'Warren Ballentine Show' Cancelled Following Charges in $10M Mortgage Fraud Case

Reach Media and Radio One have cancelled syndication of "The Warren Ballentine Show" following Ballentine's indictment by a federal grand jury. Chicago native and attorney Warren Ballentine -- as we reported previously -- is accused of taking part in mortgage fraud schemes between December 2004 and May 2006. "The Warren Ballentine Show" was heard in 37 markets nationwide, including on two stations in the Chicago area. Ballentine insists he's innocent and says he will fight the charges. Reach Media and Radio One recently combined their syndication companies with Ballentine's show among those in the new entity. As reported here, January 29, Ballentine -- who bills himself as the "people's attorney" -- was 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. They claim it was a $10 million mortgage fraud scheme. Ballentine's Chicago-based radio program was distributed nationally by Syndication One. On the Facebook page for his show, Ballentine 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 I am."

Donny Osmond Ending Radio Show

Donny Osmond says he's ending his syndicated daily radio show at the end of March. Osmond has hosted the show for the past three years. Osmond says he will continue his daily syndicated features via United Stations Radio Network, and will also focus on his digital platforms, which will include providing content via Donny.com and making his podcasts available from McVay Syndication. The 55-year old also performs nightly in Las Vegas with his sister Marie. Osmond tells us, “Radio has always been an influential medium in my career. To have enjoyed hosting my own syndicated show has been a dream come true." Says McVay Syndication Founder Mike McVay, "Donny Osmond is the consummate entertainer and Donny always delivered a high quality show every day.”