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UPDATE: Confirmed -- South Jersey's 'Cruisin' 92.1' Doesn't Flip! Post That Station Was Becoming 'NBC Sports Radio 92.1' Proven Prank 
UPDATE Monday, April 1: It's rare when "a station doesn't flip formats" is news -- but this is one time that it is, at least to those who've followed this story. First, the latest update, followed by our earlier update. Then we'll get to the original Sunday report, an attempt at "fresh content" for a Monday morning following a long weekend. We have now confirmed that WVLT-FM is still "Cruisin' 92.1" today. It seems that Mark Harris ran out of creamer for his coffee. So he reluctantly got dressed, left his office, and went to a nearby convenience store. He deliberately punched up preset 2 on his car radio, which is set to 92.1 FM. And sure enough, WVLT-FM was still his second favorite radio station for in-car listening, Oldies "Cruisin' 92.1" -- confirming our earlier reports that the board site post about a Monday flip was indeed a prank -- possibly, says Mark, "a very sick April Fool's Day prank." The "very sick" reference, he admits, was only because the possibility of a flip caused him personal distress. (And this guy programs the "Total Popular Music" format -- based entirely on currents and recurrents?)
UPDATED: Is There Any 'Love' Left in Minneapolis? 
Change is in the air at the Cumulus Minneapolis "Love 105" trimulcast of WGVX-FM, WGVY-FM, and WGVZ-FM. The questions being raised include what's the current format,
because of the music mix now being aired -- and is it still "Love 105" due to a change of identity on the station's website, but not (yet) on the air. AllAccess.com reports that while the website now shows the new "Radio 105" logo, "afternoon personality Jill still called it 'Love 105,' and a liner cooed that it's 'The new sound of Love 105'." Writes All Access, "And that new sound? The playlist currently plays No Doubt's 'It's My Life," Toto's 'Africa,' Lady Gaga's 'The Edge Of Glory," Dido's 'Thank You' and Ed Sheeran's 'The A Team'." Meanwhile, Lance Venta at RadioInsight.com writes, "We’re expecting that the 'Radio 105' identity will be tied to a stunt leading into the debut of a CBS Sports Radio affiliate in the market. Perhaps one to be branded as 'The Ticket'?" All Access tells us, "Stunting will likely continue all weekend and into Monday -- no word on when the format wheel stops or what it lands on." They are awaiting further word from Operations Manager Scott Jameson. Venta also notes that "the station’s Twitter account has changed to @105RadioMN." (We're sorry we missed getting a firsthand report on all this. We were busy hiding Easter eggs.)
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Weekend Update
Friday, March 29, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - March 29, 2013
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A New Future for HD Radio? Digital Power Radio Says New HD Chips Will Offer More Reception Power 
Digital Power Radio says it has a new reception technology that improves the performance and coverage of HD Radio transmissions, which will be a "game changer," offering over-the-air digital a renewed future. Former FCC Chairman and DPR Managing Member Mark Fowler says, "Digital Power Radio's technology improves hybrid HD Radio AM and FM coverage by making the baseband receiver chip in the radio receiver more sensitive. The effect is to provide the substantial gains in HD Radio signal strength stated in the press release. Technically, the signal itself is not made stronger; but because the chip can pick up weaker signals and decode them, the effect is the same as improving signal strength." He notes that "the technology provides a growth vehicle for the broadcast industry into all kinds of radios, including mobile handset platforms, such as smartphones." Fowler spoke at length about the new technology with Radio World Editor in Chief Paul McLane. DPR, based in Palm Beach, Florida, is owned by Beasley Broadcast Group and the Fowler Radio Group, including Branimir (Brana) Vojcic, the chief inventor. Digital Power Radio's enhancement, we're told, makes changes in radio receivers' baseband receiver chip, rather than at the transmission level. Beasley CEO George Beasley says the new HD Radio technology "could be a game-changer for radio," providing coverage gains of approximately 5 dB hybrid for FM signals in mobile handsets/smart phones and tabletops in buildings, and approximately 7 dB of gains into auto receivers for hybrid FM broadcast signals. Similar gains, says DPR, will be realized for AM hybrid broadcasts.
WBUR-FM/Boston 'Here & Now' Teams with NPR to Expand, 
NPR is partnering with member station WBUR-FM, Boston, to expand the midday "Here & Now" to two hours. It will also add a co-host, Jeremy Hobson, who currently hosts the "Marketplace Morning Report." Says a news release, "Talk of the Nation, broadcast by more than 400 stations nationwide, will stop production at the end of June." NPR says host Neal Conan will "step away from the rigors of daily journalism" after 35 years at NPR and 11 years hosting the show. "Science Friday," with Ira Flatow, will continue. "To replace the midday staple program and to boost news coverage between its flagship drive-time show Morning Edition and All Things Considered, NPR is partnering with member station WBUR to expand the Boston station's hour-long news magazine Here & Now to two hours. It will be updated throughout the afternoon as it airs in different time zones. The expanded Here & Now debuts July 1."
Scott 'Torg' Torgerson Returning to Columbus Radio? 
As we've recently reported, a new Sports Talk station, airing the CBS Sports Radio network's programming, is coming to 95.5 FM in Columbus, Ohio. However, there are now reports that the new Sports Talk station will also be the new radio home of Scott "Torg" Torgerson, the former afternoon co-host at crosstown "97.1 The Fan" WBNS-FM. We previously noted in our "Behind the Microphone" feature, "Country 'K 95.5' WHOK-FM, Columbus, Ohio, will move its programming to sister Country 'Wink 107.1' WNKK-FM, April 1, to make room for CBS Sports Radio progrmming to take over 95.5 FM."
Bob Lewis Returns to AGM as Regional Director of Programming 
American General Media names veteran programmer Bob Lewis as Regional Director of Programming for its seven- station Albuquerque cluster and seven-station Bakersfield cluster, effective immediately. This is a return to American General Media for Lewis, who previously was Director of FM Operations/Marketing and Programming at their Bakersfield group. "I am delighted to have Bob rejoin our company in this important new capacity," says AGM President Rogers Brandon. "We have a broad array of great radio stations in both Bakersfield and Albuquerque. I look forward to working with Bob to grow our stations with great heritage and develop new and exciting product lines." Lewis tells us, "I am beyond thrilled to be rejoining American General Media and look forward to learning and partnering with the exceptional PD’s and staffs in Albuquerque and Bakersfield." Lewis' extensive radio background also includes Marketing and Brand Manger/Program Director for Trumper Communications "Hot 97.5" KMVA-FM, Phoenix; and at Emmis Communications Austin stations KDHT-FM and "103.5 Bob FM" KBPA-FM. He was previously with AGM before joining Emmis. His resume also includes Network Format/Brand Manager for Entravision's Radio Romantica Network, overseeing San Francisco, Denver, Sacramento, Albuquerque and Salinas-Monterey. Former Katz 360 President Brian Benedik Joins Spotify 
Former Katz 360 President Brian Benedik has joined Spotify as Vice President of North America Ad Sales. Benedik exited Katz 360 last September "to pursue other interests." He had previously been the President at Katz Media Group's Christal Radio. Benedik was with Katz 360 and Christal from March 2005 to September 2012. Before that he was the General Sales Manager at Clear Channel's "Z100" WHTZ-FM, New York, from September 2002 to March 2005. That assignment followed two years as a Regional VP for Clear Channel Radio Sales, preceeded by an earlier seven plus years at Katz Media Group starting in June 1993. In all, he spent close to 20 years with the Clear Channel Radio family of station sales representation. In his new position with Spotify, he will be based in New York City. Spotify plans to grow its U.S. ad sales operations to more major markets beyond its current sales operations in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, and the former broadcast radio sales pro will oversee that effort, as digital audio increasingly becomes the future of radio, as well as the newer streaming audio services such as Spotify. Says Benedik, "The digital ad marketplace is waking up and starting to recognize the online audio channel as attractive." But he tells us that unlike Pandora, which has taken an adversarial position against traditional radio, Spotify wants to “be a friend to the radio community." It offers a premium, subscription-based on-demand service and a free ad-supported product. Spotify claims 24 million active users worldwide, including six million paid subscribers, of which one million are in the U.S. The company says its free-to-paid conversion ratio is 25%, which would place its total U.S. audience at about 4 million. Benedik's bio describes him as an "online and offline media and technology executive with experience running Local and National ad supported businesses. Assignments have included maintaining large media brands and staffs with over $400 million of annual revenue to creating and building a Digital business for Katz Media." That's obviously what Spotify wants as it expands its U.S. ad sales operations.
Koren Vaughan Upped to NYC WBLS-FM/WLIB-AM 
YMF Media Urban AC WBLS-FM and Black Gospel WLIB-AM, New York, promotes Marketing Director Koren Vaughan to the newly created position Director of Interactive Sales and Marketing, responsible for leading the sales department in developing sales pricing strategy, effectively immediately. Vaughan has been with the company for seven years. "I am very excited about taking on this new responsibility," says Vaughan. "I am looking forward to further developing the company’s digital revenue stream." VP and General Manager Deon Levingston tells us, "Koren's leadership and knowledge as our Marketing Director along with her past experience as the Interactive Content Manager for WQHT positions her as the perfect person to lead both of these departments. I am very excited to have her in this new role." Blake Shelton to Audition for Portland 'Bull' Morning Show? 
Alpha Broadcasting's New Country "98.7 The Bull" KUPL-FM, Portland, Oregon, tells us Country music artist Blake Shelton will be auditioning to host their morning show. Shelton, says Alpha Portland Director of Programming Scott Mahalick, will be on the air live Monday (April 1) from 6-10am. Or will he? We'll believe it (for now) -- but note the date. (Could this be a clever April Fool's prank?) Mahalick says (with a straight face) that listeners will be able to submit votes for Shelton, or any other favorite Country artist they'd like to hear audition for the show at LikeTheBull.com -- which ultimately redirects to KUPL-FM's Facebook page. (Where else with "Like the Bull"?) Assuming this is a legitimate promotion, the station tells us that each weekday during the month of April, a different Country artist will be auditioning to host their morning show. "We're honored to have America's premier talent auditioning for our morning show and wish Blake Shelton the best of luck," says Mahalick, promising this isn't just some bull... uh, you know. (We wish the Director of Programming the best of luck with obtaining the bucks to pay Shelton -- or Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith, or another Country Music star -- to be the new daily morning show host if this isn't an April Fool's Day stunt! Has anyone cleared this with Larry Wilson?)
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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The news release notes that NPR relies on its network of affiliated stations to subscribe to its programs and contribute new stories and other editorial content. "However, this level of strategic partnership with a member station such as WBUR is unprecedented." Says NPR Chief Content Officer Kinsey Wilson, "This is a different kind of collaboration, and one where we’ve kind of rolled up our sleeves together and imagined what this show, which is already successful, could become when expanded to two hours." NPR will encourage public radio stations to replace "Talk of the Nation" with "Here & Now" and also contribute editorial muscle to the expanded show. WBUR General Manager Charles Kravetz tells us, “There’s going to be a lot more NPR content and bloggers and reporters and editors who are going to contribute to the program. But at the core, the great program that Here & Now is will still be there and get better and better." NPR executives said the unusual move to seek to replace "Talk of the Nation" with WBUR’s "Here & Now," which is carried by not even half as many stations across the country, is partly in response to long-voiced demands by member stations calling for more robust news coverage during the workday. The number of public radio listeners sags markedly between "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered," according to the news release.
Now, Torgerson posts on Twitter, "Fact: A new FM All Sports station is coming to Columbus very soon. Fact: The Torg is coming back on the air in Columbus soon." His tweet uses the hashtag "#torgisback". Torgerson, you might remember, was first suspended and then fired from WBNS-FM after tweeting death wishes for ESPN college football analyst Desmond Howard last October. He's since been hosting weekends and fill-ins at CBS Radio's "92.3 The Fan" WKRK-FM, Cleveland. According to reports from the market, the new Wilks Broadcasting Sports Talk station on 95.5 may be dubbed either "95.5 The Zone" or "95.5 The Game" based on recent domain registrations.
CHR-Top40 "107.5 The River" Program Director Brian Mack adds PD duties for sister CHR-Top40 "Kiss FM" WKXJ-FM, Chattanooga, taking over for JoJo, who will continue his programming duties in Greensboro and Augusta ... Mexican Contemporary "La Que Buena" WLQB-FM, Myrtle Beach, SC, flips to AC as “B 93.5" featuring "The Best of the '80s, '90s and Now” -- airing Dial Global's AC format ... Morning host Heidi Harris has exited Salem Conservative News Talk "870 The Answer" KRLA-AM, Los Angeles, and "590 The Answer" KTIE-AM, San Bernardino-Riverside, California. Brian Whitman and Ben Shapiro continue on "The Morning Answer" and will be joined by a new co-host to be named soon ... "94.7 The End" KZND-FM, Anchorage, Alaska, flips from Alternative to Active Rock under new Program Director Jeetz, who also will host afternoons.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Thursday's Radio & Media News - March 28, 2013
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Alternative Returns to Atlanta with Launch of 'Radio 105.7' 
Alternative Rock officially returns to Atlanta as Clear Channel launches "Radio 105.7" -- replacing Rhythmic CHR "Wild 105.7" on WWVA-FM. That station is also simulcast on WWLG-FM at 96.7 FM. Former "Project 96.1" WKLS-FM host Aly, who recently returned to Clear Channel at Classic Rock "101.3 The Brew" in Grand Rapids, was one of the first voices heard on the new "Radio 105.7" as it launched today at Noon. "With imaging/presentation similar in vein to sister 'Radio 104.5' WRFF Philadelphia, the station is taking a broader approach to the format than recent attempts in the market," reports Lance Venta at RadioInsight.com. The launch of the new Alternative station followed an hour of stunting with a loop of REM's "Radio Song" and "What's The Frequency Kenneth" leading to REM's "End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" as the first "Radio 105.7" song aired. "Our goal is to offer Atlanta listeners a different genre of music while providing the best programming and listening experience available," says Clear Channel Atlanta Market President Matt Scarano. "The area is home to Talk, Hip-Hop, Country, Top 40 and Classic Hits formats, but Radio 105.7 will bring fresh alternative music back to Atlanta – which is something our listeners are currently missing." Venta previously reported, "No market has undergone more upheaval over the past 12 months than Atlanta. As the fallout from the first batch of flips last Labor Day Weekend becomes clearer, one more change is on the horizon." Today that change took effect. "The current based Rock audience was most affected by last year’s shifts as the market lost Active Rock 'Project 96.1' WKLS, Alternative '99X' 98.9 W255CJ, and AAA '92.9 Dave-FM' WZGC in a matter of weeks," wrote Venta. "While Cumulus’ 'Rock 100.5' WNNX shifted from Classic to Mainstream Rock, there has still been a void for Alternative as the format has been on an up cycle." The new "Radio 105.7" is online at www.Radio1057.com. According to Clear Channel Atlanta, "Radio 105.7 will offer listeners a new place for music discovery and artists including the Foo Fighters, Muse, Mumford & Sons, Green Day, Dave Matthews, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Keys, Linkin Park, The Lumineers, Coldplay, Weezer and more. The station will also feature highly interactive hosts who are passionate about Atlanta, the music and who will engage with listeners both on-air and via social media, connecting fans with the artists they love through unique VIP experiences, music premieres, intimate specialty shows and other exclusive events across the country." The station's weekday host lineup includes: 5-10am, Aly Young; 10am-1pm, Roche; 1-4pm, Jordin Silver; 4-9pm, Mike Jones; and, 9pm-1am, Kevin. Cleveland Browns to Have Three New Flagship Stations 
The Cleveland Browns announce a long-term partnership with two Cleveland
local Sports Talk stations -- CBS Radio's "92.3 The Fan" WKRK-FM and Good Karma Broadcasting's "ESPN 850" WKNR-AM, to broadcast all Browns games. CBS Radio's Classic Rock WNCX-FM will also carry live game action beginning in 2013, giving the team a triplecast of games in their home market. We're told that the unusual partnership involving competitors "is designed to benefit Browns fans, with a significant enhancement of quality team programming as well as more access to the organization." Additionally, says the announcement, the partnership "will increase the community outreach and further connect these stations and the Browns to the community through joint philanthropic endeavors, including an annual Radiothon." In addition to the broadcast of Browns games, "92.3 The Fan" and "ESPN 850" will also air extensive pre- and post-game programming -- including a four-hour pre-game show on WKNR-AM, and a two-hour post-game show on "92.3 The Fan." Both stations will provide extensive coverage of the 2013 NFL Draft, which will be held April 25-27. Long-time voices of the Browns, Jim Donovan (play-by-play) and Doug Dieken (analyst) will continue to serve in their current roles. In addition, Jamir Howerton will once again file reports from the Browns sideline. The three stations replace Clear Channel's combo of News Talk WTAM-AM and Rock WMMS-FM which have served as the Browns flagships since the team's 1999 relaunch.
Vanessa Hale Named Boston '103.3 Amp Radio' Midday Host 
CBS Radio CHR-Top40 "103.3 Amp Radio" WODS-FM, Boston, names Vanessa Hale as midday host, completing its lineup. Hale comes to WODS-FM from "Hot 101.7" KHTH-FM, Santa Rosa, California where she hosted afternoons for the past year and a half. Before that, she worked for six years as weekend host on "98.7 LA’s Rock Alternative" KYSR-FM. She began her career at "104.3 MyFM" KBIG-FM, Los Angeles -- first as a promotions assistant and later being promoted to producer. Says "103.3 Amp Radio" Program Director Dan Mason, "As we assembled the 103.3 AMP Radio staff, we were looking for fresh talent who will sound great on the air, but also possess the drive and work ethic to win in a market as competitive as Boston. Vanessa is all of the above. She is the final piece of the puzzle and we are excited to move forward with a full on-air staff." Hale tells us, "I am so thrilled to bring my passion for radio to the East Coast. I’m excited to work with the talented and cutting-edge staff at 103.3 Amp Radio to make the station #1 for hit music in Boston." Hale's new midday show begins April 3. Report: Senate Democrats Back Jessica Rosenworcel for FCC Chair 
Senate Democrats are urging President Obama to consider choosing Jessica Rosenworcel to be the next Chair -- the first Chairwoman -- of the FCC, to replace Julius Genachowski, reports The Hill. Genachowski, of course, has announced that he will step down in the coming weeks. Rosenworcel has been an FCC Commissioner since last May. Before that, she served as an adviser to Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WVA), the Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over the FCC. She's also served as an aide at the FCC and worked in private practice. But, writes The Hill, "choosing Rosenworcel would skip over Mignon Clyburn, the more senior Democratic commissioner and daughter of Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), and could be seen as a snub of Clyburn and anger her supporters." In a letter obtained by The Hill, 37 Democrats urged Obama to "give serious consideration" to choosing Rosenworcel. They touted her decades of experience in communications policy and said she is "equally respected by industry, the public safety community, and public interest groups," according to the published report. As a current FCC Commissioner, Rosenworcel would not need Senate confirmation to ascend to the chairmanship. The Democrats, in their letter, say that by choosing Rosenworcel, the administration could avoid delaying critical FCC rule-makings. iHeartRadio Music Festival Returns to Las Vegas in September 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announces the return of its two-day iHeartRadio Music Festival for 2013
set for September 20 and 21. For a third year, the iHeartRadio Music Festival will be at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Clear Channel also today announced its continued partnership with Macy's to bring back Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star, a campaign designed to spotlight America's emerging musicians and find one lucky artist or group to perform at the iconic iHeartRadio Music Festival. The Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star campaign, back for its second year, will again conduct a nationwide search for new music. Clear Channel's industry experts and Macy's have selected 25 up-and-coming musicians to present to fans across America, who will then vote for an emerging artist who will be given a chance to perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival 2013 and at Macy's Glamorama events this summer. Clear Channel listeners, iHeartRadio fans and Macy’s shoppers will select their favorite emerging talent and vote online at iheartradio.com/RisingStar or at iheartradio.com/Macys. The artist with the most votes will perform at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. Voting begins April 1 and will run through May 12. "We are excited to once again partner with Clear Channel for the Macy's iHeartRadio Rising Star campaign," says Macy’s Chief Marketing Officer Martine Reardon. "From up-and-coming fashion trendsetters to rising music talent, Macy's has a long history of providing major platforms for the next generation of stars to shine. Macy’s iHeartRadio Rising Star is a fantastic way to engage our fans in that star-making process, adding an exciting layer of entertainment for customers to enjoy."
L.A. KIIS-FM's 'Wango Tango 2013' Set for May 11 
Clear Channel CHR-Top40 KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, morning host Ryan Seacrest today unveiled the lineup for the 2013 "Wango Tango" -- the station’s annual festival concert event. This year's edition will take place at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Caliornia, on Saturday, May 11. Presented by "G by Guess," this year’s lineup includes Bruno Mars, who will open the show; as well as Maroon 5, Flo Rida, will.i.am, Demi Lovato, Fall Out Boy, Miguel, Afrojack, Icona Pop, Jason Derulo, Krewella, Emeli Sandé and Ariana Grande. Seacrest will host the show, along with the rest of the KIIS-FM airstaff, with a special guest host appearance by Britney Spears. Tickets for Wango Tango will go on sale to "KIIS Club VIP Members" April 5. "This is an Internet only pre-sale and the link and password will be provided to KIIS Club VIP members only," says the station. If tickets are still available after the pre-sale, the remaining tickets will go on sale to the public on Saturday, April 6, at www.kiisfm.com. Cincinnati Gets One-Month 'Cincy Rock 94.5' 
Clear Channel is launching a one-month Rock station -- billed as "Cincy Rock 94.5" on FM translator W233BG starting April l. Why so short a life for the new ofering? Do they expect it to fail so greatly? No. It's actually a place-holder until the May 1 launch of a simulcast of Cincinnati's News Talk WLW-AM. There's been speculation for some time that Clear Channel wanted WLW-AM to have a prescence on FM, but much of that speculation centered on a possible full power FM signal. Back in January, though, John Kiesewetter reported on Cincinnati.com that he had heard Jim Scott’s WLW-AM morning show simulcast on 94.5 FM, which had previously carried an HD radio subchannel of "Kiss 107.1" WKFS-FM. "Northern Kentucky University’s WNKU-FM put the 94.5 FM signal on the air in 2007 as a low-power repeater in West Chester Township to beam NKU’s signal into southern Butler County suburbs. WNKU-FM sold it to Clear Channel after the NKU station bought Middletown’s powerful WPFB-FM (105.9), now WNKN-FM," wrote media reporter Kiesewetter, who added that over the past year, Clear Channel has strengthed the 94.5 signal and moved the city of license from Port Union to Cincinnati. The translator will begin its temporary life as "Cincy Rock 94.5" Monday after the Cincinnati Reds opening game. WLW-AM held a contest and winner Josh Fields will become the only on-air personality on the station that promises to air “the best undiscovered music of Cincinnati.” The FM will also air Reds games. Hip Hop 'The Box' Is Back in Charleston 
As expected, Hip Hop "The Box" is back in Charleston, SC -- this time as "99.3 The Box" on FM translator W257BQ and the HD2 multicast channel of WMXZ-FM at 95.9 FM. The new incarnation of the Hip Hop station, formerly airing in the market on 92.5, replaces a Spanish Tropical format on the translator. The "new" station is airing the syndicated "Big Boy’s Neighborhood" in mornings, and has a local afternoon show hosted by "Flu Season." Last week, we reported that "Apex Broadcasting is preparing to relaunch Hip Hop 'The Box' in Charleston, SC, on several frequencies -- WSPO-AM at 1390, along with the HD2 multicast channel of 'Mix 95.9' WMXZ-FM, and FM translator W257BQ at 99.3 FM. The format and brand previously aired on 92.5 FM, when that frequency was WIHB-FM, from March 2010 until May 2011, when the station flipped to Country 'Kickin 92.5' WCKN-FM. The format will soon reappear on the three frequencies replacing Spanish Tropical 'Ritmo Caliente'." The new "99.3 The Box" debuted Wednesday night (March 27). It's online at 993TheBox.com. Conclave Announces Learning Conference 38 Agenda 
The Conclave announces its preliminary agenda for the July 17-19 “Conclave 38: The Learning Conference” at the Minneapolis/Park Place Doubletree Hotel. Says Executive Director Bob Shannon, “The very words ‘The Learning Conference’ implies that Conclave 38 will focus on teaching ideas our attendees can actually use. Focusing on what works today and the tools we’ll need for tomorrow, our faculty includes thinkers, visionaries and practitioners in a wide variety of disciplines including digital, marketing, mobile, programming, social media, and talent creation and training,” says Shannon. According to a news release, "These industry luminaires will be part of Conclave 38’s Faculty (in alphabetical order) : Ivan Braiker/HipCricket, Tim Bronsil/Point to Point Marketing, Jon Chelesnik/Sportcasters Talent Agency of America, Drake Donovan/Splice Video, Joel Folger/Folger Media, Les Garland/Afterplay Entertainment, John Gehron/AccuRadio, Bruce Gilbert/Clear Channel, Phil Hall/Audience Bakery, Michael Harrison/Talkers-Radioinfo.com, Dan Hill/Sensory Logic, Fred Jacobs/Jacob Media, Randy Lane/The Randy Lane Company, Lori Lewis/Jacobs Media, Kipper McGee/Kipper McGee LLC, Kevin Metheny/Cumulus Media, Chris Miller/Chris Miller Digital, Tim Moore/Audience Development Group, Mark Shannon O’Neill/ROI Media Solutions, Bill Richards/Clear Channel, Larry Rosin/Edison Research, Walter Sabo/Sabo Media." The Conclave begins on Wednesday, July 17 with the fourth annual Jacobs Media Summer School, and ends July 19 with Conclave GameDay, a day devoted entirely to sports that ends with a reception at KTWN-FM’s studio just before the Minnesota Twins/Cleveland Indians game at Target Field, home of the 2014 All Star Game. For more information on the Learning Conference and Conclave educational programs, visit www.theconclave.com. Also found on the Conclave website is hotel room reservation information for the Doubletree Park Place Hotel. Premiere Syndicates 'Weekends with The Breakfast Club' 
Premiere Networks begins syndicating "Weekends with The Breakfast Club" effective immediately. The new three-hour, weekly radio program originating from "Power 105.1" WWPR-FM, New York, will feature the 20 hottest songs on the charts alongside DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha god's interviews. Currently, "The Breakfast Club" is one of the top-rated Urban morning radio programs in New York. Premiere says the program is available to Urban stations for airing Saturdays or Sundays between 6am and midnight. The show launched on "Power 105.1" in February, and has already added more than 30 affiliates, including WGCI-FM, Chicago; WUSL-FM, Philadelphia; WJLB-FM, Detroit; WBTP-FM, Tampa; and WKKV-FM, Milwaukee. The show is also heard on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio mobile app. "DJ Envy, Angela Yee and Charlamagne Tha god are some of the most influential voices in urban radio and we couldn't be happier to expand their unique and compelling brand of conversation to a wider audience," says Premiere Networks EVP of Music Programming Jennifer Leimgruber. Dave Hull Returns to Radio on CRN Digital Talk Radio 
Veteran radio host Dave Hull is returning to the air with "Dave Hull and Mandy," launching Saturday, March 30 on CRN Digital Talk Radio. The show, which will air from 2-4pm each Saturday, will feature Hull teamed with radio personality Mandy Armstrong, formerly of KWXY-FM, Palm Springs. Also featured will be former child actor-turned author and radio personality, J.J. Solari. "I took some time off a few years ago to write a book and do some other things, but now I'm excited about coming back to radio and working with CRN," says Hull, who aired on KRLA-AM in Los Angeles in the 1960s. "We're going to have a humorous look at today's news topics in a way that you've never heard on talk radio before. It's going to be a lot of fun." Known for his close relationship with the Beatles' during their rise to stardom while at KRLA, Hull helped push the growth of rock music by helping plan the Beatles' 1966 Hollywood Bowl concert as well as promoting clubs, other concerts and his own nightclub. Hull even appeared in a 1966 episode of "The Monkees," as a music promoter. Over the years, Hull has worked at a number of stations nationwide -- including WONE-AM, Dayton; WFLA-AM, Tampa; WQTE-AM, Detroit; and KHJ-AM, Los Angeles, among others. CRN Founder/CEO Michael Horn tells us, "Dave is a legend in radio and we're ecstatic to have him with us. With his close relationship with the Beatles, maybe he'll have a new Beatles song up his sleeve!"
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday's Radio & Media News - March 27, 2013
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Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman to Add Chairman of the Board 
Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman will add the title Chairman of the Board, effective May 17. In a new SEC filing, Clear Channel names Pittman to be Mark Mays' successor as Chairman of the Board. Mays will remain a member of the Clear Channel Board of Directors, but his brother Randall Mays "is not standing for re-election" -- and, according to the filing, will not be replaced on the Board. The filing notes that Mays served as President/CEO and Chairman of the Board from July 30, 2008 to March 31, 2011, at which time he retired as President/CEO. The Clear Channel SEC filing adds, "Other than the period of time since Mr. Mays' retirement as our Chief Executive Officer, we historically have combined the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Board does not have a policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board as the Board believes it is in the best interests of CC Media to make that determination based on the position and direction of CC Media, the membership of the Board and the individuals who occupy those roles. As our Chairman of the Board and our previous Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mays has worked collaboratively with Mr. Pittman and, prior to his appointment, the Office of the Chief Executive Officer during its tenure during 2011. Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and our Board have continued to evaluate the appropriate leadership structure for our company, including our past leadership structures and Mr. Pittman’s service as our Chief Executive Officer. After considering these factors, our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended and our Board approved the appointment of Mr. Pittman to serve as our Chairman of the Board beginning on May 17, 2013, subject to his re-election as a director." The full SEC Schedule 14A filing is available here from the SEC.
BIA/Kelsey: Radio Online Revenues Growing Faster Than On-Air 
Radio industry over-the-air revenues inched slightly upwards in 2012, increasing to $14.3 billion, a 1.5 percent change from the year before, according to the first edition of "Investing In Radio Market Report," a quarterly report published by BIA/Kelsey. That slight change is due in large part to the sluggish overall economy for 2012 and the increased competition radio faces in the local media market. The company also notes that station revenue mix will continue to shift somewhat and income from online advertising is expected to rise at a rate of about 10.8 percent annually over the next five years versus 2.5 percent from over-the-air. For 2013, BIA/Kelsey forecasts over-the-air radio revenues should see 2.3 percent growth, or $14.7 billion, again due to the slightly stronger economy. In 2012, online radio ad revenues reached $491 million, representing 3.3 percent for the industry. Markets such as Boston saw 14.2 percent in online radio revenue with overall numbers rising by 3.6 percent. BIA/Kelsey forecasts radio's online revenue growth will reach $818 million by 2017, while the industry's combined total revenue will reach $17 billion by 2017. "As the digital marketplace continues to rise in all sectors of advertising, radio is improving its listener engagement online and benefitting from the value of its web and mobile assets," says BIA/Kelsey VP and Chief Economist
Mark Fratrik. "Overall, the industry is still recognized as an important part of the media mix as it continues to meander around, rising slightly with the rate of inflation but not keeping up with the economy."
DC's WTOP-FM Again the Top Billing U.S. Radio Station 
WTOP-FM, Washington DC, is again the top billing U.S. radio station, according to BIA/Kelsey. WTOP-FM is reported as the number one billing station for a third year in a row with $64.6 million in 2012, up from $60 million for 2011. Clear Channel's CHR-Top40 KIIS-FM, Los Angeles, was the second highest billing station for 2012, says BIA/Kelsey, at $56.8 million, followed by co-owned CHR-Top40 "Z100" WHTZ-FM, New York, at $48.2 million. Rounding out the top five billing stations for last year is All News WCBS-AM, New York, at number four with $47.2 million, and KFI-AM, Los Angeles, at $46 million. Clear Channel stations account for three of the top five billing radio outlets, while CBS Radio had five of the top ten billing U.S. stations in 2012. Number One WTOP-FM is owned by Hubbard Broadcasting. The remainder of the top ten are WBBM-AM, Chicago, at $45.7 million, WLTW-FM, New York, at $43 million, WINS-AM, New York, at $41.5 million, WFAN-AM-FM, New York, at $41 million and KROQ-FM, Los Angeles with $39.3 million. Windows Phone 8 to Restore FM Radio Capability 
Last week, we reported that as Pandora rolls out its Windows Phone mobile app, "Pandora listeners on Windows Phone 8 will receive ad-free personalized radio at no cost, courtesy of Microsoft, through the rest of this year, plus features unique to the platform." As an addemdum, we noted, "In what's bad news for terrestrial radio, we've learned that with the new Pandora push, Microsoft has removed the FM radio tuner as a base feature from Windows Phone 8." Now, though, Microsoft says the Windows 8 Phone will bring back FM radio capability. Sources tell The Verge that Microsoft will bring back FM radio support, after dropping it following the Windows Phone 7. The Lumia 920 and Lumia 820 are both expected to support FM radio, while other compatible handsets will include the support as well. To date, there's been no explanation as to why Microsoft had dropped the FM radio capability from Phone 8, but it was suggested last week by others that it was in conjunction with its new deal with Pandora. Cumulus Names Skip Murphy to Replace Michael Baisden 
Cumulus Media Network is filling the vacancy resulting from the exit of Michael Baisden's show with the new "Skip Murphy in the Afternoon" -- a music-based program, beginning April 1. The new syndicated Urban show is a partnership with Reach Media that brings Murphy and co-host Jasmine Sanders to the 3-7pm time slot. CMN says the show will feature "celebrity guests participating on a continuous basis." The show will feature Urban/R&B "hits from today, the 80’s and the 90’s." We're told that "Skip Murphy in the Afternoon" will be "upbeat, with humor, dishing on the latest trends, gossip and more. The music will provide the beat for an entertaining drive home. We will also begin testing more beloved and captivating personalities in the African American community in the entertainment category to be a part of the show." The CMN announcement comes one day after Reach Media announced it had selected Murphy and Sanders to replace the Michael Baisden afternoon show previously syndicated by Cumulus on all Radio One stations that have aired Baisden. His show, currently running old "Best of" editions, ends March 29. Reach Media was telling Baisden affiliates the show would start April 1, and "will be a music intensive show, not a talk show." Affiliates were being told this is test run with Skip and Jasmine until further notice. Murphy spent 15 years in mornings at Service Broadcasting's "K104" KKDA-FM and KRNB-FM, Dallas, until exiting in 2008. Since then he's hosted an online show and has filled in frequently for Reach Media's Tom Joyner. Sanders has worked at AC "Fresh 102.7" WWFS-FM and Urban AC WBLS-FM, New York. WUIL-FM/Champaign-Urbana Flips to Classic Hits WKIO-FM 
Another follow-up from last week: "U-Rock 107.9" WUIL-FM, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, has flipped to "Classic Hits 107.9" WKIO-FM, focusing on hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s, launching with 10,000 songs in a row commercial free. We had reported that WUIL-FM was "expected to soon drop its Rock format and re-brand with a change of call letters to WKIO-FM." As we told you then that would return those calls to the market where they have a colorful history on other frequencies. But, was the question, "what exactly that means for the format is still a topic for speculation." Some believed it would be Classic Hits (they were right), while others suggested something different. We were wrong, suggesting the possibility of Classic Rock, rather than Classic Hits. The WKIO call letters had last been used in the market on 92.5 FM airing Classic Hits. Further back in time, WKIO had been a Top 40 station on what was billed as "K-104" with the WKIO call letters for "Keep It On" and "Keep It On K-104" as its positioner. With WUIL-FM flipping, this is the second station in the market to abandon Rock this year. WGKC-FM dropped Classic Rock for Country "US 105.9" in January." That led us to speculate that perhaps rather than Classic Hits, "U-Rock 107.9" might be planning a flip to Classic Rock to fill that void in the Champaign-Urbana market. Oops. Bad call! Radio Honorees Among Peabody Award Winners 
ABC News Radio, NPR, WBEZ-FM/Chicago, and WNYC-AM-FM/New York, are radio honorees as the winners of the 72nd annual George Foster Peabody Awards were announced today. ABC News Radio was honored as part of ABC News for its coverage of Superstorm Sandy, and for "Robin's Journey," the series of reports on radio and TV chronicling "Good Morning America" co-host Robin Roberts' battle with cancer. NPR won for "Syria 2012" and the "All Things Considered" feature "Teen Contender," a radio diary of an aspiring Olympian. Chicago Public Media's noncommercial News Talk WBEZ-FM/Chicago was honored for "This American Life," along with Pro Publica and Fundacion Mepi, for the episode "What Happened at Dos Erres," the story of a child survivor of the 1982 Guatemalan civil war massacre of civilians in a small village who discovered that the man he thought was his father was actually the commander of the troops who killed most of the people in his village. New York Public Radio noncommercial News Talk WNYC-AM-FM/New York won for a series of documentaries on "Media Mechanics" featuring recordings named for the Library of Congress registry, shared with Public Radio International, and for Leoard Lopate's local talk show. A complete list of all the Peabody Award winners is available here. Entercom to Deploy Triton Digital's a2x Platform 
Triton Digital announces that Entercom Communications has joined a2x, bringing its digital radio stations to the platform. The a2x platform is described by Triton as "the industry's only audience-based programmatic buying solution for online and mobile audio ads." Says Entercom VP of Digital Strategy and Enterprise Platforms Tim Murphy, "We are driven by a mission to optimize the value of our core audio content for our advertising partners, and Triton's a2x platform allows us to do just that. a2x fits perfectly with our vision for the digital future of radio, and we're proud to sign on as an early adopter of the platform."
WideOrbit Announces iPad and Android Traffic App, 
Advertising management software provider WideOrbit announces a new app for iPad and Android that will allow sales and traffic pros to "quickly and easily book and approve orders directly from their tablets through the WO Traffic product." The app, says Wide Orbit, will make it easier for their broadcast and media network customers to sell media while submitting orders, making changes, and viewing inventory, etc. while on the go. WideOrbit will preview the new app at the 2013 NAB Show. “We are excited to introduce an innovative tool that helps improve our clients’ productivity and fulfills their growing need to be more mobile,” says WO Traffic Product Manager Arden Ten Broeck. “The WO Traffic order entry and approvals app will help salespeople go from the customer’s desk to submitting orders on their tablet device without being tethered to the office. Sales managers will also benefit from the ability to approve new orders and order changes while on the go; and they will have a more up-to-date view of sales orders and inventory. We’ve made the tool incredibly quick and easy to use in order to simplify the process of booking orders across sales and traffic organizations, and deliver significant time savings to our clients.” The company also tells us that its WO Analytics product is being used by more than 240 radio, TV and media networks after being introduced last year at the 2012 NAB Show. The WO Analytics "helps media companies identify new business opportunities, improve pricing, streamline operations and increase forecasting accuracy." The product, we're told, also offers views of transactional data and key metrics that can identify opportunities to increase revenue and reduce credits. Christal Radio Promotes Two
Kristina Garafalo Goldman to VP of Sales in Los Angeles 
Christal Radio promotes Kristina Garafalo Goldman to VP of Sales in Los Angeles, and Melissa Ostrander to Senior Account Executive in Chicago. Christal Radio is part of the Katz Radio Group. "We have an impressive team of talented sellers and both Kristina and Melissa are terrific examples of how great initiative together with dedication can pay off," says Christal Radio President Christine Travaglini. "We look forward to seeing them continue to deliver outstanding results as they grow their careers with our company." Garafalo Goldman started her career at KGTV San Diego in 1999 as a Regional Sales Coordinator. In 2001, she switched to radio, joining Clear Channel San Diego as a local Account Executive. Two years later, she became part of Christal Radio as an Account Executive and spent several years in the New York office before transferring to the Los Angeles office. She is a graduate of the University of San Diego and a member of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Ostrander joined Christal Radio in 2010. Prior to that, she was an Account Executive for Clear Channel Radio Sales in Chicago for two years. Ostrander also spent four years as an Assistant Relationship Manager for Northern Trust in Chicago. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a member of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. Alliance for Women in Media to Host NAB Show Event 
The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) will present “The Women’s Room” at the NAB Show in Las Vegas on April 8. "The event is limited to 200 registrants who will be served a healthy breakfast, have a professional headshot taken, receive feedback on their social media profile, and make high-impact connections with fellow women in media," says AWM. The event host committee includes Beasley Broadcast Group EVP and CFO Caroline Beasley; NAB Education Foundation VP Michelle Duke; Sarah Foss, media consultant; Kay Olin, President, Local Focus Radio; and Christine Travaglini, President, Christal Radio (Katz Radio Group). Says AWM President Erin Fuller, “The Alliance for Women in Media is excited to create a fun, dynamic, and professional community within the NAB Show – and we are thrilled by the high-impact women who have already stepped forward to support this new event. We are glad to be working with our long-term partners, NAB and NAB Education Foundation who have been such fantastic partners in launching The Women’s Room.”
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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a2x enables real-time bidding and programmatic buying of targeted online and mobile audio inventory for advertisers, enhancing the ability to manage, buy and sell third-party advertising campaigns. The platform's automated, exchange-driven method of buying and selling ad impressions facilitates rapid and precise transactions, eliminating waste and resulting in the highest price for publishers and the greatest efficiency for advertisers. "Entercom is a progressive company, and has been in tune with our vision for a2x from the outset," says Triton Digital COO Mike Agovino. "We're excited to bring its highly-successful portfolio of stations to the platform, and work with them to leverage their data and ad inventory to maximize online and mobile revenues."
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Tuesday's Radio & Media News - March 26, 2013
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Entercom Promotes Weezie Kramer to Station Group President 
Entercom promotes Weezie Kramer to the newly created position of Station Group President. Kramer, who has served as a Regional President for Entercom since 2005, will oversee the operations of the company’s 121-station group, and chair the company’s operating committee. Entercom Regional Presidents Deborah Kane and Michael Doyle will report to Kramer. "For years, we have operated with three wonderfully talented regional presidents, but the time has come to align our station group under a single operational leader to drive stronger organizational cohesiveness and effectiveness," says Entercom President and CEO David Field. "In elevating Weezie to this role, we will enhance our coordination and clarity and drive faster decision-making. She will continue to work closely with Deborah Kane and Michael Doyle, providing an outstanding leadership team for our markets. Weezie is an extraordinarily talented and highly effective leader who is driven to excel. She is incredibly bright, dedicated, and innovative and has unimpeachable integrity and character. There is no question in my mind that in her new, elevated role, she will make us a stronger, more effective organization." Says Kramer, "The great thing about loving what one does is that it is never work. So I am even more excited to take on this new responsibility and work with Michael, Deborah, and our teams in our continuous effort to improve the execution of plans. Entercom is blessed with outstanding brands, personalities, digital assets, and people who work tirelessly to deliver great content and results to our fans and customers. Having the opportunity to lead this team will be fun." National Urban AC Personality Launches His Own Doug Banks Media 
National Urban AC afternoon drive host Doug Banks launches his own Doug Banks Media. Based in Dallas, the new company will build on his radio show's brand, and develop new talent and content for radio, satellite, digital, television and live events. Former ABC Radio Networks VP of Urban Radio Ed Pearson has been named President of Doug Banks Media. Says Banks, "It has been a vision of mine for the last three years to launch this company. Having someone of such high caliber as Ed at my side, it’s now a reality and we're ready to make some noise!" Pearson tells us, "I've been fortunate to have worked with some of the best in radio and Doug is certainly at the top of that list. I'm looking forward to growing this business and enhancing the Doug Banks brand like never before."
Loren Raye Joins Boston's '103.3 Amp Radio' TJ Morning Show 
Loren Raye is named morning co-host of "The TJ Show" with TJ Taormina on CBS Radio CHR-Top40 "103.3 Amp Radio" WODS-FM, Boston. The reunited team of TJ and Loren will start April 1, airing weekday mornings from 5:30-9am. Raye joins from the "Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show" where she and Taormina had previously worked together. Over the course of her five years with the Duran show, she's held a variety of roles -- including post-show production, program producer and segment host of "Badass Chick of the Day" -- and fill-in co-host. "I am beyond thrilled to be able to work alongside TJ as his co-host," says Raye. "For the last five years, he has continuously fueled my passion for radio and has also become one of my very closest friends, which I couldn't be more grateful for. I look forward to working with TJ, Dan Mason, and the incredible Amp team to make Amp Radio Boston's top hit music station." WODS-FM Program Director Dan Mason tells us, "I couldn't be happier to have Loren join this amazing team we are building at Amp. She embodies the lifestyle of our audience and possesses a passion for radio that will make her a perfect fit on our staff. Her natural chemistry with TJ from their time together in New York will put them on the fast track to becoming America's next great Top 40 morning show." Raye is also a voiceover artist with a resume that includes narrator for MTV's "Totally Clueless," voice of Club Kane, as well as voiceover work for clients like Chase, NBC Universal, and Wal-Mart. Steve Masters Joins San Francisco's 'Live 105' (Again) 
CBS Radio Alternative Rock "Live 105" KITS-FM, San Francisco, is bringing back Steve Masters -- this time for mornings -- starting April 1. "Live 105 has a rich history in the Bay Area, and Steve was a big part of making us who we are. To say I’m excited to hear him back on our air is an understatement," says VP of Programming Michael Martin. Masters, who was heard on the station from 1985 to 1998 and again in 2002, tells us, "Wow, I get to do the Live 105 Morning Show now? Well, I’m thrilled to return to the Live 105 airwaves and I’m glad all is forgiven after throwing that chair through the window. See you on the radio!" Masters developed as a Club DJ and hosted his own video show on the California Music Channel (CMC), and was an MTV VJ. He also started his own record label, Tripindicular Records, and launched his own Triple C Promotions and GotGame, which has become a leading video game company that promotes video games on radio stations nationwide. He can be heard giving updates on the latest games on most of those stations and www.gotgame.com in the official GotGame radio feature. Spotify Launching Major Ad Campaign, Seeking Continued U.S. Growth 
Spotify is launching its first-ever major ad campaign. The campaign, "For Music," began with a TV commercial airing during "The Voice" on NBC last night. The campaign, which will include web and social media elements, includes "a series of TV spots as the company hopes to reach a mass audience in the U.S.," reports CNet. The campaign was created by Droga5, an independent advertising network. We reported earlier this month that after signing up one million subscribers since December, Spotify's paid listenship had passed six million, second only to Pandora -- and that Spotify hopes to pass Pandora with a new push. Overall, Spotify now claims 24 million active users, more than double than a year ago. You can view the TV ads here.. CNet notes that executives at the major music labels "privately complain that Spotify hasn't done enough to build its U.S. audience. This ad blitz is Spotify trying to fix that. It also comes as Spotify is renegotiating its licensing deals with the major labels, according to music industry executives." Spotify's model, says the report, is to lure consumers to the free, ad-supported service and then try to get them to become paying subscribers by offering ad-free music and more features.
'Infinite Dial 2013': Smartphone Ownership at 53% 
Smartphone ownership, led by Android devices and the iPhone, now reaches 53% of Americans 12+, up from 44% in 2012, according to "The Infinite Dial 2013." Among those aged 18-34, three in four now own a smartphone, compared to two in three among this age group one year ago. Insights from this year's edition of the annual study from Arbitron and Edison Research will be presented during "The Infinite Dial 2013: Navigating Digital Platforms" webinar April 2 at 2pm ET. The study focuses on insights regarding consumer use of media, technology, and digital platforms. The annual series has offered views of digital media trends since 1998. Other trends that will be explored in "The Infinite Dial 2013" include: What's happening with the influence of AM/FM radio in the car; the continued growth of online radio usage and time spent listening; social media use by brand and age demographics; and, which devices people use to wake up in the morning. Registration for the one-hour webinar is free, but each person who plans to attend the online session must register individually. 'Little City 97.3' KOLC-FM Debuts in Reno 
We now have the answer to the question of what would take over 97.3 FM in Reno when Urban "Swag 97.3" KSGG-FM moved to 1230 as KSSG-AM with a translator signal on 104.9 FM, K285EQ. Modern AC "Little City 97.3" KOLC-FM has debuted in Reno. Ears in the market say the music mix encompasses a lot of what formerly aired on sister "Alice 96.5" KLCA-FM before it moved to a CHR-Top40 format. The music heard so far is mostly a mix of Hot AC and Triple-A, with a dab of basic Alternative. We previously reported (March 16) the end of the Progressive Talk KJFK-AM on 1230, with Americom planning to move the "Swag" signal to that frequency to support the Urban format's FM signal on a translator -- with the question looming as to what would come to 97.3 FM. Now we know. The "Little City" monicker for the new Modern AC format comes from Reno’s "The Biggest Little City in the World" slogan. The new KOLC-FM is online at LittleCity973.com, but for now there's just a splash screen telling visitors that a new website is "coming soon." Fox Sports Radio Adds Spokane's KPTQ-AM 
Fox Sports Radio will launch on Spokane's KPTQ-AM April 11. The station, which will re-brand as "1280 Fox Sports Spokane," will air the Sports Talk network's full lineup, flipping from Classic Country. "We couldn't be more excited to bring the power of the Fox Sports brand to the Spokane market," says Clear Channel Spokane Operations Manager Michael La Crosse. "It's the perfect addition to our station cluster. With the appeal of Dan Patrick, Jay Mohr, and the rest of the Fox Sports lineup, in addition to our Major League Baseball, NFL, College Football, and NASCAR programming, we know that 1280 Fox Sports Spokane will be the team listeners and advertisers will want to be a part of." He also says the re-branded station will air Fox Sports Primetime featuring Pat O'Brien with Steve Hartman, Fox Sports Tonight and JT "The Brick," as well as the net's weekend programming. Univision Radio Names Chris Munoz SVP of Network Sales 
Univision Radio appoints Chris Munoz SVP of Network Sales, focusing on providing enhanced services to Univision Radio agency clients. He will also continue to lead National Digital Sales. Munoz is based out of Dallas and has been with Univision for more than a decade. Most recently he was SVP of National Sales for Univision Radio. "With a compelling career in sales, we are very fortunate to have Chris in our division," says EVP of Sales Lee Davis. "Chris has demonstrated exemplary leadership in sales management and we are confident that he will further enhance our relationships with our network clients." Prior to joining Univision, Munoz was an account manager in the Sales and Marketing division at NBC. He also held a role as an account executive for Univision Television Group. He began his career in media at Leo Burnett as a media supervisor. Arbitron Ups Monica Narvaez to Hispanic Broadcaster Acct Specialist 
Arbitron announces that Monica Narvaez has been appointed Hispanic Broadcaster Account Specialist. In this newly created role, Narvaez will focus on further strengthening the partnerships Arbitron maintains with its Hispanic broadcasting customers. Her new responsibilities include promoting the power of Spanish-Language radio; generating solutions to help address Hispanic Radio group needs; and, developing programs for Spanish radio group training initiatives Narvaez has been at Arbitron for 10 years, where she specializes in providing Hispanic media insights and training for Spanish-language radio broadcasters. In addition, she is Arbitron's lead for the promotion of Spanish-language radio and its unique value for advertisers in reaching Hispanic consumers. Jelli Receives 'Social Broadcasting User Experience' Patent 
Social radio platform Jelli announces that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has given it a U.S. Patent for “Social Broadcasting User Experience.” The patent, we're told, describes a broad range of methods related to audience participation with a broadcast. Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty tells us, "Jelli has made a significant R&D investment in both the technology, platform and underlying intellectual property around user-controlled broadcasting. This technology combines the reach of broadcast with the social engagement of the web, to unlock value for users, broadcasters and advertisers alike. We are pleased to receive a fundamental patent in this area to protect the innovations of our team, for our company and partners." LDR Offers Crowdcasting in Europe 
LDR is teaming with Oxis Media to provide its service in Europe, says LDR CEO Daniel Anstandig. "Our LDR platforms have already been embraced by stations in Europe including MTG Sweden, SBS Finland and Virgin Radio Italy. Now, with Clive Dickens' and Ian Walker’s team beginning a proactive push to represent us on the continent, we're hoping to bring the benefits of our technology to more stations and listeners." Walker is the Oxis CEO. Dickens is the former COO of UK-based Absolute Radio. Oxis already represents SparkNet Communications (Jack FM) in the UK. NPR Is On the Move! 
NPR officially is moving into its new Washington DC headquarters at 1111 N. Capitol St. NE. It was five years ago that NPR bought a four-story warehouse which is now its new home. The public radio broadcaster, which began the move-in Monday, says it will relocate in phases that will continue through late-April. The price tag on the project is $201 million. Part of that will be offset by the sale of other real estate, as well as grants and gifts. The biggest share of the funding, though, is from $165.8 million in bonds issued in 2010. 2013 Radio Mercury Awards Call for Entry Extended to April 22 
The 2013 Radio Mercury Awards Call For Entry deadline for the $50,000 Best of Show and multiple other cash prizes has been extended to April 22. Eligibility has also been extended to spots and campaigns broadcast or streamed from January 1, 2012 to April 22, 2013. The awards ceremony will be held June 5 in New York. The competition is open to campaigns, commercials and PSA's. Finalists will be announced in May. RadioMercuryAwards.com, where you can find entry guidelines and enter online, tells visitors, "When you enter the 2013 Radio Mercury Awards, Big things can happen. You could step up on stage June 5th to Big applause, Win a Big prize and take home a Mercury trophy. There’s also the Big boost to your creative reputation. And the richest creative competition for radio goes even Bigger in 2013 with Increased prize monies in some of the most popular entry categories and a New $3,000 Campaign Award." Greater Media Announces Chairman's Awards 
Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth has officially announced the winners of the First Annual Chairman's Awards, which celebrate the "best of the best" of the Greater Media sales and interactive teams making a difference in providing integrated marketing solutions for clients. The winners, judged by some of the industry's top professionals, were ultimately personally chosen by Smyth. Each winning finalist receives a cash prize. Smyth unveiled the winners Monday via a live stream to all the Greater Media markets from the company's Boston video studio. The winners include: Interactive Salesperson of the Year: Frank Migliorino/Greater Media New Jersey; Business Developer of the Year: Matt Rovine /Greater Media Philadelphia; Creative Project of the Year: Greater Media Philadelphia Interactive Team; and, Integrated Solution Provider of the Year: Sue Alexander/Greater Media Boston. "The inaugural awards initiative showcased the very best results-driven multi-platform sales programs and capabilities created by the Greater Media sales and interactive teams across the company," says Smyth. "I am so proud of what our sales and interactive teams have accomplished. I continue to be absolutely amazed at the "out of the box" creativity that our teams continue to develop for listeners and clients on a multi-platform level. It's inspiring. They truly make Greater Media greater on a daily basis."
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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In addition to serving as President of Doug Banks Media, Pearson continues his work for Esome Media Group, his talent and media management company formed in 2009. Banks began his radio career at his high school radio station. Upon graduation, Banks turned a six-week trial into a multi-year position at KDAY-FM, Los Angeles. After radio gigs in such cities as Las Vegas and San Francisco, Banks landed a nationally syndicated morning show that he hosted with DeDe McGuire, with its most significant market being Chicago. It soon became one of the top-rated syndicated urban programs in America. In 2008, Banks re-launched his nationally syndicated morning show in afternoon drive under the new name The Ride with Doug and DeDe. In 2010, American Urban Radio Networks began syndicating The Doug Banks Radio Show in afternoons.