News Briefs - Dec. 19, 2012 [Updated]

Family Radio Set to Begin Programming Philadelphia's 950 AM Friday.

Harold Camping’s Family Radio is set to begin airing its programming on Philadelphia's 950 AM, Friday (Dec. 21), as the WKDN call letters return, and WPEN-AM becomes a part of Philly radio history. Greater Media is urging listeners to Sports Talk WPEN-AM-FM to immediately begin listening only to "97.5 The Fanatic" WPEN-FM for its Sports Talk programming. Some see the Dec. 21 date for Camping's Family Stations to begin airing their programming on 950 AM as a deliberate reference to predictions (based on the Mayan calendar) that the world will end that date. Of course, it was Camping's prior multiple predictions of the end of the world (that obviously proved false) that began Family Radio's problems. In the face of decreased financial support, Family Stations began selling major market FMs, and seeking lower-priced AMs to air their programming. In Philly, Family sold its 106.9 (then WKDN-FM) to Merlin Media which launched Conservative Talk "IQ 106.9" WWIQ-FM.

26th Annual Crystal Radio Awards Call for Entries.

The NAB will accept entries for the 2013 NAB Crystal Radio Awards beginning January 1. Established in 1987, the Crystal Radio Awards honor outstanding community service, and recognize radio stations for their year-round commitment to service to their communities. To enter, a station must submit their online entry describing their community service efforts for the 2012 calendar year. Fifty Crystal Radio Awards finalists and ten winners will be chosen by judges with broadcast and community service backgrounds. "NAB is pleased to honor Radio's support of local communities and encourages stations to enter for a Crystal Radio Award," says NAB EVP of Radio John David. Entry information is available on the NAB website. Submissions must be received by January 31. The Crystal Radio Awards finalists will be announced February 25. Winners will be announced and the finalists will be honored at the NAB Radio Luncheon during the 2013 NAB Show in Las Vegas.

Entravision Unveils New Brand Identity Logo.

Entravision Communications has a new brand identity logo, reflecting what the company calls the "continued growth of Entravision's digital, mobile and marketing services, which complement the company's core television and radio assets." The new Entravision logo is a synthesis of three elements: the World, a symbol of the global reach; the Eye, a symbol of the organization's vision; and the Ribbon, or Serpentina, which is a festive reflection of the company's Latino roots. "In addition to operating an established portfolio of leading television and radio stations in the nation's fastest-growing Latino markets, we have also made significant progress in building our interactive assets, which are demonstrating consistent growth," says Chairman and CEO Walter Ulloa. "Our new logo and marketing initiatives, which follow the recent strategic reorganization of our management structure, aim to support our goal of further strengthening our unique connection with our audiences and the advertisers who seek to reach them." Entravision says its new logo and its colors also represent the company's commitment to embracing it Latino audiences, as well as the company's focus on pursuing new opportunities to provide integrated marketing solutions to marketers and advertisers.

TRN to Launch 'Andrea Tantaros Show'.

Talk Radio Network Entertainment will launch "The Andrea Tantaros Show" for 9am-12noon ET, starting January 2. "The show promises to engage listeners who want to be informed and entertained with smart, edgy, and funny but responsible commentary on politics, pop culture Wall Street and entertainment," says the TRN announcement. "Tantaros is a nationally recognized political commentator and syndicated columnist best known for her role as a co-host of Fox News Channel's 'The Five' who delivers unfiltered and unconventional analysis, offering audiences candid and often humorous insight into politics, policy, current events and our country's most contentious culture wars." Says TRN CEO Mark Masters, "In a post 2008–2009 economy, we have been seeking shows that are highly entertaining, yet responsible and profitable for our station affiliates and advertisers. Andrea has the ability to do both. She's a fresh voice who will inject new energy to the airwaves." Tantaros, who will fill the time-slot recently vacated by Laura Ingraham, will be joined by Jason Mattera, an author, and the host of "The Jason Mattera Show" weekends at WABC-AM, New York.

Jay Mohr Joins Fox Sports Radio for Middays.

Fox Sports Radio announces the addition of actor, comedian and radio personality Jay Mohr as its new midday host. Originating from Fox Sports Radio's Los Angeles studios, Jay Mohr Sports will debut on radio stations nationwide January 2, airing live weekdays from 12noon-3pm ET. The show, we're told, will feature Sports Talk and entertainment "highlighted by Mohr's trademark comedic style and unique perspective as a multi-media star, in addition to conversations with top athletes and celebrities." Says Mohr, "After spending the last 15 years guest hosting, I couldn't be happier to get the opportunity to host my own show! I'm looking forward to talking sports, connecting with listeners, and interviewing amazing guests every day, while being a part of the Fox Sports Radio family. It was worth the wait." Mohr's new show will replace Jim Rome's show, with Rome moving to the new CBS Sports Radio network.

Geoff Pinkus Moving from Chicago's WIND-AM to WCKG AM. Geoff Pinkus is moving from Chicago's WIND-AM to crosstown WCKG AM, where he begins airing January 7. Pinkus will host middays on WCKG-AM "as its new live and local midday host," reports Chicagoland Radio and Media. "Pinkus comes to WCKG after years of being a weekend and overnight host at WIND-AM." The new "Geoff Pinkus Show" is set for 11am-1pm. CRM's Larz writes that Pinkus "has two weeks left on his contract with WIND-AM." He's been there since the Spring of 2008. "Pinkus is known for his unique style, not found elsewhere on the Chicago radio dial. In a single show (and sometimes even in a single segment), he can be hilarious, confrontational, and generous. His no-nonsense, straight-forward attitude sometimes pushes boundaries, but always entertains," writes Larz.

Clear Channel Names Three Orlando GSMs. Clear Channel names three new GSMs at its eight-station Orlando cluster -- Dave Donahue for CHR-Top40 "XL106.7" WXXL-FM and AC "Magic 107.7" WMGF-FM, Hector Marcano for Tropical "Rumba 100.3" WRUM-FM, and Mark Kanak for "Real Radio 104.1" WTKS-FM. All three General Sales Managers report to cluster Director of Sales Barbara Latham.

Chio Says He Didn't Quit Philadelphia's 'Wired 96.5'. We recently reported that Beasley Rhythmic CHR "Wired 96.5" WRDW-FM, Philadelphia, morning host Chio.announces his resignation. Chio has been part of the "Chio, Shila and Tingle in the Morning Show." Now, Chio tell us, "I did not resign, I got fired." He says his contract did not end until June, but the station told him that they "were going in a different direction." Chio admits ratings on his morning show were not good, and he understood the station’s decision. "Wired 96.5" will pay him through the expiration of his current contract. Chio has been in Philadelphia radio since 1995, originally at CHR-Top40 "Q102" WIOQ-FM. Before he was teamed with Shila and Tingle, who remain in mornings at WRDW-FM, he became "a name" in Philadelphia radio with "Chio in the Morning."