News Briefs - Dec. 18, 2012 [Updated]

KKLA-FM Los Angeles Host Frank Pastore Dies at 55. Christian Talk "The Spirit of Los Angeles" KKLA-FM afternoon host Frank Pastore has died from injuries suffered November 19 in a motorcycle accident. The station announced Pastore's passing on their www.KKLA.com website, "Dear Listeners: As many of you are aware, Frank Pastore was in a motorcycle accident Monday night, 11/19. Gina Pastore informed us that in the early afternoon of Monday, December 17, Frank passed away. We will update you with any additional information as soon as it is available. Please continue to pray for Gina and the family. Blessings to you, KKLA Management". Pastore, as we previously reported, sustained severe head trauma when he was thrown from his motorcycle in an accident on the eastbound freeway near Buena Vista Street. He was flown by helicopter to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center, where he remained in a coma and was listed in critical condition. He was later transferred to a hospital in Upland for continued treatment. During Pastore's 4-7pm show Monday, guest host Kevin McCullough announced Pastore's passing. "He went home today." The rest of the show featured callers sharing memories of Pastore, who had hosted the afternoon show on KKLA-FM since 2004. He had been with the station since ending a professional baseball career in 1994.

Green Bay's 'Chuck' Is Gone, 'KZ104.3' Is Coming. Woodward Communications Adult Variety Hits "104.3 Chuck-FM” WCHK-FM, Appleton, simulcast on FM translator W278AU, Green Bay, at 103.5 FM, is gone. "KZ104.3" WKZG-FM, featuring 80s and 90s hits, will debut December 26. For now the former "Chuck" is airing All Christmas music. Mornings on "KZ104.3" will be hosted by Doug Erickson and Mary Love, who will segue from sister CHR-Top40 "Kiss 95.9 ” WKSZ-FM. The new morning show, says the station, will start January 2. A new website is already in place at KZ1043.com, which currently redirects to the "KZ104.3" Facebook page, which introduces the new station, displays the new logo, and tells visitors, "80's and 90's music starting Dec 26th! All your favorites! Tons of energy and Doug and Mary starting Jan 2nd."

Courtside Entertainment Names Dan Yukelson EVP/CFO. Dan Yukelson is appointed EVP and Chief Financial Officer of Courtside Entertainment Group, according to an announcement by Courtside Chairman Norman Pattiz. Yukelson, who most recently held the same position at Premiere Networks, will be responsible for all Courtside Entertainment Group and Launchpad Digital Media financial operations, as well as overall company management. "Dan is a pro. His experience streamlining financial operations and proven revenue generation knowhow are a perfect fit for Courtside as we continue to rapidly expand our offerings in radio and aggressively enter the digital space," says Pattiz. Yukelson tells us, "I am looking forward to joining Norm Pattiz and his team of creative professionals." He adds that he looks forward to "contributing to the success of this cutting-edge, multi-platform media rocket ship. This is a tremendous opportunity to join a company that is breaking new ground with a focused strategy emphasizing on-demand media and digital content, in addition to its long tradition of quality radio programming."

Matt Freeman Joins Clear Channel Communications Board of Directors. The Clear Channel Communications Board of Directors has appointed Bain Capital Operating Partner Matt Freeman as a CCU board member to fill the vacancy created by the December 13 resignation of Steven Barnes, according to an SEC filing. The Form 8-K says that Freeman joined Bain in 2012, before which for two years he "served in multiple capacities for The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (a global advertising and marketing services company), including as CEO of its Mediabrands Ventures unit and as Vice Chairman and Global Chief Innovation Officer of its McCann Erickson unit." Prior to that "Freeman was the CEO of an online media company, Betawave, from 2009 to 2010 and served as CEO of the Tribal DDB Worldwide unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (a global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company) from 1998 to 2009." Freeman, we're told, "will not receive any compensation for his service on the Company's Board of Directors. He will receive the same form of Indemnification Agreement as all other members of the Company's Board of Directors."

The Ins and Outs of Radio
Cumulus Providence Operations Manager Tony Bristol exits suddenly. He says, "It's been a great ride for 30 years being associated with brands like 92 PRO-FM and Lite Rock 105." Bristol tells us his long tenure at the Providence stations "has been a humbling, exhilarating and rewarding experience," but it's now time "to recharge, reinvent and challenge myself" ... CHR-Top40 "Hot 101.5" WPOI-FM, Tampa, morning host Special Ed is out, and seeking his next opportunity ... Townsquare Media "98 Country" WWJO-FM, St. Cloud, Minnesota, tells us that Matt Fallon will join their weekday lineup, taking over afternoons starting January 3. Current afternoon host Dave McCord will continue with the cluster in a part time capacity as he explores interests outside of radio. Fallon's previous stops include Three Eagles Communications in Luverne, Minnesota, and Community First Broadcasting in Northwest Iowa ... "Newstalk 96.9" WTKK-FM, Boston, midday host Doug Meehan is leaving to pursue a major market television opportunity that he will announce in the near future ... "Pure Country" KRJC-FM, Elko, Nevada, midday host Steve Herrera exits after a year at the station ... "Sports Radio 560" WQAM-AM, Miami, morning host Joe Rose, a former Miami Dolphins tight end, signs a three-year contract extension to continue airing weekdays 6-10am.