Syndicated Radio Talk Host Charged in $10M Mortgage Fraud Case
A Chicago area attorney and national radio host who bills himself as the "people's attorney" has been charged in a $10 million mortgage fraud scheme, according to federal officials. Warren Ballentine has been indicted by a federal grand jury for defrauding lenders by scheming with others to obtain nearly 30 bogus mortgage loans, according to the U.S. Attorney's office in Chicago. His Chicago-based radio program is distributed nationally by Syndication One. On the Facebook page for his show, Ballentine has posted, "For the record I'm innocent. I made a standard fee on closings. In Illinois a buyers attorney doesn't handle any of the documents till closing so as this proceed u will see that I'm in this because I have a name. No big payday no knowledge of the paperwork. I know some may say everybody says their innocent. Well Iam if u ever bought a house how much you pay ur lawyer 500 bucks at the most what lawyer would be part of a scheme and make a standard fee? INNOCENT." The Chicago Tribune reports that according to prosecutors, Ballentine helped obtain nearly 30 mortgages in which buyers were fraudulently qualified for loans based on false documents. The schemes took place between December 2004 and May 2006, authorities alleged. He is scheduled to appear in federal court February 5 on six counts of bank fraud, false statements and mail and wire fraud.
Chicago's WBEZ-FM to Listeners: 'Go Make Babies'
Chicago Public Media's WBEZ-FM will ask its listeners to make more listeners starting February 1. They are calling the unique promotion their "2032 Membership Drive." The idea is to make babies now to create the next generation of listeners. WBEZ-FM will unveil its first new marketing campaign in ten years, reports Chicagoland Radio and Media. "Chicago Public Media hired local agency Xi Chicago (pronounced "Chee Chicago"), a digital marketing division of the Proximity Worldwide/BBDO network, to come up with a creative new advertising campaign. Xi Chicago did just that." CRM's Larz writes, "With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the new marketing campaign asks 'interesting' people to make a love connection with other interesting people, thus creating a new batch of interesting newborns, who will grow up to be interesting people themselves." The ad campaign will ask people to visit the website GoMakeBabies.com, which leads to a Facebook page and app. There, visitors can take an "Interesting Assessment," which will then provide links to current WBEZ-FM content based on their tastes, as well as trying to connect them with others who share similar tastes. We're told this will be an all-out campaign once it officially gets underway. The news of the coming campaign is receiving national mainstream media attention.
Northwestern College to Acquire Kansas City's KLJC-FM
Northwestern College of St. Paul, Minnesota, has agreed to acquire non-commercial Christian AC KLJC-FM from Calvary Bible College in Kansas City. The agreement also includes the station's translator in Emporia, Kansas. Terms were not disclosed. Says Calvary Bible College President Dr. James Clark, "Music and biblical teaching have been the trademark of KLJC, which has ministered to the Kansas City metropolitan area for 43 years. Over the years, the college has also trained more than 200 men and women, who are in Christian radio today, through a major degree program in Christian Broadcasting. Our desire is to see that same commitment for Christian radio to continue in the future." KLJC has been providing Christian programming to Kansas City since it signed on in 1970. Northwestern President Alan Cureton says, "Our Northwestern Media ministry exists to lead people to Christ and nurture believers in their spiritual growth. The model of 'high touch' listener and community engagement has effectively served our listeners in five states, and the addition of Kansas and Missouri to our roster is a responsibility and a privilege." Northwestern College owns 14 stations in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Brokered by Greg Guy of Patrick Communications, the transaction goes to the FCC for approval, which is expected within several months.
Dan Persigehl In Place as PD for Two Cumulus Kansas City Stations
Dan Persigehl is now in place at Cumulus Media Kansas City as Program Director for Classic Hits KCMO-FM and Adult Variety Hits "105.1 Jack FM" KCJK-FM, and co-hosting the "Jack" morning show, as "The Tall Guy." That show is now known as "Jenn and The Tall Guy." A brief early announcement of the new gig came earlier this month, and is followed by a full news release now that he's in place. Persigehl, who previously was Operations Manager at Clear Channel Atlanta and PD for Country "94.9 The Bull" WUBL-FM, tells us now, "Our mission for KCJK is very simple, reinvigorate the Jack brand with a fresh and unique presentation that is focused on creating entertainment value beyond the music.
This is a brand with a core personality and attitude that demonstrates a unique perspective and sense of humor on everything that's topical to adults in KC! Jack-FM will continue to provide the most diversified, variety based music library with a few new surprises as well! I wonder what Jack's gonna play next?" Persigehl adds, "KCM0-FM is a heritage brand that Kansas City has loved for decades, but like all mature brands, also needs a fresh coat of paint once in awhile. Look for 94-9 KCMO-FM to be more active promotionally and in the community than it's been for many years. 94-9 KCMO is about playing the greatest hits of the late 60's through the early 80's, with a high energy presentation that feels the pulse, pride and energy of Kansas City." And says Cumulus Kansas City SVP and General Manager Mark Sullivan, "Dan comes to Jack-FM with a clear vision and goals for the station, best of all, he has a plan in place to achieve those goals." Previous programming stops for Persigehl include Portland, Oregon; Phoenix and Omaha.
Robert Little Joining NPR as Senior Editor for Investigations
NPR News has hired veteran investigative reporter and editor Robert Little to lead its investigative team, beginning March 4. Little will work with reporters, producers and editors to develop investigative stories, and will oversee NPR's partnerships with other non-profit news organizations doing high-level investigative work. "We have serious ambition for NPR's investigative work and Bob brings a powerful set of skills to the task. He has deep investigative experience and an impressive track record on that front," says NPR SVP of News Margaret Low Smith, "In addition, he has high level newsroom leadership know-how and broad domestic and international reporting experience." Little spent 15 years at The Baltimore Sun, where since 2010, he's been the Investigative and Enterprise Editor. Under Little's leadership, The Sun recently published a series of articles uncovering widespread flaws in Baltimore's speed camera network, which has since been shut down. Before that, his team created a unique database of tax records that exposed millions of dollars in improper discounts. Little also designed and launched the watchdog blog Sun Investigates, and oversaw the newsroom's training program for computer-assisted reporting, and ethics and libel law. As one of The Sun's senior editors, he managed the organization's main newsgathering departments and played a leading role in guiding all of its coverage and in planning the daily newspaper.
Cleveland Indians Sign New Deal with Clear Channel Cleveland
Clear Channel Cleveland announces a new five-year agreement with the Cleveland Indians for WTAM-AM to remain the "Flagship Home of the Cleveland Indians" through 2017, and for WMMS-FM to become the FM home of the Indians. WTAM-AM has carried Indians games on the radio since 1998. Under the new deal, WTAM-AM will air all regular season games and WMMS-FM will simulcast the majority of Cleveland Indians games. Clear Channel Cleveland will also air 15 live Spring Training games and will continue to distribute Tribe games to the entire Indians Radio Network, which consists of 26 stations across Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. "The Cleveland Indians are very excited to continue our 15-year relationship with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment for the next five years," says Cleveland Indians President Mark Shapiro. "We are always looking to expand the reach of Indians baseball and are excited to target a new and potentially younger audience on a regular basis by adding the FM simulcast component." Clear Channel Cleveland Market President Gary Mincer tells us, "We are thrilled to extend our relationship with the Cleveland Indians. Our partnership with the Indians allows fans from all over the region to follow Indians baseball. Go Tribe!"
Sun Broadcast Group to Offer Bob Costas Vignettes
Sun Broadcast Group is joining with Gow Broadcasting, the operator of Yahoo Sports Radio, in partnership with Yahoo! Sports, to affiliate a new content offering featuring Bob Costas. Sun Broadcast Group will be responsible for marketing the new Bob Costas daily, one minute vignettes "Stars and Stories with Bob Costas" created from years of archived Bob Costas interviews. "Bob Costas is the gold standard for sports journalism. says Yahoo Sports Radio CEO David Gow. "We are very excited about 2013 and look forward to a great partnership with Sun Broadcast Group in presenting this timeless content to affiliates." Sun Broadcast Group EVP Steve Gallagher adds, "No one knows sports like Bob Costas. He is a part of Americana. This feature connects the audience with Bob's legendary all-time great sports celebrity interviews. These are the stars all your listeners know and your savvy clients will love to sponsor!"
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