Friday's Radio & Media News - March 15, 2013

Kelly Music Research: '99% Want FM in Auto Dashboard' After reports that AM-FM radio may be eliminated from auto dashboards, a Kelly Music Research survey finds that FM is still the most important audio feature in the dashboard. According to VP/General Manager Paul Kelly, "A radio that plays FM radio stations is still clearly the most important audio offering a dashboard can provide. An overwhelming 99% of respondents say that if they were buying a car next week, FM in the dashboard is Important. 89% say FM Radio is 'Very Important'." Other findings in the nationwide survey, conducted this week, show that AM Radio does not fare as well. In fact, of the audio features tested, AM is least important with 54% of respondents saying AM is "Not Important At All." Satellite Radio comes in a distant second to FM with 46% saying "Somewhat Important" and 19% saying "Very Important," notes the study report. Internet Radio in the dashboard is not far behind Satellite with 44% "Somewhat Important" and 13% "Very Important" responses. Kelly found HD Radio did not do much better than AM. Some 51% say HD Radio is "Not Important at All" and only 9% say HD is "Very Important." The nationwide study included 509 male and female respondents aged 18 to 54. Bubba and Schnitt Reach Mediation Agreement The five year-long battle between Bubba the Love Sponge Clem and Todd "MJ Kelly" Schnitt is finally over. "After a 12-hour marathon mediation Thursday, the two parties came to an agreement at about 11:30pm, and Todd "MJ" Schnitt and his wife got exactly what they wanted from.Bubba the Love Sponge Clem," reports the Tampa Bay Times. Bubba cannot talk on-air or publicly about Michelle Schnitt. If he does, he will have to pay $5,000 plus attorneys' fees. He also cannot slander or defame Todd Schnitt. It's a "non-disparagement agreement," and it essentially limits what Clem can say on-air. But Clem can still say negative things about Schnitt. The bar for "defamation" is very high, as the jury showed in their verdict. "There comes a price with the freedoms that I think that I have," Clem said Friday morning on his radio show. "The cost of doing business." The Schnitts' attorney, Wil Florin, says, "We're really happy with the result. It was really time that the two parties sat down in a professional manner, explored their differences and reached a resolution. This should have happened years ago." Clem also has agreed to not seek attorneys' fees from the Schnitts for the trial. Clem told radio listeners Friday that he had about $800,000 in legal fees. The Thursday mediation was the first time the parties sat down together, even though the case has been in court for five years. The Schnitts filed their lawsuit against Clem in 2008, claiming he was saying false and defamatory things about them on his radio show. This year, in January, they lost the case. A jury denied all their claims and awarded the couple nothing. Clem and his attorneys declared it a victory for the First Amendment. Schnitt then said he would seek a new trial and continue the civil lawsuit. Bubba and "MJ Kelly" had been direct morning competitors in the Tampa radio market until Schnitt ended his morning show as "MJ" in favor of his afternoon talk show using his real name. Boston Phoenix Shuts Down, WFNX.com Fate to Be Decided The Boston Phoenix has abruptly shut down, and WFNX.com, the Phoenix Media/Communication online Alternative radio station, will not continue in its present form, its fate to be decided shortly. Boston.com reports, "In a poignant signal of a fast-changing media landscape, The Boston Phoenix sent out a short and simple tweet Thursday afternoon: 'Thank you Boston. Good night and good luck.' With that terse dispatch, the ground-breaking, Boston alternative weekly, which only six months ago reinvented itself from tabloid newspaper into glossy magazine, put a final punctuation mark on its announcement that its current issue, dated March 15, will be its last." The company’s custom publishing unit and MassWeb Printing operation, based in Auburn, Massachusetts, will remain open. Sister publications in Providence and Portland, Maine, will stay in business, but WFNX.com, the Phoenix Media/Communication Corp.’s online radio station, will not continue in its present form, its fate to be decided shortly. The online edition of the Boston Phoenix, slated to appear March 22, will be its final, also. Employees at the Phoenix were told of the closings by owner and Publisher Stephen Mindich at a Thursday afternoon meeting . It is expected that about 40 employees will be let go within the week and another ten or so soon after, according to Executive Editor Peter Kadzis, who described the general reaction among Phoenix staffers as “shell-shocked.” Last year, Mindich sold Alternative WFNX-FM's frequency to Clear Channel for $14.5 million, then re-launched the station online, but without many of its top personalities -- some of whom crossed to a new rival RadioBDC.com -- the BDC for "Boston Dot Com" which appears happy to report the potential demise of WFNX.com as the Phoenix ceases Boston operations. Donielle Flynn Joining Detroit's 'Fresh 100.3' for Mornings Donielle Flynn will join the "Jay Towers in the Morning" show at "Fresh 100.3" WNIC-FM, Detroit, as co-host, March 25. Flynn comes to the Motor City from WRNR-FM, Annapolis, Maryland, where she was an on-air host. Her experience includes past stops as Assistant PD/Music Director at "DC101" WWDC-FM, Washington DC, and more than six years in Philadelphia at WYSP-FM and WMMR-FM. Flynn will return to the Detroit market, where in the 1990s she spent several years at "102.7 The Bear" WWBR-FM and "Z-Rock 102.7" WDZR-FM. Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Detroit VP of Programming Tony Travatto tells us, "After looking high and low for the perfect co-host for Jay, we found Doni. She has strong ties to Michigan and will relate to the Fresh 100.3 listener in many ways." And says Flynn, "I'm so excited to come home to Detroit. I can't wait for my Fresh start with The Jay Towers Morning Show. The chance to rejoin my community and be a part of the legendary WNIC is nothing short of incredible." Former Politician Joe Walsh Joins Chicago's '560 The Answer' Former politician Joe Walsh joins Talk "560 The Answer" WIND-AM, Chicago, as a night talk show host. Chicagoland Radio and Media reports, "Walsh began negotiations with the station and its parent company Salem Communications soon after losing the 2012 election for United States House of Representatives." CRM's Larz writes, "Walsh served only one two-year term as the Representative from Illinois' 8th congressional district (January 2011-January 2013). It was his only time serving in public office, as he previous lost all of his other attempts to win state or national political seats. Throughout his two-year tenure as a Representative and his races for that seat, Walsh was a lightning rod for controversy." Walsh, who has been a frequent guest on WIND-AM, now officially joins the station. Beginning March 25, Walsh will host a two-hour talk show each weeknight at 7pm. The CRM report notes that this will be his first time ever hosting his own radio show. Meanwhile, Salem "will be keeping an eye on Walsh's progress on his radio show, to see if the rookie radio host can gather a following of listeners and advertisers. If successful, his show could be considered for possible syndication." Donovan McNabb & Mark Malone to Host NBC Sports Radio Afternoons NBC Sports Radio announces today that Donovan McNabb and Mark Malone will host "Under Center with McNabb & Malone" 3-7pm ET Monday-Friday when the nationally-syndicated radio network rolls out 24/7 programming on Monday, April 1. "Under Center with McNabb & Malone" will be an all-sports show that leverages the unique perspective of two former NFL quarterbacks, both of whom have also played multiple sports at high levels and can break down the daily headlines–from on-the-field competition to locker room dynamics. Under Center with McNabb & Malone will captivate listeners with engaging and entertaining sports talk enhanced by personal stories and experience, plus candid opinions and conversations. As a player, Donovan McNabb posted one of the best records in the NFL, averaging 10 wins per season over his 13-year career. With McNabb under center, the Eagles went to the postseason eight times, won the NFC East Division five times, played in five NFC Championship Games, and had their first Super Bowl berth in 24 years. His 4,746 pass attempts, 2,801 completions, 32,873 passing yards, and 216 TD passes are franchise records. McNabb is also a former Syracuse University football standout and basketball player. Mark Malone, analyst for Dial Global Sports' Sunday afternoon NFL package, also hosts NFL Insider each week. Malone, an All-American quarterback at Arizona State and first-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers, played for 10 years in the NFL, quarterbacking the Steelers to the 1984 AFC Championship Game. He is also known for the decade he spent with ESPN, where, in addition to hosting NFL programming, he also covered NASCAR, Golf, the NHL, boxing and the NBA. Says McNabb, "I am very excited to expand my relationship with NBC Sports Radio. I am also excited to partner with Mark Malone as we look to create a dynamic afternoon drive show for listeners around the country." Malone says, "In my 20-plus years in the broadcasting business, I have worked at virtually every position in front of the camera or mic. The opportunity to be involved with NBC Sports Radio is an exciting one. I'm looking forward to working daily with Donovan McNabb to make this venture not only successful, but entertaining and informative." Dial Global EVP/General Manager Chris Corcoran adds, "We've got two quarterbacks, two leaders, two competitive former professional athletes and two current media personalities who know all sports—you know this is going to be a fun ride for sports fans!" NBC Sports Radio will launch its full 24/7 talk programming April 1. We're told: "There will be more announcements to come." John Canzano Extends with Portland's '750 The Game' "750 The Game" KXTG-AM, Portland, tells us that John Canzano -- host of "The Bald-Faced Truth" -- has signed an extension on his multi-year contract. "The Bald-Faced Truth," which airs 12noon-3pm, has been on "750 The Game" since the Sports Talk format launched in May 2008. Says Alpha Broadcasting Director of Programming Scott Mahalick, "John's deep connection to the community thru his Bald Face Truth Foundation is just one of many reasons we are proud to have him on board with Portland's premiere Sports radio 750 The Game." Canzano tells us, "750 The Game is the go-to station in sports. And I'm proud to be part of the best lineup in sports talk this city has ever featured." In addition to his radio show, Canzano is the lead sports columnist for The Oregonian and works as a regular sports commentator for KGW-TV. He has been named National Sports Columnist of the Year by the AP Sports Editors, the Press Club of Atlantic City and Society of Professional Journalists. He's worked at six different newspapers as a reporter and columnist and is widely recognized as the most influential sports journalist in the state. Canzano recently was named the 2012 Oregon Sports Writer of the Year, the third time he's won that award. He is also the co-founder of the Bald Faced Truth Foundation, a non-profit that helps children participate in music, art, sports and other co-curricular activities. Superadio Syndicates 'The Quiet Storm with Lenny Green' Superadio Networks announces an agreement with YMF Media WBLS-FM, New York personality Lenny Green to syndicate the Urban AC evening show "The Quiet Storm,” a five-hour 7pm-12midnight show. It features "music designed for listeners to relax and unwind after a long work days," says Green. He "welcomes listeners home by playing their favorite R&B slow jams and later in the evening invites them into conversations about love and relationships using social media and other tools to engage the audience on-air and online." Station affiliations and national advertising sales will be handled by Superadio. Tony Gray of Gray Communications will serve as a consultant for "The Quiet Storm with Lenny Green." Says WBLS-FM Program Director Skip Dillard, "Lenny continues a legacy of smooth/highly produced nighttime radio lost to budget cuts many years ago. Lenny's insight, contacts, social networking skills and versatility makes him a fine communicator who continues to raise the bar. Lenny will deliver a better listening experience to your audience!" Green tells us, "I'm overjoyed and extremely excited to have been given a double blessing. It's great to personally connect with my New York, New Jersey and Connecticut listeners on WBLS-FM every weeknight. But the added advantage is venturing out to the rest of the country with the help of Superadio." Clear Channel and Target Launch Marketing Partnership Around New Justin Timberlake 'The 20/20 Experience' Album "To heighten the excitement of Justin Timberlake's newest album 'The 20/20 Experience,' Target and Clear Channel will host an exclusive iHeartRadio album release party with Justin Timberlake at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles on March 18," says the announcement from Clear Channel. "Through an on air contest, 120 Timberlake fans nationwide will be flown in from across the country to Los Angeles for special access to the event. The event will include a live, nationwide 30-minute on-air radio and TV broadcast special, where Justin Timberlake will discuss the making of his upcoming album and perform live with his band." We're told that the event will air in its entirety live on 175 Clear Channel stations around the country and stream live on Yahoo! on March 18 at 6pm PT. "In addition, the party will be recorded and televised on The CW Network the following evening, March 19 at 8-9pm ET. The CW special will also include an exclusive eight minute world premiere of Timberlake's new music video for 'Mirrors.' An encore of the special will air Friday, March 22 at 8–9pm ET." The release party, station takeover and live stream are currently being promoted extensively by Clear Channel Media and Entertainment across its on-air and digital platforms. The album pre-promotion will culminate with a first-of-its-kind simultaneous two minute live roadblock on 850 Clear Channel stations introducing Justin's new music and kicking off the album release party. Clear Channel Outdoor is staging a takeover of its digital billboards – hundreds of digital signs in markets across the country – that will feature a countdown clock to the album release party. Markets include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington DC. On March 19, the day of the album's release, Timberlake will take over all format-appropriate Clear Channel radio stations, websites and iHeartRadio.com, to play his favorite music and tracks from his new album. CCM+E will continue airing short segments with Timberlake discussing the album and how it was created for three weeks following the release, reminding listeners that they can only buy the exclusive deluxe edition of the album at Target. When: Target presents the iHeartRadio album release party with Justin Timberlake - March 18, 6pm PT. Radio's Importance to Recorded Music Spotlighted at SXSW Radio's importance in breaking new music was in the spotlight during two Friday panels at SXSW in Austin. Although greatly differing views were offered at the "Radio Promotion for the New Millennium" session, there was agreement that radio is a valuable tool or new music discovery -- or could be. Those claiming radio doesn't do enough overall in that area were quick to say it could and should. In De Goot Entertainment head Bill McCarthy urged radio programmers, "Don't sit on the fence, take a chance." Baltimore radio Program Director Dave Hill told the panel that "PPM awards familiarity" while noting that "the lines of formats are starting to blur." Hill said he thinks that's "a good thing." Several participants pointed out that where they might say traditional radio is failing, Internet streaming music availability picks up the slack. Red's Danny Buch said that's especially helpful to indie labels. "Music availability has become ubiquitous due to the Internet, and it opened the door for more than the majors just getting artists airplay." The current relationship between radio and recorded music labels was said to not be as good as once was the case by former radio programmer Garret Capone, now Crush Management VP of Promotion. "My phone calls don't get returned as quickly" on the promotion side, said Capone. AllAccess.com President and Publisher Joel Denver asserted that "Radio and label business can't be adversaries -- it needs to be a symbiotic relationship." The second panel session Friday -- "Navigating the Waters of Radio to Your Benefit" -- was aimed at artists, their management and labels. Glassnote Founder/CEO Daniel Glass said, "When you hear your song on the radio, it's amazing. When you get the call that a radio station is adding your music, it's right up there with learning about having a child." According to reports from Austin, a consensus emerged among the panelists that the more respect the radio and label industries show each other, the better it is for both businesses. Rejoice Radio Networks Signs with Dial Global for Ads Sales Rejoice Radio Networks has signed an agreement with Dial Global for DG to handle all of its advertising sales starting April 1. Rejoice offers a 24/7 format to radio stations, "Musical Soul Food" featuring a mix of contemporary and traditional Gospel music, along with interviews from Gospel artists, nationally-known ministers and authors. Rejoice Radio Networks also broadcasts live from major Gospel events such as The Stellar Awards, Rhythm of Gospel Awards and Gospel Superfest. Says Dial Global President of Programming Kirk Stirland, "We see great opportunity for advertisers with the Rejoice Radio Networks. They’re actively signing an impressive stable of giant personalities like Dottie Peoples, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jamal Bryant, Liz Black, Soulfunny and Akintunde, and with Mike Tyler aboard to help with new business development, they’ve grown from 30 affiliates to more than 200 affiliates in five months.” Rejoice Radio Networks VP of Operations Mike Tyler says, "With Dial Global handling advertising sales we can focus our attention on growing our network by adding new affiliates and new shows." Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Tim Richards, Program Director of Clear Channel CHR-Top40 KZZP-FM, Phoenix, and Show Director of the "JohnJay and Rich Show," exits the company ... Al Gardner exits as morning co-host at News Talk "IQ 106.9" WWIQ-FM, Philadelphia. Co-hosts Lionel and Michele Murillo continue to host the local morning show. Gardner's original morning co-host, Larry Mendte, recently exited the station as well ... Flick joins CBS Radio Hot AC "Star 100.7 " WBZZ-FM, Pittsburgh as 2-7pm afternoon host. This is a return for Flick to CBS Radio Pittsburgh, where he previously was a host at the former "B94." Flick most recently hosted afternoons on crosstown "96.1 Kiss" WKST-FM where he was also Assistant PD and Music Director ... Hot AC "V100" WVVE-FM, Panama City, Florida, names Josh Emanuel as producer of the syndicated "Bob and Sheri" morning show. Emanuel most recently produced the "Davin and Ana" morning show at co-owned "Island 106" WILN-FM. Meanwhile, Ryan Ledford returns to "Island 106" as morning co-host and producer with "Davin and Ana." Ledford previously spent three years as morning co-host at "Island 106" and returns from crosstown Country WAKT-FM ... "Wild 96.3" WNHT-FM, Fort Wayne, announces "The Big Kess Show" with Big Kess and Sara Lauer for mornings. Shady Spencer moves to afternoons and Alibi is promoted from weekends to evenings ... CHR-Top40 "Star 105.7" WMRV-FM, Binghamton, NY, rebrands as "Now 105.7" with new call letters WBNW-FM, under Program Director Matt Gapske. No other changes to format or on-air staff are made ... Adult Standards "105.3 The Martini" KINB-FM, Oklahoma City, flips to Sports Talk as "105.3 The Pro" airing programming from the CBS Sports Radio network.