News Updates - Dec. 28, 2012

Dallas' WBAP-AM-FM Email Erroneously Reports Death of President George H.W. Bush

News Talk WBAP-AM-FM, Dallas, has retracted and apologized for sending out a bulletin email reporting that former President George H.W. Bush, who has been hospitalized to treat complications from a serious case of bronchitis, had died. Bush, the country's 41st president, is still very much alive. In its retraction, WBAP said, "A message erroneously reporting the death of President George H.W. Bush was sent out moments ago by WBAP News. Mr. Bush has not passed away. We sincerely apologize for this error." WBAP-AM-FM News Director Rick Hadley explained in an interview, "As every news organization will do, we get our obituaries ready to go for people who aren't doing well. In this case, there were the reports that Bush had been transferred to the ICU, so the news team prepared an email blast to be ready for when Bush died. A bit macabre, perhaps, but standard practice." Hadley stressed that the bulletin never was aired on WBAP. He added, "We would never, obviously, do that on purpose. We were obviously mortified. It's one of those things you wish you could undo and go back in time take back."

Courtside President Bob Moore Exits
Courtside Entertainment President Bob Moore exits for a new position to be announced. A 40-year broadcast industry veteran, Moore's resume includes CBS Radio Los Angeles SVP/Market Manager, and President/General Manager at KLOS Los Angeles. Although he says he will "announce his future plans soon," sources say a "new position similiar to one of those he held before Courtside is likely, possibly in the Los Angeles market." Moore was named Courtside President in January 2012 by Courtside founder and Managing Partner Norm Pattiz. Moore and Pattiz had previously worked together at Westwood One, and Moore had overseen Pattiz's station group at Pirate Radio in Los Angeles and New York City prior to Westwood. But as Pattiz told us when he named Moore Courtside President almost a year ago, "I've known him since the '70s when he followed me as the sales manager of KCOP-TV in Los Angeles." An announcement of Moore's next position is likely to come in early January.

Clear Channel Bakersfield Market Manager Jim Bell Retiring
Clear Channel Bakersfield VP and Market Manager Jim Bell is retiring from radio after 35 years, December 31. Bell, 66, began his radio career in 1977 as an account executive in Los Angeles. His management stops have also included stations in Houston, Reno and Billings, Montana. He's spent the past ten years with Clear Channel Bakersfield. "I am retiring on the 31st," says Bell. "Clear Channel has known about this since last year sometime. The company has been good to me and I wanted this [transition] to happen properly." So far, no replacement has been named

It Gets 'Wild' in Wichita Falls
Following a stint with Christmas music, and then a day of other stunting, KXXN-FM, Iowa Park-Wichita Falls, Texas, Friday (Dec. 28) debuted its new format as CHR-Top40 "Wild 96.3" billed as "The Falls Party Station." After being silent for a period of time, KXXN-FM returned to the air October 23 as "Holiday 96.3" which continued past Christmas Day. KXXN-FM is currently owned by KIXC-FM LLC, which also owns and operates KWFB-FM, Holliday Texas, serving the Wichita Falls market, and added KXXN-FM this summer, obtaining it from Towers Investment Trust. After the new owner obtained KXXN-FM, they took it silent until a new tower facility was ready, since the purchase deal did not include the station's previous tower which the former owner says it uses for other stations.

Green Bay's 'KZ104.3' Debuts
We told you this one was coming, and now "KZ104.3" WKZG-FM debuts in Green Bay, Wisconsin, featuring 80s and 90s hits. The new "KZ104" replaces Adult Variety Hits "Chuck FM" WCHK-FM, Appleton-Green Bay, on 103.5 and its FM translator on 104.3. Actually, "Chuck" had already met its demise at the start of November, as the station(s) flipped to Christmas music. Two weeks later WCHK-FM became WKZG-FM, and the new identity of "KZ104.3" was announced. We were also subsequently told by owner Woodward Communications that the "Doug and Mary" morning show on sister CHR-Top40 "95.9 Kiss FM" WKSZ-FM would move to the new "KZ104" featuring Doug Erickson and Mary Love. The rest of the lineup will include Ty Collins in middays, Dayton Kane in afternoons, and Clear Channel’s syndicated Mario Lopez in nights.

Midland Texas Talk KWEL-AM Adds FM Translator Simulcast
News Talk KWEL-AM, Midland-Odessa, Texas, has added an FM simulcast on 107.1 via translator K296FG, Midland. The 250 watt translator previously aired Spanish-language programming. Local host and owner Craig Anderson contnues to air in mornings followed by syndicated shows from Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Jason Moore, Jerry Doyle and Michael Savage. Nostalgia "The Music of Your Life" syndicated programming airs in overnights. KWEL-AM on 1070 is a daytime station limited to local sunrise to sunset. Says Anderson, "We decided the FM addition would give us a better presence and attract new listeners." He adds, "Listeners to FM also will hear a clearer signal" and allow the station to have "24-hour capability." Anderson also tells MyWestTexas.com that the addition of an FM signal and an expanded schedule will allow for the possibility of more local programming, including local high school sports.

Austin's 'The Zone' Adding 'Jay Mohr Sports'
Sports Talk "1300 The Zone" KVET-AM, Austin, is adding Jay Mohr's new Fox Sports Radio midday show, "Jay Mohr Sports," January 2 when it debuts nationwide. You might remember that on December 19, we reported that "Fox Sports Radio announced 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." Says KVET-AM Program Director Jon Madani, "We are excited about what Jay Mohr will bring to Austin every weekday afternoon. We're confident his unique mix of sports talk and humor will be a hit with our listeners." KVET-AM, in their news release, also cites content from the earlier report: "The show 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." Said 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."

WLS-FM's Dick Biondi to Host Another Chicago 'Elvis Fest'
Classic Hits WLS-FM, Chicago, late night host Dick Biondi will once again host the 13th annual "Elvis Fest" set for January 8, Elvis' birthday. Chicagoland Radio and Media writes that "the King of Chicago radio helps salute the King of Rock & Roll," at the annual event at the Original Mother's in Chicago. January 8 would have been Presley's 75th birthday. "The night will be filled with Elvis Presley tribute artists from the Elvis Entertainers Network live on stage. Attendees may also come dressed as Elvis and participate in the Elvis-look-alike contest -- the winner of which gets an exclusive 'Elvis 35' letterman/varsity jacket, autographed by radio legend Dick Biondi," writes CRM's Larz. "Additionally, attendees (dressed up or not) can participate in the Elvis karaoke contest for chances to win more prizes." We also are told that one new addition to this year's festivities is that "a lucky couple will be selected to be legally wed (or renew their vows) by an ordained minister dressed as Elvis, live on stage" at the celebration. "The couple will also win a honeymoon trip for two to (Viva) Las Vegas."