News Briefs - Dec. 21, 2012

Indianapolis' WXNT-AM Joining CBS Sports Radio Network
Entercom "News Talk 1430" WXNT-AM, Indianapolis, will flip to "CBS Sports Radio 1430" on January 2, when the new Sports Talk network launches its 24/7 programming. Currently, WXNT-AM is one of three News Talk stations in the market. It will become one of three Sports Talk stations, competing with "1070 The Fan" WFNI-AM and "SportsRadio 1260" WNDE-AM. Jim Rome will be moving from WNDE-AM to WXNT-AM with his pending move to CBS Sports Radio. Meanwhile, a number of syndicated talk shows will need to find new affiliates in the Indianapolis market with the loss of "News Talk 1430." Those include Glenn Beck, Michael Smerconish, Dennis Miller, Alan Colmes, and Phil Hendrie. WXNT-AM will continue as the market's affiliate for Notre Dame football and basketball.

Toledo's '106.5 The Ticket' Joins CBS Sports Radio

Cumulus Media's "106.5 The Ticket" WLQR-FM, Toledo, announces that CBS Sports Radio programming will be added January 2, with a new lineup on the station. That, we're told, includes media veterans Tiki Barber, Brandon Tierney, and Dana Jacobson weekdays from 6-9am. Sportswriter and Commentator John Feinstein will air broadcast from 9am-1pm, followed by Jim Rome from 1-3pm. "The Front Row with Norm Wamer" will continue 3-5pm, as will "Drive Time" 5-7p.m. Cumulus Media Networks is CBS Sports Radio's syndicator and sales partner. Cumulus will air the new network's programming on 67 of its owned stations nationwide.

Ken Kohls Named Omaha 'Big O 101.9' Program Director

Ken Kohls is named Program Director for Adult Variety Hits "Big O 101.9" KOOO-FM, Omaha, effective January 2. Kohls, who brings three decades of radio programming experience to the new job, will also host 12noon-4pm. "Ken is a seasoned broadcaster with management and promotional experience, making him a perfect fit for the needs of The Big O," says Operations Manager Jeff Lynn. "He has worked in many larger radio markets including Milwaukee, Wisconsin and he is keenly aware of the importance of a radio station like The Big O in the local community. He will undoubtedly launch a more aggressive in-market and digital presence for the station to further engage with the local listeners." Kohls tells us, "It is truly an honor to be in Omaha where I can make an impact in leading a great brand like The Big O. Working alongside Jeff and having the opportunity to work with Dave Winger on the morning show, will really be a thrill for me. I am eager to dig in to see what we can do to make the station even more relevant in the lives of our local listeners and advertisers."

Rich McLaughlin Named CCME Director of Digital Music Programming

Rich McLaughlin is named Director of Digital Music Programming for the Clear Channel Media and Entertainment National Programming Platforms team, effective January 2. McLaughlin will oversee the Digital Music Programming team and "create exciting new brands for the iHeartRadio platform. He will also work with the sales and partnerships teams on growing digital revenue and iHeartRadio branding awareness and report to Tim Herbster, VP of Special Programming Projects." This marks a return to Clear Channel for McLaughlin, who was the Digital Program Director for Clear Channel Digital from 2009 to 2011.

Dial Global Podcasts to Be Repped By Lanchpad Digital Media

Dial Global says that its current and future podcast programming will be represented by Launchpad Digital Media, a division of Norm Pattiz's Courtside Entertainment Group. Dial Global Co-CEO Spencer Brown says "This new partnership with Launchpad significantly augments Dial Global's capability to do both by opening new creative avenues for top talent and new doors for advertisers to access the widening on-demand podcast audience." Potential podcast programming from Dial Global includes Dennis Miller, Loveline, Billy Bush, Charles Osgood, Country programming, DG Sports and NBC Sports Radio. "Since we announced our move into podcasting, the response has been off the charts,” says Pattiz. "The partnership between Kit Gray and Courtside establishes Launchpad with a proven track record of revenue generating success. We have now added new programming which is currently delivering over 90 million downloads per month, including our deal with Dial Global. We are excited to partner with Dial Global to bring some of the most well-known and trusted brands in sports, news and entertainment to the growing roster of Launchpad podcast offerings."

Turi Ryder Joins Envision's 'America Weekend'

Envision Radio names WGN-AM, Chicago, host Turi Ryder to anchor Sundays 12noon-3pm ET on the new "America Weekend." Ryder joins Paul Harris, who recently signed on to host Saturdays and Sundays 9am-12noon. "There are things you try to avoid doing on your weekend -- like caulking the bathtub, or cleaning your dog's teeth -- but listening to your radio should not be one of them," says Ryder. "I'm looking forward to being part of a lineup that makes weekend radio listening a pleasure!" The weekend round-the-clock programming is described by Envision as an "alternative to brokered programming and 'best of' programming." Executive Producer for "America Weekend" Kipper McGee tells us, "I've known Turi for years and have had the privilege of working with her in the past. Her unique worldview, wit and wisdom will be a perfect addition to the America Weekend family!"

Grupo Radio Centro to Delist from NYSE

Grupo Radio Centro says it intends to delist its American Depositary Shares from the New York Stock Exchange, and to terminate its American Depositary Receipt program. The main stated purpose of delisting is "to obtain efficiencies in the company's financial reporting and administrative costs." GRC says it has notified the NYSE in writing of its intent to delist. Next it will file the related Form 25 with the SEC, and expects the delisting to become effective 10 days later. GRC's shares will continue to be traded on the Mexican Stock Exchange (Bolsa Mexicana de Valores), Mexico's only stock exchange. GRC has "not arranged for the listing or registration of its ADSs or Series A shares on another U.S. national securities exchange or for their quotation in a quotation medium in the United States." Grupo Radio Centro owns and/or operates 12 stations in Mexico City, plus one each in Guadalajra and Monterrey. GRC also now owns 25% of "Exitos 93.9" KXOS-FM, Los Angeles, which a GRC affiliate acquired from Emmis Communications after operating the station under an LMA.

Fred Jacobs: Nielsen Purchasing Arbitron: The 'December Surprise'

"The 'December Surprise' -- Nielsen purchasing Arbitron -- is undoubtedly a game-changer for the media business. And many in radio are hopeful that the sale means good things for the industry," writes Jacobs Media's Fred Jacobs in a JacoBlog post. "While the devil is always in the details, this move would seem to be a big crossroads moment for radio, media, and measurement -- at a time when innovation is necessary." Jacobs notes that "We’re at that point -- more and more consumers are turning to multiple screens, digital media, and a bevy of options. And it will all intensify after the holidays as they purchase new smartphones, tablets, and connected cars." He then poses this: "How traditional media brands make the transition is at the heart of the issue, and how Nielsen and Arbitron measure these emerging behaviors and habits will determine whether they can be properly monetized." There's much more to this interesting post, and it's recommended reading. You'll find it here.