News Briefs - Dec. 11, 2012

DC's 'ESPN 980' Suspends Afternoon Hosts. Red Zebra's "ESPN 980" WTEM-AM, Washington DC, has suspended afternoon hosts Steve Czaban and Andy Pollin – "The Sports Reporters" – for comments about transgendered college basketball player Gabrielle Ludwig. Both hosts issued an on-air apology before the suspension was announced. In a statement, the station's management says, "We strongly believe two of our employees crossed the line when discussing a transsexual person on their program last Thursday. Such intolerance and insensitivity will never be tolerated by this company. Due to the nature of their conversation, the pair have been temporarily removed from ESPN 980's Sports Reporters program."

CMG Names Radio Technology Director. Cox Media Group (CMG) VP and General Manager Scott Smith is now also the company’s new Radio Technology Director for CMG’s radio operations. In this new role, Smith will oversee CMG radio’s signal improvements, regulatory changes as they affect radio, and CMG's radio portfolio opportunities. Smith will continue in his leadership role at CMG Athens and will continue reporting to CMG Atlanta VP and Market Manager Ben Reed. Says Smith, "I’m looking forward to the challenge of leading in this new role with CMG to maximize the value of our existing broadcast assets and look for new opportunities to expand CMG’s industry leading brands and facilities in the communities we serve,"

'American Idol' Makes NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The NAB announces that American Idol will be the television inductee into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. The show will be honored at the 2013 NAB Show Television Luncheon, April 8 in Las Vegas. "For over a decade, 'American Idol' has shaped the reality competition television genre, brought families together by entertaining viewers of all ages and made a huge cultural impact," says NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "NAB is proud to recognize this innovative television program."

New Vevo-YouTube Deal May Be Near. Vevo and YouTube could reach a new agreement by the end of this month, according to the New York Post. Vevo's contract with YouTube officially ended December 9, but negotiations are reportedly continuing, and a deal may be near. According to the Post, YouTube and Vevo could reach a completely new deal, or simply extend their old agreement. Ad revenue sharing has reportedly been the sticking point in the negotiations, but now the published report says the "future of online music-video hub Vevo and its relationship with YouTube could be wrapped up in the next two weeks. Sources say both parties want to reach a distribution agreement before year end. Of course, these days YouTube is owned by Google, which says in a statement, "While we don’t comment on individual negotiations, we always hope to renew our relationships with valuable partners." Vevo is owned by Universal Music Group, Sony Music and Abu Dhabi Media Group. Warner Music Group licenses its own music videos via a deal with Viacom’s MTV.

CCME Signs Another Music Royalty Deal. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announces a revenue sharing agreement with "rpm entertainment" – a new Country music label, management, and publishing company. Under the agreement, rpm entertainment "will share in Clear Channel’s broadcast revenues, aligning the business interests of both companies and helping to build a sustainable market in Internet radio." Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman says rpm founder "Scott Siman knows country music inside and out. His years of experience and his reputation in the industry make him and his company an ideal choice for this partnership. His focus on emerging country artists makes this business model, which allows new acts to reach bigger, more diverse audiences, even more relevant."

Saga Declares 4 for 3 Stock Split. Saga Communications announces that its Board of Directors has declared a 4 for 3 stock split on its Class A and Class B Common Shares. The new shares will be distributed on January 16 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 28, 2012. As a result of the stock split, each shareholder of Class A Common Stock will receive one additional share of Class A Common Stock for every three shares of Class A Common Stock owned, and each shareholder of Class B Common Stock will receive one additional share of Class B Common Stock for every three shares of Class B Common Stock owned. Fractional shares will be paid for in cash.

Beasley Declares Special Cash Dividend. The Beasley Broadcast Group Board of Directors has declared a special cash dividend of $0.085 for each share of its Class A and Class B common stock. This one-time special dividend is payable on December 27 to shareholders of record on December 22. Beasley says the declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the board based on its consideration of various factors, including the company's operating results, financial condition and capital requirements.

Pandora Goes Down Under. Pandora has officially launched in Australia and New Zealand with curated genre stations of Australian and New Zealand-specific music across a variety of genres. Says Pandora Chief Strategy Officer Tim Westergren, "After years of preparation and anticipation we are absolutely thrilled to fully launch Pandora internationally in Australia and New Zealand. Personalized radio is a wonderful medium for listeners to enjoy music they know and discover music they'll love. Now we begin the incredibly exciting process of connecting the 100,000-plus working musicians in the Pandora catalog with millions of new listeners. What an amazing opportunity."

Clear Channel Chicago Names John Courtemanche VP of Sales. Clear Channel names Jason Courtemanche VP of Sales for the seven-station Chicago cluster, effective December 17. Most recently, Courtemanche was Sales Manager for CBS Radio's crosstown cluster. He started his radio career at Clear Channel Hartford as an Account Executive and was promoted to Director of National Sales and General Sales Manager in Las Vegas. "Jason has achieved tremendous success at every level of sales management and a passion for driving revenue," says CCME Chicago President and Market Manager Earl Jones. "He'll make an excellent addition to our team as the Vice President of Sales."

Tyah Sartler-Williams Named LSM at Milwaukee's 'Hog'. Senior Account Executive Tyah Sartler-Williams is promoted to Local Sales Manager at heritage Rock "102.9 The Hog" WHQG-FM, Milwaukee. "Tyah is the perfect balance of hardcore competitive business person and nurturing and supportive team leader," says Milwaukee Radio Group VP and General Manager Annmarie Topel. "She has been a stellar Account Executive, gaining the respect of her clients and co-workers since the day she walked in the door over a decade ago. Some management restructuring in our company made this position available, and Tyah was the clear choice."

Paul Harris to Anchor Envision's 'America Weekend'. Envision Radio Networks announces that major market talk veteran Paul Harris will anchor "America Weekend." The show is described as the "new live, programming alternative to low-rated brokered shows and 'Best Of' programs." Harris will be heard on "America Weekend" both Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-noon ET. Harris, who has been heard on radio stations in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Hartford, and St. Louis, tells us, "I'm excited about launching 'America Weekend' to give both affiliates and listeners something more compelling, with great stories, interesting interviews, and my own perspective on what's happening." America Weekend Executive Producer Kipper McGee, who worked with Harris in St. Louis and Chicago says he's "thrilled to be working with Paul again." McGee adds, "We will be announcing the remainder of the America Weekend lineup in coming weeks, and look forward to demonstrating that News Talk radio can enjoy weekend ratings and revenues!"

The Ins and Outs of Radio
Andy Winford is in as Townsquare Media Billings, Montana, Operations Manager for Classic Hits KKBR-FM and News Talk "Newsradio 95 FM/970 AM" KBUL-AM-FM, as well as Brand Manager of Classic Rock "103.7 The Hawk" KMHK-FM and ClassicCountry KTCR-AM .... Adult Hits "106.5 The Lake" WHLK-FM, Cleveland, names sister Country WGAR-FM PD Charley Connolly to add "Lake" Program Director, replacing Tony Matteo, who was recently named Operation Manager for the co-owned Clear Channel Wichita cluster ... Active Rock "95X" WAQX-FM, Syracuse, officially names midday host (and APD/MD) Joe Detomaso as Program Director, after serving as Interim PD since October ... Rhythmic CHR "Power 106.9" KOPW-FM, Omaha, midday host Heather Jordan exits due to her position being eliminated. She also was Promotions Director and web content producer ... La Bronca has joined Media Latino Communications' "La Numero Uno" network. Her show airs 5-10pm. La Bronca previously worked for stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Miami.