News Briefs - Nov. 13, 2012

James Harness Joins Clear Channel Los Angeles Imaging Team. Clear Channel Los Angeles appoints James "Skortch" Harness as Imaging Director for KIIS-FM and "98-7fm" KYSR-FM, effective immediately. Harness joins fellow Imaging Director Forrest Martin who came to KIIS-FM in December 2011. Harness and Martin will work as a team to produce format specific on-air promos for the stations, and will continue to consult with Imaging guru Kelly Doherty who recently transitioned from KIIS and 98-7fm, to the CCME National Platforms team as VP of Imaging. "Skortch is very skilled and creative," says Clear Channel Media and Entertainment SVP of Programming John Ivey. "He brings not only a fresh perspective to these stations, but also understands the market and the competitive landscape. I think this team of outstanding Imaging Directors is going to turn out some amazing stuff. I can't wait to hear what they've got."

Miami '101.5 Lite FM' PD/OM Rob Sidney Extends. Lincoln Financial Media announces that Director of Programming and Operations of AC "101.5 Lite FM" WLYF-FM, Miami, Rob Sidney has signed a new contract extension that will make him LFM's longest tenured programmer with more than 25 years of service to South Florida radio. Sidney joined WLYF as Music Director and morning host in 1990, assuming his current duties in 1993, after programming positions at radio stations in Baltimore, Chicago, Washington and New York City. "Like all the great program directors I've worked with, Rob shares their love and passion for our medium and never forgets that every day he creates show business," says LFM Miami SVP and General Manager Jeff Dinetz. "I am thrilled that he will be leading this great station and staff for years to come."

Daniel Gilliam Returning as Louisville 'Classical 90.5' PD. Louisville Public Media announces the return of Daniel Gilliam as Program Director of "Classical 90.5" WUOL-FM. He will be leaving his position as PD of the Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) Classical network of stations to begin in Louisville November 19. During his tenure at MPR, he created the station's first education initiative to reach more students and teachers and added new programming. "Daniel is brimming with ideas to expand the station's role in the community and to reach out to new audiences," says Louisville Public Media President Donovan Reynolds. "He brings an intelligence and passion for classical music, unique gifts as a composer, and an engaging, creative presence that will benefit our listeners and Louisville's arts and cultural institutions." Gilliam's strategy for "Classical 90.5," we're told, includes building a staff of announcers and producers committed to community engagement and expanded digital content, and strengthening the station's educational programs.

La Promesa to Acquire Houston's KCOH-AM for $2.14 Million. La Promesa Foundation has agreed to acquire 5kw Urban AC KCOH-AM (1430), Houston, from KCOH Inc. for $2.14 million consisting of $1.5 million cash at closing and a $641,000 promissory note. The seller will donate to La Promesa an asset with a fair market value of $625,000. La Promesa is headed by Leonard Oswald, President. KCOH Inc. is headed by Tom Petrizzo, Executor, Estate of Michael Petrizzo who is deceased. Media Broker John Saunders represented the seller as exclusive broker.

Tyler Closes on $40 Million Renda Oklahoma City Cluster Purchase. Tyler Broadcasting Corp. has closed on the purchase of Renda Broadcasting's four-station Oklahoma City radio cluster for $40 million. The group includes KMGL-FM (104.1), KRXO-FM (107.7 ), KOMA-FM (92.5) and KOKC-AM (1520), as well as 24.5% interest in Sooner Sports Properties, a multimedia rights holder of University of Oklahoma Athletics. Tyler also owns three stations in Oklahoma City including KJKE-FM (93.3), KTUZ-FM (106.7) and KEBC-AM (1560). Renda Broadcasting is a Pittsburgh-based privately held radio broadcasting company headed by Tony Renda, Sr. Renda and its affiliated companies own and operate 23 stations in seven markets. Kalil & Co. represented Tyler Broadcasting in the transaction.

Mark Bolke to Exit A-Ware Software. Veteran programmer Mark Bolke will exit his position as VP and COO of A-Ware Software, the developers of MusicMaster Scheduling software, as of December 31. Bolke tells us, "I’m very proud of the work we’ve done since joining the company in 2003. MusicMaster is an incredible product, and participating in the phenomenal growth of the brand and market share has been an extremely rewarding experience. It’s been a pleasure working with Joe Knapp and everyone at MusicMaster, and I wish them nothing but the continued success they rightfully deserve. For me, the time is right for a new challenge and opportunity."

Bonneville Seattle Signs Multi-Year Seahawks Deal Bonneville Seattle signs a multi-year extension of their partnership with the Seattle Seahawks and the Seattle Sounders FC. The partnership includes radio play-by-play, special programming, community service projects, on-site events and exclusive web content. "The Seahawks and Sounders FC are pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with Bonneville Seattle to provide our fans high-quality programming over the coming years," says Vulcan Sports and Entertainment CEO Peter McLoughlin. "This renewed commitment with 710 ESPN and KIRO Radio gives both teams a strong foundation in the Seattle market, an established spot on the radio dial." Since the formation of the Seattle Seahawks in 1976, KIRO-AM has been the sole radio partner for all 37 seasons. KIRO-AM (710 ESPN) and KIRO-FM will continue to simulcast all the Seattle Seahawks games along with the pre-game and post-game programs.

Introducing 'Sharpe 99.3' in Arkansas. Former Classic Hits "94.1 The Point" KKPT-FM, Little Rock, morning host Sharpe Dunaway moves to Russellville, Arkansas, where Max Media of Arkansas flips Oldies KVLD-FM to Classic Rock. Dunaway will serve as Program Director and afternoon host at KVLD-FM, which is being rebranded (temporarily?) as "Sharpe 99.3" and positioned as "The River Valley Rocker." The station will also feature Doug Kramer in mornings. The syndicated "Nights with Alice Cooper" will also be added to the new Classic Rock station. It's online at www.Sharpe993.com.

Rick O'Dell Launching SmoothJazzChicago.net. Chicago radio icon Rick O'Dell returns Smooth Jazz to the Windy City with his new SmoothJazzChicago.net website. O'Dell himself will be heard on the Internet station. O'Dell, a life-long Chicago area resident, has been a staple on the market's radio since 1981, best known for 19 years at WNUA-FM, when it was a Smooth Jazz station, where he was Music Director and Program Director and on-air host. He was most recently heard on "Smooth 87.7" WLFM-LP until its format flip under an LMA (and subsequent change of call letters to WKQX-LP). Joining O'Dell will be two other voices familiar from WNUA-FM and WLFM-LP, Bill Cochran and Scott Adams. O'Dell says he also plans to add more specialty shows to the Internet station.

News About News on Philadelphia's 'IQ 106.9'. Now that Merlin Media is on life-support, having ended New York City operations and cut staff at its Chicago cluster to a minimum, conservative Talk "IQ 106.9" WWIQ-FM, Philadelphia, has added Fox News Radio newscasts at the top of the hour. Newscasts previously were fed to Philly by Merlin New York City or Chicago.