News Briefs - Dec. 5, 2012

Jim Bohannon Signs New Deal with Dial Global. Dial Global announces it has signed a new multi-year agreement with Jim Bohannon to continue hosting the award-winning "Jim Bohannon Show" and "America in the Morning" for more than 500 stations nationwide. "I'm delighted to re-up with Dial Global at a time of exciting new opportunities for our industry," says Bohannon. "As the economy and marketplace forge ahead, I'm eager to work with the many fine sponsors and affiliates of the Jim Bohannon Show and America in the Morning." Dial Global EVP of News and Talk Programming Bart Tessler tells us, "We are thrilled that the hardest working man in radio is continuing his relationship with his loyal audience and sponsors from sunrise to, well, sunrise. Jim's 'militant moderate' attitude is needed on radio now more than ever."

Cumulus Cincinnati Expecting .... (Ratings). Cumulus Cincinnati is reportedly awaiting a deal with Arbitron that's expected soon. Cumulus Cincinnati Operations Director and Classic Hits WGRR-FM Program Director Keith Mitchell tells Cincinnati.com, "Our corporate office is currently negotiating a new contract with Arbitron and we hope to have that finalized soon." Regional VP Dave Crowl adds, "Keith is correct. We are in the final stages of completing a new deal with Arbitron. Our numbers will be posted by the time the next monthly is released. Arbitron policy does not permit news outlets or trade publications to post non subscriber ratings in the press." The cluster was asked why its ratings are not currently available. Meanwhile, Radio and Media News hears that Cumulus is working on a deal with Arbitron to subscribe to the ratings service in most markets (if not all) where it doesn't currently have subscriber service.

Ryan Seacrest Buys Controlling Share of Civic Entertainment Group. Ryan Seacrest has bought a controlling stake in the Civic Entertainment Group, a 12-year-old marketing agency that has helped to create events like the CNN Grill and NBC’s Education Nation. The New York Times reports that the acquisition reflects Seacrest’s plan to build a diversified media company on the back of his many day jobs, which include hosting Fox’s “American Idol” and radio shows for Clear Channel. In a telephone interview, he said of the acquisition, “Part of my overall goal in the business is to connect content, brands and consumers. I think that this is a great opportunity to do that.” Seacrest also tells NYT he sees more such partnerships on the horizon.

CBS Radio and JBL Partnering for Grammy Spotlights. CBS Radio and JBL Audio are partnering to present a series of artist memories of the Grammy Awards. The interviews, conducted by Carson Daly, will be broadcast on several CBS Radio stations after the 55th Annual Grammy Award nominees are announced. The JBL Grammy Spotlight with Carson Daly will continue through February 10, the night the 55th Annual Grammy Awards are presented on CBS TV. "We want music fans to experience the emotions and excitement these world-class musicians feel when they are honored with the industry's top award," says Sachin Lawande, EVP and Co-President of Harman Lifestyle and Infotainment. "We believe music lovers should hear the truth, and we expect this unique interview series will enhance the connection between top musicians and their fans."

Nags Head's '95.3 The Rock' Stunting. East Carolina Radio's Classic Rock "95.3 The Rock" WOBR-FM, Nags Head, North Carolina, is stunting, running loops of lounge music with liners saying, "Don't Fear Change." That's according to a Twitter posting by VARTV.com. Despite the liner, there's no definite word yet that a format flip is actually forthcoming, and if there is what the new format might be when the stunting ends. East Carolina Radio's other stations currently cover Classic Hits, Country, Urban, and Christian formats.

Kathryn Boxill Named Research Director Radio Sales Research Manager. Research Director promotes Kathryn Boxill to Radio Sales Research Manager. Boxill will lead a team of research consultants who analyze audience estimates and provide sales consulting services. We're told that she's an RAB Certified Radio Marketing Expert and an experienced radio industry member and customer service specialist. Boxill joined Research Director in 1996 as a Research Consultant. Previously, she worked at ad agency Goldberg, Marchesano, Kohlman, and then as Media Buyer at Mattress Discounters. Research Director Partner Charlie Sislen tells us, "Kathryn is known for her ability to create compelling station sales materials that help secure business for our client stations. She also provides exceptional customer service and builds strong relationships with our clients. We look forward to Kathryn using her extensive experience to enhance our sales research offerings and contribute to our clients' success."

The Ins and Outs of Radio
Former Border Media Partners Austin Operations Manager Jeff Wolf is named Program Director at News Talk WFLA-FM and Sports Talk WNLS-AM, Tallahassee ... CHR-Top40 "Z 97.1" WZRT-FM, Rutland, Vermont, afternoon host and interim PD Amber is officially named Program Director ... "Bob 93.3" WERO-FM, Greenville-New Bern, says "you're in" to J. Slater as night host ... Country "93.7 The Bull" KSD-FM, St. Louis, promotes Music Director and afternoon host Dusty Panhorst to Assistant PD. He's been with the station since starting as an intern there more than seven years ago.