News Briefs - Dec. 10, 2012

CBS Radio Closes on New York's Former WRXP-FM, Now WFAN-FM. CBS Radio closes on its purchase of the former WRXP-FM, now WFAN-FM, New York. The station is currently airing a simulcast of "Sports Radio 66" WFAN-AM. CBS purchased the station for $75 million from Merlin Media and began the simulcast under an LMA. In early January, the FM will become the sole home of the existing WFAN Sports Talk programming, as the AM becomes the home of the new 24/7 CBS Sports Radio network. With the acquisition of 101.9 FM, CBS Radio now owns seven stations in the nation's number one market. The longest running Sports Talk radio station in the nation, WFAN-AM, which celebrated its 25th anniversary this past July, is also the flagship radio home for several sports teams, including the New York Giants, New York Mets, Brooklyn Nets and New Jersey Devils. It's not yet been announced if some or all of those broadcasts will transition to the FM or remain on the AM.

'Power Talk' Coming to Fresno January 1. Clear Channel will launch "Power Talk" in Fresno, January 1. Hot AC "Alice 96.7" KALZ-FM will flip to the new Talk format, as will two AMs which are currently simulcasting Fox Sports Radio – KCBL-AM and KRZR-AM, Visalia. The new "Power Talk" will feature Premiere Networks talk shows, including those recently pulled by Clear Channel's syndication company from Peak Broadcasting's Talk KMJ-AM-FM. The lineup will include Glenn Beck 6-9am, Rush Limbaugh 9am-noon, and Sean Hannity noon-3pm, with a local show hosted by former Cumulus Talk KKOH-AM, Reno host Bill Manders 3-6pm. Premiere's Andy Dean will air 6-pm, followed by "Ground Zero with Clyde Lewis" 9-10pm, and then "Coast to Coast" hosted by George Noory 10pm-6am.

Entercom Sacramento Market Manager John Geary to Retire After 45-Year Radio Career. Entercom Sacramento VP and Market Manager John Geary says he will retire early next year. He's held his current position since 1986, and has worked in radio since 1967. Geary say he will remain in place until his replacement is found. "In November of 1967, I collected my first paycheck from the radio industry. It was for $32.47. To a sophomore in college, that bought a lot of pizza and beer," says Geary. "It also marked the beginning of a career path which has brought me to people, places and events that have enriched my life. Now, after 45 years, this is an appropriate time to conclude that journey. I have treasured my years with Entercom. I leave knowing this organization is in better shape than what I inherited. Our stations’ ratings are formidable, market-leading revenue rank positions are a reality and talented people, each making their individual contributions to our collective success, populate every department in the building."

Clear Channel and DashGo Sign Music Rights Agreement. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment signs a music rights agreement with digital content distributor DashGo, which represents several independent labels and artists. This deal follows previous Clear Channel music rights agreements with Big Machine, Glassnote and Naxos. “DashGo is a digital partner for content creators, and it is crucial that we do everything we can to help Internet radio grow and thrive,” says DashGo Founder and President Ben Patterson. “Since 2004, DashGo has focused on creating new revenue streams, distribution channels and promotional opportunities for artists, and Clear Channel’s groundbreaking business model demonstrates they’re on the same page.” Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman adds, “Ben Patterson’s DashGo is the kind of progressive, forward-thinking company that is a perfect partner for us. They understand where the marketplace is going and what needs to be done to succeed. This agreement will provide greater access to artists across digital channels, and will strengthen the integrated online marketing campaigns that DASHGO specializes in. Together, we’ll work to create an environment where artists, labels, and radio benefit - no matter how fans choose to listen to music.”

Gow Grows, More Than Doubles Affiliates, Acquires Sports Flash Radio Network. Gow Broadcasting, which operates Yahoo! Sports Radio in partnership with Yahoo! Sports, tells us it has now passed 360 affiliates, with continued growth, including the recent acquisition of The Sports Flash Radio Network. Since Gow announced its partnership with Yahoo! Sports in August 2011, the company's affiliate base has more than doubled from 170. "We are really pleased with the ongoing expansion of our affiliate base. The acquisition of the Sports Flash Radio Network extends our reach to both sports-format and non-sports-format stations. And the additions of new shows we have introduced over the past year have enabled us to achieve industry-leading growth," saiys Yahoo! Sports Radio CEO David Gow. The Sports Flash Radio Network was founded by Mike Sinnott and provides sports updates to affiliates. "We are very excited to join forces with Yahoo! Sports Radio as we see strong potential for growth by aligning with them," says Sinnott, who is joining the management team at Yahoo! Sports Radio, as a VP responsible for the growth of the updates business.

Minneapolis 'K-Twin' Adds Three for On-Air. Hot AC "96.3 K-Twin" KTWN-FM, Minneapolis, tells us it's added new on-air talent, highlighted by Brian "BT" Turner, Rena Sarigianopoulos and Cane Peterson. Turner, a well-known market radio personality, will join "K-Twin" for noon-3pm. Sarigianopoulos and Peterson will join morning host Eric Perkins. Sarigianopoulos is a TV news anchor. Peterson is a veteran radio host who has worked at New Yorks "K-Rock" WXRK-FM and SiriusXM. The new lineup begins January 2. "We are committed to hiring the best local talent possible to serve and entertain the listeners of the Twin Cities. We could not be more excited about bringing BT, Rena and Cane together on one station," says SVP and General Manager Sam Elliot Gagliardi. "Together with current personalities Eric Perkins and Dan Riggs, I know that they will deliver the best possible entertainment centered around community, sports and music to the Twin Cities."

Adelante Media Group Promotes Angie Balderas and Stacy Turner. Adelante Media Group promotes two sales executives. National Sales Manager Angie Balderas is upped to VP/Director of Sales, and Sacramento Radio General Sales Manager Stacy Turner is promoted to the National Sales Manager position being vacated by Balderas, who will, we're told, spearhead local sales efforts across the company. Turner will also oversee the Spanish radio company's digital sales efforts, and additionally assumes Director of Sales for Adelante Sacramento. "It's very exciting when we can promote two talented broadcasters into bigger jobs and also put the company in tremendous position for continued growth," says Adelante CEO Jay Meyers. "Angie Balderas is a name well known in this industry and has done a spectacular job building our reputation and sales nationally, but our biggest need is driving local sales in all of our markets as the economy recovers and like any great team, we drafted the very best talent for the position. At the same time, we get to reward Stacy Turner who joined us just two years ago and has made a huge impact on our Sacramento market. Stacy's talents are a perfect fit to lead our National Sales efforts in partnership with our rep McGavren Guild. And Stacy is an expert in digital making her the perfect person to lead our company in this emerging revenue category."

Dave Ramsey Changes Nashville Stations. "The Dave Ramsey Show" is moving to a new Nashville station, Cromwell's "102.5 The Game" WPRT-FM, and 97.5 FM in Murfreesboro, weekdays 1-4pm, starting January 1. Ramsey's syndicated show has aired on Cumulus' WWTN-FM for 20 years. He tells us, “After 20 years on WWTN it is very difficult to leave. Unfortunately, we couldn’t come to terms with Cumulus on a simple renewal agreement. There are a lot of great people at WWTN and we’ll miss them. But we’re excited to have the opportunity to work with an independent radio station owner the caliber of Bud Walters.” Walters, of course, is Cromwell's President. He says, "Dave is broadcast on two of our other stations where he makes a difference every day. We've talked with him about joining us on The Game in the past, and we're pleased it is happening as we start 2013. It is also the year he enters The Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Dave."

The Ins and Outs of Radio
Sports Talk "XX 1090" XEPRS-AM, San Diego, morning hosts Dave Palet and Jeff Dotseth exit. Reports say midday host Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton will segue to the earlier AM shift, but the station hasnt yet confirmed that ... "Country 92.5" WWYZ-FM, Hartford, will add William "Broadway" Bertshinger with co-host Cory Myers for mornings, starting January 2. "Broadway" most recently hosted mornings at "99.9 Kiss Country" WKIS-FM, Miami ... Hot AC "93.1 Kiss FM" KSII-FM, El Paso, promotes weekender Patty Campos to afternoon host ... Program Director and on-air host Rich Summers will exit Country "Kissin' 92" KIZN-FM/KQFC-FM, Boise, Idaho, December 31, after 14 years.