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Baltazar Returns to Boston to Co-Host Mornings on 'Hot 96.9' 
Greater Media announces that Baltazar has been reunited with Pebbles as co-host of the new "Baltazar and Pebbles Morning Show" on Rhythmic AC "Hot 96.9" WTKK-FM, Boston. The new show debuts Monday (March 4). Baltazar most recently was the morning host at CBS Radio Hot AC "Now 100.5" KZZO-FM, Sacramento. Prior to that, Baltazar hosted mornings on Clear Channel Rhythmic CHR "Jam'n 94.5" WJMN-FM, Boston, with Pebbles, from 1994-2001. The duo will officially return to the Boston radio airwaves after being apart for 12 years. "I had to pinch myself and ask if this was a dream to reunite with my radio soul mate, Pebbles, who I enjoyed such great chemistry and success with in Boston," says Baltazar. "What a winning formula: Rob Williams as front office genius, Cadillac Jack as the masterful coach and Pebbles as my playmaker. I can't wait to say hello to Boston and rekindle our amazing relationship!" Greater Media Boston Director of Programming Cadillac Jack McCartney tells us, "2013 is shaping up to be a very good year for the All New Hot 96.9. The list is very small of radio personalities in America who would, on day one, already have a raving fan base in Boston, proven chemistry with Pebbles, and a great sense of humor to top it all off. Baltazar brings that and more to our station. I am very pleased to be able to add another 'A' talent to the team and reunite Baltazar and Pebbles for the first time in over 12 years for the listeners of Boston." On February 22, we reported that Baltazar had exited "100.5 Now FM" KZZO-FM, Sacramento. Milwaukee's WMCS-AM Flips to '1290 Martini Radio' WZTI-AM 
Former African American Talk WMCS-AM, Milwaukee, flips to Adult Standards "1290 Martini Radio" WZTI-AM. Stan Atlkinson is named Operations Manager for the Milwaukee Radio Alliance station. "We're looking forward to bringing a unique sounding radio station to Milwaukee," says Atlkinson. "It's Rat Pack meets brat pack and it will be fun to listen to." The Friday afternoon launch of "1290 Martini Radio" followed several days of stunting with all Elvis music after the plug was pulled on the former format amidst a flurry of controversy. (See our earlier report on the demise of the Talk format.) The new format, we're told, features standards from the "Rat Pack" era with more contemporary artists with a throwback sound. Core artists include Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Tony Bennett to Adele, Alicia Keys, and Norah Jones. "1290 Martini Radio" is online here. Clear Channel Names Tony Coles West Region SVP of Programming 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment appoints Tony Coles as West Region SVP of Programming, effective March 15. Coles will report to SVP of Operations Brian Olson and will be based out of Chicago. Most recently, he served in a dual role as VP of Programming for CCME Chicago and National Hot AC Brand Manager. Prior to that, Coles was Regional VP of Programming for the West and Operations Manager in Portland, Oregon. "Tony's passion for leading people, his desire to win and proven track record make him a perfect fit for our Regional Team," says President of Operations Matt Martin. "Tony will be supporting Brian in the West Regional Markets, but we are excited to benefit from Tony's talents and experiences throughout the Regionals." Coles tells us, "I want to thank Clear Channel¹s senior leadership team for this amazing opportunity to further my career within the company. Programming is my passion and I am thrilled to be working with some of the best teams in the country. The West Region has strong brands and I look forward to building upon their successes." With more than 25 years of experience in the radio industry, Coles has held various on-air, programming and management positions. CCME Chicago will now begin an active search for a new VP of Programming. Miami's 'Coast' Names Tom Calococci Program Director 
Former Beasley Broadcast Group Rhythmic CHR "Power 96" WPOW-FM, Miami, Program Director Tom Calococci is named Program Director for Cox Media Group's AC "97.3 The Coast" WFLC-FM, Miami. Calococci begins his new position March 11. Calococci succeeds Gary Williams, who was PD of both WFLC-FM and "Easy 93.1" WFEZ-FM, but will now focus only on WFEZ. "Tom's passion, creativity, expertise and excellent track record of developing and coaching successful on-air talent, makes him the perfect candidate to lead 97.3 The Coast to the top of the ratings in the Miami/Ft Lauderdale market," says CMG Miami VP and Market Manager Dan Kearney. "After spending the past two years dabbling in the film and television industry, I couldn't be more excited to be making my return to radio," says Calococci. "I'm also making my return to the place I now consider home, South Florida. This move also re-unites me with CMG Director of Programming, Steve Smith, and I'm thrilled to be joining the CMG team in Miami to work with Market Manager, Dan Kearney and his incredible team, including CMG's Steve Hunter, format captain for Hot AC!" Smith adds, "The last time Tom and I worked together, he was tireless, a true programming warrior who couldn't sleep at night until he was on top. Tom truly represents our motto of speed, passion, and courage, and I am so excited to have him on the CMG team."
Andrew Z Ordered to Stop 'App Radio' Show, 
Former "Star 105" WWWM-FM, Toledo, morning host Andrew Z (Zepeda) has been served him with a "cease and desist" order from Cumulus Media for relaunching his show using a smartphone app, claiming that violates a non-compete agreement with his former station. But Zepeda says he will ignore the C&D order. "Star 105" fired Andrew Z in December after he was convicted of charges related to a 2010 break-in he allegedly orchestrated at the pizzeria he formerly owned. The station fired him after the sentence was issued. WWWM-FM had just signed Zepeda to a multi-year extension earlier in the year while the charges were pending. Zepeda says he will continue the show via a free mobile app called "Toledo's APP Station." His lawyer agrees with the decision. "We don't believe that the noncompete applies to Web radio and we're pretty adamant about that," says attorney Beau Harvey. "Specifically with Andrew, they've limited his scope to the local business area -- in other words, Toledo -- whereas the web reaches the world. We don't believe there's any competition whatsoever. They are different entities." Cumulus Toledo General Manager Matt Spaulding, of course, disagrees. He says of the non-compete: "Typically its engaging in any type of competitive business whether on-air, online or any of the like within a certain radius of where he or she was previously employed." Zepeda was fired after he was sentenced to 30 days in the Wood County jail and placed on probation for five years. FCC Affirms Contest Violation Fine for Boston's WMJX-FM 
The FCC affirms its $4,000 fine against Greater Media AC "Magic 106.7" WMJX-FM, Boston, for "misleading information" in its May 2008 "Win a Car" contest. A complainant told the Commission that the station's contest promos said the winner would win one of three new cars. After qualifying to win the grand prize, the complainant discovered that the grand prize was a two-year lease on the selected car, but only if the winner had good credit. According to WJMX, while promos said there would be a chance for the winner to choose from three different cars, only the complete rules on the station web site specified that the prize was a lease with a credit restriction. The station also acknowledged that promos didn't mention the rules posted on its website. The FCC ruled that the contest was promoted with "misleading information that did not fully disclose to the listening audience the contest's material terms." The Commission's also said that the promos did not include an accurate description of the prize, the prize's value, the eligibility requirements or a referral to a place to access the complete rules. The FCC's rule concerning licensee-conducted contests states that "a licensee that broadcasts or advertises information about a contest it conducts shall fully and accurately disclose the material terms of the contest, and shall conduct the contest substantially as announced or advertised. No contest description shall be false, misleading or deceptive with respect to any material term." Fisher Radio Q4 Revenue Reported Flat 
Fisher Communications reports fourth quarter revenues rose 12% to $52.1 million -- up 20% excluding revenue from the now-sold Fisher Plaza building in 2011's fourth quarter figures. EBITDA was up 65% to $17.5 million (96 cents/diluted share). Radio revenue remained "relatively flat" at $5.5 million, as did radio cash flow at $1.4 million. For the full year 2012, revenue increased three percent to $168.2 million, which is a 12% increase when excluding Fisher Plaza revenue from 2011. Radio net revenue in 2012 fell by two percent to $12 million. Radio cash flow, however, increased last year to $5.5 million. "We are pleased with our operating performance in the fourth quarter and full year of 2012. For the seventh consecutive year, Fisher broadcast stations grew core market revenue share reflecting the quality and value of our local brands, and validating the strength and execution of our strategic plan," says President and CEO Colleen Brown. "As we begin 2013, we remain focused on building on our momentum and creating value for our shareholders." She adds, "Completing our first full year as a pure play broadcaster, adjusted EBITDA increased 71% from prior year. Revenue growth and operational efficiencies, demonstrate the robust leverage inherent in our business model." Fisher's board also declared a quarterly cash dividend of 15 cents per share on its common stock payable on March 29 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 19. Lotus Promotes Jasmin Dorismond to VP/Corporate Controller 
Lotus Communications Corp. promotes Corporate Controller Jasmin Dorismond to the newly created position of VP/Corporate Controller. In her new role, she joins upper management in creating strategic initiatives for the company while continuing to oversee the day-to-day financial and business operations. Says Lotus CFO Bill Shriftman, "Jasmin is a dynamic individual who has been instrumental in developing many of the improvements made at Lotus during her 12-year tenure. We look forward to her ongoing contributions in the years to come." Dorismond’s career spans 20 years with diversified experience in accounting, finance, management, regulatory compliance, human resources, payroll and risk management. Prior to joining Lotus Communications Corp. in 2000, she served as Controller at Tecorp Automotive. Lotus Communications owns radio stations in Los Angeles, Fresno, Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Reno, and Tucson, as well as a TV division. Liberty Media Continues Search for New SiriusXM CEO 
SiriusXM majority owner Liberty Media continues its search for the satcaster's new official CEO. Liberty CEO Greg Maffei says that the search is still ongoing and could last a few more months. In January, Jim Meyer was named Interim CEO for SiriusXM, following the exit of Mel Karmazin. Meyer is being considered as a candidate for the permanent position. Maffei, offering his update during a conference call as Liberty reported its financial results, said that the company's search committee is still reviewing internal and external candidates. He said the ideal CEO would have experience with a subscription model, along with a background in technology background and direct marketing, as well as an understanding of the content and talent side of the business. Maxim Group analyst John Tinker tells Reuters he's surprised the search process is still ongoing. Tinker says he considers Meyer a front runner for the position. "The subscriber model is very dear to Liberty's heart and with Meyer's experience in that, he's certainly ticked all the boxes," says Tinker. Chicago's WGN-AM to Debut 'Cubs Weekly' 
"Radio 720" WGN-AM, Chicago adds "Cubs Weekly" to their weekend lineup. The offering is described as a weekly magazine-style show "providing Chicago Cubs fans with the latest news." We're told that Sports reporter and host Jordan Bernfield will serve as the show's anchor from 12noon-1pm on Sundays. "Bits of Brandmeier" will continue to air from 1p-4pm. "Cubs Weekly" will highlight breaking Cubs news and interviews with players, coaches, and front office personnel. The WGN Radio Cubs broadcast team of Pat Hughes, Keith Moreland and Judd Sirott, as well as WGN-AM's Dave Eanet and David Kaplan, will provide feature contributions. In addition to the latest Cubs news, the show will feature a play-by-play highlight recap of the week, updates on the Cubs' minor league system, and the latest off-the-field reports, including plans for the future of Wrigley Field and major team events. "Cubs Weekly creates a year-round connection with Cubs baseball and our listeners," says WGN interim GM/Director of Sales Jeff Hill. "The interest and emotions do not end with the final out of the game or the last play of the season. This show will provide a home base for fans to continue to celebrate and talk about our beloved Chicago Cubs throughout the year."
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio  |
From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - March 1, 2013
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