Veteran radio programmer "Cadillac Jack" McCartney is named Director of Programming at Greater Media Boston. He officially begins his new position on Monday (Jan. 7). McCartney recently exited Clear Channel New York where he'd been VP of Programming, saying he had a new opportunity "to be announced." This is a return to the Boston radio market for McCartney, who spent over 20 years there programming both "Jam'n" WJMN-FM and "Kiss" WXKS-FM, and overseeing the entire Clear Channel Boston cluster before moving to the New York cluster. Says Greater Media Boston Market Manager Rob Williams, "I have been fortunate to work with many of the best programmers in our business, and Cadillac ranks at the top. It is Greater Media's good fortune to attract an all-star talent like Cadillac. As a program director, manager, strategic thinker, and leader, he is the best. Like Cadillac, Greater Media has a tremendous heritage of success in Boston radio and I am excited to work together on writing another great chapter." Greater Media VP of Program Development Buzz Knight tells us, "I'm excited that Cadillac will be joining our fantastic team of Greater Media Programmers. In our relentless pursuit of excellence we're always looking for creative and strategic brand managers and Cadillac's track record speaks for itself. He's one of the best minds in the business and I look forward to working with him to make our already strong Boston cluster even stronger." And says MvCartney, "A month ago, I would have bet anything I’d be on my way to Rwanda right now for some gorilla tracking and a good dose of rest and relaxation. Today, I’m outrageously happy that instead, I'm able to rejoin and partner with the very best manager in the radio industry, Rob Williams in Boston’s newly-created Director of Programming position." He adds, "The more I learn about Greater Media, the more I am attracted to the world-class company and culture Peter Smyth has built. As we begin 2013, I’m re-energized and eager to begin work with Rob, Peter, Buzz Knight and the entire team at Greater Media Boston, building upon past successes and charting new courses for many, many years to come."
Meanwhile, one station that "Cadillac Jack" is expected to directly program -- the new permanent format at WTKK-FM -- continues stunting. See our latest update on that saga further down on this page as "Mike" replaces "Nova" which replaced "Power" which replaced "News Talk 96.9" earlier this week.
Dave Fogel Becomes New 'K-Hits' Chicago Morning Host
Back in October we reported that Dave Fogel had resurfaced at "104.3 K-Hits" WJMK-FM, Chicago, filling in on evenings after being ousted from mornings at crosstown Classic Hits competitor WLS-FM. At the time, Fogel's status at WJMK-FM was "temporary," but we were told he could become a permanent host at "K-Hits." Now the Classic Hits station names him the new 5-9am morning host. Fogel replaces "Eddie and Jobo" in mornings at "K-Hits" (or, as they prefer, "K-HiTS"). The station has been running jockless for the past month since Ed Volkman and Joe Bohannon were ousted after 20 months because of weak ratings. Says WJMK-FM Program Director Todd Cavanah, "Dave's natural energy and enthusiasm for the 60's, 70's and 80's music we play makes him perfect for K-Hits. We know our listeners will love waking up with Dave Fogel." Fogel tells us, "I love every song K-Hits plays. It's going to be easy to get up at five in the morning to play them on the radio. Who needs coffee?" Fogel's Chicago radio background also includes Classic Rock "The Loop" WLUP-FM, and Hot AC "The Mix" WTMX-FM. This marks a return for Fogel to CBS Radio, which operates WJMK-FM. He worked for them in Kansas City when he was the morning host at KCKC-FM, before coming to Chicago in 1996, and before CBS Radio sold KCKC-FM to Wilks Broadcasting.
Boston's WTKK-FM Continues Stunting
Update: January 8 -- This turned out to be the final stunt format, continuing from Saturday through Tuesday morning when the new Rhythmic "Hot 96.9" launched as WTKK-FM's real new format. When last we updated this saga January 7, we noted that the Classic Rock stunt format continued for a third day, Monday, after a second day Sunday. Also of note, we've discovered that if you click the links for any of the stunt formats, it will redirect you to the new "Hot 96.9" website.
January 6: "Mike" gave up, and "Classic Rock That Really Rocks" took over Saturday, as everyone wondered what was next -- and if the new permanent format was going to be revealed and launched after the weekend. How did we find the (temporary) Classic Rock version of 96.9 FM? "Mike" sent us there (with a redirect). The Classic Rock stunt was the fourth in the growing series since "News Talk 96.9" came to an end. What about Sunday's format du jour? Breaking the trend of one-day stunts, the Classic Rock format continued. Although not on the splash screen, that format is being billed as "The Bone" in on-air imaging, and in the browser title line that is seen when visiting the latest stunt's web page.
January 4: And now WTKK-FM is Jack-like Adult Variety Hits "Mike FM" and is "Playing Anything We Feel Like" as the station goes into a third day of stunting. "Mike" launched at noon Friday (Jan. 4) playing The Standells' "Dirty Water." Except for legal IDs, "Mike" thinks his call letters are WMKK. He also seems to have an identity confusion, using the format of Greater Media's Philadelphia "Ben FM" WBEN-FM, while insisting it is "Mike." The latest stunt format is online at www.969MikeFM.com. With rumors confirmed that "Cadillac Jack" McCartney would be programming the new permanent format at the former News Talk station, and a star morning host announced, will the new permanent format be launched by Monday (Jan. 7)? Some believe that "Mike FM" could be the final stunt format before the "real deal" is unveiled. The official word from Greater Media seems to suggest, though that more stunts are still coming: "We'll have more surprises throughout the upcoming days!" Or does that mean the new actual format and the debut of Pebbles in mornings? Speculation continues that the new format will be Rhythmic CHR "96.9 The Beat" going head-to-head with Clear Channel's crosstown Rhythmic CHR "Jam'n 94.5" WJMN-FM.
"Power 96.9" at WTKK-FM, Boston, was indeed a stunt, and now the former "News Talk 96.9" is stunting as "Nova 96.9" featuring electronic dance music. The word is that this is only the second of a series of stunts before the station's real new format is eventually launched. Quite a few different possibilities for the actual new format are being suggested by various "sources" who each claim to have an inside track on what's planned when the stunting ends. "Nova 96.9" is online here. Wednesday, we were told "Power 96.9" was the new format after "News Talk 96.9" ended. But this turns out to be an ongoing and developing report. What is Greater Media saying today (Jan. 3)? "The transformation of the new 96.9 FM continued today at 10am with the launch of Nova, Boston’s new electronic dance music (EDM) station. Plan on more surprises to be unveiled throughout the week! Stay tuned." We did, Wednesday, report that there was some genuine skepticism about the "Power" format with a number of people believing it was a stunt. Among Wednesday's News Updates we have an item billboarded, "Some are questioning if 'Power 96.9' is the real new format at Boston's WTKK-FM – or just a stunt" citing a Northeast Radio Watch post at Facebook, 'Could this be day 1 of a series of stunts?' suggesting the wording of Greater Media's news release could mean there might still be other stunts to come before an actual new format debuts." (That report remains among the Jan. 2 News Updates.) What follows is what we've reported previously here since the New Year's Day news release from Greater Media Boston confirmed the News Talk format would end.
'Power 96.9' Replaces 'News Talk 96.9' in Boston
Greater Media replaces "News Talk 96.9" WTKK-FM, Boston, with "Power 96.9" billed as "Boston's Hip Hop and R&B station." The new format was launched Wednesday (Jan. 2) at 10am ET, immediately following the final "Jim and Margery Show" which ended the station's 13-year run as a News Talk outlet. The format flip comes just one-day after Greater Media Boston officially confirmed that a change of format would occur. They now tell us, "Get ready for an exciting week of music on the air at 96.9 FM in Boston. Live and local, the new 96.9 promises to bring a fun new sound to the Boston community. Beginning today, 96.9 FM returns to music with Power 96.9, Boston’s Hip Hop and R&B station with more surprises to take place during the upcoming week. Stay tuned!" The new "Power 96.9" is online at Power969.com with a splash screen displaying the new logo and a link to listen to the new station. The first song played as the new format was launched was Rihanna's "Diamonds." That followed a musical final goodbye from the morning hosts with Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" which suddenly ended, followed by a brief pause and the start of the new format.
Our January 1 report follows:
Confirmed: Boston's WTKK-FM to Change Format
After much speculation and many rumors, Greater Media confirms that "News Talk 96.9" WTKK-FM will change its format to music-based programming, although they didn't say which music format would be launched. Initially, Greater Media had denied a change in format was coming, then began just declining comment. Now, says the company, "The change comes after much careful consideration of the direction of the station's format and overall ratings over the past several years." According to Greater Media Boston, morning hosts Jim Braude and Margery Eagan will do one final show Wednesday morning (Jan. 2), before the plug is pulled on the News Talk format. "Jim and Margery" will have the chance to say goodbye to their audience, and take calls from listeners and past on-air contributors. Says Greater Media Boston Market Manager Rob Williams, "We would like to thank Jim Braude, Margery Eagan, Michael Graham and the entire News Talk 96.9 WTKK-FM staff for their many contributions to the station and Talk Radio format over the years in Boston. They are true professionals and we are very grateful to them." There was still a question as to whether News Talk would end at 10am after the morning show or if Wednesday would be a full last day for the "News Talk 96.9" format, which started in 1999. A news release from Greater Media concluded with: "What's next for the dial position in Boston? Stay tuned!"
Veteran Boston Personality Pebbles Gets 96.9 FM Mornings
We may not yet know the permanent new format of Greater Media's WTKK-FM, Boston, but we now know that the station has signed veteran market personality Pebbles to host mornings. That may give a clue as to what new format will eventually be revealed. Pebbles exited crosstown Clear Channel Rhythmic CHR "Jam'n 94.5" WJMN-FM last month. That's where she long co-hosted mornings with Ramiro Torres. In addition to co-hosting mornings, Pebbles, who spent 17 years at WJMN-FM, also served as a news anchor, traffic reporter and entertainment reporter. Says Pebbles, "I am beyond thrilled to become a member of the Greater Media family, and am extremely grateful to [Greater Media Market Manager] Rob Williams for giving me the opportunity to continue my journey in radio doing what I love. I am deeply thankful for the support of the listeners who have followed my career over the years and I hope that they will continue to support me in my new venture." Williams tells us, "Pebbles has been a consistent top performer in Boston radio for years. I had the pleasure to work with her at 'Jam'n' and I was pleasantly surprised that she was available to join our team as we launch our new station on 96.9 FM. Her on-air talents, her commitment to working in the Boston community, and her incredible personality make a rare combination." We hear that :Pebbles is already in the building at WTKK-FM preparing for her new morning show. And we bet she knows what is the new format to launch when the current stunting finally ends.
Mark Simone Exits NYC's WABC-AM, Joins Crosstown WOR-AM
Veteran New York City radio talk personality Mark Simone, in an unexpected move, is going from WABC-AM to Clear Channel’s WOR-AM. Simone just resigned from Cumulus' WABC-AM, and now he confirms he's joining the crosstown Talk rival under its new ownership. Simone, who says he will be hosting 10am-12noon on his new station, is known nationally for his frequent fill-ins for Sean Hannity, Mark Levin and Don Imus. He calls the move a "very tough decision" but says he’s lured by the "major transformation" underway at WOR-AM. Simone's WOR-AM signing follows the addition of the "John and Ken Show" from Clear Channel's KFI-AM, Los Angeles, and the renewal of "The Dave Ramsey Show." At WABC, Simone has been hosting a Saturday night show and handling fills.
Greg Janoff Joins Townsquare Media as NJ RVP
Greg Janoff joins Townsquare Media as New Jersey Regional VP, replacing Zoe Burdine-Fly who moved to Clear Channel Chicago. Janoff, most recently EVP of Revenue for Merlin Media, was previously in management at CBS Radio's All News WINS-AM, New York, where he was a General Manager, Director of Sales and General Sales Manager during 14 years at the station. He originally joined Merlin as VP of Sales when the company launched. He exited the Randy Michaels-led company after 17 months when it ceased operations in New York City with the sale of its one station there to CBS Radio.
News Briefs
Davidson Media's WOLI-AM, Spartanburg, South Carolina, flips from "Yahoo! Sports Radio 910" to Classic Hits "Earth 105.7" playing "The Greatest Hits on Earth" under the operation of Earth Radio Broadcasting. The 105,7 is the frequency of WOLI-AM's upgraded FM translator W289BS. The translator has been moved from Greer, SC, to Spartanburg and increased power from 100 watts to 250 watts. Earth Radio Broadcasting is a group led by former WFBC-FM, Greenville, and WMYI-FM, Hendersonville, morning hosts Bill Love and Howard Hudson, and former WROQ-FM, Anderson, General Manager Bob Nations. Love and Hudson will host mornings on "Earth 105.7" joined by K.C. Carson. Also announced, Lee Alexander will host middays, and Craig Debolt, who is also Operations Manager for licensee Davidson Media, will host afternoons. WOLI-AM, we're told, will continue to air Wofford College football and basketball which has been broadcast with the "Yahoo! Sports Radio 910" format.
Cumulus "News Talk 630 and 99.7" WPRO-AM and WEAN-FM, Providence, brings in veteran newsman Gene Valicenti as the new 6-9am morning host.. He replaces eight-year host Tara Granahan, who is named Assistant PD. “The WPRO Morning News with Gene Valicenti" begins Monday (Jan. 7). Valicenti is a popular TV news anchor and personality, who has also hosted "The Gene Valicenti Show" on Saturday mornings on WPRO-AM since 2010. He tells us, "Rhode Island has been waking up to WPRO since the days of Salty Brine. It goes without saying that hosting the WPRO Morning News is a real honor for me.” Says Cumulus SVP of Programming Mike McVay, "We are very pleased to welcome Gene Valicenti to WPRO-AM. The addition of Gene to the lineup is an important part of Cumulus’ commitment to providing compelling live and local talk programming to Rhode Island and the Southern New England listeners.”
Blueberry Broadcasting begins a Classic Hits trimulcast in Maine as “Big 104.” Longtime Maine radio personality Mike Dow teams with Deb Neuman for a morning show. The new Classic Hits format is airing on Blueberry flagship WABK-FM, Augusta, plus WBAK-FM, Bangor, and newly acquired WBKA-FM, Bar Harbor, which previously was Classical WBQI-FM. Dow previously worked with market veteran Mike Elliott -- now at Blueberry’s Country “The Bear” WBFB-FM -- at Blueberry’s AC "Kiss 94.5" WKSQ-FM, Bangor, until this past October.
Country "95.3 The Rebel" WVIM-FM, Memphis, names Randy "R.J. McCoy" Marsh to be the station's new Program Director and afternoon host, replacing Tom Freeman, who moves to sales. Previously, Marsh was with Beasley's
"Kiss Country" WKIS-FM, Miami, where he was morning and afternoon host, Assistant PD and Program Director, at various points during his time there. He's also been Operations Manager for Waitt Radio's four-station Panama City cluster. WVIM-FM's new lineup includes former Country WFRE-FM, Frederick, Maryland, Program Director Jess Wright in middays and former Country WOKK-FM, Meridian, Mississippi, afternoon host Mike Adams in evenings. Former midday host Art Fredrick remains with the company in a different capacity.
Desert Radio Group's "The Eagle 106.9" KDGL-FM, Coachella Valley, California, introduces its new morning show -- "Chad and Cristy in the Morning" with Chad Benson and Cristy Westfall. They take over after "Mark and Brian" ended their show. Benson is a stand-up comedian, talk show and radio host with more than 20 years in broadcasting, much of that in Los Angeles radio. Westfall comes to KDGL-FM from San Diego radio. Desert Radio Group General Manager Jay White tells us, "We're very fortunate to have found both Chad and Cristy. We knew we couldn't replace Mark and Brian with any other syndicated show, but we spoke to all of them. In the end, we needed to be live and local. The Eagle's audience expects the best morning show in the desert and Chad and Cristy intend to deliver just that."
Journal Broadcast Group Tucson tells us that AC "94.9 Mix FM" KMXZ-FM morning host Bobby Rich extends with the station with a new multi-year contract that comes just before his 20th anniversary with the Tucson station. Says Operations manager Shaun Holly, "Bobby has been the leading force behind Mix FM's ratings success since 1993 and is the most visible radio personality in the city. This is a great day for the station and enables us to continue to serve Mix FM's listeners, clients and community leaders with the best in morning radio." Rich, meanwhile, tells us, "I get to continue doing what I love at a radio station I love, in a town I love, with people I love. Also I'm not really qualified to do anything else! It’s all about continuing our 'good, clean fun' for Mix FM listeners and I could not be more blessed."
The Conclave is reminding broadcasters of its next webinar, Wednesday (Jan. 9), with Jacobs Media Director of Digital and Social Strategies Lori Lewis. As we previously reported (in a more in-depth item), she will "inform webinar attendees on recommendations to engage hiring managers into your social media circle, increasing your opportunity for that next job. In this hour long webinar you will you learn five ways to help increase your chances of landing that new position. Also the content that potential employers look for in your social media profile that could stop your job chances dead in its tracks, along with profile postings that reflect positively on you." The January 9 session is set for 2pm CT. For more info, visit www.theconclave.com.
NPR News announces new appointments for three of its newsmagazine hosts. Michele Norris returns from a leave of absence to take an expanded role as a host and special correspondent. Audie Cornish will stay on as co-host of "All Things Considered" and Rachel Martin anchors "Weekend Edition Sunday." Norris returns to the air fulltime in February, Cornish and Martin have been serving as interim hosts of their programs.
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
Veteran Texas Broadcaster Dick Siegel Dies at 73
Veteran Texas radio personality Dick Siegel has died of a heart attack at the age of 73. Reports from Texas say he stopped at a convenience store on his way home from "Oldies Radio 104.9" KLDE-FM, Eldorado, where he most recently worked, and collapsed. Paramedics were unable to revive him. For over 20 years, he had been half of the team of "Hal and Dick" with Hal Jay on WBAP, Dallas, from 1981-2003. While providing traffic information from his helicopter, Siegel was part of the "Sam From Sales" comedy bits that aired for many years on the station. "He really got into it, he loved the work," says Hal Jay. "I loved working with him. We had a great time. Great memories." Jay says the on-air repertoire the two shared was completely spontaneous, but Siegel prepared like no other. "He prepared what he did on the air more than everyone I ever knew," says Jay. "He had everything written down on a 3-by-5 index card: his one-liners, his jokes...everything. We're talking about 20-30 index cards each day, and we were doing morning and afternoon in those days." Siegel had retired, but became bored with that, and greatly missed radio. He then began a morning show on KLDE-FM in June 2008 and worked there until his death.
Richard Lewis Takes Over as Clear Channel Philadelphia Market President
As we previously reported Clear Channel has appointed Richard Lewis as Market President for its six station cluster in Philadephia. Back on December 20, it may have gotten lost as a secondary report with the announcement of a new assignment for Dennis Lamme (Washington DC/Baltimore) who Lewis was replacing in Philly, so now Clear Channel issues a new news release on Lewis' appointment. Lewis is promoted from within the Philadelphia cluster, where he most recently was VP of Sales as well as a Sales Category Captain for the Retail Category Division. He's been in the broadcast industry since 1975 and with Clear Channel since 1992. Lewis previously served as Market Manager for Clear Channel’s Harrisburg and Allentown markets, as well as holding the position in Philadelphia from 2001 through 2005. In his new role, Lewis will report to Clear Channel Media and Entertainment President of Operations for Major Markets Tom Schurr.
Research Director Celebrates 20 Years
Research Director is celebrating 20 Years. "It was 20 years ago on January 4 that a group of researchers, Arbitron experts, and radiophiles converged to create a company that would help radio stations understand and exploit their ratings information. Thus, Research Director, Inc. was born," says the company. "Over the years we have had the pleasure of working with some great people -- both on our staff and at some of America’s best radio stations and groups. It has been a great ride and we could not have done it without you. Thank you for your continued support and here’s to another 20 years!" Managing Partner Marc Greenspan says it has been a team effort: "Our success is due to the dedicated efforts of our terrific staff, several of whom have been with us for more than 10 years. We're also incredibly grateful for the support we've received from so many long-term clients over the past two decades. We're looking forward to continuing to provide them with the excellent customer service experience they've come to expect from the team at Research Director, Inc." Based in Annapolis, Maryland, the company performs ratings analysis for client stations, finding the most impactful sales stories and presenting the information graphically and persuasively. The company also provides analysis for programmers, using its proprietary Instant Answer, Hot Zip Code Report, Ratings Booster, and Diary Review Analysis services.
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