News Briefs - Dec. 4, 2012

[Updated] FCC Again Delays Media Ownership Rule Review. The FCC again delays its quadrennial review of media cross-ownership rules and is not expected to revisit the issue until at least January. The quadrennial review of the rules has already been pushed back two years. As previously reported, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has released a draft of a possible easing of existing restrictions, and a report has been released on minority media ownership. Now, the Commission has issued a Public Notice offering an opportunity for additional comment on data contained in the Media Bureau's recently released report on the ownership of commercial broadcast stations. Final comments are due by January 4, and that pushes back any action on Genachowski's proposal until after that time. The FCC says several parties have requested an additional, formal opportunity to comment on the ownership report. Possibly the most influential voice heard by Genachowski was that of Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. She says it was at her urging that a vote on the pending media ownership review was delayed until the new year to allow more public input.

Chad Zumock Out at Cleveland's WMMS-FM for DUI Charge. WMMS-FM, Cleveland, "Alan Cox Show" co-host Chad Zumock is out after he crashed his car into a tree near his home and was charged with drunken driving. The 37-year-old comedian and radio personality was not injured but refused to take a breathalyzer test. Zumock had performed just hours before the accident at the Funny Stop in Cuyahoga Falls. A report from Cleveland says Zumock's arrest "voided a contract he had signed with Clear Channel Communications." Alan Cox announced the news of Zumock's dismissal on the air.

Joe Frederick Promoted to Clear Channel Director of Sports Marketing for Major Markets. Clear Channel promotes Joe Fredrick to Director of Sports Marketing for Major Markets. He will report to Tom Schurr. Fredrick most recently was GSM for Clear Channel Cincinnati. In his new postion, Fredrick will be responsible for "organizing Clear Channel's sports franchises on a national scale, developing relationships and helping our sports franchises expand their reach and engagement with their fans in powerful new ways." Fredrick will continue to be based out of Cincinnati, where his duties have included supervising sales operations for the Cincinnati market’s sports properties, the Cincinnati Reds, Cincinnati Bengals, University of Cincinnati and Xavier University as well as Cincinnati's ESPN Radio WCKY-AM and Fox Sports Radio WSAI-AM, as well as WLW

Benztown Radio Networks Partners with Spotted Dog. Benztown Radio Networks is partnering with Tracy Johnson's Spotted Dog Promotions to bring turnkey shared promotions to radio stations. Spotted Dog, we're told, offers over one million dollars a year in prizes, with local prize packages that can bring in new sponsorships and sales opportunities for radio stations, using online, social and digital features, including custom microsites. Benztown President Dave "Chachi" Denes tells us, "I've worked with Tracy Johnson for years, and I respect the quality and innovation he brings to building listener engagement, in particular. With Spotted Dog, he has created a feature-filled customized contest program for stations that can turn up the excitement on radio stations of virtually any format. Its versatility and flexibility are as compelling to stations as the fantasy prizes are to listeners. The turnkey program will save stations money and time, and provide a platform for new sales and sponsorship opportunities."

The Ins and Outs of Radio
'Sports Radio 950 KJR AM/102.9 FM" KJR-AM/KNBQ-FM, Seattle, afternoon host Mike "Gasman" Gastineau says he will exit the station after his December 6 show. He's been with KJR-AM since 1991 and has hosted afternoons since 1993. "Gasman" says he wants "to explore other creative options" ... Pat Lynch and Taco Bob return for mornings At Active Rock "101one" WJRR-FM, Orlando, filling the opening that resulted with the exit last month of morning co-host Crash. Meanwhile, Crash's co-host LT moves to nights, while Dickerman segues from nights to afternoons. Mel Taylor remains in middays ... Rhythmic AC "Jammin 101.5" KJHM-FM, Denver, names Randy "Bubba" Black as its new Program Director and morning host. Black previously was PD at "Kat Country 103" KATM-FM. Modesto, California ... After stunting all weekend as "Pot 107.1" featuring the "Dope Hits," Max Media's former Dance "Hot 107.1" KDHT-FM, Bennett-Denver, has flipped to Adult Variety Hits "107.1 Jack FM" returning the format to the Denver market, several months after exiting KJAC-FM ... Brian Matthews joins True Oldies WAFC-AM, Clewiston, Florida, for mornings with Johnnie Nelson for "Brian and Johnnie in the Morning" ... News Talk KIRO-FM, Seattle, adds Andrew Walsh for 7-10pm, filling the gap created when John Curley moved to mornings to host Seattle's Morning News. Walsh has been at KIRO since 2010 as a producer and fill-in host.