News Briefs - Nov. 16, 2012

Jimmy Gonzalez to Head CBS Radio Spanish Programming. Jimmy "JD" Gonzalez is named VP of Spanish Programming for CBS Radio and Program Director for CBS Radio's "Mega 107.5" KMVK-FM, Dallas, effective immediately. Gonzalez previously spent six years as SVP of Programming at Univision in Dallas. "Jimmy is a leader in our industry and an expert in this format," says Dallas-Fort Worth SVP and Market Manager Brian Purdy. "We're going to benefit from his experience, and he will help us continue to propel Mega forward in North Texas." CBS currently has four Spanish-language stations: KMVK-FM, Dallas; KLOL-FM, Houston; WLZL-FM, Washington DC; and WYUU-FM, Tampa. CBS Radio SVP of Programming Greg Strassell tells us, "Jimmy has been a tremendous programmer to compete against and we are excited to bring his expertise in-house to our Spanish language stations in Dallas, Houston, Washington and Tampa."

CBS Sports Radio Announces Overnight Show. CBS Sports Radio announces Damon Amendolara as host of the network’s weekday overnight show. "The D.A. Show" will debut January 2 with the launch of the new network, and will be heard on select stations from 2-6am ET. The show, we're told, will be heard on-air, streaming online and through the Radio.com application for mobile devices. Amendolara joins the network from CBS Radio's "98.5 The Sports Hub" WBZ-FM, Boston, where he's served as evening host since the station's launch in August 2009. "D.A. is an all-star in Boston, and his energy and understanding of the sports world will no doubt translate to a national platform," says CBS Sports Radio Director of Programming Eric Spitz. "Damon is certainly the man to keep listeners engrossed overnight, and his work at stations across the country, covering a multitude of different sports, will be beneficial to our listeners. His success and following on our local radio station and his charitable endeavors in the community prove he will make a great addition to our already outstanding lineup at CBS Sports Radio."

Shamrock Reno to Launch '105.3 Martini Radio'. Shamrock Radio announces its next station in the Reno market will be Standards on KZTI-FM as "105.3 Martini Radio." This will be the third of four new FM signals, airing what Shamrock calls a "standards format with a modern twist." They tell us that they are promoting the new station as "your ultimate lounge act. Take one part Sinatra, one part Dean Martin, one part Tony Bennett, add a splash of Michael Buble, Adele, Norah Jones, mix them together to create the smoothest most refreshing Martini you’ve ever had. Music that’s shaken, not stirred. From Rat Pack to Brat Pack! That is what '105.3 Martini Radio' will be!” Previously, Shamrock has recently debuted News Talk "107.3 K-News" KNEZ-FM and a "return" of Alternative KRZQ-FM (on a new frequency). The format for the fourth station, KWNZ-FM, is still to be announced.

Kenn Brown Named GSM, Mike Cheney Named LSM at Horizon in Oregon. Horizon Broadcasting Group (HBG) adds two longtime Central Oregon radio managers for its six stations. Kenn Brown is named General Sales Manager and Mike Cheney is named Local Sales Manager for the Oregon-based company’s stations. "I am delighted to have Kenn and Mike join our sales management team in Bend, Oregon," says President and CEO Keith Shipman. "They have wonderful perspective of this market and we are looking forward to their leadership of our sales efforts." Brown has worked in radio since 1972 managing stations in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. Cheney has been in the Central Oregon radio market for over 25 years. HBG owns five radio stations in Central Oregon and operates a sixth station under an LMA with Summit Broadcasting Group.

Rejoice Radio Networks Names Mike Tyler VP of Operations. Rejoice Radio Networks appoints Mike Tyler as VP of Operations. Tyler is also the owner and operator of Broadcast Affiliate Sales and the new position is structured to allow him to continue that venture. As VP of Operations for Rejoice Radio Networks and Musical Soul Food, Tyler will oversee the company’s expansion. President and CEO Mike Chandler tells us, "Everyone at Rejoice is ecstatic that we have hired the network veteran Mike Tyler. Rejoice is expanding rapidly by adding daily features, choirs, specials and lots more programming. We know we have hired the right person to take our network to the next level." Says Tyler, "I am delighted to be joining Rejoice Radio Networks to help them chart the future of this fabulous radio network. I see a very bright future for this network." He adds that they "are seeking new talent for voice work and new shows" and "plan to add an unlimited number of motivational and informational daily features."

Arbitron to Reissue Greenville-Spartanburg Summer 2012 Ratings. Arbitron says it will reissue its Summer 2012 audience estimates for the Greensville-Spartanburg market, November 27, following the discovery of an error. A diary attribtued to a 25 year-old male was actually completed by a 75 year-old male. The ratings company tells us that since this diary contained significant listening to WESC-FM, estimates for WESC-FM in select demographics or dayparts may be affected. Estimates for other stations may be slightly affected. In addition, several other diaries will undergo minor recrediting or reassignment for the revised report. Arbitron expects those changes to have little or no effect on reported audience estimates.

'Sixx Sense' Radio Show Expands to 'Sixx Sense The Magazine'. Best Buy and Premiere Networks extend their multi-platform Sixx Sense Rock promotion, curated by Nikki Sixx’s national radio show "Sixx Sense." Beginning November 18, a Sixx Sense branded mini-magazine will be added to the Sixx Sense Rock displays in 700 Best Buy stores across the country. "Sixx Sense The Magazine" will feature more than 40 pages of exclusive content from the radio show, new interviews with Nikki Sixx, Kerri Kasem, Rock musicians and more. The magazine will also be available for purchase on www.BestBuy.com starting November 19 through the end of 2012.

The Ins and Outs of Radio
APD/MD and midday host Lee Roberts exits "Classic Rock 107.7" KRXO-FM, Oklahoma City, after two decades at the station ... Beasley Rhythmic CHR "Power 96" WPOW-FM, Miami, names Pio Ferro Program Director, effective November 19. Previously, Ferro was CBS Radio VP of Hispanic Programming in Dallas ... Assistant PD Rob Wagman will exit "92.3 Now" WNOW-FM, New York, November 23, "to explore new opportunities" ... New Triple-A KRML-FM, Monterey-Salinas (Carmel), names Jeff White as Program Director ... Adult Variety Hits "The Arch" WARH-FM, St. Louis, promotes weekend/fill-in host Robert Fithen to nights ... Hot AC "Coast 97.3" WFLC-FM, Miami, morning co-host Donny Michaels is out, with co-host Julie Guy going solo ... "590 The Fan" KFNS-AM, St. Louis, afternoon host Kevin Slaten exits after recent inappropriate on-air comments. The shift is now being filled by the syndicated Paul Finebaum show ... Hot AC WIQO-FM, Lynchburg, Virginia, ends its simulcast with co-owned WKHF-FM and flips to Classic Rock as "100.9 Rocks".