. properties to comply with limits on the number of stations one owner can hold in each market. CBS Radio will put KFWB into a trust run by Bill Clark, a longtime radio industry veteran who lives in the Bay Area. Once the trust has ownership of the station, it will seek a buyer. Due to the down market, however, it’s unclear if a buyer will come forward. The Los Angeles Business Journal says a sale would likely mean the end of KFWB’s history as a local news station. Industry watchers say likely buyers for KFWB are foreign-language broadcasters – such as Spanish, Korean or even Persian – that would convert the station to music or non-English talk. The sale also comes at a time when both all-news stations in Los Angeles, KFWB and CBS Radio-owned KNX-AM, have seen double-digit declines in revenue. While all-news stations in other markets, such as New York and Washington DC have seen revenue hold relatively steady or increase, both KFWB and KNX have struggled, writes L.A. Business Journal. Radio habits differ from market to market, and industry observers cite L.A.’s diversity as a possible factor. “All-news in Los Angeles is not working as well as it is in New York, Chicago, D.C.,” said Michael Harrison, the publisher of Talkers Magazine, an industry trade publication based in Springfield, Mass. “One station is being sold, and the other one, while doing relatively well, has done nothing but decline.” Industry watchers say CBS Radio likely chose to sell KFWB because the station has the lowest ratings and the weakest signal strength of all its local properties. A spokeswoman for CBS Radio declined to comment except to say the sale of KFWB “is purely a business decision based on a thorough evaluation of all our properties in the market.”

* Don't expect Simmons Media Group and Millcreek Broadcasting to merge anytime soon — if at all. There were rumors the two Salt Lake-based radio companies might join forces to some extent, but those rumors are denied by Simmons Media President G. Craig Hanson, reports Deseret News. "That's not happening," says Hanson. He confirms a possible joint venture was discussed by the two companies since they share a common lender. Plus, adds Hanson, even if a merger were to ever happen, there would have to be changes made because of current FCC ownership regulations. Simmons owns KXRK, KJQN, KEGH, KOVO, KEGA, KYMV and KZNS. Millcreek Broadcasting owns KUUU/KTCE, KHTB, KUDD/KUDE.

* Nasdaq sets an April 29 hearing for Sirius XM to appeal delisting by the stock exchange. The satcaster was notified earlier this month that delisting was imminent because of a too-low stock price. At the hearing, Sirius XN will make its case to be allowed to remain listed pending its return to the exchange's $1.00 per share minimum. The panel may grant Sirius XM up to 180 days from the March 17 notice of non-compliance — September 17 — to get the stock price back up. A panel decision may take as long as 45 days, and SIRI stock will remain listed in the interim. Sirius XM says it intends to take all necessary steps to maintain the listing of its common stock on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. The company's stockholders have granted the company's Board of Directors the discretion to effect a reverse stock split, which would bring the company into compliance with the bid price requirement. While the authority granted to the board expires on June 30, 2010, the satcaster will seek approval from stockholders at its upcoming annual meeting to extend that authority through June 30, 2011. "The Board of Directors intends to effect the reverse stock split only if it determines the action to be in the best interests of stockholders," says Sirius XM.

* WWNC-AM, Asheville, NC, Program Director Brian Hall denies talk host Matt Mittan's suspension was a hoax. Hall insists — despite reports to the contrary — that Mittan was really suspended for a day over comments made about syndicated conservative host Glenn Beck, on his "NewsRadio 570 AM" show. As previously reported by TPMedia NewsPage, Mittan received a one-day suspension late last week for “inflammatory remarks" about Beck, after the “Take A Stand” host questioned the sanity of Beck. Ashvegas reports Hall insists Mittan was indeed suspended Thursday (March 25) for the comments. Mittan maintained, “I've never attacked Glenn Beck. I voiced concern about his mental stability based on what I heard on a show this morning and what I see as a deterioration of his cognitive capacity over the last few weeks or the last couple of months.” However, writes Jason Sandford, "The only problem is that Hall told me Thursday night that Mittan wasn't really suspended, that it was all just a little publicity stunt. I spoke to Hall in person at a YWCA awards banquet at the Renaissance Hotel Thursday, and I asked him about Mittan. Hall said Mittan had indeed stirred up listeners with his Beck comments on Wednesday. Mittan was sick on Thursday, Hall told me with a chuckle, but instead of saying Matt was out sick, the station put out word that Mittan had been suspended. Hall now denies that that's what he told me." Sandford, saying he knows what he heard, adds "At this point, I really can't tell" if the suspension was real or not. It was Sanford's earlier report on Hall's Thursday night comments that started the rumors of a hoax intended to generate publicity.

* There's a report that online radio site Radio-Online.com is close to pulling the plug. A usually reliable source tells TPMedia News that a decision to shut down the site "may be imminent." Plagued by falling income, Radio Online has reportedly been struggling to continue operation for some time, with fewer and further-spaced news updates, says our source. "Basically, the site is a mom-and-pop operation, with pop working a 'regular job' to provide household income," says our source. "There is no additional staff, nor is there sufficient revenue to pay any employees." Our source tells us this is not the first time that Radio Online was on the verge of a shutdown. He says a previous decision to take that course of action was put on hold when R&R (Radio and Records) abruptly folded. The source says the owner-operator(s) of Radio-Online.com began an extended effort to "stay the course" with an attempt to pick up readers abandoned with the demise of R&R. "The guy in charge actually seemed to go overboard to obtain and publish more news updates for an extended season," says the source. "However, recently, it appears he's given up hope of increasing the status of his site even though R&R is gone. What he doesn't have is the music charts that R&R had, or that All Access has." Attempts to reach Radio Online for comment on this report have so far been unsuccessful.

* Former KSCS, Dallas, Program Director Crash Poteet crashes into Oklahoma City at the new Country "Jake FM." KJKE hires Crash for a still undetermined airshift. He's already in-house helping "Jake" PD Kevin Christopher launch the new station. And he was already living the in the air, having commuted daily to Dallas during his six years at Citadel's Country KSCS. He previously aired in Oklahoma City on Clear Channel Country "The Twister" KTST. Now Crash Poteet will be competing against "The Twister" at "Jake FM."

* Rob Brooks returns to radio as Program Director and air talent at Triple-A "100.1 The X" KTHX, Reno. "Blaze" Brooks, who replaces Mark Keefe who exited for another position, has been away from radio, working as Entertainment Director at the Nugget Hotel-Casino. He previously programmed KTHX, and also spent a number of years at Rock KRZQ.

* More Americans would give up TV than Internet according to a new study from Arbitron and Edison Research. The Infinite Dial series study says the Internet has become such an important component of people's lives that it has surpassed TV as the "most essential" medium. For the first time more people would choose to eliminate television from their lives than the Internet if they were forced to choose. When presented with the 'false choice' of either never again watching television, or never again accessing the Internet, slightly more people would eliminate television. Just over 49% said they would eliminate television, compared to a little over 48% who picked the Internet. "When we first asked this question in 2001, the spread was 72% for eliminating Internet and 26% for eliminating television — the shift over these nine years has been steady and profound," says Edison Research President Larry Rosin. Adds Arbitron SVP of Marketing Bill Rose, "If you look at those Persons under age 45 the gap towards eliminating television is much greater." The latest Infinite Dial survey included 1,753 persons aged 12+ nationwide. Results from the study will be offered in an April 8 Webinar.

* Paul Barsky is in, Mondo Mike and Dean Lewis are out, at the "105.3 The Fan" KRLD-FM, Dallas, morning show. The two let go were members of morning host Chris Jagger's "Mafia." But Jagger is not left alone, as afternoon co-host Barsky moves to co-host the morning show. Jasmine Sadry remains as part of the wake-up team. Gregg Henson, who remains in afternoons, is joined by Gavin Dawson, who comes to KRLD-FM from Alpha Broadcasting's "96.5 The Game" KXTG, Portland.

* Chris Edmonds temporarily fills mornings at Oldies WOMC, Detroit, following Dick Purtan's retirement. Edmonds, ousted at WNIC last year, will host the show for two months. Then a new permanent morning host will be named, according to CBS Radio Detroit Market Manager Debbie Kenyon. As previously reported here, radio legend Purtan's final show before beginning retirement aired Friday (March 26). Purtan announced his retirement in February.

* Clear Channel Communications spent nearly $819,000 in the fourth quarter lobbying the federal government. Bloomberg's BusinessWeek reports that's higher than the $790,000 it spent in the third quarter but less than the $900,000 incurred in the fourth quarter of 2008. Clear Channel lobbied on digital billboards, radio ownership rules and enforcement of broadcast indecency standards. The company also lobbied on proposals for the FCC to reinstate the "Fairness Doctrine." Clear Channel lobbied Congress and the FCC, according to a filing made January 19 with the House clerk's office.

* Public radio and TV stations nationwide will receive more than $10 million dollars to boost local news coverage. The money to be doled out over the next two years comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the organization that allocates federal funding for the system. At individual stations, the CPB investments are small – enough to pay for a full time reporter at each station. However, considering that news staffs at local stations often only include a few people, the impact will be significant. Nationally, radio's NPR and television's PBS stations will collaborate on covering key issues, including immigration, agribusiness and health care. They will jointly hire about 50 multimedia journalists nationwide, according to www.PublicBroadcasting.net.

* Report: Schism at KPFK, Los Angeles, leaves factions warring over programming, fundraising, leadership. Los Angeles Pacifica Radio KPFK 90.7FM is reportedly dealing with major internal problems, according to the Los Angeles Times. "Imagine the event like a gathering for a terribly ill friend," says the L.A. Times. "The patient has been removed from life support and will probably live on, but the prognosis for a fully functional life is far from certain." That "gloomy analogy comes after a pledge drive extreme — even in KPFK's far-out history — for its great length and its embrace of the conspiracy-addled fringe." The fund-raiser came to an end Sunday afternoon (March 28), with volunteers and staff celebrating the end of their winter pledge drive at KPFK's studios in North Hollywood. But, the published report tells us, there is a major schism among factions fighting for control. "February's pledge slog was more than twice as long as pledge drives of years past. It seemed longer and sadder for losing the focus that has returned to its regular programming." The battle over what KPFK should be has become personified in Ian Masters, who hosts early evenings, says the Times. The 63-year-old Australian expatriate is a onetime film editor and veteran of the BBC with a deep knowledge of foreign affairs whose probing interviews have been a KPFK feature for nearly 30 years. He also has been outspoken in rejecting KPFK programming, and especially fundraising, that he sees as increasingly taken over by fear-mongering and conspiracy theories, like the 9/11 "truther" movement. In a speech a few months ago at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, Masters derided fund drives that he said recommend "communing with extraterrestrials and munching mung beans and colonic irrigation and drinking liquid silver and not immunizing your kids is the way to a more sustainable and spiritual Pacifica." His detractors at the station picketed that appearance. They have launched a petition drive against him and protested Minksy's new "strip" programming for elevating a few hosts over a more diverse crew. Never mind that he has been one of the station's most popular hosts and most successful fundraisers, writes the Times. More...

* Nashville-based Debut Broadcasting is selling three Mississippi radio stations as part of a restructuring effort. CFO Sariah Hopkins confirms the company has entered into an agreement with Las Vegas-based Delta Radio to take over management of stations in Greenville and Leland, MS, and also is in discussions with Delta Radio CEO Larry Fuss to turn over ownership, as well, for $300,000, reports Nashville Business Journal. Debut purchased the radio stations plus two others for $1.3 million in June 2007. Fuss has “some things he wants to see before he goes on to purchase the stations,” says Hopkins. Under the agreement, Delta Radio will take over management of WIQQ-FM, WBAQ-FM and WNIX-AM on April 1. Fuss also confirms the deal and said he intends to go through with the purchase, adding that he was getting a good deal. Delta Radio owns other radio stations in the area. Says Fuss, “It made sense to bulk up.” Earlier this year, Debut Broadcasting announced it had replaced former CEO Steven Ludwig with Ronald Heineman, a turnaround specialist with River Falls Financial Group. While Debut is ceasing operations at the three Mississippi stations, Hopkins says there will be no changes at the other four radio stations Debut Broadcasting owns.

* "KrokTalk with Chris Krok" is moving to Dallas-Fort Worth's "570 KLIF" starting April 5. At KLIF, the show will air 4-7pm. Krok currently hosts the program on co-owned "News Talk 940" WMAC-AM, Macon, GA, where he's also Program Director. On his personal Website, Krok writes, "I'm headed to Dallas, Texas to do afternoons at our sister station, 570 KLIF. Have two more shows with you on Monday and Tuesday. Let's make 'em good ones and have fun!" His "KrokTalk" has aired on WMAC-AM since August 2008. Both KLIF and WMAC are Cumulus stations.

Krok has been a "controversial" talk show host in Macon, according to Macon.com. "He was hired in Macon after sparring with Macon City Councilwoman Elaine Lucas while he was filling in for a week on WMAC after leaving WSB radio in Atlanta. Lucas filed a police report accusing Krok of harassment last year, and Krok filed an ethics complaint against her earlier this year. Municipal Court Judge Bobby Faulkner ruled that Lucas violated the city’s code of ethics when she directed a city employee to send an email about a fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate Roy Barnes," writes Macon.com. Lucas said she isn’t sorry to see him go. “Of course I’m pleased,” she said. “He’s been a very divisive force while he’s been here. I feel sorry for the next community he’s going to be a part of. ... He’s done so much damage to race relations in this community. ... I don’t know why I was so blessed to be chosen by him. I don’t try to examine the mind of someone like that.”

* News-Talk KQMS-AM, Redding, CA, talk host Ray Roberts is accused of "in-your-face racist" on-air comments. The accusation about the on-air comments comes from the NAACP. On Roberts' morning show, he said, "Ronald Reagan wouldn't go into the Oval Office without wearing a coat and tie. Now we have people going in there and eating fried chicken and throwing the bones over their shoulder." Roberts denies that his comments were racist, and says that he was not speaking about President Obama when he complained on his show about what he perceived as a degradation of respect for the Oval Office, but rather about former President Jimmy Carter. The talk host says Carter "made a big joke about" eating chicken in the Oval Office. "Nobody said anything about Obama." However, Patricia Sansom, head of the Shasta County-Redding branch of the NAACP, claims that Roberts "didn't say Jimmy Carter. He said what we have now. It's flat-out racist." Says Tony Clark, a spokesman for the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum in Atlanta, "That's wrong. He didn't do that. He treated the office with reverence." Sansom says she has not lodged a complaint with KQMS, and General Manager Vince Shadrick says no formal complaints have been received about Roberts' comments. More from Redding.com...

* The MLB Home Plate channel on Sirius XM Radio is being rebranded as MLB Network Radio as of April 4. The change is effective with the opening day of the regular season, according to a joint announcement by Major League Baseball and MLB Network. The partnership will mean a considerable amount of MLB Network television programming aired on Home Plate including MLB Tonight. Financial terms and the contract length were not disclosed. MLB Network Radio will be heard on the same channels on which MLB Home Plate has been aired — XM 175 and Sirius 210. The move is the first vertical growth of MLB Network, which was launched at the start of 2009. “We feel fortunate to have a powerful platform on both television and radio that are dedicated to Major League Baseball 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, “ says Major League Baseball SVP of Broadcasting Chris Tully. “In bringing MLB Network content to MLB Network Radio listeners through our partnership with Sirius XM, we’re maximizing both platforms for the benefit of fans.” MLB Network President & CEO Tony Pettiti adds, “We are excited to provide our live and feature programming, including our signature studio show, MLB Tonight, to a different audience at MLB Network Radio on XM. When fans are in their cars and can’t watch MLB Network on TV, they can tune in to our programming on satellite radio. It’s important for us to continue to raise awareness about MLB Network’s programming and deep roster of on-air talent as we enter our second regular season on the air.”

* More than 200 people celebrate the life of the late Cecil Heftel in Honolulu, Sunday (March 28). The large group, which included a wide range, from broadcast journalists to politicians, attended the celebration of "Cec" Heftel's life at Hawaii Theatre. Heftel died February 4, age the age of 85, in San Diego. U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, (D-HI) called Heftel a legend for his time who had a zest for life. "He had a keen mind," said Inouye. "He could cut through rubbish and see what mattered. He was a good man and when he left, we all missed him." The Honolulu Advertiser reports that Heftel, who came to the Islands in the late 1960s, bought and ran KGMB-AM & FM and the television station. Under his leadership many, including news anchor Bob Sevey, George "Granny Goose" Grove, and Hal "J. Akuhead Pupule" Lewis, became local favorites. In addition to being a broadcaster, Heftel got into politics in the early 1970s, first as a delegate to the state and national Democratic conventions and later as an elected congressman, serving from 1977 to 1986, when he resigned to run for governor.

* Radio & TV talk show host Ed Schultz says Congress should reinstate the Fairness Doctrine. According to Schultz, the way things currently are — with the Fairness Doctrine — “it’s not a level playing field.” Schultz, who hosts a syndicated radio show and appears on MSNBC is openly calling for a return of the “Fairness Doctrine.” Why? Because of recent statements by conservative talk host Rush Limbaugh. Schultz issued the controversial call, not on his radio show, but on cable and satellite TV network MSNBC. Schultz told the television audience, “When you've got Rush Limbaugh out there saying ‘We've got to defeat these bastards’ – He is now openly admitting he is going to work against, and campaign against the Democratic Party and campaign against Obama. He’s motivating people with the microphone and he’s electioneering, maybe we have reached the point where the Congress needs to even things out.”

* Syndicated talker Neal Boortz is promoting a national tax revolt — online as well as in person in DC. The Dial Global host is promoting the April 15 protest organized by Boortz fellow "fair tax" advocate Ken Hoagland, with his WSB-AM, Atlanta colleague Herman Cain, syndicated host Michael Reagan, and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, also a radio talker, all participating. Protestors can go online and choose an avatar to join the virtual "march." Says Boortz, "It must happen. It's absolutely clear that our tax system in this country is completely broken. We have over 50% of the people in this country who take more from the federal government in checks than they pay to the federal government in income taxes."

* "Big 106.5" featuring "Dayton's Greatest Hits" replaces Country “106.5 The Bull” WDSJ, Dayton, OH. Less than a year ago, Clear Channel flipped the station from Smooth Jazz to "The Bull.” The new Classic Hits station's playlist is extremely wide-ranging, based on a listing at big1065.com. When we checked, the last songs played included the Doobie Brothers' "What A Fool Believes," the Bee Gees' "Night Fever," Free's "All Right Now," Bachman-Turner Overdrive's "Let It Ride," and Fleetwood Mac's "Say You Love Me." Other recently aired titles included The Rascals' "Groovin," and the Four Tops "Ain't No Woman." So far, we've yet to see any official news release about the latest flip on Dayton's 106.5 FM. A tip from a TPMedia correspondent led us to discover the change of format and identity, as well as the new Website. Visitors to www.1065thebull.com are automatically redirected to the new site. WDSJ, licensed to Greenville, OH, flipped from Smooth Jazz to Country, May 1 last year. The latest flip happened Thursday (March 25).

* Legislation to add FCC technical staffers passes in the Senate Commerce Committee. The measure would authorize each FCC commissioner to add an electrical engineer or computer scientist to his or her staff. The FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act says the new technical staffers would "provide the commissioner technical consultation when appropriate." The tech staffers would "interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology, commission bureaus, and other technical staff of the commission for additional technical input and resources." The bill is co-sponsored by Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Mark Warner (D-VA). A companion measure was introduced in the House by Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and has been referred to the House Commerce Committee.

* Legislation introduced in Alaska would make broadcasting a recording of a 911 emergency call a crime. The bill, introduced in Alaska's House of Representatives, would make the airing of a 911 call a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $10,000. Public access to the material would continue, but putting the call on the air would be prohibited. The state presently denies most requests for 911 calls or transcripts under a "confidential information" exception to the law. The new anti-airing measure was introduced in the state legislature by Rep. Kurt Olson (R), and was debated by the House Labor and Commerce Committee this week. Olson told the committee that he will hold the bill pending review of issues raised at the hearing, including whether the new law would actually make more information public than is now released, and whether more state employees would be needed to administer the law.

* The NAB announces the results of the 2010 NAB Radio and Television Board elections. The two-year terms of the newly elected board members will begin in June. New to the Radio Board are Spanish Broadcasting System Chief Revenue Officer Frank Flores, representing District 2; Regent Communications VP & Market Manager Mike Grimsley (District 8); Cherry Creek Radio President & CEO Joe Schwartz (District 22); and Lincoln Financial Media President & CEO Don Benson (District 24). They join incumbents Bonneville SVP & Market Manager Joel Oxley (District 4); Citadel Broadcasting Regional Manager Bill McElveen (District 6); Emmis Communications President of Programming Rick Cummings (District 10); Emmis St. Louis SVP & Market Manager John Beck (District 12); KRVN-AM, Lexington, NE, GM Eric Brown (District 16); Bryan Broadcasting VP/GM Ben Downs (District 18); and KBOW, KOPR, KGLM & KANA/Butte, MT, President/GM Ron Davis (District 20). The complete results of the 2010 NAB Radio and Television Board elections are available here from the NAB.

* More than 100 members of Congress ask the House leadership to reject the Performance Rights Act. A total of 56 Democrat House members have signed a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) asking that the Performance Rights Act not be brought to the House floor. A similar letter, signed by 63 Republican House members, went to Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH). The letter to Pelosi says, "Enactment of H.R. 848 could lead to the elimination of jobs in our communities." Pointing to the effects of the economic downturn on radio, it adds, "Should Congress approve this new expense, some stations will face the reality of eliminating jobs in order to pay this new fee. Congress should avoid adding additional burdens to the already difficult employment situation local radio stations find themselves in today." The letter also calls it "troubling" that the "primary beneficiaries" of the performance royalty would be the major record labels, three of which are foreign-owned. The Performance Rights Act, says the letter, "would enrich those entities while putting thousands of American radio jobs at risk, harming local radio stations and our local communities." The Democrats' letter emphasizes the strong opposition to the PRA reflected by the broad House support for the Local Radio Freedom Act, an anti-royalties resolution. That reached 260 anti-PRA, pro LRFA, members this week. The letter points out that PRA supporters are "aware of the overwhelming opposition to their proposal" and may therefore try to have it made part of another bill. The lawmakers urge Pelosi to reject any such attempt. The letter to Boehner is very similar. It says, "Congress should not be enriching one industry at the expense of another, particularly when it could put thousands of American radio jobs at risk, harm local radio stations, and hurt our local communities who rely on radio for news, weather, and emergency alert information." The Republican letter asks Boehner to object if the PRA is brought to the floor either as a standalone measure or as part of a larger bill, expressing concern that PRA backers may try to attach it to an unrelated bill.

* Bipartisan House opposition to Performance Rights Act, support of Local Radio Freedom Act, reaches 260. Reps. Suzanne Kosmas (D-FL) and Tim Murphy (R-PA) are the latest House co-sponsors of a bipartisan Congressional resolution opposing a "performance tax" on local radio stations. The NAB calls the PRA a "performance tax." The Local Radio Freedom Act (H. Con. Res. 49), which opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge," is now backed by 260 House lawmakers. An identical Senate resolution is supported by a bipartisan group of 27 U.S. Senators. The NAB says, "The growing Congressional opposition comes as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) continues to lobby in support of legislation that would require local radio stations to pay an additional fee for every song aired free to listeners." Says NAB EVP Dennis Wharton, "Local radio broadcasters and our 239 million weekly listeners appreciate the growing Congressional opposition to RIAA's performance tax campaign. We remain cautiously optimistic that Congress will ultimately reject RIAA's effort to enact this job-killing legislation, which would threaten the very future of a musician's greatest promotional vehicle: free, local radio." The Local Radio Freedom Act says, "Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings." The Local Radio Freedom Act was unveiled at a 2009 Capitol Hill event hosted by the Free Radio Alliance. The resolution was introduced by Reps. Gene Green (TX-29) and Mike Conaway (TX-11) in the House and by Sens. Blanche Lincoln (AR) and John Barrasso (WY) in the Senate.

* Terese Taylor joins Contemporary Christian Family Life Network as Program Director. She resigns from "Warm 101.3" WRMM, Rochester, NY, after nine years at the station to accept the new position. Taylor will be PD for Christian Family Life's 68 Contemporary Christian stations throughout New York and Pennsylvania, and will host 9am-noon show. "The Family Life Network has an incredibly talented airstaff and I can't wait to start working with them," says Taylor. "I'm humbled to have this opportunity."

* News-Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, is "expanding its sports coverage, adding more David Kaplan" ??? WGN says it's "re-focusing" and "expanding" its sports coverage, showcasing longtime sports personality Kaplan. But, when you get to a second paragraph below, you'll see that statement strongly questioned. Back to what WGN tells us first. "And starting this season, WGN will air an extended Cubs post-game show titled 'Cubs 10th Inning' which will be hosted by Kaplan for most weekday games. Kaplan's duties will also expand to include hosting a new weekend show, 'Cubs Insider,' which will feature a week in review, interviews and analysis. He will continue to host 'Cubs Confidential' as well." Says WGN Program Director Kevin Metheny, "Chicago Cubs play-by-play broadcasts are beachfront property and a powerful audience magnet. It's logical to extend Cubs post-game broadcasts and serve more Cubs fans, more often. With Cubs baseball, Blackhawks hockey and Northwestern basketball preemptions, Sports Central was preempted or abbreviated more than half of the time during the past year. David Kaplan will be WGN's sports insider, with intense focus on the Cubs beat." Kaplan adds, "I've been lucky enough to talk sports in this town for the past 20 years. I look forward to continuing to talk sports, which is my passion." Metheny also tells us WGN will be adding a new current-events talk show, hosted by weekender Jim Laski, April 12. At least that's what a news release from the Tribune station says. Read on.

Chicago media reporter Robert Feder, meanwhile, offers a totally different spin on what's happening at WGN-AM. "Only in the bizarre up-is-down, black-is-white alternate universe of WGN-AM (720) would the cancellation of Chicago’s longest running sports talk show be called an expansion of sports," writes Feder, supplying info not given by the station in its news release. Feder tells us, "As of April 12, 'Sports Central' will be replaced from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday by a 'current events talk show' fronted by convicted felon (and manifestly unqualified radio rookie) Jim Laski. What a disgrace. David Kaplan, who’s hosted the weeknight sports franchise since 1997, will shift to Cubs post-game shows and other sports features." Feder aims his written verbal attack directly at the PD. "It’s all the handiwork of obstinate program director Kevin 'Pig Virus' Metheny, who took on Laski, the former city clerk of Chicago who served 11 months in prison for accepting bribes, as a weekend host — and his personal reclamation project."

* WWNC-AM, Asheville, NC, talk host Matt Mittan is suspended after questioning the sanity of Glenn Beck. "NewsRadio 570 AM" WWNC's Mittan, host of the show “Take A Stand,” was taken off the air Thursday (March 25) after a Wednesday show in which he made “inflammatory remarks" about Beck, says Program Director Brian Hall. “He's been suspended for 24 hours … he's had his hand slapped,” Hall said. Asheville's Citizen-Times reports that transcripts or podcasts of the comment were not available on the station's Website, but a podcast that began shortly after Mittan's initial remarks was. “I've never attacked Glenn Beck. I voiced concern about his mental stability based on what I heard on a show this morning and what I see as a deterioration of his cognitive capacity over the last few weeks or the last couple of months,” Mittan said. Mittan could not be reached for comment. Co-host Agnes Cheek responded to a Facebook message saying the omission of the podcast with the comment was unintentional. Some fans said it was wrong for the station to punish Mittan who is a “valuable community resource.” Joseph Howard, a psychotherapist who practices in Asheville, said he has listened for years to Mittan's shows, during which he interviews local elected officials and allows callers to ask them questions. “I think it's stupid. A radio host needs to be able to give his opinions … and it will hurt the show and hurt the community because he provides a good informational service,” says Howard.

* A 44-year-old Maryland radio sportscaster is charged with exposing himself online to a "13-year-old girl." Bryan McLean — of Oldies WTTR-AM, Westminster, in Carroll County, MD — is charged with exposing himself in front of a Webcam to an agent from the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office who was posing online as a teenage girl. McLean, however, says he believed it was an older woman. The Carroll County Times reports that McLean was charged in Pennsylvania with five counts of unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a communication facility. Court records listed the narcotics division of the Pennsylvania AG's office as the arresting agency. Nils Frederiksen, a deputy press secretary for the office, said the office couldn't comment on the case because of an ongoing investigation. McLean was arrested and released on $10,000 bail, according to court records. Special Agent Jessica Eger, of the AG's office, was told by another agent that a man in the Gettysburg area had exposed himself to her and masturbated in front of a Webcam while the agent was posing online as a 13-year-old girl. Posing as another teen, Eger sent an IM to the screen name "mdfunguy38" in July. She got a message back in August from the user, who provided her with an email address. The email account user then sent Eger another message, exposing his erect penis and masturbating, and later showed his face on the Webcam. Eger filed court orders with the Internet message programs and identified the user of the screen name and address as McLean. In a telephone interview with the newspaper, McLean said he was chatting online last summer with a woman he believed was older. "I guess it was the instant messenger [screen name] of her daughter, I'm not sure," McLean said. "I was under the impression I was talking to an older woman from Hagerstown." According to McLean's WTTR bio, he announced high school and college football and basketball games. His bio has now been removed from the station's Website, which also is now reporting the charges against him in its local news section. McLean, on the station's staff since 1987, had served as Traffic Director (1990-91) and Business Manager (1993-98) at the station in addition to the sports duties which had continued until the station became aware of the charges. WTTR Station Manager Bob Mathers earlier said he was unaware of the situation and declined to comment when contacted by the Carroll County Times, but he said the station would look into the allegations. He has now either suspended or terminated McLean.

* East Coast February PPM ratings show a "blizzard" of high numbers for All News stations. After posting the highest PPM numbers in its history in January, Bonneville’s WTOP, Washington DC, went higher in February, as blizzards blew record snows into record drifts. For the second month of the year, WTOP piled up a 13.5 AQH share for all listeners 6+ while DC was paralyzed by the record snowfalls. At the same time, the All News station reached a cume of more than one and a half million. WTOP airs on several FM signals and its original AM station. Other East Coast markets also displayed increases for news and information stations during the "snow month." In Philadelphia, KYW-AM was up from a 7.3 to a 9.1, while in New York, WCBS-AM and WINS-AM both posted gains. Check out Arbitron's PPM results for February at AllAccess.com (log in required). An abbreviated look at the ratings for DC, Philly and NY is available here from TPMedia.

* The NAB spent $3.25 million to lobby the U.S. government in the fourth quarter of 2009. According to BusinessWeek, the amount is more than the $2.84 million the group spent in the same quarter the previous year, and the $1.98 million it spent in the third quarter. BusinessWeek says that's according to a regulatory filing the NAB made January 20. Among other issues, the NAB has been lobbying hard to oppose the Performance Rights Act, which would charge terrestrial radio stations a royalty that would be paid to record labels and performers. The fee could amount to hundreds of millions of dollars annually. The NAB lobbied Congress, the FCC, the White House and other bodies, according to the report with the House clerk's office.

* The HD Radio Alliance launches its second quarter campaign with new spots. The commercials for the second quarter focus on "More Stations And No Monthly Fees" — spotlighting the local content on HD2, HD3 and now HD4 stations available to listeners in their home markets. The new commercials also continue the theme from the first quarter campaign, "A good deal more," as a tag line. Jacobs Media worked with Kevyn Howard of the HD Radio Alliance production team to guide the creative and production process for second quarter spot announcements. An early listen to the results can he heard at www.HDRadioAlliance.com. The new spots are scheduled to air March 29 to June 27, on more than 600 stations.

* The AWM — formerly known as AWRT — appoints Cary Broussard as President effective April 5. Broussard joins the Alliance for Women in Media — the former American Women in Radio & Television — from Wyndham Hotel Group, where she served as VP of Communications. "As the first president of our newly-named alliance, Cary brings a keen appreciation of the organization's groundbreaking achievements and brand equity together with a clear vision that will help to further leverage and accelerate the power of all women in media," says Chair Sylvia Strobel. "Cary is a huge talent who has been at the front lines of fueling organizational relevance and market position, which will complement our intent to create global connections and exciting new relationships." Broussard serves on the boards of Women Impacting Public Policy, the Women's Leadership Exchange, and on several other academic and non-profit boards. She is also the author of the international business book, "From Cinderella to CEO." Says Broussard, "The members, affiliates and trustees of this organization have been at the forefront of advancing women in the work force, I am hugely motivated by what lies ahead for the ever-expanding media landscape, the dynamic role of women and the power and influence they bring."

* Clear Channel names two Program Directors in Cleveland — Tony Matteo and Charlie Connolly. Operations Manager Keith Abrams says the two are replacements for Chris Miller, who exited in January. He had been PD for both Cleveland stations. Matteo is named PD for Hot AC "Mix 106.5" WMVX, while Connolly takes the programming reins of Country "WGAR 99.5." Matteo, a Cleveland native, transfers from co-owned "Alice 95.5" KTOZ, Springfield, MO, where he's been PD for the past nine years, as well as Assistant Operations Director for the Springfield cluster. Connolly joins Clear Channel Cleveland from Cumulus Country "95.5 The Wolf" WSM-FM, Nashville. Previously, he programmed CBS Radio's KVIL, Dallas. "We could not be more excited to bring two very successful programmers to our cluster in Tony and Charlie," says Abrams. "They both bring the passion, vision and smarts to really grow their stations ratings and revenues. Plus, they are both really good guys!" Matteo starts Monday (March 29); Connolly begins two days later.

* Nick Young retires March 25 from CBS Radio News after 20 years, the past four anchoring "World News Roundup." Young joined CBS Radio News in 1990 after seven years as a correspondent for the RKO Radio Networks. During his tenure at CBS News, Young has had a variety of assignments. He has anchored an array of special events — from elections and the funeral of Mother Teresa to gavel-to-gavel coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial and national political conventions. As a reporter, Young numbers among his assignments the rape case against Mike Tyson, Presidential primary campaigns, hurricanes and the 1998 SwissAir crash off Nova Scotia. He has covered the Supreme Court, three Washington inaugurations and a Presidential summit in the Far East. Following Christopher Glenn’s retirement in February 2006, Young was named anchor of "World News Roundup." Young’s radio career began in 1968 in his hometown of Princeton, IL. Following his graduation from the University of Missouri School of Journalism in 1971, he hosted an overnight telephone talk show at WLW Radio in Cincinnati. In 1975 he joined the staff of WEEI-AM, Boston, as midday anchor, later moving to the morning anchor slot at WHDH-AM, Boston, in 1979.

* Operations VP Dennis Glasgow is exiting "ESPN 980" WTEM-AM, Washington DC, March 26. Glasgow is a budget cuts casualty. He joined WTEM-AM two years ago from programming duties at "Sports Radio 1080 The Fan" KFXX-AM, Portland, OR. Prior to Portland, he was Program Director and morning host at "610 The Sports Animal" KNML-AM, Albuquerque. Glasgow has also been a morning host on Sports KLZ-AM, Denver.

* Austin Henry joins Journal Broadcast Group Wichita as Promotions and Marketing Manager March 29. Henry will oversee promotional efforts for the company's six-station Wichita clustert. He joins the company from KSWF-FM, Springfield, MO, where he was Promotion Director and midday host. Says VP & General Manager Eric McCart, "Austin Henry brings great energy and enthusiasm to all of our stations' promotional projects. He is a strong addition to our team." Henry tells us, ""I am very excited to be chosen for this position with Journal Broadcast Group. To grow and succeed, this is the right place for me."

* The FCC hits Journal Broadcast Group with a proposed $4,000 fine for contest violations at "J105" KJOT, Boise. The complainant alleges that the Rock station aired a "J105 Treasure Valley Properties Ultimate Garage” contest without disclosing that it planned to give all the prizes to one contestant and that the contestant who won was a prior customer of a station sponsor. The station's response showed two of 10 pre-recorded promos mentioned the single-winner aspect, and said that the winner did not have a relationship with the sponsor. The Commission says that the official rules were ambiguous as to the number of winners to be chosen. However, the proposed fine isn't larger because the FCC decides there was "insufficient evidence to conclude that the Station pre-determined the winner of the Contest" and that "the weight of the evidence — particularly the winner’s declaration — support our conclusion that the Station awarded the prizes to a random winner, not to someone with a prior relationship to a Station sponsor."

* "Country Legends 107.5” is gone in Salt Lake City, as Christian Contemporary "K-Love" takes over KKAT-FM. Citadel has sold the Classic Country station to EMF Broadcasting for an undisclosed amount. That sale is now pending FCC approval. "K-Love" parent EMF takes over the station under an LMA until the license transfer is approved. The format flip occurred Wednesday (March 24). Visitors to CountryLegends1075.com are now greeted by a splash screen that tells them in large print: "Country Legends 107.5 is currently off the air and is under new ownership. We would like to thank everyone who has listened to us over the last few years and wish you all the best. Tune into our sister station K-BULL 93 for all of your country needs, – Country Legends 107.5 Staff." KKAT-FM has been in the Wasatch Trust, since Citadel found itself over the limit for stations in the market. That followed the default of the sale of another Salt Lake City station.

* KDJQ-AM, Meridian-Boise, ID, which has been off the air, is sold to Iglesia Misionera Pentecotes for $325,000. Buyer Iglesia Misionera Pentecotes is headed by Ambrocio Cruz, President. KDJQ returned to the air briefly last year to preserve its license, but overall has been silent since June 2008 as it sought a buyer. After two previous sales over the past two years did not close, Greg Merrill, TriState Mangement, was appointed receiver by the Fourth Judicial District Court in Boise. KDJQ-AM is authorized for 50 kw days and 250 watts nights, licensed to Meridian, serving the Boise market. Media Services Group, representing TriState Management, was the exclusive broker in the sale of KDJQ to Iglesia Misionera Pentecotes.

* Border Media Partners is selling Spanish KFON-AM, Austin, to REO Radio Group for $1.4 million. REO is essentially Richard E. Oppenheimer. BMP is moving its remaining 22 stations to Border Media Business Trust, overseen by W. Lawrence ("Larry") Patrick, Trustee. REO Radio also owns Religious "99.3 The Word" KLGO-FM, licensed to Thorndale, TX, in the Austin market. Patrick Communications brokered the sale of KFON-AM from BMP to REO.

* Bold Gold Media's "94.3 FM The Talker" WTRW is on the air in the Scranton-Wilkes Barre, PA, market. The former AC WLNP is now on with its new format, following a number of technical delays. "We're extremely excited to announce that 94.3FM is now 94.3 FM The Talker," says Market Manager & General Manager Brian Spinelli. "News-Talk has exploded across the country and we're really excited to bring some of the biggest names in talk radio to the local area." The new talker's line-up includes Don Imus, Mark Levin, John Batchelor, Doug McIntyre, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham. WTRW is licensed to Carbondale-Scranton-Wilkes Barre, PA.

* Hunter Quinn is tagged as the new Program Director of Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "Z104" WZEE, Madison, WI. It will mark a return to Wisconsin for Hunter, a native of the state. He's transferring from PD of co-owned "98.3 Kiss FM" WKSI, Winchester, VA, and is due at WZEE April 20. Says Operations Manager Mike Ferris, "HUNTER's path back to his Wisconsin roots is a great fit for us. His passion for radio is matched by his creative ideas for integrating new media into the veins of everything that is Z104. He has an incredible, top-ranked morning show in Connie & Fish and a talented staff already in place with Ryan Walker, Abby Zellmer and Tyler Kruz. I'm certain he will bring some extra fun and excitement to build on an already great foundation." Quinn adds, "I'm thrilled and honored to be taking the reins of one of America's premier sets of State Capitol call letters. Z104 feels like home to me and the responsibility of building another level of success on top of this legendary station is a challenge that I look forward to."

* BIA/Kelsey projects rising radio revenues for 2010 in its new quarterly "Investing in Radio Market Report." The report shows that 2009 ended with radio revenues down 18.4% year-to-year, to $13.7 billion from both broadcast and online sources. However, BIA/Kelsey says radio will see an up year in 2010, projecting revenues of $13.9 billion, up 1.5% from 2009. This will be the start of a 2 to 4% annual growth yearly over the next several years, says the report, with a projected 16.5% compound growth rate from Web and other online revenues. "While the poor economy held it down momentarily, radio is coming back to demonstrate that it is an important advertising vehicle, particularly in local media markets," says BIA/Kelsey VP Mark Fratrik, PhD. "The industry will continue to grow its online revenues in 2010 as increasingly more progressive radio groups recognize they are more than just over-the-air transmitters and begin to integrate cross-platform promotions with their broadcast and Web operations." Fratrik also notes that the full year 2009 saw a continued slow pace in station transactions, with only $400 million in total value of radio stations that were sold. BIA/Kelsey believes the pace of acquisitions should increase in 2010 as operators will be attempting to get additional properties that offer efficiencies of scale to their operations. "A lack of debt financing has been hampering the industry but we expect a modest rebound to begin in the early part of the second half of the year," adds Fratrik. Looking further ahead, BIA/Kelsey predicts radio will see $14.3 billion in revenues in 2011, up to $14.7 billion in 2012 and $15.3 billion in 2013, increasing to $16 billion in 2014.

* A new survey finds that 70% want HD Radio in mobile phones says HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital. A recent comScore study validates consumer demand and willingness to pay a premium for HD Radio as a handset feature, says iBiquity. Some 68% of consumers surveyed are "interested" or "extremely interested" in mobile phones that include HD Radio. "This important research underscores the high consumer demand for HD Radio Technology in mobile devices," says iBiquity Digital President & CEO Bob Struble. "As consumers quickly form new habits around technology that brings content to them whenever and wherever they are, leaders of the radio broadcasting and manufacturing industries are coming together to make radio in mobile phones a reality." The comScore study also shows that 75% of those who own a mobile phone would listen to HD Radio broadcasts via their phone and $42.00 is the value premium consumers attribute to HD Radio technology in mobile phones. HD Radio's content and applications can deliver mobile audio to an infinite number of users within a radio station's coverage area, freeing up network capacity for higher value uses. "With social media and other bandwidth intensive applications proliferating over mobile phones, the strain on the mobile network is enormous, causing slower download rates and a frustrating consumer experience," says Struble. "Adding HD Radio Technology into mobile handsets helps reduce the usage overload on the network."

* Haiti's Signal FM Radio will be honored at NABEF's Service to America Awards. Signal FM radio will be honored for outstanding service to the Haitian community during the aftermath of the recent earthquake disaster, the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) announced Wednesday (March 24). Station owner Mario Viau will accept the award during the Celebration of Service to America gala, June 14, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Now in its 12th year, the Celebration of Service to America Awards recognizes outstanding community service by local broadcasters. "Signal FM reached nearly three million Haitians, providing them with information that helped unite families and save lives," says NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. "The tireless efforts of the station's staff truly exemplify the crucial role that broadcasters play in providing information and resources to millions of people during times of crises." Recognizing the important role of broadcasting during the Haitian earthquake relief efforts, the U.S. Army distributed more than 50,000 radios to Haiti citizens aimed at keeping them informed of the latest developments affecting their country. As the only radio station in Haiti that remained on-the-air immediately following the earthquake, Signal FM became a vital source of information for the millions of Haitians that had no access to fuel, electricity or telephone service. For nearly two weeks, Signal FM provided round-the-clock coverage to families and rescue teams desperate for information. The station helped locate missing people, spread news to families searching for lost loved ones, and delivered messages to Haitians across Port-au-Prince regarding available water resources and hospital information. Additionally, Signal FM helped save the lives of numerous Haitians by providing reports to rescue teams describing where immediate aid was needed.

* A federal appeals court lifts its stay on the FCC's relaxation of the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership ban. The U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals lifted its stay on the only rule change to come out of the 2006 quadrennial media-ownership-rules review. The Commission last year asked the court to keep the stay in place, saying the change no longer reflects the views of a majority of the FCC. Since the Commission voted to partly lift the cross-ownership ban under certain circumstances in the largest markets and setting a waiver procedure for smaller markets, the majority of the Commission's make-up has changed. Three of five FCC seats have changed hands, and the Commission majority is now comprised of Democrats. The appeals court last year requested updated status reports from the parties. The FCC noted the change in its make-up in its October report, saying the rules change no longer reflects the view of a majority of the commissioners. The FCC's court filing said, "Under these unusual circumstances, the Commission supports keeping the current stay in place." The FCC noted it is reviewing its rules for the 2010 ownership review. Circuit Judge Anthony Sirica lifted the stay Tuesday (March 23), setting a briefing schedule to proceed with the case. NAB EVP Dennis Wharton says, "We're pleased that the court has taken an initial step that could lead to modest reform of outdated media ownership rules." FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell, who opposed the FCC's request for a stay, says in a statement, "I am pleased that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has decided to move forward promptly with its review of the Commission's 2007 media ownership decision — and to lift the stay that until today has frozen in place burdensome ownership rules that are many years out of date." McDowell, saying he favors "swift action" on the challenges to the case adds, "The lifting of the stay on the Commission's very modest relaxation of the newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership rule is particularly appropriate given the economic upheaval affecting the ongoing viability of many daily newspapers and broadcast stations. I also believe that the Commission can only benefit from instruction of a Third Circuit ruling on the 2007 ownership rules as we begin the next round of the statutorily required quadrennial review of the regulations."

* Arbitron and Digimarc end their legal wrangling; enter into a collaborative licensing arrangement. Digimarc Corporation enters into a collaborative licensing arrangement with Arbitron, contingent upon payment of $4.5M from Arbitron by March 29. Arbitron will receive a non-exclusive, worldwide, and irrevocable license to a substantial portion of Digimarc’s domestic and international patent portfolio, including related future and pending patent applications. The arrangement provides Arbitron, its licensees and customers with various rights in Digimarc’s technology including the rights to use it to enhance the Arbitron PPM technology through the end of 2021, or until the last licensed Digimarc patent expires. Arbitron and Digimarc have agreed that the pending legal action for declaratory relief, filed by Arbitron last year, will be jointly and voluntarily dismissed without prejudice. Arbitron announced the agreement today (March 23). This brings to an end lawsuits against each other by the two companies. First, Digimarc sued Arbitron claiming that Arbitron's Portable People Meter technology infringed on nine Digimarc patents. Arbitron then sued for declaratory relief. Digimarc Corporation, based in Beaverton, Oregon, is a leading innovator and provider of enabling technologies that create digital identities for all forms of media and many everyday objects. The embedded digital IDs are imperceptible to humans, but not to computers, networks and devices like mobile phones, which can now use cameras and microphones as sensory inputs to "see, hear and understand" the world around them within the context of their environment. Digimarc has built an extensive intellectual property portfolio with patents in digital watermarking, content identification and management, media and object discovery to enable ubiquitous computing, and related technologies. Digimarc develops solutions, licenses its intellectual property, and provides development services to business partners across a range of industries. Digimarc’s intellectual property portfolio has grown to over 575 patents with more than 420 patent applications pending.

* Regent Communications shareholder Resilient makes it official; files challenge to Regent's reorganization plan. Resilient Partners previously told the SEC it planned to challenge the plan and might offer a rival one of its own. Now, the 6.6% shareholder files with the bankruptcy court, asking for the appointment of a special committee to protect the interests of shareholders in Regent's Chapter 11 plan. The shareholder says it believes that the company was undervalued by Oppenheimer and Co. in Regent's plan, which gives current shareholders 12.8 cents per share. The latest challenge comes after Judge Kevin Gross approved Regent's motion to waive a shareholder vote on the reorganization plan, rejecting an objection from the acting trustee in the bankruptcy case. So far, a meeting of creditors scheduled for March 31 is still planned. Whether or not Resilient's filing will affect a confirmation hearing set for April 9 remains to be seen.

* Both Regent and Citadel file FCC paperwork to prepare for exiting Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Regent files to transfer its stations' licenses back from debtor-in-possession status. The filings are the next step in the company's emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company is setting up an independent trust to hold the licenses if the bankruptcy plan gains final approval while the long-form applications to transfer the licenses back to Regent are pending at the FCC. A divestiture trust is being formed for KARS, Laramie, WY, and its booster KARS-FM1, Fort Collins, CO, and for KPEL-FM, Abbeville, LA, with the stations being spun off to satisfy ownership caps in the markets. Citadel files to transfer its stations from the shareholders of Citadel Broadcasting Corp. — the pre-bankruptcy version of the company — to the shareholders of Citadel Broadcasting Co., which will be the new name when Citadel emerges from the pre-packaged Chapter 11 reorganization.

* A U.S. Bankruptcy Judge denies the trustee's objection in Regent Communications Chapter 11 reorganization. Instead, Judge Kevin Gross approves Regent's motion to waive a shareholder vote on the reorganization plan. Acting U.S. trustee Roberta DeAngelis said in a court filing that because shareholders will receive a distribution of property under the plan, they were entitled to hold a vote. The judge, rejecting that contention, Monday (March 22), approved Regent's motion. Gross agreed with Regent's position that a vote is not needed because the plan will pay all of its unsecured creditors. There may still be another snag in Regent's plans, however. Resilient Partners, which owns a 6.6% stake in Regent, says in an SEC filing that it will object to Regent's reorganization plan and may file a rival plan of its own. A meeting of creditors is scheduled for March 31, and a confirmation hearing is currently set for April 9.

* MediaNews parent Affiliated Media emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company, which publishes 54 newspapers and also owns four Texas radio stations through its ownership of Graham Newspapers Inc., filed for Chapter 11, January 22. Affiliated Media won approval of its reorganization plan March 4. Lenders will receive 89% of the parent company's stock, with the rest remaining with CEO Dean Singleton and President Joseph Lodovic. The company placed the radio stations into a trust with Lodovic as trustee and plans to sell the stations. The stations are Classic Hits "Kool 94.7" KWKQ and Country KSWA-AM, Graham; and Oldies KROO-AM and Country "K-Lakes" KLXK, Breckenridge.

* Seattle's Classical KING-FM, Seattle, will switch from a commercial station to noncommercial. KING-FM says it will stop playing commercials and become a listener-supported public radio station, July 1. It will, however, continue to be Classical, as it has been for 62 years. “This is the next logical step in our evolution as a great classical station,” says owner Beethoven Board President Christopher Bayley. "KING’s founder Dorothy Bullitt built a legacy of great classical programming and innovation at KING-FM. Then her daughters, Harriet Bullitt and Patsy Collins, gave the station to the community, endowing us with their vision that the station would not only be part of Seattle’s arts and culture framework forever, but that through advertising it would also generate financial support to the symphony, opera, and smaller classical performing groups. That vision worked well for a time, but the handwriting is on the wall. With all the changes in media in the United States, commercial advertising is no longer a fit for KING.” Bayley's announcement is posted on the station's Website. “In recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to find advertising support for Classical KING that is compatible with the format. Commercial messages must be selective and respect our listeners’ taste,” says Harriet Bullitt in a lengthy note supporting the board decision. She added that her late sister would agree if she were still alive. “While we always saw KING-FM as a community treasure, the ways in which the community could interact with the station were limited. In this new partnership, the listener relationship can really drive the station, and the station can be more richly engaged in supporting the whole classical music fabric of the community," says Bullit. "I am pleased to hear that Classical KING-FM will include as part of their mission a classical music education element. This will help allow younger listeners to learn and appreciate the great music that we have enjoyed for years.” Beethoven is already a non-profit corporation. A spokesperson tells TPMedia that reports to the contrary at other Radio & Media news sites are "grossly in error." Fisher Communications, which has handled ad sales for KING-FM, says it supports the move to make the Classical station non-commercial.

* After 28 Years, morning team Hudson and Harrigan is off CBS Radio Country KILT-FM, Houston. Operations Manager Jeff Garrison confirms the duo has exited KILT, according to AllAccess.com. "It is very hard to say goodbye to the Hudson and Harrigan morning show," says Garrison. "KILT-FM history is rich with H&H moments. We truly appreciate their contributions to our station and community and wish them the very best." Garrison says the search is on for the next morning show for the station. For the time being, morning co-host Erin Austin will handle mornings solo. When not on the radio Hudson and Harrigan are know as Fred Olson and Randy Hames.

* Bonneville names Ryan Hatch as Operations Manager for its Seattle cluster beginning April 12. Most recently, Hatch was Program Director of KTAR-AM, Phoenix. "Ryan is a dynamo, a forward thinker, and a natural leader," says VP & Market Manager Carl Gardner. "We're loaded with talent and powerful programming assets at Bonneville Seattle. We see Ryan as the person who can pull all of it together and help us reach our full potential as a multi-media powerhouse for news, talk, sports and community engagement." The Bonneville Seattle cluster includes "News Talk 97.3" KIRO-FM, Talk "770 The Truth" KTTH-AM and Sports "ESPN 710" KIRO-AM. Hatch will oversee product strategy for the group and will assume the day-to-day programming of KIRO-FM and KTTH. "This is a tremendous opportunity to work with some of the most talented people in the business, on stations that truly make a difference and a website that is fast becoming influential in the Northwest," says Hatch. "I couldn't be more excited to continue working with Bonneville in building great brands and helping create remarkable content for growing audiences both on-air and online." Previously, Hatch was Program Director of Sports "1280 The Zone" KZNS-AM, Salt Lake City, where he hosted the midday Sports Talk show.

* Scott Welch is named President of Airplay Direct, which delivers music digitally to radio stations. Welch will now oversee all day-to-day operations, including artist and label relations and business development. "I am pleased and very excited that Mr. Welch has accepted our board of directors' offer to formally move into the role of president of AirPlay Direct," says CEO Robert Weingartz. "Scott is a dedicated and accomplished music business professional and has already had a tremendous impact within the company and on the industry as a whole. I look forward with great anticipation to the growth, accomplishments and successes that we are sure to enjoy with Scott at the helm." Welch also heads up Nashville-based Scott Welch Management.

* Donny Osmond, on his syndicated daily radio program, gives a thumbs down to Lady Gaga's "Telephone" video. Osmond, who is on record as opposing censorship, joined the growing — but expected — controversy over the "mini-movie" starring Lady GaGa and Beyonce, which features not only the two pop music stars, but also graphic violence and explicit sex. “I'm all for freedom of speech and against any form of censorship, but all I know is that I'm a parent and I'm upset about this,” said Osmond on his lifestyle-driven music program, syndicated by Citadel Media in the United States and by Orbyt Radio in Canada. “Unlike 20 years ago, in today's modern, viral world in which content becomes instantaneously available irrespective of age, I wonder whether the music industry might need to rethink its marketing policies with regard to making an explicit music video containing profanity, sexual exploitation, nudity, and graphic violence available to anyone with Internet access. I wouldn't want my child to watch this video." Osmond, you might remember, was active during the record industry censorship debates of the late 1980s. At the time, he took a public stand against Tipper Gore's Parents Music Resource Center effort to force explicit lyric package labeling. He appeared before Congress in support of the RIAA and recording artists. RBR.com has full audio of Osmond's comments. The long (9:30) "Telephone" video has been featured in several places on this Website since it was first made available as a "World Premiere." TotalPopularMusic.com founder Mark Harris has only half-jokingly said it's rated PG-25.

* Tiger Woods + mistress + porn star = radio show ... and newspaper report about said radio show. Tiger Woods alleged mistress and reputed ex-porn star Joslyn James helped WEEI-AM, Boston, morning show hosts John Dennis and Gerry Callahan generate some interesting radio. And that generated a published report on the radio happenings by the Boston Herald's media reporter Jessica Heslam — which is easier to quote than James. "During the juicy, 20-minute interview," writes Heslam, "Callahan asked James whether anyone else was involved with her and Woods sexually." Callahan asked, “Was there a third party ever?” James replied, “I’m not going to comment on that at this time.” Callahan persisted, “Was it a guy or a girl?” James replied, “A girl.” James, spoke by telephone from the West Coast, said the married golf giant made her believe she was his only mistress during their three-year affair and they’d have a “lifetime” together. James told the WEEI-AM morning-drive duo she wasn’t after the billionaire sportsman’s money. Much more here from the Boston Herald.... including a lot we couldn't reprint if we wanted to! (Why was this on WEEI? It's a Sports Talk station. Tiger Woods is a golfer. Golf is a sport!)

* Former KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh, radio reporter Rob Milford pleads no contest to a misdemeanor gun charge. Milford, 55, entered the plea March 23 on a charge related to accusations he tried to take a loaded weapon into the Allegheny County Courthouse. He pleaded no contest to the reduced charge of carrying a firearm without a license. Prosecutors withdrew a second charge. Common Pleas Judge Jeffrey Manning ordered Milford to pay court costs but imposed no further penalty — no time in jail, no probation, and no fine. Police said Milford had a loaded .38-caliber revolver in his briefcase on June 16, 2008, when he entered the courthouse to cover a rape trial for KDKA-AM and a security guard noticed the weapon as it passed through an X-ray machine, according to The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. His wife’s pistol was found in his briefcase. He maintained that he didn’t know the small handgun was in his gear bag, mingled among recorders, cables and a laptop. “This has been incredibly painful for myself and my family,” Milford told the newspaper. “I’m relieved to have it behind me, and just want to get on with my life, and try and resume my career." Milford was suspended by KDKA while he was in custody following his arrest. He was then fired two days later by CBS Radio Market Manager Michael Young.

* New conservative talker "Rush Radio 1200" WXKS-AM, Boston, names Jeff Katz as its morning drive host. Katz, who worked at Boston's WRKO-AM from January 1997 to October 1999, will begin hosting the WXKS-AM morning show starting April 5, according to Boston Radio Watch. Katz originally was WRKO's night host and later co-hosted mornings with Darlene McCarthy. "Since leaving WRKO AM 680 in 1999, Katz has bounced around a few markets including Las Vegas, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Charlotte and most recently West Palm Beach, Florida where he has been hosting afternoon drive show for the past five months at WTFL AM 850," says Boston Radio Watch. "He actually filled in for WRKO's Howie Carr as recently as last month."

* After more than two decades, WCCO-AM, Minneapolis-St. Paul, personality Dark Star's time comes to an end. George Chapple, better known as Dark Star, accepts a contract buyout and will no longer be doing his longtime show, "WCCO Sports Night With Dark Star." That's according to WCCO General Manager Mick Anselmo. Program Director Wendy Paulson says Twin Cities locals will be filling the newly vacated 9pm-1am slot while a search is conducted for Dark Star's replacement. Anselmo had no comment when asked by Pioneer Press if there were buyouts being offered to other staffers at the station. Meanwhile, the Star-Tribune's Neal Justin writes that the veteran radio personality "said management's offer was more generous than he expected and triggered his decision to leave, 17 months before his contract expired." Chapple tells Justin, "I stole every second I was ever on the air. I had the time of my life. It was a lot of fun."

* Former "107.9 The Link" WLNK, Charlotte, midday personalities Candy & Potter are back on the air — in Seattle. The duo returned to their hometown of Seattle to host a new morning show that debuted this week on "94.1 KMPS." Back in Charlotte, the married couple is missed by listeners. Reporting their new gig, the Gaston Gazette writes, "Radio personalities Candy and Potter are back on the air – just not here." But the married couple wants to make sure Charlotte listeners know how much they’ll miss them, says the report. Meanwhile, in Seattle, KMPS says on its Website, "They’re new. Not 'new-new' but new like that super cute pair of shoes you recently discovered were hidden in the back of your closet new. Candy + Potter both started their radio careers here in Seattle and are now returning home as the new morning show on KMPS. *Side note – they are expecting their first baby in May and are completely terrified. A little about the family: Candy grew up in Black Diamond, Potter grew up in Lake City. They have one kid already – Brooklyn. She’s a 3 yr old Dalmatian/Jack Russell rescue dog (think about how that happened)…"

* Perez Hilton will begin a new syndicated weekly "Fab 30" countdown radio show via Westwood One. The show, says Westwood One, will be an alternative to Premiere Radio Network’s Ryan Seacrest countdown. Hilton’s new radio program promises a “cooler alternative” to Seacrest's show, which has been airing since 2004. Westwood One, in partnership with C-Student Entertainment, will debut the "The Fab 30 Countdown with Perez Hilton" the weekend of April 3. The four-hour countdown program will broadcast live from Los Angeles and feature hit music selected by Perez himself. Hilton will launch on stations in the top 3 markets, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. "I am beyond excited for The Fab 30 because it is the perfect vehicle for my skills and passion – celebrity news and music!" says Perez. "Nobody does gossip like I do and over the years I have earned the respect of my readers and the industry alike with my music recommendations. I'm determined to produce the best weekly show out there with the best music, the best gossip and — very importantly — the best guests. I can hear Ryan Seacrest crying already!" Westwood One Senior VP of Entertainment Max Krasny tells us, "Perez is an amazing talent who knows Hollywood, knows music and knows how to bring them together for great radio. Perez and his audience will be a huge hit with our affiliates and advertisers." C Student Entertainment's Steve Lehman adds, "We are thrilled to partner with Westwood One to bring the biggest celebrity blogger in the world to listeners coast-to-coast. Perez is a pop culture icon. His priceless gift of gab, passion for music and uncanny sense for 'the next big thing' are a perfect fit for radio." Hilton’s new syndicated radio show will join the blogger’s nationally syndicated radio show, "Radio Perez," on the Westwood roster.

* Steve Wall steps down as Program Director and air talent at KEZE-FM and KXLY-AM, Spokane. Wall wants to devote more time to his Talent Farm clientele, and has several syndication deals in development. Talent Farm is currently launching two shows into national syndication, "Alter-Native" with Grammy award winner "Native Wayne" Jobson and "The Party's Over" featuring Los Angeles radio veteran Rick Hummer. Wall is also working on projects with Mancow Muller and Hal Abrams of "Animal Radio Network." Says Wall, a 30-year industry veteran, "While I enjoy being on the air and interacting with listeners on a daily basis, I think I can be of a greater service to more people by helping develop and syndicate high-quality content and programming solutions for stations nationwide." Talent Farm, originally Steve Wall Consulting, was established in 2006.

* TargetSpot signs with Harpo Radio for short- and long-form content to TargetSpot's Internet sponsorship network. The content will feature Harpo Radio talent including Gayle King, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Laura Berman and Derrick Ashong, among others. "We're pleased to partner with TargetSpot to connect key advertisers with our high quality Harpo content, especially as we launch our newest digital offering, pureplay Internet radio," says Harpo Studios President Erik Logan. As part of the deal, TargetSpot will also sell ads for streaming inventory originating on the new Harpo Radio player launching April 26. The vignettes from Harpo, short audio clips of 30-, 60- and 120-second durations will be available to advertisers for sponsorship and syndication on Internet stations on the TargetSpot network. "We recognize that the value of Harpo's content combined with the profound power of Internet radio to deliver that content in a new and more personalized way will be a win-win for our top brand advertisers," says TargetSpot CEO Eyal Goldwerger.

* Former Dallas Oldies "Platinum 96.7" KPMZ is now officially WBAP-FM. Last week, the former KPMZ initiated an FM Talk simulcast of WBAP-AM. It now has the call letters to match. When the new Talk simulcast started, WBAP said 96.7 would be WBAP-FM. However, the FCC approval of the change of calls didn't come until five days later. At the start of the simulcast, WBAP President & General Manager Keri Korzeniewski said, "With the largest reach of any AM signal in North Texas at 820 AM, WBAP will provide a full simulcast of its entire programming at 96.7 FM. With crystal-clear FM fidelity, WBAP listeners now have a choice on how they listen to their favorite News-Talk station." Operations Manager Tyler Cox added, "Listeners searching for clear views of the issues have relied on WBAP 820 AM every day. Now, listeners searching for clear FM fidelity can also rely on WBAP 96.7 FM."

* KSTP-AM, St. Paul-Minneapolis, Program Director Steven Konrad continues to improve; a Monday (March 22) surgery was successful. We previously reported his condition was upgraded from critical to serious condition, according to sister KSTP-FM PD Leighton Peck, who also said well-wishers can leave messages for Konrad at www.CaringBridge.org/visit/stevekonrad. The latest post by Konrad's family, Monday (March 22), says, "Steve's hand and wrist surgery was successful today. We have some awesome x-ray pictures to show Steve of all the hardware in his hand and wrist. His status went from critical condition down to serious. We are still watching his brain pressure and sadly tonight he had to be sedated again." The family adds, "Thanks for all your well wishes and support! It is greatly appreciated at this time and helps immensely." Konrad was injured in a motorcycle accident, and was initially hospitalized in critical condition. His motorcycle hit a mattress on I-94 in St. Paul, March 18, and he was thrown from his bike. The mattress, lost by another eastbound vehicle, was in the left-hand lane, according to the State Patrol. Konrad, 46, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Meanwhile, police have identified the driver of an SUV that dropped a mattress on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, causing the motorcycle crash. KSTP-TV reports that charges are expected to be filed; however felony charges are not likely. According to KSTP-TV, the driver of the SUV stopped and waited for investigators after realizing what happened. A police spokesman says, "At this point I don't believe it will turn into a felony because there wasn't an intent for this to happen."

* ESPN is launching a Cross-Media Research Platform, ESPN XP, with the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The ambitious research platform is being launched in partnership with Nielsen, Keller Fay Group, Knowledge Networks, the Media Behavior Institute, and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School's Wharton Interactive Media Initiative. It will look at media usage and advertiser effect across radio, TV, Internet, mobile, and print. The initiative will study consumer behavior around major sporting events. "We have learned a lot about cross-media behavior since we began work in this field in 2002," says ESPN SVP of Research and Analytics Artie Bulgrin. ESPN XP represents a major step forward in our commitment to further advance the knowledge about multimedia use and the total and incremental impact it has on our clients' media campaigns." ESPN says its new platform will mark the first time a media company has attempted to measure all media platforms around a single event. The World Cup is the first of a series of planned quarterly projects for ESPN XP. Nielsen will work with ESPN to measure advertiser exposure across TV, Internet, and mobile, with Nielsen Online looking at Website usage, streaming video, and streaming audio. "Nielsen's commitment to innovative research into how people watch and use media across multiple platforms builds on sustained collaboration across the entire industry," says Nielsen SVP of Client Insights Howard Shimmel. "Participating in ESPN XP's World Cup project provides a tremendous opportunity to advance this understanding. Our hope is that insights derived from measuring major media events, particularly in live sports and across all media, will help advertisers and programmers make smarter decisions to grow their businesses in the years ahead."

* Dial Global tops Arbitron's RADAR 104 network audience report, released Monday (March 22). Dial Global holds the first three positions: Contemporary Network in first place with a 3.3 rating, while DG's Complete FM Network remains second and Adult Power moves up to third. Premiere has the fourth and fifth spots: Young Influences Male Network, fourth; Informated Network, fifth. The RADAR reports measure network radio audiences and commercials within programs on 51 national radio networks. Arbitron reports in its March 2010 RADAR report that 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. RADAR is an acronym for "Radio’s All Dimension Audience Research." RADAR 104 shows an increase in the number of people reached by network radio over RADAR 103. During the survey period, 73.5% of U.S. consumers ages 12+ heard one or more network radio commercials in the course of a week. Persons 18+ declined slightly to 74.1%, while Persons 35+ came in at 73.8%. Radio reached 76.1% of Persons 18-49 and 76.6% of Persons 25-54. Dial Global’s Contemporary and Complete FM networks are also first and second in both the 18-49 and 25-54 RADAR 104 breakdowns.

* Alternative station WOXY, which started on FM before switching to Internet-only, ceases operations. In a surprise announcement, WOXY.com said it was pulling the plug. The Website now bears a message, addressed to "WOXY Listeners, Fans and Friends." The online announcement explains, "Due to current economic realities and the lack of ongoing funding for WOXY's operations, we've been forced to suspend our live broadcasts as of March 23rd. We're continuing to explore options to keep The Future of Rock and Roll alive." The message ends with "Thanks for your years of dedicated support. - Mike, Shiv, Joe, Paige, Brian and Bryan Jay." Mog.com calls the shutdown "a sad, sad day for fans of online music." Mog says, "It's even more shocking given the station's recent activity, which included an SXSW showcase last week in Austin, where they are (were) based." WOXY began as an on-air station in Cincinnati in 1983 using the branding "97X – The Future of Rock & Roll." It has recently been operated as an online station by Future Sounds, Inc.

* Pulse 87 Online debuts an "on-air" staff of alumni from the former over-the-air "Pulse 87" in New York City. The online revival of the Dance format station — at www.pulse87ny.com — is under former radio Program Director Joel Salkowitz who obtained many of the former station's assets at a bankruptcy liquidation sale. He says alumni from "Pulse" are joining the team, and mix shows are also on tap. Jewel Lopez will host middays; Abel Sanchez, afternoon drive; Andre Ferro, nights; and Borasio, weekends. Says Salkowitz the online station will initially be staffed from 9am-midnight, seven days a week. "We have also been contacted by countless radio folks that have expressed intrerest in joining the team," says Salkowitz. "We expect to announce additional personalities in the coming weeks." He adds, "The regular mix show line-up is also taking shape with the return of 'the free ride @ five' with DJ James Anthony and 'the Pulse 87 Saturday Night Dance Party' with Glenn Friscia."

* Veteran radio programmer Luis Diaz is named Citadel Broadcasting's National Programming Coordinator. "I've known Louie for most of his adult life and have watched him grow into one of the brightest young programmers in the country," says Citadel VP of Programming Scott Shannon. "He has done an incredible job for Citadel in Stockton-Modesto." That's where Diaz currently serves as Program Director of Citadel's Rhythmic CHR stations "K-WIN 97.7 & 98.3" KWIN and KWNN. He begins in the newly created position of National Programming Coordinatory, April 19. "Louie is an outstanding programmer and we look forward to his continuing contributions to the company," says Citadel COO Judy Ellis. Diaz began his radio career more than 20 years ago as music coordinator for WPLJ-FM, New York.

* Cox Media Group Hip Hop "Power 95.3" WPYO, Orlando, names Ken Marks as General Sales Manager. For the past three years the 17-year industry veteran was VP & General Manager at crosstown WLOQ-FM, where he started as an Account Manager, and advanced to the positions of Local Sales Manager, National Sales Manager, GSM and Director of Sales. Says Cox Media Group Orlando VP & Market Manager Susan Larkin, "Ken is very successful at developing talent and leading his teams to win," said Larkin. "We are fortunate to have him join Cox Media Group to lead our already successful team at Power and help take us to the next level." Adds Marks, "I am thrilled to join Cox Media Group Orlando, and have always had great respect for the company and the people that make it so successful. This is a great opportunity for me to contribute to its growth and be part of a visionary media company with strong leadership and a very bright future."

* "The Rock 107.5" KRPM, Billings, MT, magically changes to Adult Contemporary "Billings Soft Rock." The station flips to "Magic 107.5" filling a void created when KYAA and KBBB flipped away from the format. Says KRPM owner Pete Benedetti, "We saw a great opportunity to fill an unexpected void left by recent changes in radio in the Billings area. Soft Rock fans are very loyal and were shocked by the recent changes. We want to provide them with a new home where they can hear their favorite music and be involved in the community." He says "Magic 107.5" will be heavily involved in the community. The station's target audience is adult women, and "Magic" will spotlight issues that are important to that demographic.

* The FCC is asking questions of "106.5 The Buzz" KBZC, Sacramento, about missed station identifications. The Entercom “Totally 90s” station was allegedly caught by FCC field agents failing to air legal IDs on a number of occasions last November. A Notice of Violation says that KBZC “failed to give broadcast station identification announcements." The FCC field agents from the San Francisco office claim IDs aired by the station contained insufficient information to constitute legal IDs — call letters and community (or communities) specified by the station's license. Entercom, as the licensee is being asked to respond to the FCC Notice of Violation to specify "action(s) taken to correct each violation and preclude recurrence.”

* Would you like a sub with that Univision Radio concert?   Subway signs as series sponsor. In a yearlong deal, Subway will sponsor Univision Radio concert series up-and-coming artists who open the shows. The deal also includes the creation and promotion of a branded "Subway Artistas Frescos" Website — at www.subwayartistasfrescos.com — where listeners can enter to win prizes including a trip for two to a concert. The Website asks participants to submit a creative video with the Subway jingle. Judging will be based on uniqueness, creativity, originality, and use of the jingle. The top 10 judges' picks will be voted on by site visitors. "Partnering with a leading consumer brand like Subway offers a terrific opportunity to promote our concert series in an artistic manner, and we are excited to be able to incorporate the Internet to engage a younger audience," says Univision Radio President & COO Gary Stone. "We look forward to a successful yearlong program." Subway Senior Multicultural Marketing Manager Eddie Lindley adds, "Our partnership with Univision Radio offers Subway a unique opportunity to reach out to our Hispanic youth target market in a fun, creative, and culturally relevant way."

* After 27 Years, John Bell exits mornings at CHR-Top40 "Z100" WHTZ, New York; also leaves syndicated show. "Z100" Program Director Sharon Dastur, in a memo to the staff of WHTZ, made the announcement Monday (March 22) saying, "After 27 years with Z100, John Bell has announced this morning that he's leaving the morning show to start the next chapter of his life. There are some things that he's always wanted to pursue, and he told me that now that he doesn't have to wake up everyday at 3:30am, it will allow him to take them on. As you all know, John has been the cornerstone of the morning show and the 'Voice of Reason' since the station first signed on in 1983, and we can't begin to thank him for all that he's done and all he's meant to the Z100 family and the Z100 listeners. It's been such an honor working with John all these years, and I want to wish him the absolute best in everything that he does." Bell originally was the main host of the "Z100 Morning Zoo." In more recent years he's been a part of "Elvis Duran and the Morning Show," which originates at WHTZ and is syndicated nationally. On the Monday (March 22) show, Bell offered a lengthy on-air "farewell." He put a somewhat different spin on his exit than that offered by Dastur. You can hear it here from the Elvis Duran Website.

* "Sportsradio 610" WIP-AM, Philadelphia, overnight host Big Daddy Graham discloses he's fighting throat cancer. Graham, who is also a standup comedian, made the disclosure on WIP's Angelo Cataldi morning show, Monday (March 22). He says he's been diagnosed with throat cancer, which was discovered while he was being prepared for back surgery in late February. At the time, a lump blocked the insertion of a tube in his throat. Graham, 56, whose real name is Ed Gudonis, says the cancer was caught early and will necessitate chemo and radiation but that he believes that he has a "real good chance" of surviving the cancer, and the prognosis is good for full recovery. He expects to be off air for at least two months. Treatment will start later this week. “My doctors say it’s curable. I’m going to survive. I know it could be a lot worse,” says Graham.

* Hip Hop WPGC, Washington DC, moves afternoon personality Big Tigger to mornings, replacing Donnie Simpson. "The Big Tigger Morning Show" made its debut Monday (March 22), more than a month after Simpson's final show on "95.5 FM" WPGC. The CBS Radio station didn't renew Simpson's contract, saying it wanted to go after younger demographics. Simpson negotiated an early exit, prior to the expiration of his final contract with WPGC, once he was told the agreement would not be renewed. WPGC's Website has audio of "The Big Tigger Morning Show First Day Interviews" here. The new morning show is launched with a "Big Bank Giveaway" telling listeners they have a chance to win up to $100,000. Big Tigger's co-host for his new morning show is Danella. So far, no official word on who will replace Tigger in afternoons. However, several published reports suggest R&B singer Lil Mo will be named. Reportedly, she's been tagged to host the afternoon show.

* News-Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, invites former Saturday morning host Jake Hartford to rejoin its weekend lineup. "After two years of hanging out on the left of the dial," writes Robert Feder, "Jake Hartford soon may be right back where he started — on news/talk WLS-AM (890). The veteran Chicago radio personality, who hosted Saturday mornings for more than 10 years on the Citadel Broadcasting station (until he was ousted in a cost-cutting move in 2008), is weighing an offer to return to WLS." The Chicago media reporter, who writes for Vocalo.org, says that if everything works out, Hartford could be back in his old slot by early April. Hartford is currently hosting “Awake with Jake” from 7-11am Saturdays on Newsweb Radio Progressive Talk WCPT-AM (820). Feder writes, "Hartford, whose real name is Jim Edwards, was a producer at CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 for 16 years." He started at WLS-AM in 1991 under Program Director Drew Hayes, who recently rejoined the station as Operations Director, and extends the offer to Hartford to return.

* Southern California Public Radio "89.3 KPCC," Los Angeles, unveils its new $24.5 million broadcast facility. The noncommercial News-Talk KPCC opened its new studios Saturday (March 20), moving from the campus of Pasadena City College to the Mohn Broadcast Center, named for major donor Jarl Mohn, Vice Chairman of the station's board. KPCC's new facility will expand its programming and future possibilities, reports the Los Angeles Times' Steve Carney. "KPCC boasts 'A Prairie Home Companion,' Larry Mantle's popular 'AirTalk' call-in show and an audience that has tripled in size in the last 10 years, turning the station into one of the country's most-listened-to public radio outlets," writes Carney. Coming next, he says, is a major expansion that its board of trustees hopes will make KPCC the hub of a regional constellation of public radio stations and a major source of news and information in Southern California. The new $24.5-million broadcast facility in Pasadena houses 13 studios and control rooms, compared with one primary studio in the cramped quarters of the library at Pasadena City College that had been the station's home since 1993. Among the additional programming the new headquarters will afford is a local newsmagazine due to air this spring with Madeleine Brand. A year ago, Brand lost her job as co-host of NPR's "Day to Day" newsmagazine, based in Los Angeles, when the network canceled the show and laid off about three dozen people, the result of the economic downturn and a steep drop in corporate underwriting. In the past decade, KPCC has won more than 230 regional and national journalism awards, and grown from a weekly audience of about 200,000 to nearly 600,000, second in size only to WNYC-FM, New York, among news and information public radio stations.

* KSTP-AM, St. Paul-Minneapolis, Program Director Steven Konrad is upgraded from critical to serious condition. That's according to sister KSTP-FM PD Leighton Peck, who says Konrad is now listed in serious condition. Peck also says well-wishers can leave messages for Konrad at www.CaringBridge.org/visit/stevekonrad. Sunday (March 21), the broadcaster's family posted, "Steve's ICP (brain pressure) has been good today. Tomorrow morning he will have surgery to fix his broken wrist and hand. The doctor said this will probably be a 3 hour operation." Konrad was injured in a motorcycle accident, and was initially hospitalized in critical condition. His motorcycle hit a mattress on I-94 in St. Paul, March 18, and he was thrown from his bike. The mattress, left or lost by another eastbound vehicle, was in the left-hand lane, according to the State Patrol. Konrad, 46, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. Meanwhile, police have identified the driver of an SUV that dropped a mattress on Interstate 94 in St. Paul, causing the motorcycle crash. KSTP-TV reports that charges are expected to be filed; however felony charges are not likely. According to KSTP-TV, the driver of the SUV stopped and waited for investigators after realizing what happened. A police spokesman says, "At this point I don't believe it will turn into a felony because there wasn't an intent for this to happen."

* The New York Mets Spanish-language game broadcasts are moving to "La Que Buena" WQBU, Garden City, NY. The Long Island Univision Regional Mexican station will air 150 regular season Mets games, as well as two pre-season games. The Mets move to WQBU from co-owned Spanish Talk WADO-AM, which will air Yankees games this season. "We are excited to be able to provide the New York Mets with an opportunity to reach their fans through our airwaves," says Univision Radio President & COO Gary Stone. "Both organizations share a commitment to the Hispanic community and we look forward to providing our listeners with more quality sports programming." Juan Alicea and Max Perez Jimenez return for their third season calling Mets games in Spanish. "The diversity of our team mirrors the diversity of New York, with players who hail from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Venezuela," says Mets Business Ops EVP Dave Howard. "The continuation of our relationship with Univision allows us to build upon our connection with Spanish-speaking fans and fortify the bond they have with our players. We're looking forward to forming close ties to the growing Mexican community."

* Advertising agency founder David Brown joins WURD-AM, Philadelphia, as EVP & General Manager. The Philadelphia Business Journal reports that Brown takes over at Levas Communications' WURD-AM from Kernie Anderson who moves to the company's Board of Directors. Brown's General Manager duties at his Brown Partners ad agency, meanwhile, will be assumed by VP & Director of Client Services Moshe Simpson. Brown, who owns Brown Partners, will continue to serve as President and will provide strategic direction and counsel. Brown Partners is one of the largest minority-owned agencies in Pennsylvania. Its clients include Peco Energy, the Philadelphia International Festival for the Arts, the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the School District of Philadelphia. Says PBJ, "One of Philadelphia’s most prominent advocates for diversity in the advertising industry is headed to radio," in reporting Brown's new position with WURD-AM, "which focuses on information, news and talk designed for an African-American audience." He will also oversee a quarterly series, “WURD Speaks” and the Website 900AMWURD.com.

* The Steve Harvey Foundation will honor Denzel Washington, two others, at the first Foundation Gala, May 3. Premiere Radio Networks morning host Steve Harvey and Good Morning America co-host Robin Roberts will host the first annual Steve Harvey Foundation Gala, honoring actor-director Denzel Washington, Harlem Children's Zone President & CEO Geoffrey Canada, and State Farm Insurance VP of Marketing Pam El. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men program. The May 3 event will be held at Cipriani Wall Street in New York. Washington is the longtime spokesperson for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. He published the best-selling book "Hand to Guide Me," with public figures' memories of childhood mentors. Canada heads a network of programs for children and families in Central Harlem, and El has led State Farm's programs for community quality of life. "Honoring Denzel Washington, Geoffrey Canada, and Pam El is a no-brainer," says Harvey. "For so many years, Denzel Washington, Geoffrey Canada, and Pam El have been shining examples of leadership, not only inspiring all of us, but also changing the lives of future generations. There's no price you can put on the tireless work they've done for children, for education, and changing our communities. Robin Roberts has also been a tremendous source of positivity and inspiration, and I can't wait to see what the night brings with both of us hosting."

* Former FCC Commissioner James Quello posthumously receives the first Lowry Mays Award. Quello will be honored with the first Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award to be presented posthumously at the Broadcasters Foundation of America Breakfast, April 14 in Las Vegas. The Foundation Breakfast is held in conjunction with the NAB Show. Quello, who served more than 23 years on the FCC and died in January at the age of 95, is being recognized for his lifelong advocacy of free, over-the-air broadcasting. Often referred to as the "Dean" of the FCC, he played a pivotal role in the transformation of the communications industry. At one point he was the FCC's Acting Chairman. 2010 is the inaugural year of the Lowry Mays EIB Award which will annually honor a broadcaster whose work exemplifies innovation, community service, advocacy and entrepreneurship. The BCF's board of directors unanimously voted Quello as the first recipient from nominations submitted by the industry at large.

* The LPFM-friendly "Local Community Radio Act" moves to the full Senate from the Commerce Committee. The bill would change FM adjacent channel interference rules to enable the addition of many more Low Power FM stations to serve local communities. The Senate version of the legislation has some differences from the House version, including retention of third-adjacent channel protection in large, dense markets. Sponsors of the bill are Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and John McCain (R-AZ). Co-sponsors include Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Charles Schumer (D-NY).

* Authorities are investigating the finding of a body behind San Jose's Multicultural Radio Broadcasting KSJX-AM. A man was found fatally stabbed in what San Jose locals say is a popular homeless encampment located behind the "ethnic radio station." Contra Costa Times reports police were interviewing witnesses following a 911 call reporting that a man was dead with at least one stab wound. The body was found behind the building that houses KSJX-AM, which describes itself as playing a "World Ethnic'' format with mostly Asian programming. The Times say this was San Jose's sixth homicide this year.

* Sri Lanka's Shree FM and India's MY FM will receive the 2010 NAB International Broadcasting Excellence Award. The award will be presented at this year's 2010 NAB Show, April 10-15 in Las Vegas. The award recognizes international broadcasters that have demonstrated excellent leadership and originality in serving their audience through broadcast advancement or remarkable service to the community. "India's 94.3 MY FM tirelessly served their community, dedicating its airwaves to several philanthropic initiatives aimed at helping its listening area," says the NAB today (March 22). "With a broadcast network that spans 17 cities and seven states, MY FM successfully coordinated large-scale blood collection drives and clothing donation centers. A 10-day warm clothes drive alone provided clothes to more than 10,000 homes and spanned across three cities. The station also successfully initiated a voter education effort, launching a creative campaign to reach listeners with information on the importance of their vote. One of the most popular stations in Sri Lanka, Shree FM has participated in several programs aimed at providing health care assistance to its listening audience. In 2008, Shree FM launched Shree Sathkaraka Rohala (Shree Mobile Medical Camp), which assists citizens living in economically-challenged communities with free health care services. A program solely financed through the radio station, Shree FM provided nearly $200,000 in medical services, assisting more than 57,000 individuals through the initiative." The NAB International Broadcasting Excellence Awards was established to help recognize radio or television stations across the globe that demonstrate exceptional leadership and commendable dedication to their surrounding communities and listeners.

* Tony Kornheiser apologizes for cyclist comments, talks by telephone with Lance Armstrong, on his radio show. Armstrong, in a recorded telephone interview from France, Friday (March 19), heard Kornheiser's apology and said he accepted it as sincere. The conversation was aired on Kornheiser's "ESPN 980" WTEM-AM, Washington DC, show. In introducing Armstrong, Kornheiser said his rant went "way over the top" and that "bicycle people" were "properly offended." Armstrong spoke on how motorists sometimes resent bikers sharing the road, and said both must "understand each other." Armstrong also talked about a popular bicyclist who was recently killed by a car in North Carolina and said Kornheiser's remarks were therefore made at an especially touchy time, adding, "We gotta all get along here. Sometimes it's heated." As we reported Friday morning, Kornheiser received heat for his comments about cyclists on his WTEM-AM show. At one point he said "run them over." That drew the ire of Armstrong in two tweets on Twitter. And that drew the attention of the news media. Kornnheiser's rant on "ESPN 980" was in reaction to the addition of bicycling lanes in DC. It began as a discussion about sharing the road but soon disintegrated into an attack on anyone who rides on two wheels. "And they all, my God, with their water bottles in the back, and their stupid hats, and their shiny shorts, they're the same kind of disgusting posers that in a snowstorm come out with cross-country skis on your block," said Kornheiser. "Run them down." He later added, "So you tap them. I'm not saying kill them." Armstrong wrote in his Twitter post, "Listening to Tony Kornheiser's comments/rant on ESPN radio re: cyclists. Disgusting, ignorant, foolish. What a complete f-ing idiot." Kornheiser previously was suspended from TV duties for two weeks for comments made on his "ESPN 980" radio show about ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, for which he also later apologized.

* Clear Channel Radio tells talk show hosts not to talk — about the Kornheiser-Armstrong flap. Following the Friday (March 19) on-air discussion by the ESPN host and the bicyclist, execs at Clear Channel issued a memo, saying the controversy between Tony Kornheiser and Lance Armstrong was no longer to be a topic of on-air talk. But Clear Channel goes even further, also banning any discussion of cycling. "In light of Tony Kornheiser's comments, please be clear with your staff(s): With NO exceptions, our personalities should NOT engage in conversation or commentary about the world of cycling, professional or recreational," says the memo. One of our new TPMedia correspondents, who works at a Clear Channel Talk station in his fulltime job, tells us that local management, relaying the corporate memo, informed staffers that CCR does not want "to promote" ESPN Radio – that "they are getting too much free publicity" over the controversy.

* Legendary L.A. Dodgers play-by-play announcer Vic Scully, out of the hospital, quickly returned to on-air. The 82-year-old broadcast legend — a member of the NAB Hall of Fame, who has announced Dodgers games for 61 seasons — fell at his home Thursday night (March 18) and was taken a hospital for observation. He was released from the hospital Friday (March 19), and said he planned to be back on-air for play-by-play of the Dodgers Spring training game game in Arizona, Sunday (March 21). Dodgers Manager Joe Torre told the Los Angeles Times, Friday, “I talked to him today; he’s fine.” The Times' Bill Dwyre writes, "Vin Scully is OK, making all of us OK."

* Two former WRCA-AM, Boston, towers in Waltham, MA, are down after a weekend project. The Boston Globe, asking "How do you take down a 360-foot radio antenna?" answers its question, Very carefully." The towers were left standing after Beasley ethnic WRCA moved to a new site. They were removed this weekend to make room for more parking for the adjacent Watermill Center office building. ‘‘If you were a neighbor, I think you would be really happy to see them go,’’ said Senior Property Manager Jim Knights. Before the towers came down, the Globe got this picture.

* Maxwell joins Clear Channel's "Q102" WIOQ, Philadelphia, as evening host and APD & Music Director, March 29. WIOQ Program Director Tim “Romeo” Herbster, in announcing the acquisition of Maxwell for the Philly CHR-Top40 station, says he's "not only a very talented jock but has great ears and a strong programming vision. Along with his unique online capabilities, he’s the total package for Q102.” Maxwell last was at CHR-Top40 "WNCI 97.9," Columbus, OH, where he hosted nights and was Music Director. The radio personality's signature "Maxwell’s House” will become WIOQ's night show. It last aired in 2008 on WNCI. Maxwell says he can't wait for his March 29 start at WIOQ. “I’ve spent years streaming Romeo’s show and stealing his bit ideas. Now all I’ll have to do is knock on his office door! Seriously though, the opportunity to learn from Tim, Operations Manager Brian Check and Market Manager John Rohm is incredible. To see that they believe I have what it takes to help grow the Q102 brand means the world to me. I’m ready to find out if it’s ‘Always sunny in Philadelphia!’”

* Los Angeles-based personality Big Boy is launching the Big Boy Radio Network to syndicate his morning show. "Big Boy's Neighborhood" is being dropped from syndication by Citadel Media. Big Boy's new network retains Dial Global to handle network sales and technical distribution. Former Citadel executive Ed Pearson's Esome Media Group will handle affiliation and operations. "I am very excited to partner with Dial Global and continue working with the talented Ed Pearson on this venture," says Big Boy. "I learned a lot about syndication over the past few years and I am most excited about continuing to focus on what we do best, providing great content and entertainment to hip-hop fans everywhere." Big Boy's morning show originates at Emmis' Rhythmic CHR "Power 106" KPWR, Los Angeles, airs the morning show 6-10am, and it's also distributed to about 20 other stations. Big Boy's weekend show airs on some 30 stations. Pearson says, "Big Boy is the premiere hip-hop and youth-targeted morning show in the nation. We look forward to expanding his reach to new markets and entertaining more listeners across the country!"

* KSTP-AM, St. Paul-Minneapolis, Program Director Steven Konrad is critically injured in a motorcycle accident. Authorities said Konrad remained in critical condition after the accident in which he hit a mattress on I-94 in St. Paul, March 18, and was thrown from his motorcycle. The mattress, left or lost by another eastbound vehicle, was in the left-hand lane, according to State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske, reports the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. A 2007 Ford Expedition was able to swerve and miss the mattress, but the 2004 Yamaha hit it and crashed, Roeske said. Konrad, 46, was taken to Regions Hospital in St. Paul. He was wearing a helmet, according to the State Patrol. The driver of the vehicle with the mattress was still being sought Friday.

* "The Box" is back in Charleston, SC — as "92.5 The Box" launches anew on WHIB, this time as Hip-Hop. The flip from CHR-Top40 "B92" happened late Friday afternoon (March 19), beginning with a farewell and then an hour of remembering the former incarnation of "The Box" before the new format formally launched with a mixshow. The new station is online at 925thebox.com with a splash screen and live steaming. That splash simply, but boldly, states "92.5 The Box is Hip Hop." A video promo introducing "92.5 The Box" – "Putting Life Back in the City" and posted on YouTube – is available here from TPMedia. It tells potential listeners the new station is "putting a breath of fresh air" into the market. Reportedly, "The New Heart of the Streets" — according to one of its positioners — will feature "Ricky Smiley in the Mornings" and "Wack Radio starring Terry Face." Not yet clear is whether "Charlamagne Tha God" – who voices the video promo – will air on the station, although he seems to suggest that he will. In the promo, Charlamagne says, "Isn't it funny how life comes full circle," an apparent reference to the re-launching of "92.5 The Box."

* "Newsradio 880" WCBS-AM, New York, signs with WADO-AM for Spanish broadcasts of the New York Yankees. CBS Radio's WCBS has been the New York Yankees flagship station since 2002. Univision Radio's Spanish-language WADO will air all 162 home and away games, as well as any postseason contests with regular season coverage beginning April 4 under the new multi-year deal. WCBS-AM produces both the English and Spanish game coverage. Veteran broadcasters John Sterling and Suzyn Waldman handle the English-language broadcasts; Beto Villa and Francisco Rivera, the Spanish-language coverage. As part of the new agreement, the two stations will partner on a number of on-air and in-stadium promotions and create additional New York Yankees specialty programs. WADO will serve as the YES Network's audio source for its Spanish SAP feed. Says WCBS VP & General Manager, "We are thrilled to be able to place the Yankees Spanish play-by-play on such a great heritage radio station as WADO 1280. Beto Villa is the premier Spanish baseball broadcaster in the country and more residents in the tri-state will now hear his great calls."

* The FCC fines Birach Broadcasting $30,000 for unauthorized transfers of control and lack of on-site staff. The $30,000 is the total of two fines for the two violations, including unauthorized transfers of control under time brokerage agreements. WMJH-AM, Rockford, MI, and WMFN-AM, Zeeland, MI, were fined $15,000 after FCC field agents inspected the stations in 2005 and found no "meaningful presence" by employees. The FCC inspector subsequently discovered that the stations were being operated under a "handshake" time brokerage agreement. Owner Sima Birach said in a reply that he entered into the agreement but provided no written agreement. Birach also said there are now employees working on-site. The FCC Enforcement Bureau, however, ruled that Birach must hire more employees to meet regulatory requirements at both outlets and that it must take a more "active role" in station operations. Additionally, Birach must provide written time brokerage agreements, and make them available in the stations' public files.

* The FCC Media Bureau holds its next media ownership workshop April 20 in Tampa. The workshop at the University of South Florida is set for a 3-7:30pm session. It will explore both benefits and detriments of newspaper and broadcast cross-ownership, and the impact on diversity in the media marketplace. The forum discussion will, according to the Media Bureau, include how newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership affects competition. in the local media marketplace; to what extent, if any, cross-ownership affects the production of news and public affairs content; and whether cross-owned combinations impact the quantity, quality, diversity, and responsiveness of local news and public affairs programming and if so, how.

* The Southern California Broadcast Association says 2010 Los Angeles radio revenue is trending up over 2009. The SCBA reports that February year-to-date reports show an increase in Los Angeles radio revenues, trending up from the previous year. Local and national sales both posted gains, with national revenue up double digits in February. While the competitive data for February hasn't been officially released yet, the January report showed growth in three of the five major revenue categories that comprise nearly half of the total radio revenue for January 2010. The January numbers show a 6% gain in revenue from TV Networks and Cable Providers to $3.6 million. Financial Services grew 27% to $2.8 million while Professional Services were up 14% to $2.8 million. By February, virtually every auto brand was on radio, says SCBA, which expects the top five categories for February to post gains over 2009.

* KIIS-FM, Los Angeles is the top billing station for 2009; WTOP-AM, Washington DC, is second. New York News stations WCBS and WINS ranked third and fourth, according to preliminary figures as calculated by BIA Advisory Services (BIA/Kelsey). The rest of the top 10 billing radio stations in 2009 were KROQ in Los Angeles, WLTW in New York, KFI in Los Angeles, WBBM in Chicago, WHTZ in New York and WGN in Chicago. KIIS, home to Ryan Seacrest, had $55 million in 2009 revenue, down from $66.3 million in 2008, a 17% decline. WTOP posted the smallest year-over-year revenue decline among the top 10 stations, with 2009 billings down less than 1.5% from 2008. According to the Washington Business Journal, WTOP contributes part of its ability to hold steady through the downturn in advertiser dollars being spent to the presence of the federal government, and government-related contracting advertising it generates. “Certainly, it is a category that no one else in the country has on the scale that we have here in Washington,” says Bonneville International Senior Regional VP Joel Oxley. “The recent switch from a diary-based Arbitron ratings system to the electronic Portable People Meters has also benefited us, showing a more accurate count of our audience and helping sales we receive through advertising agencies.” There are no other Washington-area radio stations in the top 50 for 2009 billings, notes the published report. Washington’s 55 radio stations had total 2009 sales of $251.9 million. In the interest of full disclosure, the report notes that WTOP is the Washington Business Journal’s broadcast partner.

In addition to the top stations, BIA/Kelsey has released listings of the top markets and the the top owners, based on 2009 ad revenues. All three listings are available here from TPMedia.

* A dozen groups are vying for a new noncommercial 50kw radio license at 107.5 FM in Indiana. Those seeking the license include Indiana State University and Indiana University, according to the Terre Haute Tribune Star. "That frequency used to broadcast a rock ’n’ roll station, formerly WZZQ-FM, until the former owner of the radio license, Michael Rice, was convicted in August 1994 of 12 sex-related charges involving five children. He was incarcerated from September 1994 to December 1999," reports the Tribune Star. Rice had three licensed radio frequencies in Terre Haute and two in Missouri. The FCC revoked Rice’s licenses in 2001, which included shutting down 107.5 FM. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld that action in 2003. The FCC converted the radio frequency from commercial broadcast to noncommercial education use in 2004. The FCC originally opened the frequency up for allotment in December, then rescheduled that, opening up a filing time for applicants this year from February 19-25. Indiana State University Media Relations Director Dave Taylor says the university’s board of trustees has applied for the radio license “for use as a National Public Radio-type of broadcast facility.” The same goes for Indiana University, which could expand the listening area and signal strength of WFIU, says station manager Christina Kuzmych. Most of the applicants are religious organizations. The FCC says no date has yet been scheduled for when the Commission will award the radio license.

* Harris Corp. signs an exclusive resale agreement with SCMS Inc. for Harris PR&E studio systems and consoles. The deal also names SCMS as the main U.S. dealer for Harris radio transmission sales. Harris Corp. will continue to provide most field service and technical support. "SCMS has been serving the radio broadcast industry for 35 years, and its nationwide presence of nine field offices and a corporate center of operations greatly expands the Harris sales force for studio and transmission products," says Harris Broadcast Communications Director/Strategic Marketing Richard Redmond. "The relationship gives Harris an exclusive, high-profile dealer that owns a large part of the radio broadcast resale market, improving our ability to reach more customers and deliver complete solutions." SCMS President Bob Cauthen adds, "Harris is a strong brand and company with state-of-the-art technology, and we believe that working with SCMS will give them the strongest possible presentation for studio and transmission systems available in the U.S. radio broadcast industry. Despite the tough economy, there are a large number of radio stations and broadcasters that are growing and in need of new facilities. SCMS will put more people on the street that are exclusively focused on selling new Harris products into these stations."

* Sacramento's recently launched "Pop Alternative" replacement for Smooth Jazz – "Radio 94.7" – is now KKDO. The former Smooth Jazz station rids itself of its KSSJ call letters two weeks after the format flip. The Entercom "Pop Alternative" features core artists Red Hot Chili Peppers, Train, Stone Temple Pilots, and Kings of Leon, among others. The format change was explained by a message on the KSSJ website that pointed to financial issues, saying, "the audience for the station can no longer sustain the business for the station." KKDO's new Website, which has been up since the flip, is at www.radio947.net.

* Cumulus Launches a "Dam" Active Rock station in Kansas City — ''103.7 The Dam.'' That's "Dam" as in the Hoover Dam. The new station originates on the HD2 multicast channel of Classic Rock "101 The Fox" KCFX, and is also aired at 103.7 via translator K279BI. Cumulus acquired the translator from Horizon Christian Fellowship last August and has since upgraded it from 99 watts at 1007 feet on 92.9 in Independence, MO, to 250 watts at 2037 feet on 103.7 licensed to Kansas City.

* Fresh Country "101.9 The Wolf" KNTY, Sacramento, Production Director Tosh Jackson named Program Director. He replaces Bob McNeill who exited earlier this year. Jackson has been with Entravision for six years. “Tosh is one of the hardest working guys I have ever seen, and he’s been doing the job in the interim since Bob left," says General Manager Allyson Maiman. "He’s the man for the job – and with Tosh now in place and the rest of our great staff, this will be KNTY’s year.”

* "Mad Dog" is MAD; and who can blame him? Michael Ovadia gets his walking papers from "Oldies 96.1" WSOX. "Mad Dog" Ovadia signed on the Cumulus station in York, PA, and served 12 years as morning host and Assistant PD. Now, he's told his contract, which ends at the end of March, will not be renewed. Fortunately, he still has his parody production director job with Creative Radio Services and SheetHappensPrep. He didn't say, but we bet he thought it when told Friday (March 19), he's exiting "Oldies 96.1" soon, "Sheet happens!"

* Arbitron Thursday (March 18) announced new members of the expanded Arbitron Radio Advisory Council. On February 22, Arbitron announced new positions consisting of: one seat each added for Network Radio, Digital Radio and Public Radio; four additional representatives for Diary markets; and one additional representative each for Urban and Spanish-language broadcasters and clients from Portable People Meter markets. In addition, one seat in Research and one in Spanish-language has a replacement representative.
Diary: (Four additional positions) — Erik Hellum, President, Gap Broadcasting; Frank Osborn, President, Qantum Communications; Craig Jacobus, President, South Central Communications; Dan Savadove, Chief Executive Officer, Main Line Broadcasting.
PPM: (Additional position) — John Fullam, Vice President/Market Manager, Greater Media, Philadelphia.
Urban: (Additional position) — Deon Levingston, Vice President /General Manager, Inner City, New York.
Spanish-language: Jeff Liberman, President, Entravision (Additional position); Gary Stone, President and Chief Operating Officer, Univision Radio (Replacement).
Researcher: (Replacement) — Amy Vokes, Vice President Research, Radio One.
Digital Radio: (New position) — Deb Esayian, President, Emmis Interactive.
Network Radio: (New position) — David Landau, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Dial Global.
Public Radio: (New position) — Bill Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern California Public Radio.
The complete membership list of Arbitron Radio Advisory Council can be found here at www.arbitron.com.
Arbitron also plans several enhancements intended to make the meetings more productive.
      • Dedicated tracks for both PPM and Diary ratings services added to concentrate on issues and priorities specific to the needs of customers in those markets.
      • Regular joint sessions between the Arbitron Radio Advisory and Agency/Advertiser Councils to encourage dialogue between buyers and sellers.
      • More open, interactive and positive dialogue centered on improving communication and enhancing industry partnership.
All current and recently-elected members of the Arbitron Radio Advisory Council will continue with their terms. The Spring 2010 Radio Advisory Council meeting will be held May 11-12 in Annapolis, Maryland.

* Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker sees signs of local media markets recovery; national & local ad revenues up. In a media analysis for clients, Ryvicker says large market ad revenues are up. Local media markets recovery is marked by price stabilization, early bookings and some improvement over last year in the automotive category. Also adding to revenues are the Olympics and fall elections. All of these are expected to help boost the comeback. "Primary investor focus is still on 2010 but questions are starting to rise on 2011," writes Ryvicker. "We are not writing off 2010 just yet — we would hate to do that, especially for media that have not seen growth in five-plus years — but we are starting to get questions on the revenue and expense trajectory of 2011 and beyond given that 2010 is going to be a significant year in terms of advertising growth." Ryvicker says the second quarter of this year is looking fairly good. "Pricing continues to firm into Q2. We had a chance to talk to various local advertising contacts post Q4 earnings to determine how much of the top line strength is comp-driven versus demand. While no one would speak in terms of 'certainty,' most said it feels like half is comp driven while the other half is demand. The most important data point that we picked up is that price continues to firm — first in television, followed by radio and lastly outdoor (which we believe will be the last to turn positive but is not far behind - likely Q2)." Reports of ad sales beginning to pace up, especially in large markets, are confirmed by the Wells Fargo analyst. She writes, "Our contacts tell us that large market radio is currently pacing up double digits, with national the primary source of strength (although local is still up). We would anticipate that small market radio is about a quarter behind large market radio."

* FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski will deliver a keynote speech during the 2010 NAB Show in Las Vegas. Show organizers announced March 18 that Genachowski's remarks will be made on April 13 at 9am. "We are delighted that Chairman Genachowski will be joining us at this year's NAB Show," says NAB President & CEO Gordon Smith. "As the world's largest showcase of technologies from across the communications ecosystem, we're pleased to present Chairman Genachowski with a high-profile platform to share his views on communications policy and the future of free and local broadcasting." Genachowski has two decades of experience in public service and the private sector. Prior to his appointment as FCC Chairman in June 2009, Genachowski spent ten years working in the technology industry, where his duties included starting, accelerating and investing in early- and mid-stage technology companies. He co-founded LaunchBox Digital and Rock Creek Ventures, where he served as managing director, and he was a special advisor at General Atlantic. From 1997-2005, Genachowski was a senior executive at IAC/InterActiveCorp, a Fortune 500 company, where his positions included chief of business operations and general counsel. Previously, Genachowski served as chief counsel to FCC Chairman Reed Hundt and as special counsel to then-FCC General Counsel William Kennard, who was later named FCC Chairman. A Harvard Law School graduate, Genachowski also worked as a law clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals.

* The VRE and Frontier Radio split in Hawaii receives FCC approval, ending a two-year-old battle. Maui-based Visionary Related Entertainment and California-based investor/partner Frontier Radio have been granted permission by the FCC to part. Honolulu's Star Bulletin reports that VRE keeps its Maui stations while Frontier Radio Management has created new company Ohana Broadcast Co. to be the licensee for the stations. "In essence, all this is, is a redistribution of ownership," says Ohana Regional VP Skip Schmidt. "Nothing's going to change. None of the stations will change format. None will change names. We will be feeding additional product to them (Molokai and Hilo stations) from Oahu ... but Kauai will stand on its own and continue its own operations. We are not changing any personnel or anything. There won't be any interruption of service whatsoever," so listeners should not notice any change, says Schmidt. As for the separation, "it sounds bigger than it is," he says, adding, "There's really no big impact on us, except for the shareholders." Most of the stations Frontier has assumed control of are now licensed to Ohana Broadcast Co. Frontier also has broadcast interests in other markets. "We're happy that the day-to-day operators ... will feel no impact," says VRE VP Jim McKeon, who is also the morning host on KAOI, Wailuku. "The Maui group is on fire, moving forward with growth." The tumult that led to the split was envisioned by industry insiders and observers in January 2008 when VRE restructured, splitting power 50-50 between station operators and money guys. The Maui operating faction sued the California money faction in May of 2008 and a lengthy, acrimonious spate of litigation and mediation resulted. It led to a corporate divorce in which FCC approval was the final step. VRE ends up with five stations, while Ohana has 12.

* Curtis Wright is fired as host of "The Morning Beat" on "The Big Talker" WLTT-FM, Wilmington, NC. Wright, who has hosted the show for three and a half years, says he was fired after his Thursday (March 18) show, and that he wasn’t given a reason. He says he was offered a choice to either resign or be terminated, and he declined to quit. His termination was announced in a statement from "Big Talker 93.7 & 106.3 FM" owner Sea-Comm General Manager Paul Knight. StarNewsOnline reports that, in an interview, Knight said Wright’s termination was a difficult decision, which the station’s management team made after months of consideration. During the Thursday interview, Knight said Wright had built a large audience, but that change is common in the radio business. A new host, Robert Kendall, who has been a guest on "The Big Talker," has been selected as a replacement, says Knight. The show will remain conservative and still ask tough questions when necessary, Knight said, but it will have a less aggressive style. In the spring of 2009, head of the North Carolina Republican Party Tom Fetzer sued Wright and Sea-Comm, alleging libel. The suit alleged Wright forwarded an anonymous and defamatory email about Fetzer, though the suit was settled without payment and Wright apologized. Knight says the suit was not a factor in Wright’s termination. Wright said he started "The Morning Beat" in June 2006 and made it the top-rated morning show in the area. He says he plans to continue broadcasting and will compete against his former station, though he didn’t give specific plans. According to Wright, his troubles at Sea-Comm arose when Knight ran for mayor in 2009. He says his boss’ campaign created a difficult situation for a political talk show host, and that he told Knight that. Knight said he guaranteed Wright, in writing, that he could cover the campaign how he wanted and it wouldn’t affect his job. In addition, Knight said, he recused himself from his management team’s recent vote on whether Wright’s employment should continue. More from StarNewsOnline...

* ESPN's Tony Kornheiser is in hot water again for controversial comments on his radio program. Kornheiser, suspended from TV duties for two weeks for comments made on his "ESPN 980" WTEM, Washington DC, radio show about ESPN anchor Hannah Storm, is now receiving heat for comments about cyclists. At one point he said "run them over." That drew the ire of Lance Armstrong in two tweets on Twitter. And that drew the attention of the news media. Kornnheiser's rant on "ESPN 980" was in reaction to the addition of bicycling lanes in DC. It began as a discussion about sharing the road but soon disintegrated into an attack on anyone who rides on two wheels, reports USA Today. "And they all, my God, with their water bottles in the back, and their stupid hats, and their shiny shorts, they're the same kind of disgusting posers that in a snowstorm come out with cross-country skis on your block," said Kornheiser. "Run them down." He later added, "So you tap them. I'm not saying kill them." Armstrong wrote in his Twitter post, "Listening to Tony Kornheiser's comments/rant on ESPN radio re: cyclists. Disgusting, ignorant, foolish. What a complete f-ing idiot."

* The parent company of Business TalkRadio Network and Lifestyle TalkRadio Network is renamed. Blue Star Media Group is the new holding company of the two networks as well as its four owned and operated radio stations. The ownership and management remain the same. "The new holding company better represents the direction the company is taking as we prepare to launch a third national network that will complement BTRN and LTRN," says President & CEO Michael Metter. "Our growth from one network with 120 affiliates eight years ago to two national radio networks providing programming to more than 1,400 radio stations, along with the four radio stations we own, requires a more distinct characterization of our company." The company also owns KNUU-AM, Las Vegas; WLFP-AM, Pittsburgh; WXBR-AM, Boston; and WGCH-AM, Stamford-Norwalk, CT.

* Bob Lynch and Wayne Partello join the Mimai Dolphins sales team. Lynch is named VP of Integrated Media Sales; Partello, Senior Director for Content and Creative. Lynch was most recently General Sales Manager for Westwood One Traffic in New York, while Partello arrives from WEEI Sports Radio and WEEI.com. The two join the Dolphins' new Integrated Media Group, developing programs that include a mix of new media and traditional sports marketing. "We're pleased to add these two talented individuals to our team as we continue to look for some of the most innovative and energized media sales and creative talent available," says Dolphins SVP of Corporate Partnerships & Integrated Media Jim Rushton, to whom Lynch and Partello both report. "Their sports media experience will advance our effort to provide Dolphins fans with compelling content through multiple mediums while producing tangible business results for our corporate partnerships by enabling them to connect with our fans in meaningful ways."

* Premiere Radio Networks promotes Eric Stanger to VP of Operations for "The Sean Hannity Show." Most recently, Stanger was Director of Affiliate Marketing. Based in New York, he will continue to report to President of Content and Affiliate Relations Julie Talbott. "I'm proud to acknowledge Eric's significant contributions over the last year. He's a tremendous asset and will undoubtedly continue to positively impact The Sean Hannity Show," says Talbott. Stranger comments, "There's no place in the world I'd rather be than working with Sean Hannity and the greatest talk show on radio. Joining the team at Premiere has been incredible and I look forward to continue working together to take The Sean Hannity Show to new heights." Prior to joining Premiere when the company began syndicating the Hannity show in 2009, Stanger was Director of Affiliate Relations at ABC Radio Networks. He's also served as Assistant PD at KABC-AM, Los Angeles, and executive producer of Westwood One's "Tom Leykis Show." Stanger first joined forces with Hannity during his time at WABC-AM, New York, where he was Executive Producer.

* Good cop ... bad cop?   How about Tribune Co.'s Randy Michaels: "Bad CEO ... Good CEO"? "You’ve got to hand it to Randy Michaels, the CEO of Tribune Co., for sheer chutzpah," writes Chicago media reporter Robert Feder. "Just five days after he stared down staffers at news/talk WGN-AM (720) for leaking that infamous 'forbidden words' memo to me ('What do you think should happen to people who do that?' he demanded)," says Feder, "he put out a new memo telling all employees they should have no 'fear of retaliation' for speaking up." Feder says — in an apparent case of another leaked memo! — that Michaels wrote, “We don’t have a lot of rules around here. But not everyone has gotten the message. . . . Some say they are afraid to speak up or present a wacky idea for fear of retaliation (nothing will squash creativity and innovation faster). Rather than rules, our culture is defined by a few important principles: Focus on the important stuff, question authority, work together, take intelligent risk, reward performance, and do the right thing.” Could it be that Michaels wanted this memo leaked?

* Saul Levine, owner of KKGO, Los Angeles, wants to put the "Go" back in "Go Country 105 FM." The Orange County Register's Gary Lycan writes that Levine is "saddled up to mount promotions to corral new listeners and those who apparently rode off into the sunset in recent Arbitron ratings." Says Levine, "It is always difficult to define a glitch in the radio ratings, and the slight dip we have experienced is just a glitch. We already see signs of a rebound in the ratings." The "Go Country" version of the station started three years ago, aimed at filling a void created six months earlier by the flip of country KZLA-FM to "Movin' 93.9 FM" with Rick Dees in the morning in August 2006. The last country song it played was Keith Urban's "Tonight I Wanna Cry." KKGO quickly attracted country music fans, hired Shawn Parr for morning drive, and had a built-in support base courtesy the KZLA audience and Stagecoach, the annual country music festival, writes Radio Reporter Lycan. Ratings climbed and KKGO found itself enjoying high ratings in both the Los Angeles and Orange County reports. Overall, in September 2009, it had a 3.1 share. Then, something happened and its shares dropped month to month – 2.8 to 2.3 to 2.0 and in the Holiday ratings book, a 1.7. In January, however, it started climbing back, earning a 2.1 share. The reasons for that "glitch" depend on whom you talk to, but essentially, the change to PPM ratings methodology is seen as the problem, recording what KKGO listeners hear when it is not their choice, such as in a store while shopping. Now KKGO launches a new marketing effort – go to www.gocountry105.com and you will see the "$1,000 Song of the Hour" promotion. "Will our ratings come back? Of course they will," says Levine, adding that "the phones went crazy" when this new campaign started March 15. "I can't reveal the depth of the new marketing approach, but it is big, and it will work," says Levine.

* Kantar Media says ad spending decline abates in the fourth quarter of 2009. In a report, released March 17, data released by Kantar Media shows the decline in U.S. advertising spending abated in the fourth quarter, led by telecommunications companies and drug makers. Radio advertising fell less than it did during the first nine months of 2009. Network television and cable television advertising increased in the fourth quarter compared with the same period last year, the ad-tracking firm, a unit of London-based WPP Plc, says today. “Advertisers are betting that things are going to get better soon,” says Kantar Media SVP of Research Jon Swallen. “They want to be well-positioned when consumer activity does pick up.” Ad spending fell 12% in 2009 to $125.3 billion. During the fourth quarter, expenditures fell 6% – after declining 15% in the third quarter. "The advertising recession began to ease in the final two months of 2009 and preliminary figures from the first quarter of 2010, when compared against the abyss of a year ago, indicate many sectors are experiencing growth," says Swallen. "Given the restraint in consumer spending, it appears marketers have more confidence right now than their customers. As we get deeper into 2010, the pace of consumer activity will be a key determinant of the strength and durability of the advertising recovery."

* Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin: "We are committed to remaining listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market." As expected, Sirius XM Radio says it will fight delisting by Nasdaq. "Sirius XM is one of the most liquid securities on the Nasdaq Global Select Market; we have a large investor base consisting of both individual and prominent institutional stockholders; and our equity capitalization is greater than approximately 92% of the companies listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market," says Karmazin. Sirius XM Wednesday (March 17) issued a news release confirming it has now received the official delisting notice letter from Nasdaq, after failing to meet the March 15 deadline for its stock to trade at $1 a share for a minimum of 10 days. Karmazin, saying they intend to take "all the necessary steps to maintain the listing," does not rule out the possibility of a reverse stock split. Karmazin previously said he was confident no delisting would occur, and that the stock would rise, either on its own, or through the potential use of a reverse split. At that time, Karmazin said, "There is absolutely no concern about Sirius XM continuing to be listed and traded on Nasdaq and if successful in meeting Nasdaq's dollar bid requirement, we have no plans to execute a reverse split." Now, however, he says if the satcaster's board determines the split would be in the best interest of stockholders, it might be executed. The board, he notes, had previously approved a reverse stock split if needed. Sirius XM said last month that if it received a de-listing notice, it would appeal and seek a six-month extension as permitted under Nasdaq rules. Karmazin now says an appeal will be filed. That would give Sirius XM until September 13. The SIRI stock traded at over $1 for several days last month, but by Monday (March 15) had dropped back under $1, closing at 92-cents. "Sirius XM has an equity capitalization of over $5.8 billion and an enterprise value of nearly $8.8 billion," says the March 17 news release. "In 2009, the company had revenue of over $2.5 billion. Over 3.7 billion shares of the Company's common stock are available in the public float." In addition, the Nasdaq OMX Group, has announced that the Company's common stock will be added to the NASDAQ Q-50 Index effective with the market open on Monday, March 22, 2010. The Q-50 Index is designed to track the performance of the 50 securities that are next in line to replace the securities currently included in the Nasdaq-100 Index.

* Bankrupt satellite radio operator WorldSpace says Liberty Satellite Radio terminates radio deal talks. WorldSpace said Tuesday (March 16) that its lender, Liberty, has ended transaction negotiations between the two companies. Reuters reports that Liberty Satellite Radio, a unit of media mogul John Malone's Liberty Media Corp, was widely expected to seek a strategic alliance between WorldSpace and Sirius XM Satellite Radio, the New York-based company in which it owns a significant stake. WorldSpace did not give any details of what the transaction negotiations were about. A Liberty Media spokeswoman declined to comment. Through a subsidiary Liberty Media bought up the debt of WorldSpace last year, leading to expectations that Malone would seek to combine Sirius XM and WorldSpace. Sirius XM has 18 million subscribers in North America while WorldSpace satellite radio's subscribers are mainly in Asia and Africa. Malone rescued Sirius XM from a possible bankruptcy filing last year with a $520 million loan. In return Liberty secured a 40% equity stake in the company. WorldSpace said in its statement that it now awaiting information from Liberty as to its expectations as WorldSpace's secured lender with respect to the handling of Liberty's collateral. The Silver Spring, Maryland, company said it is now planning for a potential de-commissioning of its satellites and reviewing its strategic alternatives in light of the termination of negotiations.

* A federal judge dismisses a shareholder lawsuit against CBS Corp. over goodwill-impairment timing. The shareholder filed the suit claiming CBS failed to take a goodwill-impairment charge in a timely fashion in 2008 in order to personally benefit Viacom Chairman Sumner Redstone. Dow Jones Newswires reports that U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel in Manhattan dismissed the lawsuit, which had been seeking class-action status. "I conclude that the plaintiffs have failed to allege that the defendants committed acts of securities fraud," the judge said. The judge did give the plaintiffs until April 30 to file a motion to amend the lawsuit. The lawsuit, filed in December 2008, alleged that CBS violated U.S. securities laws by failing to take an impairment charge to its goodwill in the first quarter of 2008 in order to improperly inflate the value of its shares, including CBS shares held by National Amusements Inc., which Redstone controls. In October 2008, the company said it would take a pretax noncash impairment charge of about $14 billion in the third quarter to reduce the carrying value of goodwill, intangible assets related to FCC licenses and investments. The complaint had alleged Redstone, who chairs both Viacom's and CBS's boards of directors, had borrowed $1.6 billion on behalf of National Amusements and the loan covenants required significant principal payments if the value of CBS or Viacom shares fell below a certain level. By the time CBS took the impairment charge, an overall decline in the stock market had driven the stock prices of CBS and Viacom below the levels specified in the loan covenants, requiring Redstone to sell CBS shares held by National Amusements in order to pay creditors, the lawsuit had alleged. The complaint also had alleged false and misleading statements by CBS and its executives about the true nature of the company's financial health prior to taking the charge. CBS was spun off from Viacom in 2006. In a statement, CBS said it was "pleased with the decision."

* Former KNX-FM, Los Angeles, Program Director Steve Marshall is sentenced to prison for distributing child pornography. Marshall receives a sentence of seven and one half years in Arkansas after being arrested 11 months ago on both possession and distribution of child pornography. The possession charge was dropped after he pleaded guilty to distribution, in a plea deal with prosecutors. Marshall at one time was an executive producer for the 1980’s TV series “Growing Pains.” In January of 2009, Marshall was caught when a detective posed as an adult male in a chat room. It's then the Department of Justice says that Marshall, under the screen name "papa71953", asked the undercover officer if he'd like to trade pictures. Detectives say that's when Marshall sent them images of child pornography, reports ArkansasMatters.com. After obtaining a search warrant, Little Rock Police found thirty five pictures and ten movies containing child porn on Marshall's computer. They also found internet chats dating back to 2005 in which Marshall shared child pornography. Upon his release from prison, Marshall will be under supervised release for the rest of his life due to comments he made concerning sexual addiction and heinous comments made concerning minors during his internet chat conversations. Marshall has also been ordered to undergo sex offender therapy.

* Clear Channel's KXJM, Portland, OR, stops Jammin and goes Wild, but the music is the same. "Jammin 107.5" is now "Wild 107.5." The station's music remains a mix of hip-hop and pop, and so far continues to hold the KXJM call letters, reports Oregon Media Central. Their new slogan is "Portland's Party Hits." Reports from Portland say the change of identity was unusually low key. Still, this is the latest in a series of changes at the station. KXJM canceled its longtime local morning show, "The Playhouse," in December. Host PK has since joined his former PD Mark Adams at "Hot 95.7" KKHH, Houston.

* A new format is expected soon at Denver's Adult Variety Hits FM simulcasters KJAC (105.5) and KCUV (102.3). Or possibly two new formats on the two stations which have been "Jack FM." A month ago, we reported that the two simulcasting stations had been sold by NRC Broadcasting to Moreland Properties, headed by car salesman and TV pitchman Doug Moreland, for $5 million and a time brokerage agreement before closing. The deal did not include the rights to the "Jack FM" format, and it was speculated that change to the stations' format would be forthcoming. Now, both JackDenver.com and 1055JackFM.com are "parked" by "Dealin' Doug" – with no indication that there's a "Jack" in Denver. There's been considerable speculation about what Moreland has planned. But from the February 17 FCC filing for license transfers, it's been assumed it would not be a "Jack." Could it be "Doug FM," all car sales, all the time?

* Broadcast Architecture will launch a new "Chillout" radio format targeting a 35-44 demographic on March 29. The Chillout Radio Network will feature "Music That Feels Good" from artists like Sade, Michael Jackson, Alicia Keys, Jason Mraz, Earth Wind & Fire, Norah Jones, George Benson, John Mayer, Phil Collins, Beyonce, Maroon 5, Seal, Colbie Callait and Kenny G. BA says the format will provide a "place to go to chill out, de-stress, and Feel Good." Broadcast Architecture Owner & President Allen Kepler says, "Our new format offers something new and fresh in both variety and feel. Everyone needs a 'Feel Good' station on their radio, a bright place to regain their zone and help them escape from the stress of the day, relax, chill out and Feel Good. Like smooth jazz did for a generation of listeners over the last 20 years, the Chillout Radio Network targets today's adults who need a break from rap, hip-hop and edgy rock music. The variety of music we're offering takes a mass-appeal approach to a format that is unique, yet features some of the most mainstream, sophisticated music recorded over the past 35 years."

* Midwest Communications is acquiring Rubber City Radio Group's four-station cluster in Lansing, MI. The price is not disclosed. The stations Midwest is purchasing include Rock WJXQ-FM, Smooth Jazz WJZL-FM, Classic Hits WTXQ-FM, and Alternative WVIC. Midwest Communications, headed by President & CEO Duke Wright, owns 43 other radio stations, including two Michigan clusters. Rubber City Radio Group is headed by President Thomas Mandel. It also owns the dominant cluster in Akron, and has no other divestiture plans. Dick Foreman of Richard A. Foreman Associates Inc. initiated the transaction and served as the exclusive broker.

* News-Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, names Jason Skaggs as Commercial Services Manager, effective March 18. Skaggs will oversee commercial production for direct clients and creating copy for live commercials. Skaggs was most recently Corporate Creative Director for Cumulus Media's Sound Solutions in Atlanta. "It's truly an honor to start working at the greatest radio station on the planet," says Skaggs. "Providing solution based radio advertising for clients has always been my passion. I am extremely energized to be part of this great team of driven professionals."

* Ty McFarland will join K-Love Christian Radio Network next month as Program Director. McFarland, who begins his new position April 12, comes to K-Love from "88.1 KTFY," Twin Falls, ID, where he's been General Manager. He previously was Program Director of Contemporary Christian "Family Friendly 91.9" WGTS, Washington DC, and Operations Manager at "89.5 KTSY," Boise, ID. "I can't wait to begin working with the K-Love team," says McFarland. "I know good days are ahead and I'm looking forward to joining the team. Oh, and I'm pretty sure California is looking forward to me becoming a taxpayer." Programming VP Chuck Pryor tells us, "Adding Ty to the programming team is the next step in our efforts to have more impact across the network and in our local markets. Ty is the right PD to oversee the day to day operations for K-Love and I'm thrilled to have him on our team."

* Radio Intelligence recruits Sam Zniber as its new Vice President. “Sam Zniber has a unique track record as a Program Director with success stories from France, Australia, the UK and all over Europe. Sam’s strong strategic thinking combined with outstanding creativity and global experience makes him a key asset to our clients,” says Peter Waak, President of Radio Intelligence. “The insight Radio Intelligence has delivered to radio stations around the world has made them very successful and I look forward to contributing to the Radio Intelligence team. As Program Director and Group Program Director I have used Radio Intelligence for a decade and the results have always surpassed expectations,” says Zniber. "With offices in the U.S. and across Europe and clients in more than 24 countries Radio Intelligence is now strengthening its position as the leader for strategy and research for growth," says the company. As a senior radio executive, Zniber has overseen programming at radio stations and networks in the UK, Australia, France, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

* The Associated Press promotes Denise Vance to Deputy Director for U.S. Broadcast News. Vance, who has held various management positions for AP, will now lead the daily newsgathering and production for the AP's U.S. broadcast operations in Washington — Online Video, AP Television News, AP Radio and the AP Broadcast Wire. Vance joined AP in 1994 as a video producer in Frankfurt, Germany, then moved to the Washington office in 1997. Prior to joining AP, she was with CNN.

* National Geographic moves from Salem Radio Network to United Stations Radio Networks. Both the weekly "National Geographic Weekend" and the daily "National Geographic Environmental Minutes" will be distributed by USRN as of April 3. United Stations will handle both affiliate relations and national advertising sales. The shows are hosted by Boyd Matson. USRN COO Jim Higgins says the network plans to work with National Geographic on developing other radio programs using the for-profit arm of the National Geographic Society’s TV channel content and extensive archives.

* The syndicated weekend "Crook & Chase Countdown" reaches 200 affiliates as it adds KNIX, Phoenix. The Nashville-based countdown of the Top 30 Country hits is hosted by Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase, and is syndicated by Premiere Radio Networks. It airs 6-10am Sunday mornings. Crook and Chase hosted This Week in Country Music on cable's The Nashville Network (TNN) for 16 years and have also hosted the Crook & Chase Show, Crook & Chase Tonight, Today's Country, and several other cable shows, along with awards shows and specials. They launched The Crook & Chase Countdown in 1989 with TNNR, and, after time with Jones and USRN, it was picked up by PRN last October.

* Salem Communications is re-acquiring daytimer KTEK-AM, Houston, from BizRadio Network for $3.7 million. Salem sold the station to BizRadio Network for $7.75 million in December 2007. Under the agreement, just filed with the FCC, Salem will cancel the remaining $1.26 million balance on BizRadio's 2008 loan from Salem, and Salem will begin operating the station under a time brokerage deal that grants rights to program most of the broadcast day prior to the closing. Under the agreement, BizRadio will be allowed to "purchase airtime for programming on certain stations" owned by Salem. This transaction comes only a short time after BizRadio fought a legal battle to regain control of the station and return its own programming to the daytimer.

* Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith say Sports "XX 1090" XEPRS-AM, San Diego, breached their contract. "Scott and BR" explain their absence from the morning show on the BCA station on their Website. "We hate the idea of not being on the air with you. The Aztecs and the NCAA tourney, LT to the Jets, the New Look Padres – Good stuff to talk about. But there’s a problem, and it never should have been a problem. In January, Mr. Lynch, the CEO of XX, decided he wasn’t going to pay us according to our contracts. He asked us if that was going to be OK – we said no – and he shorted our checks anyway. Our feeling is this: You sign a contract, you work according to the contract, and you are paid what the contract says you should be paid. Without boring you with contract law, Mr. Lynch breached our agreement. John Lynch gave us clear choices, in writing! We were free to leave, or we could work for less than we are entitled to contractually. We chose the former." As we previously reported, "XX 1090" posted a notice on the station's Website, saying: "We are very sorry to inform you that Scott and BR will not be on the air until a dispute is resolved. BCA is currently in a contractual dispute with Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith, as a result of Scott and BR's attempt to terminate their agreements prior to its scheduled expiration in 2012. BCA believes that its agreements with both Scott and BR remain in full force and effect, and that their attempted early termination is in violation of their agreements. We promise to do our best to provide the best in sports talk and entertainment in their absence."

* Fisher Communications promotes Randa Minkarah to SVP of Business Development from VP. Minkarah will now be responsible for developing revenue-generating initiatives through alliances and partnerships, and focusing on digital revenue sources, cross-marketing, and other initiatives. Minkarah reports to Fisher President & CEO Colleen Brown. "This is well earned recognition for the leadership Randa has brought to Fisher's internal and external new business efforts," says Brown. "She has created a discipline and organization for developing and driving new businesses and established wide-ranging relationships in the new media space, while successfully integrating these strategic initiatives into core competencies for Fisher." Minkarah joined Fisher corporate in 2004, and was promoted to VP of Business Development, one year ago.

* Country KMPS, Seattle, names the husband and wife team "Candy & Potter" for mornings starting March 22. They most recently hosted middays at Hot AC "107.9 The Link" WLNK, Charlotte. Both are natives of the Seattle area. “Candy & Potter are passionate about the listeners, the Northwest and Country music. We are thrilled that their homecoming will happen here at 94.1 KMPS,” says Program Director Becky Brenner. They succeed 23-year KMPS personality Ichabod Caine and his wife, co-host and producer Scallops, who exited in December. Randy Scott and Stephen Kilbreath, who were part of "Ichabod & Scallops," have been covering mornings since Mr. & Mrs. Ichabod departed.

* The sale of Long Island's noncommercial WLIU, Southampton, goes to the FCC. Local group Peconic Public Broadcasting is purchasing the station from Long Island University for $850,000 including payments under an LMA before closing. Peconic, which was formed to save the station, is also paying $25,000 for transmitter relocation, plus programming and engineering services for the seller LIU's WCWP, Brookville, NY. WLIU is currently in the process of relocating to a new studio after its lease at LIU-Southampton expired. Several years ago, the university sold its Southampton campus, where WLIU was based. WLIU 88.3 FM and WCWP 88.1 FM have been the stations of the Long Island University Public Radio Network. Peconic Public Broadcasting, led by WLIU’s general manager, formed to save the station last year, receiving the support of a number of public officials to ensure that the station remains on the air.

* Mike Reineri is named Market Manager for Clear Channel’s six-station Panama City, FL, group. Reineri most recently was President of Frontline Solutions, where he led new business development and training for the broadcast industry. Says Clear Channel SVP of Operations Southeast and West Dave Crowl, "We are very pleased to welcome Mike as the new leader of our Panama City operation. Mike’s background in developing business and training sales teams is a perfect fit for our revenue focus in the market. We are impressed with his ability to build successful revenue strategies in markets such as Panama City. Our entire team will respond well to his leadership." Reineri adds, "I am very excited to take the helm of a great group of stations in a market where radio can really make an impact on the community and for our advertisers." The Clear Channel Panama City stations include Adult Standards "The Breeze 590" WDIZ-AM; Rhythmic CHR "99.3 The Beat" WEBZ; "Fox Newsradio 94.5" WFLF; AC "Sunny 98.5" WFSY; Country "92.5 WPAP;" and, Oldies "Beach 99.3" WPBH.

* Wendi Power is officially named General Manager of three Cox Radio FM stations in Tampa. Power's three Cox Radio Tampa stations include AC "Magic 94-9" WWRM and Soft AC "105.5 WDUV." We previously reported that she resigned as Director of Sales at WGN-AM, Chicago, to join Cox Radio Tampa. "Wendi is a very outgoing and strategic leader who has seen great success approaching her business in a similar way to ours," says Cox Radio Tampa VP & Market Manager Keith Lawless. "We are proud to welcome her to Cox Media Group's Tampa radio operations." Power adds, "I'm very proud to be joining a company like Cox Media Group that focuses their efforts on the product, the customer and their employees. These values made the decision easy for me and my family. I look forward to joining the Tampa team." She had been DOS at WGN since 2003, eight years after joining the station as an account executive, and five years after she rose to Local Sales Manager. "WGN has been the most wonderful radio station in the world to work for," said Power earlier. "I'm so blessed to have had the chance to spend 15 years of my career here." Succeeding Power at WGN is Jeff Hill, who is promoted from LSM.

* Debra Boechler joins Connoisseur Media's AC "105.9 Bob FM" KKBO, Bismarck, ND, as Station Manager. "We are excited to have Debbie join our management team. Her experience in the market will greatly enhance our operation," says COO David Bevins. Boechler has a long history of management experience in the market, including six years with Cumulus in Bismarck. "Bob FM has made a big impact in the Bismarck community." says Boechler. "I look forward to leading the charge for Connoisseur Media."

* Jack Heine is named Social Media Marketing Director for CRN Digital Talk Radio. Heine previously was co-host of the "Jamie, Jack & Stench" morning show on the late "Star 98.7" KYSR, Los Angeles. At CRN Digital Talk Radio, he will oversee and develop online promotions for all six CRN channels. He's already collaborated on the launch of the new CRN Website and debut of "Talk From the Spa," the partnership with Astor Broadcast Group. "CRN realizes that what makes their on-air product unique is their personalities, their social media presentation should have that same unique personality," says Heine. "If correctly managed, sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, will garner you not just 'friends,' but Super P1's with a loyalty that no amount of paid advertising can buy." CRN VP of Sales and Marketing Jennifer Horn tells us, "We were impressed with Jack's ability to gain and keep an audience. The Jamie, Jack & Stench Show has been off the air in L.A. for about three years. Through social networking sites, Jack has maintained a very loyal fan base. This is exactly what we're looking for as CRN continues to evolve."

* Todd Shannon joins Cox Media Group in Jacksonville, FL, as Operations Director. Reporting directly to VP & Market Manager Bill Hendrich, he will be responsible for oversight of five CMG Jacksonville stations' programming, production, engineering and marketing promotions. Shannon, a 14-plus-year radio veteran, was most recently President of consultancy Broadcast Strategies. He's a former Regional VP of Programming and CHR Brand Manager for Clear Channel Radio and Program Director of Clear Channel's CHR-Top40 WFKS.

* Westwood One signs with Presslaff Interactive Revenue to create new interactive opportunities for its advertisers. The new agreement will put PIR's Dat-eBase into the show Websites for Dennis Miller, Fred Thompson, and Billy Bush, as well as Loveline With Dr. Drew Pinsky. "One of the great advantages of digital media is its ability to tailor marketing right down to the individual," says Westwood One Network President Gary Schonfeld. "PIR's unmatched level of technology and service makes this possible for our broadcast properties. PIR's deep understanding of both the broadcast and digital business will add a new dimension of revenue opportunities for our shows and their advertisers." Dat-eBase is a relationship building and email marketing platform for media properties, sends emails, registers Website visitors and allows for easy participation in contests and surveys.

* Syndicated "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" adds a daily "American Top 5" countdown to the third hour, March 29. Listeners will be encouraged to call a toll free number or visit RyanSeacrest.com and vote for their favorite five songs. The results, in combination with Mediabase airplay charts, will determine the "American Top 5." CHR and Hot AC versions of the countdown will be available. Seacrest also hosts "American Top 40." Seacrest's daily show is currently heard on more than 170 stations. "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" launched nearly two years ago on 50 stations. The three-hour show airs between the hours of 10am and 7pm at each station's scheduling choice.

* NPR puts $160 million in tax-exempt fixed rate bonds on sale. The DC municipal bonds will help fund the construction of NPR's new Washington, DC headquarters. Construction is planned to start later this year for completion in 2013, converting an old warehouse into a seven-story office building. The bonds were graded AA- by Standard & Poor's, and Aa3 by Moody's Investor Service.

* The FCC delivers “Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan” to Congress. In a March 16 news release, the Commission says the plan sets "an ambitious agenda for connecting all corners of the nation while transforming the economy and society with the communications network of the future — robust, affordable Internet. “The National Broadband Plan is a 21st century roadmap to spur economic growth and investment, create jobs, educate our children, protect our citizens, and engage in our democracy,” says FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. “It’s an action plan, and action is necessary to meet the challenges of global competitiveness, and harness the power of broadband to help address so many vital national issues.” Blair Levin, Executive Director of the Omnibus Broadband Initiative at the FCC, adds, “In every era, America must confront the challenge of connecting the nation anew. Above all else, the plan is a call to action to meet that challenge for our era. If we meet it, we will have networks, devices, and applications that create new solutions to seemingly intractable problems.” Titled “Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan,” the Plan found that while broadband access and use have increased over the past decade, the nation must do much more to connect all individuals and the economy to broadband’s transformative benefits. Nearly 100 million Americans lack broadband at home today, and 14 million Americans do not have access to broadband even if they want it. Only 42 percent of people with disabilities use broadband at home, while as few as 5 percent of people living on Tribal lands have access. Meanwhile, the cost of digital exclusion for the student unable to access the Internet to complete a homework assignment, or for the unemployed worker who can’t search for a job online, continues to grow. Other gaps threaten America’s global competitiveness. A looming shortage of wireless spectrum could impede U.S. innovation and leadership in popular wireless mobile broadband services. More useful applications, devices, and content are needed to create value for consumers. And the nation has failed to harness broadband’s power to transform delivery of government services, health care, education, public safety, energy conservation, economic development, and other national priorities.

The Plan’s call for action over the next decade includes the following goals and recommendations: Connect 100 million households to affordable 100-megabits-per-second service, building the world's largest market of high-speed broadband users and ensuring that new jobs and businesses are created in America. Affordable access in every American community to ultra-high-speed broadband of at least 1 gigabit per second at anchor institutions such as schools, hospitals, and military installations so that America is hosting the experiments that produce tomorrow's ideas and industries. Ensure that the United States is leading the world in mobile innovation by making 500 megahertz of spectrum newly available for licensed and unlicensed use. Move our adoption rates from roughly 65 percent to more than 90 percent and make sure that every child in America is digitally literate by the time he or she leaves high school. Bring affordable broadband to rural communities, schools, libraries, and vulnerable populations by transitioning existing Universal Service Fund support from yesterday’s analog technologies to tomorrow’s digital infrastructure. Promote competition across the broadband ecosystem by ensuring greater transparency, removing barriers to entry, and conducting market-based analysis with quality data on price, speed, and availability. Enhance the safety of the American people by providing every first responder with access to a nationwide, wireless, interoperable public safety network.

The Plan was mandated by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009 and produced by an FCC task force that set new precedents for government openness, transparency, and rigor. Information for the plan was gathered in 36 public workshops, 9 field hearing, and 31 public notices that produced 75,000 pages of public comments. The debate went online with 131 blogposts that triggered 1,489 comments; 181 ideas on IdeaScale garnering 6,100 votes; 69,500 views on YouTube; and 335,000 Twitter followers. The task force augmented this voluminous record with independent research and data-gathering. About half of the Plan’s recommendations are addressed to the FCC, while the remainder are for Congress, the Executive Branch, state and local government, working closely with the private and nonprofit sectors. Read the National Broadband Plan at http://download.broadband.gov/plan/national-broadband-plan.pdf.

* FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell expresses "concerns" about the FCC's National Broadband Plan. McDowell, in a statement, says the plan is comprised of goals and recommendations, but "does not carry with it the force and effect of laws." It creates no new FCC rules, and, says McDowell, "Rulemakings, opportunities for public comment, subsequent debates, and votes on proposed rules spawned by the plan still lie over the horizon. In short, today marks the beginning of a long process, not the end of one." McDowell notes that America has made "great strides" in broadband adoption, and has seen "phenomenal growth" in wireless broadband and in mobile apps. "As a direct result of adopting policies that ensured the 'Net would be regulated only with a light touch, the Internet environment is growing and evolving faster than any individual, company, or government can measure. The 'Net operates in an open and free marketplace where innovation and investment are thriving." McDowell expresses his gratitude to the team that put together the National Broadband Plan plan, before expressing his concerns about it. "Your commitment, energy, and sense of mission have not gone unnoticed." But he also points out what he sees as the potential to classify broadband services as though they were "old-fashioned monopoly-era" voice telephone services, saying "I don't see how foisting a regulatory framework first devised in the 19th century would help a competitive 21st century marketplace continue to thrive."

* A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge gives Citadel approval to send a revised reorganization plan to its creditors. The new plan improves the terms for unsecured creditors. Citadel filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors in December. "The plan itself is quite transparent," says U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland. "It's the result of ardent negotiations with the key players." Shareholder objections may be raised at the confirmation hearing," which is set for May 12. Under the new reorganization plan, general unsecured creditors will get 36 cents on the dollar for their claims, compared with 15 cents in the previous plan. A revised disclosure statement and reorganization plan was filed Monday (March 15). The holders of $2.14 billion in secured debt will be given a new $762.5 million loan and 90% of the shares in the newly reorganized company. General unsecured creditors will receive 2.2% of the newly issued shares and an estimated $8 million in cash. Shareholders Virtus Capital and the Kenneth S. Grossman Pension Plan had objected to the plan, saying it undervalues the company by not taking into account the U.S. radio industry's rebound in ad sales. The shareholders say Citadel may report an 8-10% increase in revenue this year.

* Katz Media Group President & CEO Stu Olds says the national spot radio market is up. In a new memo — "Momentum Builds" — Olds says that the national spot market is "pacing significantly ahead" of last year in the first and second quarters. He says that, as of right now, KMG Consolidated Radio is pacing up 19% for the first quarter, and 20% for the second quarter. "While these pacing numbers only reflect business on the books as of today, this is certainly a very strong start," writes Olds. "The outlook of continued growth is supported by the advertising community's optimism about an improving economy. In addition, we are seeing increased market pricing based on strong across-the-board inventory demand, core category inclusion of radio, and an improving understanding of radio's value and capabilities." According to Olds, seven categories typically account for almost 90% of national spot spending; most of those are showing gains for Q2. That points to "a broad-based economic recovery." Retail is pacing up 9% in Q1 and about 86% percent for Q2, says Olds. Meanwhile, finance is pacing up 2.8% in Q1 while down 11% in Q2. Entertainment is pacing up 30.7% in Q1, down 19.3% in Q2. Automotive is strong, according to the KMG figures, pacing up 36.5% in Q1, and up 41.9% in Q2, while telecom/utility is up 21.1% in Q1 and 51.5% in Q2. Consumer products are pacing up 33.3% in Q1, down 9.5% in Q2. The professional services category is pacing up 14.6% in Q1 and 15.9% for Q2. Political and issue advertising paces up a whopping 210.8% in Q1, 26.1% for Q2.

* After its stock closed Monday at 92-cents, Sirius XM is expected to request a Nasdaq delisting extension. Monday (March 15) was the deadline for the satcaster to get its stock price back up above $1 to avoid delisting. Shares of Sirius XM Radio, whose market cap is about $3.5 billion, have risen by more than 50% this year, but the satellite radio company has not met a Nasdaq market requirement that its stock close above $1 a share for 10 days in a row by March 15, reports Reuters. Sirius XM said last month that if it received a de-listing notice, it would appeal and seek a six-month extension as permitted under Nasdaq rules. Barrington Research analyst James Goss notes that Sirius XM is far bigger than its stock price suggests. He points to the recent announcement that it raised $800 million through a senior notes offering to refinance a portion of its long-term debt. Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin previously said he was confident no delisting would occur, and that the stock would rise, either on its own, or through the potential use of a reverse split. On a conference call last month, Karmazin said, "There is absolutely no concern about Sirius XM continuing to be listed and traded on Nasdaq and if successful in meeting Nasdaq's dollar bid requirement, we have no plans to execute a reverse split."

Meanwhile, Moody’s gives Sirius XM an upgrade based on the successful sale of an expanded $800 million bond issue. Moody's says it upgraded Sirius XM Radio's new 8.75% senior unsecured notes due 2015 to Caa1 from Caa2 and its 9.75% senior secured notes due 2015 to B1 from B2 following the increase of the offering to $800 million from $550 million.

* Radio companies reported revenues down for the fourth quarter of 2009, and for the full year. But most see the final quarter of last year beginning a trend toward one degree or another of recovery. Several sought to put an outright optimistic spin on their results. TPMedia has covered full reports from Clear Channel, Fisher Communications, Spanish Broadcasting System, Beasley Broadcast Group, Saga Communications, Entravision Communications, Cumulus Media, Salem Communications and Citadel Broadcasting. TPMedia has all of the recent Q4 reports to date in a special summary section here.

* Nielsen:  Multicultural ad spending declines in 2009, but less than the overall ad market. Spending on Spanish Language and African-American media declined 4.7% and 7.3%, respectively, in 2009, according to figures released Friday (March 12) by The Nielsen Company. The declines are consistent with the trend in overall advertising, although the drops aren’t as deep. Last month, Nielsen reported that ad spending fell 9% in 2009, despite significant increases in Cable TV. Nielsen found that Spanish Language advertising was down 4.7% in the U.S. last year. A total of $5.4 billion was spent on all Spanish Language media in 2009, down almost $270 million from the previous year. The slide was paced by significant declines in National Magazine and Local Newspaper advertising, which were down 38% and 25%, respectively. The decreases in print media were offset by a 32% increase in Spanish Language Cable advertising. Nielsen found that 19 of the top 20 advertisers in the medium increased their ad spends year over year. Spot TV was the top cash generator for Spanish Language media in 2009 with an estimated $1.4 billion in ad sales, down 10% compared to the previous year. Spot Radio, however, showed the smallest decrease year-to-year at only 0.8% compared to Spot TV's 10% decline. Spending on African-American media saw a similar decline of 7.3% in 2009. The decline was paced by decreased spending in Network TV (-72%) and National Magazines (-33%). Increased spending on Cable TV helped balance out the losses. Advertisers spent 35% more on African-American Cable in 2009, thanks to added spending by each one of the top 20 advertisers in the category. Spot Radio earned the most revenue among African-American media in 2009. Advertisers spent $748 million on the medium last year. Again, Spot Radio's decrease was the smallest in percentage at -9.6%.

The top spending product category for both Spanish Language and African-American media was Quick Service Restaurants. Advertisers within the category spent $335 million on Spanish Language media and $87 million on African-American media. McDonald’s was the top fast food advertiser in both media segments. The Automotive category was the next highest spender in both multicultural media. Spending in Spanish Language was down 39% in 2009, paced by double-digit percent losses by each of the top five auto advertisers. Spending by the auto industry in African-American media was down 18% year over year. The category showing the most growth among the top 10 Spanish Language advertisers was Satellite TV providers. Advertisers in this category upped their ad spends 77% in 2009, as satellite TV companies made the pitch for their services in the run up to the DTV transition in June 2009. According to Nielsen data, a larger percentage of Hispanic households were not ready for the transition than non-Hispanic households at the end of 2008. Insurance companies showed the most growth among the top 10 African-American media spenders. General Insurance and Car Insurance categories placed 8th and 9th after increases of 29% and 24%, respectively. The Motion Picture category showed similar growth, increasing its spend 24% to $72 million.   More from Nielsen...

* Pew Research Center's Project For Excellence In Journalism releases its "State of the News Media 2010" report. In a summary of the new report, Pew Research says, "Inside news companies, the most immediate concern is how much revenue lost in the recession the industry will regain as the economy improves. Whatever the answers, the future of news ultimately rests on more long-term concerns: What are the prospects for alternative journalism organizations that are forming around the country? Will traditional media adapt and innovate amid continuing pressures to thin their ranks?" According to the report, with growing evidence that conventional advertising online will never sustain the industry, what progress is being made to find new revenue for financing the gathering and reporting of news? "The numbers for 2009 reveal just how urgent these questions are becoming. Newspapers, including online, saw ad revenue fall 26% during the year, which brings the total loss over the last three years to 43%. Local television ad revenue fell 22% in 2009; triple the decline the year before. Radio also was off 22%. Magazine ad revenue dropped 17%, network TV 8% (and news alone probably more). Online ad revenue overall fell about 5%, and revenue to news sites most likely also fared much worse." After examining more of the stats — and the issues presented &mdash the Pew Research report tells us, "And as we enter 2010 there is little evidence that journalism online has found a sustaining revenue model. A new survey on online economics, released in this report for the first time, finds that 79% of online news consumers say they rarely if ever have clicked on an online ad."

On radio and audio-based news, the report says, "Most people still listen to news, talk and music for at least a little while every week, and they do most of this listening through traditional broadcast, or 'terrestrial,' radio. This is where the audience is largest. Yet this is where the profit and revenue are under the most pressure. Many stations have left the air and some owners of multiple stations have entered bankruptcy. Everything else, by comparison, is small, and in the newest forms the revenue model is not yet clear, though it will almost surely involve direct user payment. With every year the signs grow that terrestrial radio is already having, and will continue to have, a harder time. And yet another clearly foreseeable threat is the arrival of Internet-based car radio." The report says that the number of people saying they listen to less terrestrial radio in favor of their iPods or MP3 players increased from 37% in 2008 to 42% in 2009. Online radio listening has also increased, from 21% to 27%. "While these numbers are still small," the report notes, "they do show a steadily increasing number of people seeking audio service from other technologies." The report singles out NPR as having "developed an advantage in radio news," with its audience up 0.1%. NPR's "connection to local markets around the country though its member-station format makes it uniquely poised to take advantage of audience fragmentation," says the report. "Some report, though, that NPR’s attempts to reach out to local markets has caused friction with member stations that prefer to emphasize their own brand to local listeners and fear the encroachment of the national entity." Read a full summary of the report here ... and the full original report here...

* More than 239 million listen to radio every week, according to the Arbitron RADAR 104 Report. Radio reaches more than 239 million Persons aged 12 and older over the course of a typical week, according to the RADAR 104 National Radio Listening Report, which releases Monday (March 22). 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. Listening to RADAR Network Affiliate stations has also risen year over year. Over the course of a typical week, more than 219 million Persons aged 12 and older tune to more than 7,200 RADAR Network Affiliated stations, up from 212 million listeners one year ago in RADAR 100. 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 84% from one year ago. 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 94% of Hispanic persons, aged 12 and older tune into radio over the course of a week.
    • Radio reaches about 93% of both Black Non-Hispanic persons and 95% of Hispanic persons aged 18-49 over the course of a week.
    • Network affiliated stations reach 90% of Black Non-Hispanic persons, and 85 percent of Hispanic persons, aged 12 and older. 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, March 22, 2010, Arbitron will release the complete RADAR 104 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. Marking the beginning of a yearlong sample size increase initiative to 395,000, the RADAR 104 sample size is 368,987. This larger sample ensures more stability for key demographic estimates, dayparts and Market-by-Market Analysis reports, which report all individual DMAs.

* New York City radio legend Ron Lundy dies of a heart attack at the age of 75. He became a major radio star at legendary 1960s-70s Top 40 "Musicradio 77" WABC-AM, and later was the midday host at Oldies "CBS-FM" WCBS-FM. Ron Lundy died Monday (March 15) of a second heart attack. He had been hospitalized recovering from the first heart attack. He began his radio career at WHHM-AM, Memphis; WDDT-AM, Greenville, MS; and WLCS-AM, Baton Rouge; before joining WIL-AM, St. Louis, where he worked from 1960-65. Lundy then joined WABC, where he became one of the station's main personalities until "Musicradio" ended, with WABC's flip to Talk in 1982. He later hosted middays at WCBS-FM until his 1997 retirement.

* Joseph Dembo, who helped transform WCBS-AM, New York, into an all-news outlet, dies at 83. Joseph Dembo, a CBS Radio executive and news correspondent who helped transform the company's flagship radio station in New York City into an all-news outlet, died Monday (March 15) at his Manhattan home. Co-owned "1010 WINS" reports, "The cause of death was cancer, said his son, Robert Dembo." In 1967, CBS Chairman William Paley picked Dembo to help transform a struggling WCBS Radio in New York City into an all-news format, says the report. Dembo brought together a team of journalists that included Ed Bradley, Charles Osgood and Lou Adler and, by 1970, the station was broadcasting news all the time. "My father was an absolutely dedicated journalist who discovered the joy of radio when he was quite young. It was his lifelong passion,'' said Robert Dembo, an executive director at NBC News. "He brought to that very strict, very high journalistic ethics. He insisted on getting it right and getting it fast. But getting it right was always first.'' Dembo also was an executive producer for "The CBS Morning News'' network television broadcast and ran news bureaus in Rome and Athens during his 28-year career at CBS. He left CBS in 1988 to be a journalism professor at Fordham University, where he taught until last year.

* ''Jake FM'' KJKE is Oklahoma City's fourth Country station, on 93.3 FM, former home of KKNG. Last week, we reported that “King Country” KKNG, Oklahoma City, moved from 93.3 to 97.3, the former home of “Jack FM” KOJK. The move, which occurred March 8, resulted in a lower power signal, a change of format, and the ouster of most on-air personalities. At the time, Program Director Kevin Christopher, who remains, confirmed the relocated station was airing a Classic Country format "bringing back all of the music that made KKNG great." Now, KKNG's former frequency debuts "Jake FM" with the slogan "Oklahoma's New Country" under consultant and veteran programmer Joel Folger. Tyler Broadcasting says "Jake FM" is emphasizing "more new Country music than any station has ever played in Oklahoma City." Effectively, however, this returns current Country music to its former frequency before KKNG moved and flipped its format. Also to be noted is that "Jake FM" replaces "Jack FM."

* WLXO-FM, Lexington, KY, flips from " Super Talk 96.1" to Classic Country as “Country Legends Hank 96.1 FM.” The Clarity Communications station's temporary Website, while a new one is under construction, says WLXO continues to air NASCAR and Horse Racing Radio Network programming with the new format. Both had aired with the previous Talk format.

* Sports columnist Bob Kravitz is casualty of Emmis radio shuffling in Indianapolis; exits "1070 The Fan" WFNI-AM. Kravitz made his final appearance Monday (March 15) on "Kravitz & Eddie," the WFNI-AM (1070) program that debuted in January 2008. He's a columnist with the Indianapolis Star, where David Linquist reports "Kravitz is exiting the airwaves of his afternoon sports-talk radio show." Lindquist writes, "Charlie Morgan, market manager for Emmis Communications radio stations WFNI, WIBC-FM (93.1) and WLHK-FM (97.1), said Kravitz's contract wasn't renewed because of financial reasons." Says Morgan, "We're trying to figure out how we operate in an economically challenged environment. It's not an indictment of content." Eddie White will continue to be WFNI's 3-6pm weekday host, joined by multiple contributors — including Kravitz in a part-time role. Morgan praised Kravitz as a cornerstone for the station, says Linquist.

* DOS Wendi Power resigns WGN-AM, Chicago, to become General Manager of three Cox Tampa FM stations. Power's three Cox Radio Tampa stations include AC "Magic 94-9" WWRM and Soft AC "105.5 WDUV." She has been Director of Sales at WGN since 2003, eight years after joining the station as an account executive, and five years after she rose to Local Sales Manager. "WGN has been the most wonderful radio station in the world to work for," says Power. "I'm so blessed to have had the chance to spend 15 years of my career here. The station is bigger than life." WGN VP & GM Tom Langmyer says of Power, "We are very fortunate to have benefited from Wendi's leadership, creativity and passion. We'll miss her and wish her the best." Succeeding Power at WGN is Jeff Hill, who is promoted from LSM. "Wendi is a very outgoing and strategic leader who has seen great success approaching her business in a similar way to ours," says Cox Radio Tampa VP & Market Manager Keith Lawless.

* Premiere Radio Networks promotes Peter Tripi to SVP of Affiliate Relations for Talk and Morning shows. Tripi is upped from VP of Affiliate Marketing for Talk. He continues to report to President of Content & Affiliate Relations Julie Talbott. In his new position, Tripi will oversee affiliate relations and affiliate marketing for Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Jim Rome, George Noory, the Fox Sports Radio Network, Bob & Tom, Steve Harvey, Elvis Duran, John Boy & Billy, Big D & Bubba and others. "Premiere leads the industry with its incredible roster of talk and morning programming," says Tripi. "I'm proud to be a part of this talented team and look forward to continued growth and success." Talbott adds, "This is a well-deserved promotion. Peter's significant contributions to our Talk division, as well as his knowledge, professionalism and work ethic, have made him a valued member of our team, and I know he'll bring those same attributes to our morning show division." Tripi is a 25-year industry vet who was on the marketing team for Westwood One's Imus in the Morning before joining Premiere. He's also worked at CBS Radio Networks and United Stations Radio Networks.

* Consultant Bill Mayne is elected Executive Director of Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB), effective April 1. Mayne, of Nashville's Mayne Street Consulting, serves as President of the Academy of Country Music. He's worked in both the radio and the recording industry. "We are exceptionally pleased and grateful to have Bill Mayne officially take over as executive director of CRB," says CRB President Mike Culotta. "It became evident, during the difficult transitional period leading up to CRS 2010, that Bill had the leadership, passion, and vision to steer the organization in the direction it needs to go. We are confident that CRB is in good hands going forward." Mayne's resume includes programming and operations at KZLA, Los Angeles; KSCS & WBAP, Dallas; and KASE, Austin. He's also worked in artist development, management, and promotions at labels including Warner Brothers Nashville and 903 Music. Mayne Street Consulting's client list includes the CRB, GAC, Dualtone Records, and Muscle Shoals Music Group, among others.

* The NAB announces the 50 finalists for the 2010 Crystal Radio Awards competition. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. The full list is available here. Crystal Radio Award finalists were chosen by a panel of judges representing broadcasting, community service organizations and public relations firms. Finalists will be honored and winners announced at the Radio Luncheon, sponsored by ASCAP, on Tuesday, April 13, during the NAB Show in Las Vegas. The Radio Luncheon will feature a keynote address by Phil Hendrie, nationally syndicated radio host and satirist. Legendary Texas radio personality Ron Chapman will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

* The FCC is set to start establishing high-speed Internet as the country’s dominant communication network. March 16, the Commission's proposed 10-year plan will be officially unveiled, and submitted to Congress. Although television is more concerned about the plan at this time, radio has begun expressing concerns that "it is next." The New York Times reports that "the broadcast television industry is resisting a proposal to give back spectrum the government wants to use for future mobile service." And several recent reports by various media have noted that radio fears its spectrum could be next, if television cedes significant spectrum space. B&C's John Eggerton reports that former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt says Tuesday's unveiling of the broadband plan will essentially mark the Internet as the nation's new common medium, supplanting broadcasting and cable. However, notes Eggerton, "FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has said that the FCC is not out to force broadcasters off their spectrum, though the plan will include a proposal to pay broadcasters who want to give up some spectrum for wireless broadband." According to the Times, "The plan, which will be submitted to Congress on Tuesday, is likely to generate debate in Washington and a lobbying battle among the telecommunication giants, which over time may face new competition for customers." According to FCC officials briefed on the plan, the Commission’s recommendations will include a subsidy for Internet providers to wire rural parts of the country now without access, a controversial auction of some broadcast spectrum to free up space for wireless devices, and the development of a new universal set-top box that connects to the Internet and cable service. "The radio industry should be concerned with any government plans to supplant over-the-air broadcasting with online services," says former broadcaster and current IT Services Specialist Joseph K. Thomas, who is also EVP of TotalPopularMusic.com.

* Behind closed doors, angry Tribune CEO confronts WGN-AM, Chicago, staff on leaked "newsspeak memo." Chicago media reporter Robert Feder, who last week broke the story of 119 words and phrases not to be used on WGN, is now reporting on a subsequent staff meeting held to deal with the fall-out from the memo becoming public. He says that some who were there said it was an attempt to intimidate employees and identify a scapegoat. Others described it as an effort to assert authority and move beyond an embarrassing episode. But all agreed it was classic Randy Michaels. For close to 30 minutes, the Tribune Co. CEO addressed a closed-door meeting of news staffers at News-Talk WGN-AM about the "you can't say that on WGN" memo. On the subject of leaks, writes Feder, Michaels asked individual staffers, “What do you think should happen to people who do that?” He directed much of his ire at WGN News Director Charlie Meyerson who circulated the memo, blaming Meyerson for mishandling his directive. Also present were Tribune Broadcasting COO Jerry Kersting, WGN VP & GM Tom Langmyer, and WGN Program Director Kevin “Pig Virus” Metheny. Earlier in the day, Michaels issued a detailed explanation of the original memo to the Tribune’s Eric Zorn. Says Feder, "This time, Michaels referred to me inaccurately as 'an out of work blogger.' " Feder, who says he's a paid employee of Chicago Public Media's Vocalo.org blog, then prints the entire text of the later memo. Read it here from Feder's blog at Vocalo.org.

* The Sports "XX 1090" XEPRS-AM, San Diego, morning team is off the air in a contract dispute. Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith are absent from their show until the dispute is resolved, says a message from the station on its Website, March 15. "We are very sorry to inform you that Scott and BR will not be on the air until a dispute is resolved. BCA is currently in a contractual dispute with Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith, as a result of Scott and BR's attempt to terminate their agreements prior to its scheduled expiration in 2012. BCA believes that its agreements with both Scott and BR remain in full force and effect, and that their attempted early termination is in violation of their agreements. We promise to do our best to provide the best in sports talk and entertainment in their absence." There are reported rumors the duo wants to move to Classic Rock KGB to replace the recently departed Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw.

* Jacobs Media's jacAPPS announces radio applications for Google's Android platform. The smartphone application division of Jacobs Media completes development of radio apps for Android, created by Google, and says the new apps are already showing signs of rapid consumer acceptance. Jacobs says the Android apps platform appears to be the second option for smartphone applications behind Apple. "Our smartphone application division continues to expand at a rapid pace," says Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs. "We've conquered the iPhone space, with 140 apps in the store and more than two million downloads. The secret behind our success is that we create customized applications that draw upon our decades of experience in radio as consultants and researchers. We don't approach apps as a templated process. With Android, we will continue to custom design radio and personality branded apps for this hot new platform." The jacAPPS Android app for radio contains the same functions as the company's iPhone apps, including an alarm clock, station-controlled revenue generation and messaging, embedded web browser, background play, social network connectivity and more.

* McVay Syndication purchases Donny Osmond's short-form “8-Track Playback” from BBRN. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, puts both of Osmond’s radio programs under the umbrella of McVay Syndication. Broadcast Barter Radio Networks has handled the short-form feature, while McVay syndicates the daily five hour “Donny Osmond Show,” designed for AC and Classic Hits formats, in conjunction with Citadel Media in the USA and Orbyt in Canada. BBRN created the feature in 2006 and tapped Donny as host when it debuted in spring 2007. The daily short-form feature provides listeners with a capsule of that day’s historical events in music, entertainment, and pop culture from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s, with Osmond’s personal anecdotes added. The feature ends with an Oldies, Classic Hits, or AC-friendly song. It’s currently cleared in more than 75 markets. “Matt & Mike at BBRN created an excellent feature that many of our client stations already air as a part of their programming," says McVay Syndication President Mike McVay. "Given that Donny’s daily show is growing, and given the growth that 8-Track Playback is already enjoying, it made sense for us to combine the programs and give stations even more of what is The Donny Osmond franchise.”

* "News/Talk 820" WBAP-AM, Dallas, gets an FM simulcast on former Oldies "Platinum 96.7" KPMZ. "With the largest reach of any AM signal in North Texas at 820 AM, WBAP will provide a full simulcast of its entire programming at 96.7 FM," says WBAP President & General Manager Keri Korzeniewski. "With crystal-clear FM fidelity, WBAP listeners now have a choice on how they listen to their favorite News/Talk station." Citadel moved KPMZ into stunt mode Friday (March 12), first with Texas music and then to "Reagan Radio," before revealing the plan to simulcast WBAP. This morning (March 15) at 5am, 96.7 was to begin the simulcast, becoming WBAP-FM. "WBAP made history in 1922 when it signed on the air," says Operations Manager Tyler Cox. "WBAP is making history again as it becomes the first News/Talk radio station in North Texas to offer its programming on both the AM and FM dial. Listeners searching for clear views of the issues have relied on WBAP 820 AM every day. Now, listeners searching for clear FM fidelity can also rely on WBAP 96.7 FM." The full lineup will air on both the AM and FM: WBAP Morning News with Hal Jay, Brian Estridge, Amy Chodroff, Steve Lamb, and Brad Barton; Mark Davis, 8:30-11am; PRN's Rush Limbaugh, 11am-2pm; Sean Hannity, 2-5pm; Citadel's Mark Levin, 5-8pm; Talk Radio Network's Laura Ingraham, 8-11pm; Citadel's John Batchelor, 11pm-midnight; and The Midnight Radio Show with Eric Harley and Gary McNamara in overnights.

Cox tells the Star-Telegram's Robert Philpot, "As you look at where the bulk of where radio listening takes place in this market and every other market, it's on the FM dial. We've certainly done exceptionally well [on AM], but when you look at situations in other markets where AM stations have added FM simulcast partners, it's just greatly increased the reach and audience size of the radio station." Cox added that even though WBAP has the nation's most powerful AM signal, some listeners, especially younger ones, will listen only to FM. "The average 30-year-old, many of them don't know what the AM button on the car radio stands for. Never have sampled it, and never will." Philpot writes, "Although Citadel, like many media companies, is having financial trouble, Cox said the simulcast is not a cost-cutting move." As "Platinum 96.7," KPMZ had one of the market's broadest playlists, focusing heavily on '60s and '70s songs, some of which got little to no airplay elsewhere in Dallas-Fort Worth. Ron Chapman, the North Texas radio legend who developed the playlist, said he was warned a couple of months ago by Citadel CEO Farid Suleman that the station might have to change formats. "Platinum never did not make money," Chapman said. "Platinum always made a little money. It just didn't make enough."

* "Spa 1510" KSPA, Anaheim, CA, debuts "Southern California Talk," March 15). We previously reported that CRN Digital Talk Radio and the Astor Broadcast Group are partnering to create the new Talk format. With Mike Horn, President and CEO of CRN Digital Talk, becoming Program Director and Sales Consultant, KSPA-AM will offer Mancow, 3am; Laura Ingraham, 6am; a cooking show, 9am; Chuck Wilder, 11am; Dr. Laura Schlessinger, noon; Michael Savage, 3pm; Rusty Humphries, 6pm; Horn's own PM Show, 9pm; Lee Klein or John and Jeff, 10pm; and Barry Farber, 2am. Details are expected to appear on www.am1510kspa.com. The Ocean County Register's Radio Reporter Gary Lycan reports, "The original announcement said Doug McIntyre's Red Eye Radio would air at 10pm, but that decision is on hold pending final clearance approval from KABC/790 AM which airs Red Eye in Los Angeles." On co-owned KFSD-AM, the new "SoCal Talk" format will begin April 1. Fans of "The Spa" music on 1510 will still be able to hear John Pizzarelli, Big Band Jump, Sid Mark's Sinatra and Jazz at the Spa shows on the weekend. Lycan writes, "Orange County broadcaster Art Astor has earned his reputation as a trailblazer, a man whose innovative and energetic personality has made him, at 84, a person not to take lightly when he comes up with a new idea." Astor believes the strong talk talent line-up will create "a lucrative environment for advertisers." And the O.C. Register Radio Reporter says, "Knowing Astor, he has what I call the three P's – patience, persistence and passion – to turn his goal into a reality."

* Slacker Radio reportedly is "secretly" preparing a new on-demand music service. Slacker plans to launch the on-demand subscription service combining elements of Pandora, Rhapsody and Spotify in the next few months, reports Wired.com, saying it has learned of the plans "from a well-placed source whose statements were confirmed by a Slacker spokesman." Slacker’s on-demand music subscription service will reportedly include deep ties to its free interactive radio offerings, giving the company a chance to upsell monthly music subscriptions from its popular free and paid radio apps. In addition to designating a currently playing song as a favorite to make it play more frequently, listeners will be able to subscribe to hear the track whenever they want, Wired's source said, and Slacker spokesman Anders Steele confirmed. One problem with subscription services such as Napster and Rhapsody, in Slacker’s view, is that their free versions are insufficient to snag new customers due to the high cost of licensing on-demand music, which is due to the fact that unlimited on-demand music replace sales.

* "Newsradio" WWJ-AM, Detroit, Director of Programming Georgeann Herbert resigns to start her own business. Reportedly, the new venture will involve music. More specifics are expected soon. Her resignation is effective at the end of this month. Herbert, who oversaw the demise of Chicago's Talk WMAQ in 2000, later that year exited as Operations Manager of WBBM-AM, Chicago, to join WWJ. Both WBBM and WWJ are CBS Radio stations. Herbert has been with CBS Radio/Infinity for about 20 years.

* Union broadcast technicians staged a protest Monday (March 15) at NPR's Washington headquarters. The union techs object to National Public Radio's demands for concessions and givebacks in current contract negotiations. In a news release, the union says, "The 65 members of NABET-CWA each took wage/benefits cuts of $17,000 in crisis bargaining to help NPR during the uncertain economic days last spring at the depth of the Great Recession. Now, in bargaining for a new contract, with their technical professionals, NPR is demanding more givebacks, a wage freeze, eliminating more than half the bargaining unit jobs, and removing bargaining rights over benefit plans, cutting retirement plan contributions in half." The union contract expires today. More bargaining sessions are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.

* Sirius XM expands plans to offer new notes to pay off earlier-due debt — from $550 million to $800 million. The satcaster says the issuance of the senior notes, due in 2015, will allow it to redeem notes due in 2013 and pay fees and expenses of the offering. The company intends to use any remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes. Originally announced at $550 million, Sirius XM later increased the amount of the offering based on early response to the original announcement. More from Sirius XM...

* Performance Rights Act opposition grows – reaches House majority plus 40, says the NAB. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Emeritus John Dingell (D-MI) and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) have become the latest House co-sponsors of a bipartisan Congressional resolution opposing the PRA, which would mandate that local radio stations pay royalties for the airing of recorded music. The Local Radio Freedom Act — which opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" — is now backed by 258 House lawmakers, 40 more than a House majority. "The growing Congressional opposition comes as the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) continues to lobby in support of legislation that would require local radio stations to pay an additional fee for every song aired free to listeners," says the NAB in a March 12 news release.

The NAB adds, "Underscoring the importance of radio airplay, pop musician Chris Brown recently recorded an online audio message essentially begging his fans to keep him relevant with radio airplay. 'Some radio station's aren't playing my records,' Brown told his fans in the audio message. 'They're not being as supportive, and I wouldn't expect them to. ... My singing, my music, it's all great, and I do it for y'all, and I do it for the love and everything else, but it won't be possible if I'm not relevant on the radio.' " The NAB also notes that Thursday brought an end to a lawsuit filed by Pink Floyd against their London-based record label, EMI Group, over online royalty payments and the sale of single tracks. According to news reports, the court decision will prevent EMI from selling single downloads from the band's albums. The outcome of the royalty issue was delivered in private after EMI submitted an application citing commercial confidentiality, according to The Financial Times. Pink Floyd is the latest group in a long line of musicians who have filed lawsuits against their record label to recoup allegedly unpaid royalties, including the Beatles, Cher, Dr. Dre, Eminem, and the estates of Count Basie and Benny Goodman. The NAB has been noting such reports because the labels claim the PRA royalties would be "for the recording artists," even though they would actually be paid to the labels.

* A new Website advocates radio stations fight the Performance Rights Act by withholding airplay for a day. Adult Variety Hits (and former Classic Country) KXIT, Dalhart, TX, owner George Chambers launched the online site NoPlayToday.com to urge stations to withhold airplay of music by selected artists for one day, as a way to protest the artists' support for the Performance Rights Act legislation. Chambers is claiming the campaign has already attracted the support of 27 radio stations, although for now he's not identifying them. NoPlayToday.com lists a calendar of artists to withhold on each day, starting Friday (March 12), and continuing through April 30. One radio Program Director tells TPMedia News, "The concept is great! But the artists listed are mostly ones that my station never airs anyway. Someone needs to expand the concept to various boycott calendars on artists currently receiving major aiplay on hit music stations, both Mainstream Top 40 and Hot AC. That would make a greater impact. However, stations can expect the musicFIRST coalition to file complaints against them with the FCC." The PD quoted is not named by TPM NewsPage, not because he fears an FCC complaint, but because: "I have a good working relationship with the labels and their promoters, and need music service ... so don't print my name."

* Richard Roeper is joining News-Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, as Roe Conn’s afternoon show partner as of April 12. The star columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, author and nationally known movie critic, will join Conn on the 2-6pm afternoon show to be officially called “The Roe Conn Show with Richard Roeper.” But, according to Chicago Media reporter Robert Feder at Vocalo.org, WLS President & GM Michael Damsky says, “I anticipate that we’ll hear a lot of the shorthand ‘Roe and Roeper.’ ” It’s a radio homecoming of sorts for Roeper, writes Feder. Roeper began as a Sunday morning talk show host on WLS in the early ’90s and eventually landed his own daily midday show on WLS-FM during its run with a “young talk” format from 1994 to 1995. His boss then, as now, was operations director Drew Hayes. In accepting the two-year deal, negotiated by agent Brian Musburger, Roeper turned down an offer to host his own two-hour daily show on Tribune News-Talk WGN-AM. Reached Thursday (March 11) while en route from a television taping in Albuquerque to a poker tournament in Las Vegas, Roeper said, “Roe and I have been talking for years about doing something together. This is the perfect opportunity. One of the reasons WLS was the right fit for me was that Drew [Hayes] was the first person who hired me in radio. I’ve been friends with him for 20 years. I’m joining an established show that’s hosted by a friend of mine who’s a consummate pro. I’ve even known the producer, Jocko [Hedblade]. I’m joining an established franchise. It gives me comfort in knowing that.”

* "Matty In The Morning'' moves to WERZ-FM, Portsmouth, NH, as the Clear Channel station flips from AC to Hot AC. "Matty In The Mornings'' moves from WERZ sister CHR-Top40 "Kiss 95.3" WSKX. The show is syndicated from co-owned CHR-Top40 "Kiss 108" WXKS, Boston. Says WERZ General Manager Joe Graham, "Matty brings the music of WERZ to life with guests such as Justin Timberlake, Shakira, and Fergie. Having Matty In The Morning as part of the WERZ lineup is a logical choice, many of our listeners have been fans for a very long time." The station, billed as "107.1 FM WERZ," is celebrating Matty's arrival with a contest to give 10 listeners 107 chances to win $12 million in the New Hampshire Lottery's "Mega Millions."

* Radio sales veteran Hank McMonigle is named VP & Market Manager for NextMedia Group's North Dallas cluster. "Hank is a perfect fit for our Texas cluster, and his success speaks volumes about his experience and what he'll bring to our North Dallas operations," says NextMedia Group President Jeff Dinetz. "We are continuing to strategically add employees in our radio group, and to attract a top-notch executive like Hank demonstrates our continued focus on investing in our people and business. We look forward to working with Hank and are confident that his relationships and knowledge will help us grow our presence in North Dallas." NextMedia's North Dallas cluster consists of AC KLAK-FM, Classic Rock KMAD-FM, and Country KMKT-FM. McMonigle was most recently General Sales Manager at Cumulus' Country KPLX, Dallas. "NextMedia is a world class organization and I'm pleased to join the North Dallas team to contribute to their ambitious goals," says McMonigle. "To be able to join a cluster that has such enormous upside potential and the complete backing of the company makes this position a unique and welcome opportunity for me."

* Cumulus Media names Matt Gillon as Market Manager for its Cedar Rapids and Waterloo markets. "Matt is an extremely talented broadcaster and manager," says Cumulus co-COO Jon Pinch. "He understands what it takes to build a great team and he has roots in the Cedar Rapids and Waterloo area. Matt will be a great addition to our management team." Gillon, most recently Director of Sales for Clear Channel Des Moines, will oversee four FM stations in Cedar Rapids and three in Waterloo, as Cumulus Market Manager in the two Iowa markets.

* The Academy of Country Music names its radio award winners, with a number of ties. CBS Radio's KMPS, Seattle, and Citadel's KSCS-FM, Dallas, tie for Major Market Station of the Year. Curtis Media's WQDR, Dallas, wins for Large Market station. KIZN-FM, Boise, and KUZZ-AM & FM, Bakersfield tie for Medium Market station. WGSQ-FM, Cookeville, TN, and WUSY-FM, Chattanooga, TN, tie for Small Market station. CMT Radio Live host Cody Alan is National On-Air Personality of the Year, while KNIX-FM/Phoenix's Ben Campbell and Matt McAllister are the Major Market award winners. WSIX-FM, Nashville hosts Gerry House, Mike Bohan, Al Voecks, Duncan Stewart, and Richard Falken are the Large Market Personality of the Year winners. KIIM-FM, Tucson, personality Buzz Jackson wins for Medium Market. WFRE-FM, Frederick, MD, host Jess Wright wins for Small Market . Winners will be invited to receive their awards in Las Vegas, April 17. Personality of the Year winners will voice bumpers leading into commercials on the awards telecast, airing April 18.

* Radio One wants to expand its Detroit coverage as it purchases FM translator W206BI, Hamtramck, MI. Radio One's Bell Broadcasting makes the buy from Best Media, spending $120,000. There's already an application filed with the FCC to move the translator's frequency from noncommercial 89.1 to 99.9 FM. Radio One wants to use the new frequency to rebroadcast its Urban "105.9 Kiss FM" WDMK, Detroit, on 99.9. At least that's what the filing at the FCC says. Several reports suggest the real deal might be an FM signal for Black Talk WCHB-AM.

* The judge in the Citadel bankruptcy sets a deadline for creditors to file proofs of claim. Judge Burton Lifland entered an order setting the date as April 21 &mdash June 18 for government units filing claims. The bankruptcy court judge also has approved Citadel's motion to authorize the company to reject certain contracts, including some programming contracts, and unexpired leases of real property. No responses to that motion were filed by the March 2 deadline. A hearing to consider Citadel's motion for approval of its debtors' disclosure statement is scheduled for Monday (March 15). Other motions related to Citadel's Chapter 11 reorganization will also be heard Monday.

* Entercom reaches agreement with Bank Of America on an amended credit agreement. While the amendment doesn't change Entercom's interest rate for the most part, it does afford the broadcast company some breathing room. The agreement changes the company's maximum leverage ratio to 7 to 1 in 2010 and drops the ratio in quarterly increments starting in 2011. The two-tier structure makes a loan default less likely. However, Entercom will face certain limits on when it can pay dividends or buy back its stock. Entercom's interest rate remains the same except for two new pricing levels based on the leverage ratio, with a higher rate if the ratio exceeds 6.5 to 1, and restrictions will apply on the company's ability to declare dividends and repurchase stock.

* Newly introduced Congressional legislation would assign an engineer to the staff of each FCC Commissioner. The bill, H.R. 4809, was introduced in Congress by Rep Jerry McNerney in response to appeals by the Society of Broadcast Engineers to increase the level of technical expertise available to the Commissioners. McNerney's bill is similar to one already introduced in the Senate by Sens. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME), which also require the position of "staff engineer" to either hold a degree in electrical engineering or be a computer scientist.

* Sirius XM says it plans to offer $550 million in notes to pay off debt that comes due earlier. The satcaster Friday (March 12) said the issuance of the senior notes, due in 2015, will allow it to redeem notes due in 2013 and pay fees and expenses of the offering. The company intends to use any remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes. Sirius XM has bolstered its books and restructured its debt following an investment last year from John Malone's Liberty Media Corp that gave Malone a 40% equity stake in the company. More from Sirius XM...

* Nielsen signs Sunrise Broadcasting of New York to become its latest radio ratings client. Sunrise signs for ratings for Oldies duo "Fox Oldies" WGNY-AM and WDLC-AM, Hot AC "The Fox" WGNY-FM, and WTSX-FM, in the Newburgh-Middletown area of Arbitron market 139. It's the mid-Hudson Valley market. Nielsen adds Sunrise to its list of radio clients that also includes Cumulus, Clear Channel, ESPN Radio, Maverick Media and Black Crow/Rocket City Broadcasting.

* WOR-AM, New York, will replace Joey Reynolds' overnight show with PRN's "Coast to Coast" with George Noory. WABC-AM, New York, dropped "Coast to Coast" to add Citadel's "Red Eye Radio" with Doug McIntyre. WOR is ending Reynolds' show after 14 years, and is also ending syndication of the overnight program. Detroit's WDTW-AM only recently added Reynolds. Art Vuolo, Jr. writes at Michiguide.com that "Joey was one of only a few programs that actually got this 5,000 watt station noticed. Sadly that is now coming to an end." Vuolo adds, "The radio station where Joey's program originates, WOR-AM (710) in New York City has decided that the bottom line is far more important than the all-night audience who listened in droves to the last overnight radio show that was actually entertaining! They will pull the plug on Joey's show on April 2nd."

* In Boston, former Sports Talk WEEI night host Ted Sarandis joins "98.5 The Sports Hub" WBZ-FM. The CBS Radio sports talker says Sarandis is joining the station immediately, bringing with him the “Ted Nation” show name which he used on WEEI. His new show debuts Sunday (March 14), 7-10pm, reports Boston Sports Media Watch. “Ted Nation” will begin its regular Sunday afternoon time slot in April. Sarandis has been the play-by-play voice of Boston College Basketball — ironically heard on WEEI — for the last fifteen seasons. “I am thrilled to be joining what I consider to be the best sports radio station in the country, exclaimed Sarandis. "It’s my hope that my Ted Nation audience will turn out big time to 98.5 The Sports Hub. I can assure one and all we will cover the Boston sports scene in a comprehensive manner and do it with dignity and class.”

* KMA-FM, Southwest Iowa (licensed to Shenandoah), moves from 99.3 to 99.1 and boosts power to 100,000 watts. On its Website, Thursday (March 11), the station says, "Today is an exciting day in the history of May Broadcasting. As of 7:05 this morning a new 100,000 watt radio transmitter on a 1000 foot tower northeast of Hawleyville in northwestern Taylor County, Iowa was turned on. KMA-FM, now located at 99.1 on the dial, begins a new era for May Broadcasting which got it's start in August of 1925. Ed May, Jr was joined by Shenandoah Mayor Richard Hunt, Clarinda Mayor Gordon Kokenge and Taylor County Supervisors Rob Lundquist, Bonnie Godden and Charles Ambrose when the power was turned on." KMA-FM also says Iowa Governor Chet Culver and Lieutenant Governor Patty Judge sent a congratulatory letter to May Broadcasting to mark the occasion, and provides a pdf link to that letter. KMA-FM, along with sister KMA-AM, is billed as "Regional Radio" featuring information programming, "with a strong commitment to Farm Information, News, Sports and Weather coverage."

* The NAB calls a musicFIRST appearance at the NAB offices with an inflatable pig a "silly frat-boy stunt." The NAB issued a statement in response to "the newest publicity stunt initiated by supporters of performance tax legislation," says a news release. "The performance tax, supported by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), would levy a new fee on local radio stations for every song aired free to listeners." The NAB release quotes EVP Dennis Wharton as saying, "It's no surprise that RIAA is now employing silly frat-boy stunts, given its well-documented practice of suing college kids to rescue a bankrupt business model. It also seems appropriate for RIAA to use an inflatable pig as its mascot, since its foreign-owned members would be the biggest beneficiaries of performance tax pork. RIAA is losing this issue on Capitol Hill and in the court of public opinion, and today's demonstration represents a new low in a campaign of utter desperation." The broadcast association provided sausage pizza for the five protestors demonstrating outside NAB's offices Wednesday (March 10). "We're suggesting they provide this food to the scores of exploited musicians who have had to sue their record label to recoup allegedly unpaid album royalties," Wharton said.

* Arbitron Cross-Platform Services EVP Pierre Bouvard is elected Chairman of the IRTS Foundation, a charity that brings together media leaders and communication professionals via educational programs, internships, and diversity initiatives. Eight new directors were elected to the board of 63 executives. Says IRTS President & CEO Joyce Tudryn, "Pierre inspires results by example! In addition to providing strong support and wise counsel over the years, he has spent time with participants of our Summer Fellowship Program, Minority Career Workshop, and Faculty Seminars. Pierre understands the powerful impact our programs have in training up-and-coming media professionals." Bouvard reacts to his election as Foundation Chairman, "I am honored to serve as Chairman of an organization that throughout its 70-year history has helped inform the media industry and grow future media professionals. It's a privilege to work with outstanding leaders from advertising and media on the IRTS programs, which are an important investment in the future of our industry."

* ESPN Audio and the U.S. Golf Association agree to exclusive rights for coverage of the 2010 and 2011 U.S. Open. The deal provides ESPN Audio live 2010 and 2011 hole-by-hole coverage rights for the U.S., its territories and possessions, and Canada, as well as the right to distribute content via broadcast radio, satellite radio, HD radio, and wireless audio. The 2010 U.S. Open Championship will be played June 17-20 at Pebble Beach. The 2011 U.S. Open Championship will be played June 16-19 at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. "We are so pleased to partner with ESPN Radio in connection with our efforts to bring the U.S. Open to as many fans of the game as possible and in as many ways as possible," says USGA Chief Business Officer Peter Bevacqua. "We are also looking forward to working with ESPN to provide on-site radio coverage that will benefit and improve the overall experience of our championship spectators." ESPN Radio will broadcast six hours each of Thursday's and Friday's rounds, and a minimum of four-and-a-half hours each of Saturday's and Sunday's rounds, including complete 18-hole coverage of each weekend day's final group. If a playoff is needed, ESPN Radio will also broadcast the entire 18 holes on Monday.

* "Coast to Coast" host George Noory for president in 2012? World Net Daily speculates that the PRN-syndicated overnight host might toss his hat – and birth certificate – into the ring. Noory tells WND he would demonstrate his eligibility as a "natural born citizen" by producing his birth certificate that shows he was was born in Detroit in 1950. That's an obvious reference to the controversy over President Obama's birth certificate that has been fodder for some conservative talkers. WND says, "Applicants for the Oval Office in 2012 already have begun lining up, just one year into President Obama's term, amid CBS poll results that overwhelming flunk the first-term Democrat and show a majority of Americans opposed to Obama's No. 1 agenda item – nationalized health care. Among the possible candidates is Coast to Coast AM radio talk-show host George Noory, who told WND right away that there would be no questions about his eligibility as there are about Obama's qualifications under the Constitution's requirement that a president be a 'natural born citizen.' " Noory previously told WND he would respond if drafted as a candidate for president and later repeated the promise. "I have never run for political office," says Noory, "but every night I am reaching out to millions of Americans on the radio and I am deeply concerned that the middle class of the United States is being sold out to multi-national corporations with a globalist agenda. I have historically remained non-partisan, but as long as the United States remains a two-party system, it's increasingly hard to tell the difference between Republicans and Democrats. People are looking for someone in government to tell them the truth – we need that now more than ever."

* Clear Channel Radio launches Dream Radio, "a unique channel hosted by the aspiring talent behind Simon Fuller’s 'If I Can Dream' online entertainment program," says a news release. "Dream Radio will serve as the soundtrack to the Dreamers’ journey through Hollywood and will be there to document their triumphs, struggles and setbacks. The five aspiring artists will continue to shape and evolve the station, providing new anecdotes, updates and music picks as the season – and their careers – progress." Launched last week, “If I Can Dream” is already an immediate hit; the program’s first episode was among the most-watched programs on Hulu last week. Clear Channel Radio helped lay the groundwork by introducing the program’s cast to America via its on-air talent and digital platforms. Exclusive content included music videos, photo galleries, and video vignettes with the talent. "Now, with Dream Radio, fans will be able to hear the cast’s stories, words of inspiration, and favorite songs," says Clear Channel. "Designed to express the diverse tastes of the cast, the music ranges from The Beatles to Michael Jackson to Beck to Kelly Clarkson and beyond." Dream Radio is available exclusively via the iheartradio network and mobile application, and through a custom widget that listeners can post on their blogs, Websites and social media pages.

* Wells Fargo analyst Marci Ryvicker sees potential for improvement in auto ad biz for broadcast recovery. TVB reports that while some broadcasters are reporting improvement in the auto advertsing segment, Ryvicker foresees even more potential for the segment to better contibute to the media's turnaround. “With auto being one of the largest ad categories in the United States, its year-too-year growth or decline tends to be significant,” she says in an analyst note. “We see five catalysts in 2010 that could drive H1 growth in this meaningful category:
1) Toyota’s recent ad campaign, which has been scheduled for March 2 through April 5 but may likely be extended;
2) the piggy-backing of other automakers, particularly GM, Ford, Chrysler and Hyundai, which together comprised
approximately 52 percent of 2009 auto unit sales versus Toyota at approximately 17%;
3) GM’s reinstatement of 661 dealerships--out of a total of 1,100 closed in mid-2009;
4) easy prior year comparisons--auto advertising was down roughly 50 percent in H1 2009; and
5) the Olympics, which has historically been an advertising ‘haven’ for auto makers.
“While all traditional media are likely to benefit, we view TV broadcasters as having the most potential upside to estimates, followed by radio, then local cable and lastly outdoor,” writes Ryvicker. “We believe that expectations are high, and rightly so. As auto comprised approximately 15% of broadcast ad revenue in ’09 versus historical levels of approximately 25%, we believe there is still room for potential upside.”

* BIA/Kelsey: Local advertising revenues for radio and television are expected to reach $34.3 billion in 2014. According to the forecast from the media consulting and research group, that would account for a 2.8% compound annual growth rate from the $29.9 billion in revenue in 2009. Digital revenues for those media are expected to grow more significantly in the same time frame. BIA/Kelsey predicts a 17.8% growth rate for digital. The findings are part of BIA/Kelsey's 2010 U.S. Local Media Annual Forecast. "Broadcasters must evolve to participate in more areas of the media ecosystem," says BIA/Kelsey Chief Strategy Officer and Program Director of Digital Strategies Rick Ducey. "This means developing the right multiplatform and multiple revenue stream strategies, which in turn requires new workflow, partnerships, business models and resources." The new report is available to clients of BIA/Kelsey's new Digital Strategies for Broadcasting. "The mission of DSB is to provide the strategic guidance and market intelligence to the media and technology companies that can help broadcasters successfully transform," says Ducey. DSB is releasing a number of upcoming reports, including research on over-the-top video, building cross-platform audiences and revenues and the success of hyper-local broadcasting. In May, BIA/Kelsey is hosting a conference, Digital Strategies for Broadcasting 2010 at the Hyatt Regency in Jersey City , NJ, May 17-19.

* The second trial of Internet radio talker Hal Turner, accused of threatening federal judges, ends in a mistrial. Turner's December trial also ended with a mistrial, resulting in the latest airing of the charges in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn. For the second time in three months, a jury tried to decide whether Turner threatened to assault or murder three federal judges, or was only expressing an opinion when he wrote they “deserved to be killed.” A jury of seven men and five women began their deliberations Monday afternoon (March 8) after listening to closing arguments and instructions on the law. Wednesday (March 10), the judge declared a second mistrial when the jurors said they were deadlocked on a verdict. Turner, whose radio show catered to an audience of neo-Nazis and white supremacists, was on trial on a single count of threatening three Chicago-based federal appeals court judges. The charge stems from postings Turner made last June on his radio network blog in which he said the jurists “deserved to be killed” for upholding a local ban on handguns. At the start of the trial, federal prosecutors said they expected a conviction this time because they would present the case differently. Turner's attorney was confident of an acquittal. Neither was correct.

* Ryan Seacrest's stalker pleads no contest to one count of felony stalking in the most recent incident. Chidi Uzomah Jr. had already been convicted last year of assaulting a security guard who was assigned to protect Seacrest. Uzomah will undergo a 90-day psychiatric evaluation, after which he will return to Los Angeles Superior Court for a June 14 sentencing date. He faces up to two years in prison. Los Angeles police Detective Rosibel Smith tells the Los Angeles Times that Seacrest was "very intimidated by Uzomah's presence, by his size" after being informed that the defendant had shown up to see him at the E! building. Uzomah is 6 feet 4 inches tall and 200 pounds.

* Citadel Broadcasting names Darrin Klayman to the new position Vice President of Corporate Sales. Klayman will be responsible for oversight of Citadel's corporate sales division, and will also work closely with Citadel Media, the company's network division. Most recently, Klayman was SVP & Director of Network Sales at Katz Media, where he spent a total of more than 20 years. "Adding Darrin's experience and credibility to our dedicated corporate sales efforts is a key win for our company," says EVP of Sales Mike Pallad. "He has an established rapport with national advertisers and has earned their respect through his years of work within our industry. He will be able to have an immediate impact in monetizing Citadel's unique, consumer-facing assets and offering our clients customized programs that provide the solutions they need." Adds Klayman, "The opportunity to work with the team at Citadel is one I'm truly looking forward to. The company has a strong lineup of local talent and syndicated programming that offers advertisers a versatile lineup of vehicles to reach their desired audience. I'm confident we can build on the successful relationships with established clients while also bringing new advertisers to the fold as we grow our revenue."

* Greater Media names Trip Savery as Director of Sales for the company's Charlotte cluster, effective March 23. Savery was most recently SVP at Curtis Media Group and General Manager of WQDR-FM, Raleigh. Previously, he was GM at WCHL-AM, Chapel Hill, and WDNC-AM, Durham. "We are thrilled to have Trip join the Greater Media family," says Greater Media Charlotte President & Market Manager Rick Feinblatt. "His leadership and vision will be a great asset to our outstanding organization."

* Mark Keefe is the new Program Director of non-commercial Triple-A "88Nine Radio" WYMS, Milwaukee. Most recently Keefe was Operations Manager for Wilks' four-station cluster in Reno, NV, and was Program Director and midday host at Reno's Triple-A KTHX-FM. "The opportunity to contribute to a progressive, community-conscious radio station like RadioMilwaukee is more a gift than a challenge," says Keefe. "The station is fortunate to have a talented and bright staff working hard every day to further a vision of quality programming." A 20-year-plus radio veteran, Mann has served as an Operations Manager and Program Director at several stations over the past 14 years.

* "Newsradio 780" WBBM-AM, Chicago, names Julie Mann as its new Managing Editor. Mann replaces Operations Manager Dennis Hayes, now with Chicago's News Talk WLS-AM, who handled the duties of Managing Editor. Mann joined WBBM as a reporter and news anchor in 1997, and has been a suburban bureau chief since 2002. Prior to joing the CBS Radio station, Mann was a news anchor for Metro Networks on WMAQ-AM, Chicago.

* Salem Conservative Talk WIND-AM, Chicago, officially names Amy Jacobsen as morning show co-host. We previously reported that Jacobsen was going to be named Big John Howell's new co-host. The official announcement says she starts at WIND, March 24. Last week, we reported that Chicago media reporter Robert Feder wrote, "No one is supposed to know it yet, but Jacobson is close to accepting an offer" to, as Feder puts it, "bridge the gender gap." Jacobson is a controversial reporter who landed a radio news job after her Chicago television career at WMAQ-TV blew up in 2007. Reported Feder last week, "Salem's WIND wants her to become the co-host of Big John Howell’s 5-9am morning show. The position has been open since December when Cisco Cotto left for Citadel's News-Talk WLS-AM, where he now hosts 9-11am and, coincidentally, works with Jacobson." Jacobson, 40, had been employed at WLS since June 2008. She was a regular contributor to Roe Conn’s afternoon show from March 2009 until last January, and most recently has been a reporter handling news and traffic duties for Cotto’s midday show.

* Salem Communications splits its Christian programming simulcasters in Orlando, as one goes with "The Biz." Salem's WTLN-AM and WHIM-AM had been simulcasting. Now WHIM flips to Business Talk. Observers are asking if this could be a new trend for Salem which normally airs either Christian religious programming or Conservative Talk on its stations. However, Orlando becomes the fourth market in which Salem is offering Business Talk. San Francisco, Seattle and Minneapolis have preceded Orlando for similar Salem format flips.

* The Tom Kent Radio Network is launching two new shows with syndication partner Citadel Media. The two shows are set to start Monday (March 15) — an afternoon drive program and the lunchtime "Your Request Show Live." The afternoon drive show is suited to all contemporary music formats, says TKRN. It will use Kent's proprietary Customized Linked Automatic Systems Solution for localization. "Tom is constantly looking for innovative ways to address the needs of local stations, and his CLASS system is a truly unique approach," says Citadel Media SVP of Programming & Distribution Carl Anderson. "These two new afternoon programs allow tremendous flexibility for affiliates and will serve as perfect complements to his full slate of offerings." TKRN also offers Tom Kent's own show, weeknights 7pm-midnight; and two weekend programs — the Saturday-night "Ultimate Party" and the Sunday "My 70s Show." "Every show we produce shares a common goal — to provide the listener with the music they love and want to hear in a fun, approachable way that keeps them coming back," says Kent. "These two new products offer unparalleled customized content making each broadcast unique to the station airing it. It truly is the station's own show and its own music, and it will work across a wide array of formats."

* Skip Joeckel's Talk Shows USA is adding short-form features to its lineup. Talk Shows USA has previously syndicated only long-form talk programs, but is now also spotlighting the short-form features on its Website at www.talkshowsusa.com. Joeckel says there's an interest in short form, as listeners find that short-form features often offer meaningful, relatable and unique information that has value to their fast-paced lives. "In our conversations with program directors and sales mangers, it's come to our attention that they're interested in short-form features that their sales departments can use to sell to specific advertisers," says Joeckel. "Home improvement, high tech, autos and lifestyle are just a few of the help-friendly categories that advertisers like to be associated with." Sales advice on how to sell these features is provided by sales consultant Jim Tazarak.

* Westwood One's Metro Traffic signs with Urban WBLS, New York, for on-air and online/mobile traffic reports. "WBLS continues to be a market and industry leader in its format and will be a key partner in increasing Metro Traffic's Urban audience," says Metro Affiliate Sales VP Jack Dunkle. "We are excited to grow our relationship with ICBC Broadcast Holdings and expand our New York City presence to offer our advertisers more opportunities with a diverse and premiere roster of radio stations." Metro EVP of Affiliate Sales & Business Operations Fred Bennett adds, "With this affiliation, Metro further enhances its leading traffic, news and sports position in the New York City market." WBLS VP & GM Deon Livingston tells us, "At WBLS, we know our listeners rely on us for the most accurate and timely information as well as great music and entertaining personalities. That's why we've chosen to rely on Metro Traffic."

* This week's BFA Golden Mike Award dinner raises $200,000 for the Broadcasters Foundation of America. The black tie gala honored New York Mayor Michael Bloombeg, founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg News for his contributions to the radio and television industries. Bloomberg encouraged those in attendance to use their time, money, and talent to help those less fortunate. His award was presented by BFA Chairman Phil Lombardo, the CEO of Citadel Communications; BFA President Jim Thompson; and WOR, New York, personality John Gambling, who served as MC for the Monday evening event.

* Alpha Broadcasting Chairman & CEO Larry Wilson — aka Country music songwriter! Wilson has written a song with artist Steve Azar, "I Thought I Missed You, But I Didn't." Although best known for starting radio companies — first Citadel, and now Alpha — Wilson is also a recording artist. At least now he is. Wilson is featured on Azar's recording doing a spoken-word interlude. The two men didn't know each other until recently. Azar visited Alpha's KUPL, Portland, and the two began working on the song over lunch. "I Thought I Missed You" has just been released on Azar's own Ride Records. Although not a well known fact, Wilson says, "I've written a bunch of songs over the years. But none of them has ever been recorded or released." And now you know the rest of the story!

* Arbitron Sports releases the first comprehensive report of PPM Pro Football Play-by-Play Estimates. The new Arbitron division's "Arbitron Sports Report: PPM Listening for Pro Football" covers In Game, Play-by-Play estimates for the 2009-2010 professional football season and includes 25 teams in 23 markets where the PPM service has been commercialized. Results are available to subscribing agencies, advertisers, stations and teams. With these reports, advertisers are better able to evaluate the considerable audience sports play-by-play has throughout the season and in multiple markets across the U.S. “While only one football team wins the Super Bowl, each professional team in those 23 PPM markets can consider their In Game broadcasts winners this year,” says Chris Meinhardt, Arbitron Sports Manager. “Those teams with play-by-play broadcasts have believed for years radio was an integral part of a fan’s experience. Now, thanks to the level of audience detail provided by the PPM ratings service we can see that passion and loyalty with each professional team averaging more than 100,000 listeners for each broadcast.” Highlights from the report include: The Chicago Bears were tops in average game audience with 626,600 listeners; the New York Giants were second with 457,000 listeners per game followed by the Philadelphia Eagles with 422,400 listeners; the PPM ratings service shows not only enormous amounts of listeners, but shares of listening that dominate local markets; and, in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Boston, Minnesota and Baltimore, the In Game broadcasts average more than 40 shares among all Men aged 25-54. “What you see is ratings that closely resemble those in broadcast television for sporting events,” adds Meinhardt. “Often regardless of a seasonal record, fans follow their team and radio provides opportunities for fans on the go.”

* CRN Digital Talk Radio and the Astor Broadcast Group are partnering to create a new Talk format. One of Astor's AM stations will debut the new "Southern California Talk" format March 15; another, on April 1. CRN says the new programming will bring back many "Southern California favorites" while introducing a number of new faces. KSPA-AM, Anaheim will debut the format next week, while KFSD-AM, San Diego, will start it two weeks later. Says CRN Digital President & CEO Michael Horn, "Individually the AM stations have been hard to sell. Our new partnership allows us to package Art's two AM stations together along with the line-ups also being offered on one of our CRN channels. Together, our three outlets will provide a strong sales story for local and national advertisers alike." The reference to "Art" is to Art Astor, who heads Astor Broadcast Group. Horn is acting as program and sales consultant. He says the format offers much needed variety to the current talk offering in Southern California. The lineup includes a number of TRN-distributed programs. One goal of the new programming "is to keep tape delayed programming to a minimum," says Horn. "We want the listeners to be able to participate with the talent to create the most local feel possible. Budgets are tight and syndicated programming makes sense in that respect, but we chose to include talent based in Southern California." Both stations will air CNN newscasts.

* Superadio Network is launching the interactive "Saturday Night Online Live" with Tim "Romeo" Herbster. The show, to be broadcast live from Philadelphia, is aimed at Mainstream CHR-Top40 stations, and starts March 27. The Saturday night "crowdsourcing" program will air 7-midnight. It's built around "crowdsourcing," the process of creating content by tapping into the wishes of the crowd. Listeners will have the ability to follow along with the show and be part of the activity taking place at any time through the online connection. Herbster — who joined "Q102" WIOQ, Philadelphia, in December, as Program Director and afternoon host, as well as Clear Channel Philly cluster Director of Digital Programming — says of the new syndicated gig, "I am thrilled to join the Superadio Network family and excited to launch this innovative piece of programming that will enhance any stations existing line-up. We have developed many new features that we feel will be groundbreaking for syndicated shows. We have our own social network with added incentives for our VIP listeners along with the world's first listener-to-artist direct link via Chatabase." Chatabase allows listeners to go into the homes and personal lives of the stars. There will be an On Demand hour where listeners, through the show's Website, will be asked to vote and choose every song played during that hour. Says Superadio SVP of Programming & Affiliate Relations Rich O'Brien, "Romeo is uniquely talented, with a track record of success in major markets and world-wide digital platforms. We think he can be a ratings game changer." Premiere Radio Networks will provide exclusive advertising sales representation for the new show.

* CBS Corp. CEO Leslie Moonves says he expects upfront ad pricing to grow by double-digits this year. This time, he told investors that the current state of the ad market has him optimistic about growth in the near future. At a Florida conference, Moonves said he's "never seen a scatter market this strong," according to the Wall Street Journal. He revealed that the trends for the first quarter of 2010 showed ad revenue up by a "high-teens percentage" compared to Q1 2009, and are continuing to improve. If the ad market doesn't grow as Moonves expects, he says CBS will still hold on to a large amount of its ad inventory for the scatter market.

* Gilford Securities Senior Analyst Jim Boyle forsees major signs of life in Entercom's ad revenue in 2010. In his latest note, Boyle raises his estimates for growth, predicting 2010 revenue growth of 8.8%, starting with a first quarter increase of 8.5%. "With January-February ETM bookings at +7% two weeks ago and anecdotal data implying March was better, we'd anticipated upside potential," writes Boyle. He says another positive sign is the include weekly inventory tightening, which firms up pricing. "Anecdotal evidence suggests business is firming up weekly, as is pricing, with some inventory sell-outs in February-March – and Q2 'chatter' seems even better."

* Missouri U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill is the latest to openly oppose the sale of KFUO-FM, St. Louis. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports McCaskill's staff saw the previous article on Senator Kit Bond's opposition to the sale of the Classical station by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to Gateway Creative Broadcasting (“Joy FM”). Sarah Bryan Miller writes McCaskill's staff sent her a message that their office is on it as well. McCaskill’s deputy press secretary, Laura Myron, writes, “If you’re planning on running a follow-up, I can tell you that from our perspective, our legislative staff have been following the issue closely and have been in contact with the FCC regarding the sale. Our office is interested in and will be keeping a close eye out for the results of any inquiry into this situation.” Writes Miller, "That means that a sizable portion of the region’s Congressional delegation has now expressed some concern." Representatives John Shimkus and Lacy Clay took their unhappiness over the sale to the floor of the House last week. Previously, we reported that Bond said, "I have asked the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a Congressional inquiry into this matter. I look forward to notifying you of the outcome of their inquiry.”

* The NFL radio mobile package is moving from Sprint to Verizon Wireless in a new four year deal. NFL football radio play-by-play and NFL Network weeknight game coverage have been available on smartphones through the league's deal with Sprint. However, the NFL says the mobile availability of those radio broadcasts will be move to Verizon this season. The four year, $720 million deal makes NFL Mobile part of Verizon's subscription V Cast service.

* Chuck Wilson returns to ESPN Radio this weekend, hosting “Baseball Tonight,” “Football Tonight” and others. The return of Wilson — named by Sports Illustrated as runner-up for "Best National Radio Host" of the decade — is "a ray of hope ... for intelligent sports-talk radio," writes the Providence Journal's Jim Donaldson. "Wilson has always been the perfect host for the mature, as opposed to immature, sports fan," says Donaldson. "There never has been a better on-air interviewer than Wilson. Whether in Providence back in the 1980s or in the 14 years he was with ESPN, he always had interesting guests who enjoyed going on his show because no one worked harder to prepare than he did. Wilson unfailingly asked insightful, probing questions that left his listeners both well-informed and highly entertained." Wilson is back, beginning Sunday (March 14), when he’ll host the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Selection Show on ESPN Radio from 5:30-9pm. “It feels great to be back,” says Wilson. “I’m excited to rejoin my colleagues at ESPN Radio. Wilson came to Providence from Rochester in the summer of 1981 to do sports reports during afternoon drive time on WEAN and, more importantly, start a Sports Talk show. “Chuck Wilson on Sports” became a top-rated program, both at WEAN and then, after the sale of that station resulted in a format change, at WICE. When the broadcast rights to Providence College basketball shifted from WICE to WPRO, Wilson switched stations, also. His career in Providence came to an end in the spring of 1993, when WPRO was sold. By that time, he’d been working weekends at ESPN radio for more than a year. He began working fulltime at ESPN in 1994 and moved from weekends to weeknights the following year, when the network launched “Gamenight” – the program he hosted for 10 years. "The first host hired by ESPN when it was a fledging venture, Wilson and his co-host, Tony Bruno, often had spirited – but certainly not mean-spirited – debates," writes Donaldson. More from the Providence Journal...

* "Sports Radio 560" WQAM-AM, Miami, host Jim Mandich says he's leaving his afternoon show to battle cancer. Mandich, a former Miami Dolphins tight end, tells the Miami Herald's Barry Jackson he will not return to the radio show. Mandich says he's receiving chemotherapy and that his "talk-show days are done," but that he "would love to continue announcing Dolphins games." Jackson calls Mandich, 61, "one of South Florida's most popular sportscasters." Mandich tells Jackson, "I was led to believe there are a lot of positive outcomes with this condition. My mind frame is strong. I feel very good. I'm surrounded by the best professionals at the Sylvester Center. I have a lot of love from family and friends.'' Mandich's status with the Dolphins broadcasts has been in question as the games are moving from WQAM to WINZ-AM and WBGG-FM. The sports talker has been off the air for more than a month, since taking a leave of absence from WQAM, when he was diagnosed with a bile duct tumor.

* You CAN'T say that on News Talk WGN-AM, Chicago — orders Tribune Co. CEO Randy Michaels. Staffers at "WGN Radio 720" can't use the F-word. No, not that one. They can't use the word "Famed." Nor the A-word, "Alleged." Not even the B-word phrase, "Behind closed doors." And a lot of other words — more than a hundred more! Michaels has issued a memo with a long list of words and terms not to be used on the station. Chicago media reporter Robert Feder reports that Michaels' memo has put "WGN news staffers at a loss for words." Writes Feder at Vocalo.org, "The man at the top of the troubled media empire took time out of his real job this week to issue a list of words and phrases — 119 of them, to be exact — that must never, ever be uttered by anchors or reporters on WGN-AM (720), the news/talk radio station located five floors below his office in Tribune Tower." Feder has the full list here, courtesy of WGN News Director Charlie Meyerson, who passed on what he identified as Michaels’ “list of forbidden ‘newsspeak’ words and phrases” in a memo to his staff, with the explicit warning: “Don’t say them on WGN.” Feder tells us, in his report, "Meyerson, a veteran Chicago newsman, has long championed the idea of delivering the news in a down-to-earth, conversational manner. That’s all well and good." As Meyerson explained in his memo, quotes the Vocalo report, “The real goal here is to avoid using words that make you sound like you’re reading, instead of talking — that shatter the image you’re speaking knowledgeably to one person. By not using ‘newsspeak,’ you enhance your reputation as a communicator.” But Meyerson takes it a step further, directing his staff to keep tabs on each other’s compliance: They’re to report any on-air infractions by their co-workers, making sure to note the precise time and date on “bingo cards” he provided that contain a random assortment of Michaels’ forbidden words. Feder's reaction, "If you ask me, that’s just plain creepy." Oh, yes, one more observation by the veteran Chicago media reporter: "What’s even more disturbing is that the CEO of a major institution would engage in such petty and insulting micromanaging of subordinates."

* Arbitron's new CEO William Kerr will be back on Capitol Hill this week to talk about PPM. Kerr told a Credit Suisse Media Conference session Monday (March 8) that he will meet with House Oversight Committee Chairman Edolphus Towns (D-NY). Kerr will give Towns a briefing on Arbitron’s proposed changes to the PPM system. When Arbitron sent him a copy of its February 12 SEC filing outlining the changes, Towns said he wanted more details about the proposals to satisfy criticisms of the Portable People Meter system of radio ratings. Arbitron is proposing in-person recruiting of PPM panel members in the high-density Black and Hispanic areas in the top 25 PPM markets by the end of this year, moving to address-based sampling in all 50 PPM markets by 2011, convening a minority leadership council, and conducting “advertiser outreach” on behalf of minority radio. At the Monday investor conference, Kerr said, "We have been in very active dialog with both the MRC and with the members of the [PPM] Coalition. I am hopeful that we have a game plan and a timetable which seems to make sense for all parties that will enhance our ability to achieve the accreditation that we’re looking for with our markets — and also can be done in a way that is responsible for us in terms of being a commercial enterprise concerned about our shareholders. And one that will be helpful for radio in aggregate, not simply for a subset of players in the field." Discussing any impact changing methodology will have, Kerr added, "I’m not sure whether it will, in fact, change the ratings. I think it will, in fact, help us reach more effectively, particularly the 18-34-year-old group. That is one of the groups that is hardest to reach and I think that is where the cellphone activity will be most beneficial."

* Liberty Media expands its global assets as it assumes control of satcaster WorldSpace. Founded in 1990 by Noah Samara, WorldSpace launched with "a mission to provide digital satellite audio, data and multimedia services primarily to the emerging markets of Africa and Asia." A pioneer of digital satellite radio, Samara was also instrumental in the development of the satellite radio industry through his early involvement with XM Satellite Radio in the United States. Now, Liberty Media — which already owns 40% of Sirius XM Radio in the U.S. — is about to take over WorldSpace. Last September, a Liberty Media subsidiary assumed control of WorldSpace, which has been reorganizing in Chapter 11 bankruptcy since 2008, and defaulted on its financing owed under a court-approved plan. Reportedly, Liberty Media has invested $21 million into WorldSpace since assuming control, and will now purchase its assets outright.

* Grupo Latino Radio parent Grupo Prisa sells a stake in the company to Liberty Acquisition Holdings. The deal involves a 150 million euro rights issue to current Prisa shareholders. Liberty Acquisition, which is not related to Liberty Media, is giving Grupo Prisa access to up to $900 million in cash, subject to redemptions by Liberty public shareholders, in exchange for newly issued Prisa shares and newly issued class A ordinary shares and convertible non-voting shares in Prisa. They will be issued directly to Liberty's shareholders in exchange for their Liberty shares. After the deal is completed, Liberty Acquisition Holdings shareholders and warrantholders will comprise over 50% of Prisa's shareholder base on a fully diluted basis. "Liberty's investment in Prisa demonstrates their strong belief in the underlying value of Grupo Prisa's market-leading positions in educational publishing, press, audiovisual and digital, and in our strategy for growth," says Grupo Prisa Board Chairman Ignacio Polanco.

* Rush Limbaugh says he will leave the U.S. for medical services if the Obama health care bill passes. The comment came when a caller asked the conservative talker what he'd do if he needed health care if the health care legislation, as currently pending, becomes law. "I'll just tell you this, if this passes and it's five years from now and all that stuff gets implemented – I am leaving the country," said Limbaugh. "I'll go to Costa Rica." But would Costa Rica really be where he'd want to go? That country has a government-run health care system spread out over 30 hospitals and 250 clinics. Non-citizens living there can pay a monthly fee for coverage, or join the national health care insurance provider. So, how about Cuba? Yes, Limbaugh mentions Cuba also. [Hear it here, from TPMedia.]

* “King Country” KKNG, Oklahoma City, moves from 93.3 to 97.3, the former home of “Jack FM” KOJK. The move, which occurred Monday afternoon (March 8), gives KKNG a weaker signal, from a 100kw Class C signal at 93.3 to only 1,000 watts on Class A 97.3. With the frequency move, gone is the entire airstaff, and a change of format to Classic Country. TPMedia Correspondent Ken Matthews reports all currents and recurrents have been removed from the Country format as well as all live hosts. Morning hosts KC Sheppard and Bill Thomas and afternoon host James Ayers have all exited. Program Director Kevin Christopher, who remains, confirms the relocated station is now airing a Classic Country format "bringing back all of the music that made KKNG great." The frequency change for KKNG opens up the more powerful 93.3 for co-owned KOJK to launch a new format on the more powerful 93.3 signal. Speculation is strong, says Matthews, that the new format will be different from, but in some ways similar to, "Jack FM" — but with the new branding of "Tim FM." Owner Tyler Media has registered the domains "933TimFM.com" and "TimFM933.com" through a subsidiary. While Christopher won't confirm "Tim FM," he does say "something new and exciting is coming soon to 93.3.”

* Curtis Media is buying Radio Disney's WCOG-AM, Greensboro, for $350,000. The station recently went silent, after Disney stopped airing Radio Disney programming. Disney began retreating from medium and small-size markets in favor of Internet delivery and new media. Disney said it would sell the stations that went dark. WCOG had been carrying Radio Disney's youthful programming since 2000. The company purchased it in 2005. Bill Schutz brokered the transaction for Radio Disney, while John Pierce handled the deal for Curtis Media.

* TKO Radio Network adds Rick Dees to its Classic Top 40 weekend lineup. Dees will replace Charlie Tuna with a specialty weekend offering of his "Weekly Top 40" show featuring Classic Top 40 hits of the 1980s. "We're excited about the partnership with TKO and the opportunity to add even more listeners and fun to the weekend with my Weekly Top 40, 80's Edition," says Dees. TKO's Susan Thompson adds, "This is a perfect match. The Dees name is synonymous with top 40 radio and we play only the best of the Classic Top 40 hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. We are thrilled to add Rick Dees, household name and proven ratings giant, into our powerhouse-personality lineup."

* A coalition of public interest organizations is asking the FCC to make increased diversity in the media a priority. The coalition includes the Center for Media Justice, Center for Rural Strategies, Free Press, Media Access Project, Media Alliance, among others. The collective group has sent a letter to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski asking that the Commission make increased diversity in the media and broadband communications landscape a top priority. In a joint statement, the groups explain, "Historically marginalized communities still face countless barriers to their own members' provision and ownership of communications services. The Communications Act instructs the Commission to examine these barriers and take steps to eliminate them. This Commission has taken strides in this area, yet much work remains to be done to address persistent and growing digital divides. We urge the Commission to implement better data-gathering practices regarding the ownership of media outlets by minorities and women, and to examine diversity in pending proceedings at the Commission." The groups say that communities of color still face numerous barriers of entry into the media world. "These barriers to diversity have of late only grown larger, due to a variety a factors including economic recession, industry practices and public policies that have ignored or even widened the digital divide, and increased concentration in media and telecommunications ownership."

* CBS Radio launches “The Fan Sports Network,” the first four channel HD Radio digital multicast station. "106.7 The Fan" WJFK-FM is now offering sports followers in the Washington DC area subscription free access to CBS Radio's biggest sports radio stations in the Northeast including Baltimore’s WJZ-FM (HD2), New York’s WFAN (HD3) and Philadelphia’s WIP (HD4). In a Monday (March 8), news release, CBS Radio calls this "a first for the industry." Harris Broadcast Communications provided CBS Radio with the complete transmission system to support this inaugural HD4 station. Through the use of the innovative, cutting edge and cost-effective technology of the HPX30 transmitter, WJFK is able to broadcast its sports quadcast within the new FCC-authorized power level with crystal-clear digital reception. Says CBS Radio Programming VP Chris Oliviero, “This industry milestone is a great way to further promote and distribute the premier programming on CBS Radio’s exclusive portfolio of sports radio stations. Washington DC is home to a diverse range of sports fans, many originally from other parts of the Northeast, making WJFK an ideal home for this breakthrough quadcast. We’re thrilled to offer local audiences various opinions and insights from the best sports stations up and down the East Coast.” Boomer Esiason, co-host of morning drive on WFAN, and former NFL and University of Maryland quarterback, tells us, “I’ve witnessed first hand the enthusiasm for sports in the DC Metro area – not just for the local teams but the entire landscape of professional and college sports. Being able to interact and re-connect with the fans is a great way to expand the dialogue and debate that makes sports radio so unique.” WJFK’s Lavar Arrington adds, “Having spent many years of my football career in New York and Pennsylvania I’m very familiar with WFAN and WIP and know they put out great programming – even if I didn’t always agree with what they were saying. Hopefully they’ll be kind to me now that they are broadcasting in my hometown.” WFAN "Sports Radio 66" pioneered the all-sports format in 1987, and "610 WIP" debuted soon thereafter. In November 2008, CBS Radio launched "105.7 The Fan," Baltimore’s first FM sports station. WJFK introduced its 24/7 sports format to DC residents in July 2009.

* Two shareholders oppose Citadel Broadcasting's reorganization plan. Citadel shareholders Virtus Capital and Kenneth S. Grossman Pension Plan are opposing the reorganization plan, reports Chicago's Daily Herald. Citadel's plan to carry out agreements negotiated before the Chapter 11 filing on December 20 was filed by Citadel, February 3. In addition to extinguishing existing stock, the plan would reduce debt by $1.4 billion, while giving 90% of the new stock plus a new $762.5 million term loan to holders of $2.076 billion in secured debt. The two shareholders contend a turnaround in the media business is in progress. They claim the plan "severely and misleadingly undervalues" the business and "short-changes" creditors and stockholders." They say projections in the disclosure statement don't reflect the industry turnaround and omit "meaningful cost savings" that are already in place. They also object to stock incentive bonuses where senior management could receive up to 10 percent of the reorganized company. At a proper valuation, the stockholders believe executives will take home between $135 million and $180 million in new stock. Even at the company's depressed values, they see managers receiving $82.5 million to $110 million in stock.

* Jelli and Triton Media's Dial Global are launching "crowdsourced" radio into syndication. "Rock Jelli" and "Pop Jelli" will air in markets nationwide, in addition to streaming live at <>www.jelli.net. As part of the roll out, Jelli and Triton, through Dial Global, have signed deals with 10 new FM stations — WBOS, Boston; WPST, Philadelphia; KXTE, Las Vegas; WJBX, Fort Myers; WJLK, Monmouth-Ocean, NJ; WKRL, Syracuse; WKLL, Utica; KISN, Bozeman; KBAZ, Missoula, MT; and KTRS, Casper, WY. Jelli is a Web-based game that lets listeners search a catalog of songs and vote for what they want to hear. Other players vote songs up or down to decide what will actually air next. When a song is actually playing on the air, listeners can also vote whether it Rocks or Sucks. If enough players think it Sucks, the song is taken off the air instantly, even if it's in mid-song. "Each version of Jelli – Rock or Pop – is designed to provide the player both a fun and engaging experience at their favorite radio station's Website, and the casual listener a rich and entertaining new form of radio," says Dial Global Programming President Kirk Stirland. "Jelli is designed to fit right into the sound of each affiliate station, and to stand out to both listeners and players as a unique experience."

* Jurors have begun deliberations in the second trial of Internet radio "shock jock" Hal Turner. For the second time in three months, a jury is trying to decide whether Turner threatened to assault or murder three federal judges, or was only expressing an opinion when he wrote they “deserved to be killed.” The Bergen Record reported that a jury of seven men and five women began their deliberations Monday afternoon (March 8) in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn after listening to closing arguments and instructions on the law. They recessed at 5pm without reaching a verdict and were to resume their deliberations at 9am Tuesday (March 9). As of Tuesday night, there was no report of a verdict being reached. The Bergen Record has been covering the second trial of Turner, a North Bergen resident. Turner, whose radio show catered to an audience of neo-Nazis and white supremacists, is on trial on a single count of threatening three Chicago-based federal appeals court judges. The charge stems from postings Turner made last June on his radio network blog in which he said the jurists “deserved to be killed” for upholding a local ban on handguns. Turner’s first trial ended in a hung jury in December. If convicted this time, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

* Senator Kit Bond (R-MO) calls for a Congressional inquiry into the planned sale of Classical KFUO-FM, St. Louis. The controversial sale of the station by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod to Gateway Creative Broadcasting already received criticism on the floor of the House. Now, Bond – the senior U.S Senator from Missouri – writes in a note responding to the Musicians’ Council of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s letter opposing the sale, "I understand your concerns. In response to your request, I have asked the Federal Communications Commission to initiate a Congressional inquiry into this matter. I look forward to notifying you of the outcome of their inquiry.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Bond joins the odd political couple of Reps. John Shimkus (R) and Lacy Clay (D), who recently denounced the sale on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in back-to-back speeches. The published report notes that the FCC does not concern itself with format changes. The sale would end KFUO’s 62-year run as an outlet for classical music and replace it with Christian Contemporary music. However, opponents have brought out other issues with the sale, including allegations that Gateway lied to the Commission on its application, stating that it had met the FCC’s financial requirements at the time it filed in October, when it was actually in debt; and allegations of illegal discriminatory practices on the part of the LCMS and its representatives in the actual sales process.

* Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty’s modified 2011 budget proposal zeroes out public broadcasting. The revised state spending plan eliminates the entire $2 million general-fund appropriation for public broadcasting, including $250,000 for Minnesota Public Radio. The 2011 fiscal year begins July 1. MinnPost.com reports the zeroing out would extend through the 2012-13 biennium, even though Pawlenty would be out of office by then. It primarily hits the state’s six public television stations, which would lose a collective $1.36 million in FY11. Public radio stations would see $387,000 less beyond MPR's $250,000. MinnPost's David Brauer notes that public broadcasters are in a tough position arguing against draconian cuts when hospitals are set to take a 77% reimbursement hit for indigent coverage under General Assistance Medical Care. Another sympathy-sapper: the nonprofit media just received a windfall from the Legacy Amendment, which has funneled new sales-tax millions into arts, cultural and historical programming.

* California State Senator Roy Ashburn outs himself as gay on "AM 1180 News Talk" KERN-AM, Bakersfield. Ashburn's declaration of his homosexuality in the wake of a DUI arrest while leaving a Sacramento gay bar came as he was a guest on Inga Barks' show on the station. It was his first interview since his DUI arrest. "I am gay," Ashburn told Barks, Monday (March 8). "Those are the words that have been so difficult for me for so long. But I am gay." He added, "Through my own actions, I made my personal life public." Ashburn has had a record of voting against gay rights legislation. He claimed that his past votes were a reflection of his constituents' wishes, not his own feelings. Ashburn, whose term expires this year, will be arraigned next month on two misdemeanor DUI counts.

* For the first time, spending on digital/online advertising and marketing will overtake print in 2010. That's according to new projections from Outsell, Inc. In an industry crossover event, companies will spend $119.6 billion on online and digital strategies, from search engine keywords to Webinars, while committing $111.5 billion to print methods such as newspaper and magazine ads. Overall, U.S. spending on advertising and marketing will increase in 2010 by just 1.2% to $368 billion. Outsell’s "Marketing and Ad Spending Study 2010: Total US and B2B Advertising" forecasts spending, share, and growth for five media types — online, events, print, TV/radio and PR/other. It also deals with methods used within each, from social networking to mobile/wireless marketing. "Advertisers are directing dollars toward the channels which generate the most qualified leads and most effective branding," says Outsell VP & Lead Analyst Chuck Richard. "As they emerge from the recession, they need more accountability, and they’re spreading their spending over a widening set of options."

* Kelly Music Research: "The Final Results &ndash Digital Callout Research Delivers." KMR releases Part Five of their series of reports on music research for radio, clearly supporting digital over telephone callout, but calls for "The Secret Sauce" in utilizing digital research. "It’s time to bust a myth," says the latest report. "Even though Radio has embraced the power of computers for every other aspect of its business, when it comes to music testing, many broadcasters are still clinging to old, pre-digital methods. Favoring telephone over computer models, many Radio programmers and consultants think that it is not possible to get reliable music research through on-line computer surveys. We have found this notion to be FALSE. Conducted properly, online music research on a computer can be every bit as accurate and reliable as telephone callout or auditorium testing, which uses dials, pencil and paper or other accepted scoring devices. Further, utilizing digital platforms for music testing are more cost efficient. This much is crystal clear: The Secret Sauce in online music testing is in the SAMPLE PANEL and PROCEDURE, NOT THE SURVEY APPARATUS - i.e. phone vs. computer." Kelly Music Research oiver the past several months has conducted nationwide testing of a new Digital Callout program for online hook research with comparisons to Telephone Callout and other Online Testing models. "In all, we compiled and reviewed over 5,000 online test cases," reports KMR. "We tested many tactics and approaches to the different facets of music testing including recruiting, screening, scoring options, survey presentation, premiums, respondent verification and data analysis. Some proved worthy, others did not. All were enlightening."   More from Kelly Music Research...

* American Women in Radio and Television changes its name — becomes the Alliance for Women in Media. AWRT's name change to AWM was approved by an overwhelming majority of the group's membership. "As an organization, we've been discussing a name change for almost a decade. The industry has been evolving, our membership has been evolving," says 2010 AWM Board Chair Sylvia Strobel. "It's not just local radio and TV folks. It's a lot of national people, it's new media." One reason for the name change was to reflect who the group is now, not who they were in the past. Another reason cited for the name change is inclusiveness. "It's for women because we are by, for, and about women, but we do not exclude men," says Strobel. "They are key to our organization and constitute 10% of our membership." It's also hoped the name change will attract members from other media who may have been unaware they could join with the emphasis on "radio and television" in the organization's name. The new AWM name and logo will be gradually rolled out over the next year. AWRT was founded in 1951 "to promote diversity and strengthen the influence of women in the vast media community."

* Emmis Interactive signs a long-term agreement with Astral Media Radio. Emmis Interactive, the software and consulting company "that empowers the reinvention of local media," Monday (March 8) announced the agreement. Emmis Interactive will provide its interactive platform and sales consulting services to Astral as part of Astral Radio’s renewed emphasis on building out its Interactive business. “Astral is proud of the work done over the last few years online and with mobile, but our deal with Emmis Interactive marks a new chapter in our commitment to capitalize on the amazing growth of digital media,” says Astral Media Radio and Astral Media Outdoor Group President Jacques Parisien. “Partnering with Emmis Interactive will allow us to take a huge leap forward in terms of our online product, by building more robust and engaging sites for our strong radio brands. This is a critical element of our Interactive strategy; we are very focused on making Interactive a strong and important part of our business.” Philippe Patrice, Chief Digital Strategies Officer for Astral Media Radio, adds, “The Astral Media Radio Interactive team is enthusiastic about the arrival of this great news and all its employees and resources will be dedicated to making this project a great success for all our radio stations” said “In addition to all the technical benefits of this partnership, we believe that working side by side with an industry leader will be both stimulating and exciting.” Astral Media Radio operates 82 radio stations across Canada.

* New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was honored Monday night (March 8) with the 2010 Golden Mike Award. The award was presented at the Broadcasters Foundation's Golden Mike dinner at in New York. Bloomberg, the founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg News, encouraged broadcasters to help others, with money, time, or talent. Bloomberg launched the Bloomberg LP information service in 1982 and in 1990 started Bloomberg News.

* Premiere Radio Networks is launching "Club Kane" – a new Top 40 weekend show – starting March 28. The new syndicated show will be hosted by "Hot 99.5" WIHT, Washington DC, morning personality Kane, and will air Sunday nights 7pm-midnight. Says Kane, ""This is such a unique opportunity. Together with the team at Premiere, we’ve built an incredibly entertaining and compelling five-hour show that is 100% live and will connect with listeners everywhere." Premiere Programming SVP Jennifer Leimgruber adds, "Kane is an incredibly talented radio personality, and we’re excited to welcome him to the Premiere team. We’re confident that this new, fun, fast-paced and entertaining music program will have listeners partying across the U.S."

* Pandora Media names Steve Cakebread as Chief Financial Officer, effective March 15. Cakebread previously was President & CFO of SalesForce.com, a customer relationship management service provider, where he rose from EVP & CFO. "Pandora is an incredibly exciting company with great momentum," says Cakebread. "The company is led by a powerful team of talented, creative and thoughtful executives who are focused on building a great company. I'm excited to be joining such a promising company at this point in their growth." Pandora CEO Joe Kennedy adds, "Steve is the perfect person to lead the financial side of Pandora as we continue to grow the company into a great and enduring business. We will benefit from his leadership and experience in innumerable ways as we continue to scale the business to meet the tremendous growth we have been seeing."

* Chicago radio veteran Michael Fowler, late the GM of WLS-AM-FM, joins "ESPN Radio 1000" WMVP-AM. Fowler, forced out after two years as President and General Manager of Citadel Broadcasting News-Talk WLS-AM and True Oldies WLS-FM, has landed right back at the same building, reports Chicago media reporter Robert Feder at Vocalo.org. He was named Director of Sales for WMVP-AM, Monday (March 8), succeeding John Cravens, who was promoted to President and GM. "ESPN Radio 1000" occupies studios and offices on the seventh floor of the ABC Building — just under the two floors of WLS-AM-FM.

* WKZZ, Tifton-Albany, GA, flips to Adult Top 40 "92-5 KZZ" featuring "Hit Music Variety." The new format launched late Monday afternoon (March 8) after three days of stunting. The former Country outlet says it will feature 50 minutes of music every hour and "the absolute best pop hits." Core artists include Lady GaGa, Black Eyed Peas, Daughtry and Kings of Leon. "This region of South Georgia has been screaming for a station like this for years and the roar became too much to ignore," says Station Manager Matt Baldridge. "We're so excited to kick this thing into high gear." The station is playing its new music mix unhosted this week. March 15, "92-5 KZZ" will begin simulcasting "Matt and the Morning Mayhem" from sister Top 40 WPNG, Pearson-Douglas-Valdosta, GA. Baldridge is also Station Manger for WPNG. Other hosted dayparts on WKZZ will be unveield "in the coming months." The new Adult Top 40 is online at www.925kzz.com.

* WAPE, Jacksonville, "The Big Ape Morning Mess" host Mark Kaye says no more calls from drivers. The CHR-Top40 host says the morning show will refuse calls from listeners while they're driving their vehicles. This comes at a time when there are increasing warnings about the distractions to drivers of talking on their cellphones, as well as the dangers of texting while driving. "The issue is especially significant to our show," says Kaye. "Because we encourage fans to interact with us on the phone. Talk topics, phone polls, and call-in contests are daily features on our program. We want people to interact with us, but we don’t want then to risk their lives while doing it. That’s why, crazy as it sounds, we are blocking calls from drivers." He says "The Big Ape Morning Mess" will pre-promote exact times that prizes will be given away during contests so listeners will have sufficient time to pull over and find a safe place from which to call. WAPE is also urging listeners to visit its Website and take the official "No Phone Zone Pledge."

* Roex Inc., which used a radio program to sell its products, is ordered to pay $3 million in customer refunds. The FTC has ordered Roex to refund the money to those who who bought the company’s products advertised on an hour-long live call-in show called “The Truth About Nutrition.” The FTC will distribute more than 5,700 refund checks totaling approximately $3 million to consumers who bought infrared saunas and dietary supplements from Roex, based on bogus claims that the products would treat, prevent, or cure a wide range of serious diseases. The amounts of the refund checks were determined by the amount consumers spent on these products, with the average check totaling about $500. Says the FTC in a news release, "These are legitimate checks, and the FTC urges consumers to cash them." The refunds stem from a March 2009 FTC complaint charging Roex, and two individuals with making false or unsubstantiated advertising claims. The marketers claimed that their infrared sauna could treat cancer, and that their supplements could treat, reduce the risk of, or prevent various health conditions including cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases, ulcers, herpes, asthma, and glaucoma. The products were sold on the company’s Website and in print materials, but the marketers’ main advertising vehicle was a nationally broadcast, live, hour-long, call-in radio program titled “The Truth About Nutrition.” The resulting settlement and court order required the defendants to pay $3 million to redress consumers.

* A bold burglary knocks "K-98 Jamz" KJMZ, Lawton, OK, off the air Friday morning (March 5). Workers at Perry Broadcasting showed up to find about $10,000 worth of equipment stolen from their studio. The thief or thieves even swiped a computer that keeps "K-98 Jamz" on the air. "It was very shocking to come in this morning and for everything to be gone," K-98 host Joe Biggs tells KSWO-TV. "We had to scramble to find other computers to find other things to get us back on the radio." They needed music too, because the thieves took the computer with all of their songs on it. "Our programming director had some music playing, but I actually had to hook up my laptop and played some music off of there," says Biggs. "These are things we use for entertainment and to get messages and community service and people listen to the radio for information," says KJMZ General Manager Joy Chapman. This was not the first hit Perry Broadcasting has taken this year. "Our tower, which actually put us on the radio every day, had gone down during the ice storm. So we're basically bouncing back from that," says Chapman. Police are investigating and Perry workers hope someone out there will start talking. "No clue but it's going to pop up we're going to hear something soon I hope," said Biggs. In addition to the computers and monitors that were stolen, some TV's and Webcams were also stolen and so were two transmitter tubes the station had just gotten in to help get the tower back up to full speed.

* Assistant PD and afternoon host Russell P is the new Program Director of "95.5 The Wolf" WSM-FM, Nashville. He's tagged as PD by Cumulus SVP of Programming Jan Jeffries, as Program Director and morning co-host Charley Connolly exits. Midday host Rick Marino moves to mornings to co-host with Music Director Deanna Lee. Jeffries says of Russell P (Penuell), "Russell's contribution to the success of The Wolf Nashville has been remarkable. During my time of programming The Wolf Dallas on a daily basis, Russell was a key 'go to' person. His work ethic, prior to Dallas and Nashville, as PD in Ft. Myers and Shreveport, is second to none." Of the outgoing PD, Jeffries adds, "We thank Charley Connolly for his tenure and wish him the best in his future endeavors." And on the naming of Marino as the new wake-up co-host, Jeffries tells us, "Rick is a world class morning talent. His successful history of mornings in Nashville makes him the perfect choice for mornings at The Wolf Nashville."

* Sports WNRS-AM, Herkimer-Utica, NY, adds Fox Sports Radio and Bloomberg Radio to replace ESPN Radio. WNRS-AM lost the ESPN Radio affiliation to trimulcasting WTLB-AM, WIXT-AM and WRNY-AM. WNRS has rebranded as "1420 AM, The Fox." The station will continue to air Citadel's "Imus in the Morning" — following Imus with Dan Patrick, 9am-noon; and Premiere's Jim Rome, noon-3pm. Bloomberg Radio financial news will air after 3pm through the evenings. Overnights and weekends will feature Fox Sports Radio programming, beginning at 6pm Fridays.

* Report: "News Talk 980" KFWB-AM, Los Angeles, "trading rants for money news, starting March 15." Gary Lycan, who covers Radio for The Orange County Register says that "could be a really smart move." Dave Ramsey's financial advice show will air 9am-noon and Laura Ingraham will be on 10pm-1am. The two programs trade places. "While KFWB's overall talk ratings look dismal, the station says it is gaining in its target demo: women age 25-54," writes Lycan. Los Angeles CBS Radio Market Manager & SVP Ed Krampf says KFWB's weekly listening increased 33% in that demographic. "The economy and personal financial management are the most important subjects on our minds and Dave really hits a nerve when advising people how to cut their debt. He will be a perfect lead-in to Dr. Laura (Schlessinger) because money is so integral to any relationship and each one brings their personal expertise into play," says Krampf.

* "News Talk Sports AM 970" WDAY-AM, Fargo, ND, lays off two employees, restructures early morning shows. Al Aamodt, a 35-year employee of WDAY-AM and an anchor for the station in recent years, and Program Manager and “Morning Buzz” co-host Ben Ziegler, were let go Friday (March 5), reports North Dakota's Inforum. In addition, WDAY-AM will realign some of its programming beginning Monday (March 8), according to General Manager Kevin Weaver. The changes include simulcasting WDAY-TV’s “First News” from 6-7am. Tracy Briggs will then host a daily news show 7-9 am, assisted by Erick Johnson, who anchors the station’s newscasts and the “News at Noon.”

* Public radio remakes itself by entering the iPhone age. When Public Radio Exchange (PRX) developed the free Public Radio Player for the iPhone, the nonprofit hoped for 500,000 downloads. It now has 2.5 million. "I'm very happy with that number," says PRX executive director Jake Shapiro. Nate Anderson at Ars Technica writes, "He should be. The PRX dev team has already cranked out two great iPhone apps, one for public radio in general and one for the popular show This American Life in particular. Both apps have positioned public radio as a major force when it comes to on-demand mobile applications." The Public Radio Player not only streams public radio from across the country to an iPhone; it also provides on-demand access to shows like Marketplace and A Prairie Home Companion, says Shapiro. "This American Life's app costs a few bucks, but it provides streaming access to every episode in the show's history. If you have an iPhone and a data connection, you have essentially unlimited listening options for a grand total of $2.99. And you have them on your own schedule." More from Ars Technica...

* It wasn't risky to go with an all-request format at WNTR-FM, Indianapolis, says Market Manager Jennifer Skjodt. The Entercom station launched the unconventional "My 107.9" at the beginning of the year. "The performance of that frequency really had been so mediocre at best," Skjodt tells the Indianapolis Star. The former format of easy hits from the 1970s and 1980s as "The Track" ranked 13th in the market and was abandoned in November. With the slogan "We play everything YOU want!" WNTR is now an audio roulette where "Ice Ice Baby" by Vanilla Ice, "Supermodel (You Better Work)" by RuPaul and "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood are rescued from pop culture's scrap heap on a daily basis. Listeners submit their requests by phone, email and social media Websites Facebook and Twitter. But more than shaking up a playlist simply because a previous format failed, Skjodt says "My 107.9" anticipates the new reality of PPM technology for measuring how many people listen. Arbitron 's Portable People Meters will debut in Indianapolis this summer. "Generally, what we've seen so far is that wide-variety stations perform well," says Skjodt. "They attract a very large audience." Entercom executives hope people will choose commercial breaks on other stations to pursue a surprising nugget playing on WNTR.

* An Electronic Program Guide (EPG) service for U.S. radio is a viable option says a Fastroad study. That's the conclusion of the NAB Fastroad Phase 2 Final Report on the viability of an EPG service for radio, just released. BIA/Kelsey, Broadcast Signal Lab and Unique Interactive, the consortium of companies funded by NAB Fastroad to research the viability of an EPG service for U.S. radio broadcasting, has released it's Phase 2 Final Report. Fastroad — an acronym for "Flexible Advanced Services for Television & Radio On All Devices" — is the technology advocacy program of the NAB. The Phase 2 Final Report presents the findings of lab and field trials of a proposed radio-EPG "ecosystem." The research was conducted throughout 2009, culminating with on-air demonstrations in the Boston, Providence and Worcester markets. The report concludes that a radio EPG service is indeed a viable option for U.S. radio, presenting recommendations on how to best and most quickly achieve it. It includes methods for transmitting EPG data over HD Radio broadcasts and via Internet delivery, including to mobile devices. Says BIA/Kelsey Chief Strategy Officer Rick Ducey, "We are excited to present this report to the industry and its critical recommendations for the advancement of U.S. radio broadcasting. This Phase 2 work was a collaborative effort of many broadcasters, developers and manufacturers, including iBiquity, and our profound thanks go to all involved." Broadcast Signal Lab Managing Partner David Maxson explains, "The Phase 2 trials were a fantastic learning experience. The project team has tried to capture as much relevant output from that process in the findings presented in our report. We hope it will be useful to its readers, and stimulate interest in next steps toward development of radio EPG service." And Unique Interactive Development Team Leader Adrian Gross adds, "The U.S. radio environment presents some unique and exciting challenges to establishing an EPG ecosystem, and our work in Phase 2 of this project made it clear that such service is both possible and extremely valuable to audiences, broadcasters and manufacturers alike." The Phase 2 Final Report is available here from www.nabfastroad.org.

* The KDNA, Yakima, WA, Board of Directors will work to end the year-long controversy it has faced. A day after KDNA's beleaguered director departed, the station's board said it would work to end the controversy that has plagued the public Spanish-language station for more than a year. Now that Maria Fernandez is gone, that is the goal at the station that's faced protests and found employees walking out to force the station off the air. After Fernandez was fired, more than 65 people filed into a news conference to learn what direction the board of directors planned to take the station, reports Yakima's Herald-Republic. "Reading from a prepared statement, board president Irma Jiminez-DePrieto all but promised to improve relations with the community, but wouldn't promise 11 fired workers they'd get their jobs back," writes the newspaper's Philip Ferolito. "I want to assure the community and our listeners that programs will continue," said Jiminez-DePrieto. She introduced interim director Mirta Laura Contreras and promised that the station would work to strengthen its relationship with the community and work efficiently, and that the community center's "mission of empowerment and service to the community remains a compass that will lead the organization into the future." Some in the crowd not only asked that those who were fired during the past year be rehired, but that a restraining order barring several people involved in a labor dispute with the station be lifted, according to the Herald-Republic. They even accused the board of working to give control of the station, known as the voice of the farm worker, to Heritage University in Toppenish. Contreras said she'd let those issues make their way through the legal process. She has taken a leave of absence as lead attorney of Columbia Legal Services in Yakima to be interim director of the station for at least the next three months. "I am not going to promise you anything," she told the crowd. "All I can tell you is that I will do my best to listen to you and bring Radio KDNA into a new chapter."

As we previously reported, the governing board of KDNA on Thursday (March 4) dismissed Fernandez. “It’s just a culmination of things that said we probably need to be in a different place, going in a different direction,” said Len Black, a member of the Northwest Communities Education Center governing board, at the time. “And it’s a good opportunity for Maria to begin pursuing other opportunities.” Fernandez took over the direction of the nation’s first Spanish-language public broadcast station in the summer of 2008, replacing its longtime director, Ricardo Garcia. Almost immediately, station staff complained about her management style and many were fired or quit. The problems spilled onto the airwaves, and throughout much of 2009, employees, former employees, volunteers and listeners staged protests and demanded Fernandez’s resignation.

* Vikki returns March 8 – without Steve – at AC "B98.5" WSB-FM, Atlanta — at least for now. We previously reported that Steve McCoy was definitely out, and that Vikki Locke was offered the chance to go solo. At the time, the "Steve & Vikki" show was pulled from the "B98.5" schedule. Also, we reported that Locke was given until March 8 to decide if she would go solo. Now it's reported by Access Atlanta's Steve Ho that "Vikki Locke is coming back Monday on B98.5 minus Steve McCoy." This will be the first time in more than two decades that the radio duo is being split up. Locke's current contract is up June 30. As of Friday morning (March 5), she was still negotiating the final details of a contract extension beyond that date. Reports Ho, "Both she and McCoy, who joined B98.5 in July 2008 after a nearly 18-year run at Star 94, had contracts lasting two years with an option for a third year. B98.5 decided not to take McCoy’s option. But the station did offer to keep Locke without McCoy. The 'trigger' deadline was coming up, which is why B98.5 took them off the air last week." Cox Radio Market Manager Tony Kidd tells Ho that the agreement with Locke is not finalized, and some unspecified legal issues "need to squared away." Reportedly, "B98.5" offered her a one-year extension at an unspecified reduced salary, according to an unnamed source. Ho notes she was making in the mid-six-figure range.

* Mandy Connell joins WHAS-AM, Louisville, KY, as the new 9am-noon talk show host. A 14 year radio veteran, Connell has entertained and informed audiences in several Florida cities, including Gainesville and Orlando. For the last five years, she has served Southwest Florida listeners as morning show host on 1240/1270 WINK/WNOG and "92.5 Fox News Radio" in Ft. Myers/Naples. "84 WHAS" Operations Manager Kelly Carls tells WHAS-TV, “We reviewed over 130 applications, and talked to many talented people. Mandy really stood out for her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to giving listeners an interesting, informative, and engaging radio program. We believe she will really connect with the 84WHAS audience.” Clear Channel Louisville Market President Bill Gentry adds, “Mandy is personable, friendly, and well-read. We’re confident she will uphold the tradition of exceptional performance our listeners have come to expect.” Commenting on her new appointment, Connell says, “To say that I am excited is a massive understatement. Not only do I get to join a heritage radio station like WHAS, I get to live in Louisville, which has more amazing restaurants than I dreamed possible. I couldn’t ask for a better new home! I can’t wait to dig in, metaphorically and literally.” Connell will join the WHAS program line-up during the week of March 29. Connell replaces the late Francene Cucinello, who died at the age of 43 in mid-January after suffering a heart attack and then an aneurysm after a short stay in the hospital. [See TPMedia NewsPage report, Jan. 16, 2010]

* Adriene Hill resigns from noncommercial Chicago Public Radio WBEZ to join American Public Media. Hill, who has covered business and economy for Chicago Public Radio, will be involved in a multi-platform project on sustainability, working with “Marketplace” and the American RadioWorks documentary unit. She joined Chicago Public Radio in July 2003 as an intern, later becoming a producer and associate editor for "Eight Forty-Eight," CPR's weekday morning newsmagazine.

* Los Angeles County authorities arrest a man on suspicion of stalking "Loveline" host Dr. Drew Pinsky. Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies arrested Charles Pearson after he used text messages to harass Pinsky and his family. Pearson allegedly threatened to kill Dr. Drew's family and had begun contacting Pearson's co-workers at KROQ. Pearson reportedly believed KROQ implanted a microchip in his body in order to speak with him. "He literally was making explicit plans to kill my children." says Dr. Drew. "And then making threats to my wife that she would have to eat them. Very bizarre. I feel like we're safe now." Pinsky tells KNBC-TV, "I hope this guy gets treatment because clearly he needs it. He's probably suffered terribly and we got a dose of it directed our way." Pasadena Police Lt. Tracey Ibarra says, "He was stalking the family and one of the avenues he used was the electronic media." Pearson is being held in the Pasadena city jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Meanwhile, TMZ is reporting that Pinsky is not the only one targeted by his alleged stalker. "We're told the personalities at the radio station where Dr. Drew works were also allegedly harassed ... this according to sources who spoke with TMZ," says the Website. "We're told Charles Pearson — who was arrested yesterday in L.A. and booked on felony stalking — has been sending emails to the flagship stars of KROQ, Kevin and Bean. We're told Pearson felt KROQ — which runs Dr. Drew's show "Loveline" — implanted a chip in his body and used the chip to speak with him." KROQ employees learned of the arrest when TMZ broke the story, says the report.

* FCC Commissioner Michael Copps borrows a line from Newton Minnow, calls modern media "a vast wasteland." Copps, speaking at the FCC's Future of Media Workshop, Thursday (March 4), said that today's media resembles the "vast wasteland that Newton Minow had predicted as early as 1961." Minnow, then FCC Chairman, stunned the NAB as he delivered the line at the broadcasters' 1961 convention. Copps' use of the term now may not have had the same effect, but it did help generate news coverage as he pointed at consolidation of the broadcast industries. Copps says the Telecom Act set in motion a "media free-fall" that saw stations gobbled up en masse. According to the second-term Commissioner, when he took office, he found "that for most of the past 30 years, we had really dropped the ball. And I use 'we' to include both the private and public sectors." Copps says that the 30 years of "horrendous decisions" by regulators was responsible for, what he called, the "outright elimination of just about every public interest obligation or public interest guideline we had." Copps noted that while "some say there are more outlets now than ever, "we ended up with a 'wasted vastland'" in terms of "the real localism and diversity that more outlets should have produced." Copps did say "there's some good news" — the FCC's ability "to bring the public interest back." Said Copps, "Change is in the air."

* An Internet radio host, on trial in federal court, testifies his violent words were "All talk, no action." Federal prosecutors Thursday (March 4) sought to portray Internet radio talk host Hal Turner, the incendiary radio talk show host, as a white supremacist whose racist and at times violent rhetoric predated his recruitment as a paid government informant and continued after the FBI dropped him for what it called “serious control problems.” Turner testified for a second straight day during his trial in U.S. District Court in Brooklyn on charges of threatening three federal judges from Chicago. The charges stem from a blog posting on his Website that featured their photos and declared that they were “worthy of death.” An earlier trial ended in a hung jury. During a lengthy and at times heated cross-examination, reports The New York Times, the government cited email messages, postings and radio comments in which Turner made thinly veiled threats, boasted of his influence with his listeners and said he would be “honored” to take credit for the murder of the family of a federal judge. After Turner posted the address of a state judge in New Jersey, where Turner himself lives, he wrote the judge a letter describing his followers, which he said included members of the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations and Nazis. “Good luck in life, however long that lasts now that people know where to find you,” he wrote. The image presented of Turner, writes the Times, stood in sharp contrast to the one given a day before, when under the questioning of his own defense lawyer he said that his racist rhetoric was a tool to help the FBI flush out domestic terrorists from within the white supremacist movement. He said he eventually ended his relationship with the FBI. Thursday, Turner maintained that his words were simply “part of my shtick,” intended to maintain his image as a “bad boy of radio,” while adding that even if he believed what he said, the message was perfectly legal and no one had ever committed a crime as a result of his urgings. “All talk, no action,” he said.

* After a year of internal conflict and public protests, the Executive Director of KDNA, Yakima, WA, is fired. The "Radio Yakima" governing board Thursday (March 4) dismissed Maria Fernandez, the controversial figure at the helm of the Yakima Valley’s Spanish-language public broadcaster. The Yakima Herald reports her replacement is Laura Contreras, an immigration lawyer with Columbia Legal Service in Yakima. She begins Friday (March 5), says Len Black, a member of the Northwest Communities Education Center governing board. “It’s just a culmination of things that said we probably need to be in a different place, going in a different direction,” Black said Thursday evening. “And it’s a good opportunity for Maria to begin pursuing other opportunities.” Fernandez took over the direction of the nation’s first Spanish-language public broadcast station in the summer of 2008, replacing its longtime director, Ricardo Garcia. Almost immediately, station staff complained about her management style and many were fired or quit. The problems spilled onto the airwaves, and throughout much of 2009, employees, former employees, volunteers and listeners staged protests and demanded Fernandez’s resignation.

* CBS Radio News VP Harvey Nagler receives the RTDNF First Amendment Service Award. Nagler is the first award winner from radio in the 20 years the First Amendment Awards have been handed out. Reporting on the Radio Television Digital News Foundation 2010 First Amendment Awards Dinner, RTDNA tells us — by way of a report from WBAL's Scott Wykoff, "On a night when some of the biggest movers and shakers in broadcast journalism came together to honor their own, it was the First Amendment that was the star of the night. In Washington, DC on Thursday night [March 4], the Radio Television Digital News Foundation (RTDNF) honored Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, RTDNA President Emeritus Barbara Cochran, National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation President Marcellus Alexander and the NABEF, Harvey Nagler, vice president of CBS Radio News and David Westin, president of ABC News at the First Amendment Awards Dinner. It was the 20th anniversary of the awards dinner."

* Katz Media Group EVP Bonnie Press is named to the AWRT Board of Directors. Press, a 30-year industry veteran, will serve on the 2010 National Board of Directors for American Women in Radio and Television (AWRT). "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Board to lead AWRT into an exciting new chapter in its history as we serve our members and the industry," says Press. "As a long-time participant in AWRT, I know firsthand the influence and significance of this organization, and I look forward to continuing to support it in this new capacity." Press has been with Katz since 1976. In 1991, she was promoted to SVP & General Manager of Katz Radio Group. She helped launch Katz Dimensions in 1995, which was expanded in 2004 and renamed Katz Advantage. In 2009, Press was named to her current corporate EVP position, overseeing special projects and initiatives. "Bonnie's appointment to AWRT's National Board of Directors highlights her commitment to our industry," says Katz Media Group President & CEO Stu Olds. "I'm confident that the expertise and knowledge she will bring to her role will only enhance the board. I have great respect and admiration for AWRT's advocacy and I'm pleased to see Bonnie, and many of our employees, actively involved with the organization."

* KSSJ-FM, Sacramento, flips from "Smooth Jazz 94.7" to Alternative "Radio 94.7." Entercom says the Smooth Jazz format had become "increasingly difficult" to sell, and the audience size could no longer sustain the station. "Radio 94.7" will feature music from artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Green Day, U2, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Sublime, Nirvana, Linkin Park, Weezer and Stone Temple Pilots along with music from new bands like Muse, The Killers, Train, Kings of Leon and others. A statement on KSSJ's Website says: "As we all know, the one thing we can count on in life is change. It’s in that spirit that I must tell you that the format on 94.7 KSSJ is going to change Wednesday, March 3rd at 12:00 pm. Playing Smooth Jazz favorites is one side of who we are – it’s the side you hear. The other side is the reality that operating a radio station is a business – that’s the side we see. In the past few years, the business side of KSSJ has become increasingly difficult. There are many reasons for it, but the unfortunate fact is that the audience for the station can no longer sustain the business of the station. In that way, we’re no different from a retail business that doesn’t have enough customers to keep the doors open." The "Smooth Jazz Concert Series" will continue through Husky Productions.

* Pubcaster "Pioneer 90.1" KSRQ, Thief River Falls, MN, receives a grant totaling $238,500 through June 2011. The Northland Community and Technical College radio station receives the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Programming grant to produce programming based on local musicians, filmmakers, authors, and historians, says a news release. Part of the grant will be used to present free concerts featuring Minnesota musicians. The shows will be recorded, mixed with interviews with the performers and made available to other independent public radio stations in the state, reports the Grand Forks Herald. The first concert in the performance series will feature Thief River Falls-based blues performers Little Bobby and the Storm at 7pm. Saturday at the Northland College theater in Thief River Falls. Also being developed is a new program called “ArtsFocus,” which will feature interviews and radio documentaries about area arts and cultural topics. The first show will feature an interview with the director of the Ronald Reagan Minuteman Missile State Historic Site in Cooperstown, ND. The grant also allows "Pioneer 90.1" to make its programming available on platforms beyond the station’s coverage area. Pioneer 90.1 and the other 11 stations in the Association of Minnesota Public and Educational Radio Stations network are using the Public Radio Exchange Website to share and archive original programming. The stations are also making programming available on their Websites.

* San Diego radio stations honor Chelsea King, the teen who was murdered while running in a park last week. A "Moment Of Silence" was organized by the San Diego Broadcasters Association, and was held Thursday (March 4) at noon. More than two dozen stations in the market offered one minute of silence in memory of the slain teen. Some stations followed the silence with some of King's favorite songs. Convicted sex offender John Albert Gardner is charged with the murder. Gardner, who is suspected in at least one other attempted rape and assault case, has pleaded not guilty in the King murder case.

* Haitian radio host Carel Pedre is honored for "tweeting" on his country's earthquake. Pedre received a special "humanitarian" award at the second annual "Shorty Awards" in New York this week. "I dedicate this to my country Haiti," said Carel Pedre after receiving the award at the event which recognize excellence on Twitter. He used Twitter to inform the world about the earthquake which ravaged his country, reports AFP. Pedre was among the users of the micro-blogging service honored at the ceremony. "May we continue to use Twitter to save lives and change the world," said Pedre, who "tweets" as @carelpedre. The Shorty Awards, which do not have any official link to Twitter, were produced by Sawhorse Media and sponsored by the Knight Foundation and several corporations.

* Robert Feder: "Why radio still seduces the man behind ‘The Drive’." "The Drive" is a Classic Hits format based at "The Drive 97.1" WDRV-FM, Chicago — one which spans an entirely different range of music than the usual "oldies" station that uses the descriptive "Classic Hits." In fact, WDRV doesn't even use the descriptive (as does "93.3 The Drive," WPBG, Peoria, IL). WDRV instead promotes, "The Soundtrack of Our Lives." Some might say the format is more of a Classic Rock mix. Feder, writing on the man who invented "the most successful new radio format of the last 10 years — Greg Solk," offers his "Robservation" on Solk, promoted this week to SVP of Programming for Bonneville International. "In addition to the blue chip trio of WDRV-FM (97.1), WTMX-FM (101.9) and WILV-FM (100.3)," in Chicago, "he oversees programming in a variety of formats nationwide for the Salt Lake City-based company." Feder writes that in announcing the promotion, Bonneville President & CEO Bruce Reese cited Solk’s “hard, smart work, which has earned the respect and appreciation of all his colleagues.” Solk began his career as a producer for Steve Dahl’s morning show when he was a 15-year wunderkind at Niles North High School in Skokie. And Feder tells readers what makes the dedicated radio veteran still believe in the business. Says Solk, “There’s been a lot said about the demise of the radio business ... blah, blah, blah. I have been seduced by this business since I was 15 years old. I still am today. I grew up with radio in the best time in radio’s history — the magical time of the Top 40 radio wars between WLS and WCFL, the movement of ‘album rock’ to the FM band — and I’ve listened to and worked side by side with the biggest air personalities the city’s ever seen. I’ve been fortunate to hang on long enough to see all the ebbs and flows of this industry, and I will not let all the naysayers distract or disrupt my passion for the business. Formats will come and go, so will big-name personalities. That’s the reality of the biz. But radio still remains vibrant and an important, vital part of millions of Chicagoans’ lives every day. I intend to do my best to keep the magic of radio alive and well — and I thank Bonneville for giving me that opportunity.”

* Pandora aims at the auto dashboard with new hire George Lynch as VP of Automotive Business Development. The streaming Internet radio provider, which reportedly plans to seek more ad business from local advertisers this year, now aims at the in-car market as it taps Sirius XM Radio exec Lynch to help it get there. "We are thrilled that George is bringing to Pandora his 20 years of experience pioneering new radio technology into vehicles, where 50% of all radio listening occurs," says PandoraSVP Jessica Steel. "Delivering Pandora's personalized Internet radio to our 48 million listeners in their vehicles is a key focus of our company this year and we think we have got the best person on board to help Pandora cement our presence in the automotive arena." Lynch, who previously was VP of Automotive Partnerships at Sirius XM Radio, says, "I have been fortunate in my career to have the opportunity to evangelize new radio technologies in the automotive industry and forge the partnerships with automakers that make them a reality for consumers. Pandora is radio at its most innovative: wholly personalized and ever-present. I'm excited to introduce Pandora into connected vehicles." Pandora recently announced a business partnership with Ford that will enable listeners to access their personalized Pandora radio stations through voice command over Ford Sync. Alpine and Pioneer have also announced support for Pandora's recently launched "PandoraLink" technology in aftermarket products that those companies are distributing later this year.

* RadioTime says MINI has integrated the RadioTime Web radio service into its MINI Connected option. That offers a unique USB interface for optimum integration of the Apple iPhone in a car’s audio and infotainment system. The MINI Connected option makes MINI the first car manufacturer in the world to offer this function in a regular production car. The MINI Connected option features a Web radio function based on the RadioTime directory that leverages the iPhone’s Internet connection to tune to thousands of AM/FM and Internet-only radio stations worldwide. Sitting in a MINI networked through MINI Connected, the driver can tune to Web radio stations airing anywhere in the world, regardless of his current location, depending on Internet connection and network coverage. The driver chooses his station the usual way through the car’s audio and infotainment system, making the controls convenient and safe while driving. “Drivers love radio because it’s free and requires no registration or setup, but accessing Internet radio used to require patching a smartphone into a car’s existing sound system, and fiddling with a smartphone’s controls,” says RadioTime CEO Bill Moore. “Now, instead of looking at your smartphone screen, you can use the dash display and MINI Joystick to tune to web radio. Radio has always been an integral part of our cars, and we’re opening up the world of music, news, talk, sports and entertainment that only web radio can offer.” Exclusive to MINI, this technology sets the foundation for a deep integration of smartphone functions. MINI Connected ensures a network with the world of entertainment, communication and online functions. RadioTime provides an easy means of finding local, national or global radio programming airing on stations in 140 countries and broadcasting in 55 different languages.

* Mick Lee is moving to Clear Channel's CHR-Top40 "Z104.3" WZFT, Baltimore, as Program Director, March 22. He will also host an on-air shift as he returns to the East Coast from his current duties as Assistant PD and afternoon host at Clear Channel's CHR-Top40 "Z100" KKRZ, Portland. "Mick is exactly what we need to take Z to the next level," says Clear Channel Baltimore & DC Operations Manager Thea Mitchum. "His strategic incites, passion and PPM experience set him apart from the other incredible candidates vying to take the lead at Z104.3. He has true vision and a great understanding of not just the art of programming but the science as well. I'm excited to welcome Mick to the stellar programming team we have in Baltimore and DC." Lee, whose prior emplyment includes WIHT-FM, Washington DC, and WFLY-FM, Albany, NY, tells us, "I am beyond thrilled to be joining the Clear Channel team in Baltimore & DC. I can't thank Thea Mitchem and Hartley Adkins enough for this incredible opportunity! Baltimore has been patiently waiting years for a CHR/Mainstream and I am honored to be given the chance to be a part of its creation", added Lee.

* Emmis Radio Programming President Rick Cummings signs a one-year contract extension. According to an SEC filing, Cummings' base salary is $446,500. He also is elegible for incentive-based bonuses. Cummings assumed his current position in December 2008, after serving as Radio Division President since 2002. He's been with Emmis since 1981, when he was hired as Program Director of AC WENS-FM, Indianapolis. He was promoted to National Program Director in 1984, and was named Programming EVP in 1987.

* Cumulus Melbourne Market Manager Reid Reker resigns. His resignation is effective at the end of March, or sooner if a replacement is named. "John Dickey and Gary Pizzati have been terrific and have graciously left the door open for conversation, should I want to return," says Reker, who previously was National Marketing Manager for SparkNet, the owner and U.S. licensor of the Jack FM format. He previously spent three and a half years as SVP & Market Manager for CBS Radio San Antonio. Reker plans to spend time with his family in New Orleans and Austin. After that, he says, he will be “investigating new opportunities.”

* Gigi South is named Market Manager of Clear Channel's four-station Tuscaloosa, AL, cluster. Most recently, she was Market Manager for Citadel Birmingham. "We are very excited to have Gigi assume the leadership of our Tuscaloosa stations," says SVP Dave Crowl. "Nobody knows the dynamics of the Tuscaloosa market better than Gigi. She has previously achieved great success in the market and we are confident she will hit her new ground running with great acceleration." South adds, "I'm thrilled to be back in the vibrant market of Tuscaloosa, working with such a talented staff and to have at hand the resources Clear Channel provides to create great radio. WTXT, WZBQ, WRTR and WACT are strong, proven brands in the Tuscaloosa market. It will be great fun to be part of the next era in a long history of the stations' successes."

* Tony Senes joins the Entercom Digital team as Digital Web Support and Developer. Senes has been with Entercom's digital design and development team on a parttime basis, supporting the company's internal Music 2.0 Website conversion and working directly with markets on their tech support issues. "I'm happy to announce that Tony will be joining Entercom effective immediately on a fulltime basis. Tony is based on the East Coast and will be able to provide support more quickly for our East Coast Websites from his base in Connecticut. In addition, his knowledge of Intertech's Vortal platform is a plus for our stations," says VP of Technical Operations Ken Beck.

* The University of Georgia's budget plans include silencing its WUGA-FM. The University of Georgia would lay off 1,418 people, including 543 non-contract faculty slots, eliminating not just jobs but entire departments under a draconian budget-cutting plan submitted to state legislators, reports the Athens Banner-Herald. The proposed cuts would also include closure of the universityl’s public radio station, News & Classical WUGA-FM. UGA financial planners also propose to reduce the size of the student body by 1,500 next fall, cutting the number of freshmen admitted next fall by 500 and incoming transfer students by 1,000. Slated for closing are 4-H programs, half the Cooperative Extension offices in the state, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, as well as WUGA-FM). One in four custodial workers would lose their jobs, as would dozens of administrators.

* Interviewer extraordinaire Barbara Walters gets interviewed Thursday (March 4) — by Howard Stern. The two do their satellite radio shows down the hall from each other at Sirius XM’s New York headquarters. While Walters has been an "on the phone" guest on Stern's show, this is the first time in the studio with the shock jock. Walters is promoting her 30th and final Oscar Night special this weekend on ABC-TV. She arrives at Stern's studio fresh from doing a Top 10 list on why this will be her final Oscar Night special on Wednesday night's David Letterman TV show. The #2 reason? Jay Leno pushed her out!

* Philadelphia-based radio talk host Michael Smerconish quits the Republican Party to become an independent. “For me, the party is over,” Smerconish says. "It took only the single tap of a computer key, and just like that I’d exited the Republican Party after 30 years of active membership. The context might sound impulsive, but I’d been thinking of becoming an independent for a long time. I just hadn’t expected that a trip to renew my driver’s license would mark the end." Smerconish, based at "The Big Talker" WPHT-AM, Philadelphia, now also a syndicated talker, says, "Years ago, I grew tired of having my television or radio introduction accompanied by a label, with some implied expectation that what would then come from my mouth were the party talking points." Did he just wear the Republican label, or was he a real GOP loyalist at one time? Smerconish says that 26 years ago he was "the youngest elected member of the state delegation to the Republican National Convention, but not today. I’m not sure if I left the Republican Party or the party left me. All I know is that I no longer feel comfortable."

* Are local radio stars gone forever? Writing from San Diego for the North County Times, Randy Dotinga bemoans the loss of major personalities from the San Diego airwaves. "Jeff and Jer? Off the air. Dave, Shelly and Chainsaw? Down for the count. And most of their sidekicks are out of jobs too. These ultra-popular morning hosts — at Star 94.1 and KGB, respectively — used to rule the radio roost in the a.m. Both teams had been around for decades, meaning that kids who grew up with them are now having children of their own." Dotinga says readers have asked him two main questions about why the teams got bounced off the air: When will they be back on the radio? And what are these folks doing now? He writes that he will get to the second question in a future column. "But let me tackle the first one today and examine what it would take for J&J and DS&C to find their way back into your ears each morning." Dotinga offers some options: "Persuade another station in town to hire them," is one. "Go online," is another. And the one we like the best: "Buy a station and put their own show on the air." Dotinga ultimately arrives at the conclusion that they, and listeners, "may be out of luck." The full article has a lot more, and makes an interesting read. Just click here to read it.

* Rep. John Dingell says he opposes the Performance Rights Act which would levy new royalties for music airplay. His audience was all ears; he was addressing broadcasters. In a speech at the NAB State Leadership Dinner in Washington DC, the House Energy and Commerce Committee Charman Emeritus said, "Recording artists and record labels have profited handsomely for years from the free publicity they get from broadcasters, a mutually beneficial relationship that a performance tax will destroy. I am concerned that such a tax would be of less benefit to recording artists than to record labels, many of which are based abroad... It seems ridiculous to me to impose a new punitive fee on broadcasters during this time of recession, especially as broadcasters have seen their revenues decrease by up to 40% over the past several years." He spoke just hours after fellow Rep. John Conyers Jr. said performers have the right to compensation. Dingell (D-MI) served as Commerce chairman, or ranking Democrat, for nearly 30 years before becoming Chairman Emeritus in 2007.

* Pro-PRA musicFIRST Coalition holds a news conference to launch its 2010 campaign; the NAB fires back. The musicFIRST Coalition held the media session promoting the Performance Rights Act in Washington DC, as hundreds of broadcasters gathered for the NAB State Leadership Conference. The RIAA-backed group announced a long list of partner organizations, including Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, National Congress of Black Women, National Puerto Rican Coalition, National Coalition of Latino Clergy and Christian Leaders, National Latino Farmers and Ranchers Trade Association, Labor Heritage Foundation, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Afro-Latino Development Alliance, League of Rural Voters, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, and National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. Also at the media event was NAACP Washington Bureau Director Hilary Shelton. "Being paid fairly for your labor is one of he most basic civil rights, which is why we are pleased to support musicians everywhere to ensure that they are duly and fairly compensated when their music is enjoyed by radio listeners," Shelton said at the news conference. House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) compared the lack of airplay royalties for recording artists to involuntary servitude. "They work and they don't get paid," Conyers said after the formal news conference. "That's involuntary servitude. They don't even get any choice of whether they want to work or not — they just take their work product."

Responding to the news conference, NAB EVP Dennis Wharton said, "The unfortunate truth is that this legislation [the PRA] benefits foreign-owned record labels to the detriment of 'struggling artists.' With diminished revenues, radio stations will take less risk in exposing 'struggling artists.' This is a job-killing bill that threatens a musician's number one promotional vehicle while transferring hundreds of millions of dollars into the coffers of companies based in Tokyo, Paris, and London." The Performance Rights Act, which would require over-the-air radio stations to pay new royalties for the airing of recorded music, has passed in both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees, but votes by the full House and Senate have yet to be scheduled. The Local Radio Freedom Act, a non-binding resolution opposing any new performance royalties or fees, now has gained the support of 256 House representatives and 27 senators.

* The PPM Coalition says it wants more specifics on Arbitron's new PPM Initiatives. The Coalition, in a brief statement on Arbitron's proposals to the House Committee on Oversight and Government reform, says it wants to meet with Arbitron to see additional details, explanations, and benchmarks." A summary of Arbitron's proposal to the Oversight Committee was included in the company's annual report filed with the SEC March 1. The PPM Coalition says it received a copy of the proposal when it went to the House committee February 12, but it "has a number of questions regarding the proposal." The ad hoc group, which renewed its call for an FCC inquiry last month, says in its statement, "Arbitron and the Coalition have made plans to meet and discuss these issues in depth. Until the parties have had these discussions, the Coalition will have no further comment on Arbitron's proposal." The PPM Coalition includes Spanish Broadcasting System, Entravision, Univision Radio, ICBC Broadcast Holdings,and others. Last month the group reacted to Arbitron obtaining a temporary restraining order to require SBS to resume encoding for PPM with a new call for an FCC probe of the Portable People Meter technology.

Arbitron is proposing a "multimodal recruitment approach" entailing in-person recruiting of minorities for PPM, including in-person recruiting of Blacks and Hispanics, starting in July. Under the new plan Arbitron says, "We will deploy in-person recruiting in the high-density Black and Hispanic areas in the top-25 PPM Markets by year-end 2010 with full address-based sampling to be completed in all PPM Markets by 2011. In addition, we proposed to undertake several initiatives focused on minority broadcasters, including: launching the previously disclosed engagement metric in the first quarter of 2010; forming a minority leadership council in Spring 2010 to bring the leadership of broadcasters and agency communities together; and, expanding our current initiatives directed toward advertiser outreach for minority radio." Arbitron says, however, that even with the aggressive effort to generate an appropriate Black and Hispanic sample and repsonse rate. "While we have designed this proposal to accomplish the goals described above, we can provide no assurance that we will be successful."

* "Rush Radio" debuts in Boston next week with the launch advanced from April 1. Clear Channel moves up a previously announced move at WXKS-AM, Boston, which on Monday (March 8) becomes "1200 Rush Radio," with a lineup including Premiere Radio Networks' Rush Limbaugh, as well as Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, and Jason Lewis, and Citadel Media Networks' Mark Levin. Limbaugh moves over to WXKS from Entercom's WRKO-AM. "Boston is the birthplace of the American Revolution," says "Rush Radio" Program Director Bill George. "Rush Radio will lead a new revolution beginning Monday, March 8 at noon. From our months of research and planning to Scott Brown's recent Senate win, it's clear that there is a changing tide in Massachusetts. People are ready to embrace the type of conservative ideals that Rush Radio 1200 and its hosts embrace."

Meanwhile, "Boston's Talk Station" WRKO is replacing Limbaugh with a local show featuring Charley Manning, a Republican consultant who has been a frequent fill-in on WRKO. Manning replaces Limbaugh March 8 on WRKO. The move at the Entercom talker comes as Clear Channel prepares its April 1 launch of a new Talk station at crosstown WXKS-AM. Limbaugh, distributed by Clear Channel subsidiary Premiere Radio Networks, is expected to be a part of the new Talk station's on-air roster. Limbaugh has been heard on WRKO for more than 15 years. Manning tells the Boston Herald's Jessica Heslam that his new WRKO show will "touch on all of the local issues that everybody is talking about, but with a special look at politics. I’m looking forward to really getting into politics, especially because this is going to be such a great year with the three-way race for governor, a big race for attorney general and state treasurer." WRKO Program Director Jason Wolfe confirmed to the Herald that Manning will take over the station’s weekday noon-3pm slot.

* Conservative News-Talk WIND-AM, Chicago, reportedly invites Amy Jacobson to become morning co-host. Chicago media reporter Robert Feder says, "No one is supposed to know it yet, but Jacobson is close to accepting an offer" to, as Feder puts it, "bridge the gender gap." Jacobson is a controversial reporter who landed a radio news job after her Chicago television career blew up in 2007. Reports Feder, Salem's WIND wants her to become the co-host of Big John Howell’s 5-9am morning show. The position has been open since December when Cisco Cotto left for Citadel's News-Talk WLS-AM, where he now hosts 9-11am and, coincidentally, works with Jacobson. Jacobson, 40, who has been employed at WLS since June 2008, was a regular contributor to Roe Conn’s afternoon show from March 2009 until last January, and most recently has been a reporter handling news and traffic duties for Cotto’s midday show.

* WLS-AM, Chicago, afternoon host Roe Conn says he "never doubted Citadel Broadcasting's desire to do a deal." Conn, who just signed a new contract with the Citadel talker after a lengthy negotiation, is asked by the Chicago Sun-Times' Lewis Lazare if he ever doubted "a deal would get done." In the interview, published today (March 2), Conn says, I had met with Citadel CEO Farid Suleman last summer in New York, and he had assured me of their interest. I did, however, question my desire to return. The last year at WLS had been challenging, to say the least. The previous local management seemed split on which direction to take my show. I had lost pretty much all of the editorial control, and decisions were being made that didn't make much sense." Lazare asked Conn: "Are we correct in assuming you are no longer a million-dollar mouth in Chicago radio, and do you think you still deserve such a moniker and the generous remuneration it suggests?" To that, Conn responds, "Never assume. Despite what your sources were saying, money was never an issue. Ultimately, compensation is based on how much revenue a show can generate. I've been very lucky to have attracted a large and loyal following of listeners who like to buy stuff." Read the full interview here.

* Salem Radio Network sets plans for its "America Unplugged" tour. Says Salem News-Talk National Program Director John Butler, "The 'America Unplugged' tour is Salem’s answer to the disconnect felt by so many of us. Our radio stations and our hosts are making that connection to our listeners. We're coming together at events across America to address concerns about the economy, big government, and arrogant politicians who have forgotten what our country stands for." The SRN tour, featuring stops in 12 cities, each hosted by Salem personalities, begins March 10 in Ontario, CA. Among those scheduled to take part are Bill Bennett, Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, and Hugh Hewitt. Sarah Palin and Michael Reagan will also be special guests at selected stops. The tour continues through May 22.

* Cynthia Hudson is named SVP & General Manager of CNN en Espanol and Hispanic Strategy for CNN U.S. Hudson comes to CNN from Spanish Broadcasting System where she's been EVP & Chief Creative Officer. Hudson, who also served as Managing Director of SBS' Mega TV operation, will report to CNN International EVP & Managing Director Tony Maddox. Among Hudson's new duties will be oversight of CNN en Espanol Radio. "Cynthia brings to CNN en Espanol a wealth of creative and strategic experience in both television and new media," says Maddox. "Her appointment underscores CNN's commitment to the Latin American marketplace, where CNN en Espanol consistently ranks as the region's leading pan-regional news network, and positions us to best serve the growing Hispanic market in the U.S." Hudson's resume also includes stints at Univision and Telemundo.

* "W Radio 690" XEWW-AM, Los Angeles, names two as region-based National Spot Sales Account Managers. Hazel Montano and Melissa Fuentes are appointed as National Spot Sales Account Managers for the West Coast and Southeast respectively. Together with recently named National Sales Manager, Michael Norris, they round out the national spot sales force for Grupo Latino de Radio's News-Talk station serving Southern California. "We now have a strong team of sales experts ready to provide the best service for our clients," says VP of Sales Luis Gutierrez. "Since the division was put together earlier this year, Mike, Hazel and Melissa have managed to multiply our national client list." Montano has been with "W Radio 690AM" for over a year. Her experience in national sales and marketing includes Televisa Publishing and Entravision Radio in Los Angeles. Fuentes joined Grupo Latino de Radio in 2007 as part of the national sales team. In her new role, Fuentes will also be responsible for the national spot accounts in the Southeast region for "W Radio 690." Prior to joining Grupo Latino de Radio, Fuentes worked for several years with Fox Sports en español as part of the cable networks' sales team.

* Connoisseur Media closes on its purchase of three Cherry Creek Radio stations in Billings, Montana. Connoisseur Media, which also owns KPLN and KWMY in the market, has been LMAing the three stations — KBLG-AM, KRKX-FM, and KRZN-FM &mash; since shortly after the deal was announced in November. "We are extremely excited to begin working with such heritage radio stations, and Connoisseur Media looks forward to bringing to them the same passion we have for My 105.9 and Planet 106.7," says Connoisseur Media General Manager Cam Maxwell. Cherry Creek leaves the Billings market with the closing. "The Billings market needed a consolidation of ownership to reduce the amount of clusters in the market. We're pleased that our good friends at Connoisseur had the interest and resources to take on our stations and to continue serving the community. We wish them the best of luck in the future", says Cherry Creek Radio President & CEO Joe Schwartz. Kalil & Co. was the exclusive broker for the sale.

* KUPA-AM, Honolulu, will return to the air as "Fox Sports Radio 1370" March 15. Says KUPA General Manager T.J. Malievsky, "It's a pleasure and privilege to bring the best sports programming on the planet to serve Hawaii's sophisticated sports audience. From Jim Rome to Dan Patrick, this is the best assembling of sports personalities on the radio today." In addition to Fox Sports Radio, KUPA will air Premiere's "Jim Rome Show" in wake-up. The Broadcasting Corp. of America station has been silent since November 1, 2007, when it lost its transmitter site. It did return briefly, to maintain its FCC license, in November 2008 from a temporary site.

* One of terrestrial radio’s big spenders &ndash AutoZone – will remain so this year. Mel Phillips writes at his NowAndThen, "AutoZone, the U.S. auto-parts retail industry leader loves the return they’re getting on their radio dollar so much, they’ve decided to stick with radio for the bulk of their ad spending. Bill Rhodes, Chairman, President and CEO of the company said so during AutoZone’s conference call yesterday: 'We will remain heavily focused on radio advertising, as we are one of the largest radio advertisers in the U.S. today.' Rhodes and company just celebrated a fiscal second-quarter earnings rise of 6.4%, beating analysts’ estimates, as AutoZone saw sales and margins increase." Phillips notes that Media Monitors reports AutoZone was radio’s fourth largest advertiser last week, airing 25,768 spots. "As of February 13, AutoZone operates 4,289 stores, up from 4,141 a year earlier. Even if most, if not all of their radio buy is national, that money has to trickle down to lots of AutoZone outlets spread nation-wide, benefiting local radio," says the Wednesday (March 3) entry.

* The FCC's Media Bureau sets the agenda for Thursday's daylong "Future Of Media" workshop. Opening remarks from FCC Commissioner Michael Copps and Steve Waldman, senior adviser to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, will be followed by the first of three panels. The March 4 "Future of Media & Information Needs of Communities: Serving the Public Interest in the Digital Era" panel topics include "Brief History and Overview of the Public Interest in Media Policymaking", "Traditional Media – Local Television and Radio Public Interest Obligations" and, "Policy Implications of Convergence and the Digital Transformation."

* More than 400 broadcasters gather in Washington DC for the NAB State Leadership Conference. The local station representatives were to meet with lawmakers on a variety of issues they say are critical to the future of free and local broadcasting. Among the issues, there is one standout each for radio and television. Radio's top concern among legislative issues is the Performance Rights Act, which would impose new fees for the airing of recorded music on over-the-air radio. TV, meanwhile, is concerned about proposals to reclaim TV spectrum to provide more space for mobile broadband services. This week's events include a series of policy updates at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill, today (March 2) with scheduled appearances from House Communications Subcommittee Chairman Rick Boucher (D-VA), House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Emeritus John Dingell (D-MI) and Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA). Local broadcast representatives will meet with their lawmakers in a series of Wednesday meetings.

* Classic Country KWKH-AM, Shreveport, LA, weekend host "Bobby Wayne" is facing child rape charges. Wayne, whose real name is Robert Elliott Bruce, has been arrested on charges he molested and had forced sexual intercourse with a little girl, reports Examiner.com. The actual charges are aggravated rape and contempt of court. Bruce, 42, was indicted by the Caddo Parish grand jury on a charge of aggravated rape. The little girl was eight years old when she was victimized several times, prosecutors said. Bruce, who worked as a weekend host for KWKH using the air name Bobby Wayne, is now no longer with the station says GAP Broadcasting General Manager Charlie Thomas. Bruce was arrested at a residence in Bossier City by a U.S. Marshal's fugitive task force and city police. He was jailed Tuesday (March 2) under $500,000 bond, awaiting arraignment in Caddo District Court. Shreveport police said they began investigating Bruce in 2008 after the child told a family member she had been molested.

* Media management software company Marketron names Arbitron veteran Tom O'Sullivan as VP of Sales. O'Sullivan will oversee worldwide sales of all Marketron products. Most recently he was President of Media Analytics Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in analyzing market trends. Previously, O'Sullivan was Arbitron's VP of Sales. "We are delighted to add someone with Tom's depth of experience to our management team," says Marketron CEO Steve Minisini. "Tom is well-versed in supporting the introduction of new technologies into the marketplace -- and especially familiar with the needs of our key media groups. His 22 years of experience in working with local stations, broadcast groups and streaming media outlets will be particularly helpful as we launch new services that focus on bringing new revenue producing technologies to our clients."

* CRN Digital Talk Radio launches "The Daily Wrap" on Global American Broadcasting. The new program will fill the time slot left open by the retirement of Bruce Williams on GAB1. "Combining three of our compelling one hour programs into a complete programming block, just made sense for us and our affiliates." says VP of Sales and Marketing Jennifer Horn. "The Daily Wrap will give listeners a review of the day in entertainment, issues and the best in lifestyle programming." The three programs merged into the new block are CRN's "PM Show," Barry Farber and "The What's Cookin' Show." Each show is being offered individually or as part of "The Daily Wrap" block of programming.

* Arbitron proposes a "multimodal recruitment approach" entailing in-person recruiting of minorities for PPM. Arbitron's plan would entail in-person recruiting of Blacks and Hispanics, starting in July. Arbitron details the plan in a March 1 SEC filing — a plan the company first submitted to the U.S. House Of Representatives Committee On Oversight and Government Reform February 12. Under the new plan Arbitron says, "We will deploy in-person recruiting in the high-density Black and Hispanic areas in the top-25 PPM Markets by year-end 2010 with full address-based sampling to be completed in all PPM Markets by 2011. In addition, we proposed to undertake several initiatives focused on minority broadcasters, including: launching the previously disclosed engagement metric in the first quarter of 2010; forming a minority leadership council in Spring 2010 to bring the leadership of broadcasters and agency communities together; and, expanding our current initiatives directed toward advertiser outreach for minority radio." Arbitron says, however, that even with the aggressive effort to generate an appropriate Black and Hispanic sample and repsonse rate. "While we have designed this proposal to accomplish the goals described above, we can provide no assurance that we will be successful."

* Arbitron says its PPM sample size metrics hit new highs in January 2010. In its Monday (March 1) announcement, Arbitron claims it met or exceeded substantially all of its sample size metrics across the 33 PPM currency markets in the January 2010 Portable People Meter (PPM) survey. The average Designated Delivery Index (DDI) for Persons aged 6+ was 109 in January and 104 for Persons aged 18-54 across the 33 PPM currency markets. The ratings company says it achieved a new high of a 98 DDI for Black Persons aged 18-34 in January. The January average DDI across the 33 PPM currency markets was 94 for all Persons aged 18-34; 91 among Hispanic persons aged 18-34* and 94 for Other Persons (not Black and not Hispanic) aged 18-34. The average among 33 PPM Currency, 19 markets for black, 22 markets for Hispanic and 14 markets for language preference. Arbitron also claims it reached new highs for average daily in-tab rate in January 2010. The January 2010 average in-tab rate reached a new high of 82 percent for Persons aged 6+ across the 33 PPM currency markets exceeding the Company's benchmark of 75 percent by a significant margin. The average in-tab rate for the Persons aged 18-34 demos reached new high marks and exceeded the 70% company benchmark. The average in-tab rate was 78% for all Persons aged 18-34 in January 2010. For Black Persons aged 18-34 the average in-tab rate was 75% and the average in-tab rate was 80% for Hispanic Persons aged 18-34. The 33 PPM currency market average SPI in January 2010 was 22.3%. That, says Arbitron, is a 25% increase over the 14-market average from the same month last year (19.7%). More from Arbitron...

* Regional Reps Corp. signs an exclusive agreement to represent Zone Radio's three stations in Bangor, ME. Regional Reps Corp., a 53-year-old independent sales rep firm specializing in small and medium market radio outlets, will handle national sales for WKIT-FM, WZON-AM and WZON-FM. Zone Radio's Ken Wood says, "With their experience in bringing national attention to small and medium market Radio stations, we look forward to a successful partnership with Regional Reps." Regional Reps Corp. President Stuart Sharpe adds, "We're proud to have been selected to represent the Zone Radio stations. Locally owned and operated, the stations epitomize everything that makes Radio successful: community service, popular, long time on-air personalities and a clear focus on delivering a strong ROI to advertisers. We are excited about the opportunity to share Zone's great story with regional and national advertisers."