Monday's Radio & Media News - March 25, 2013

USA Today: 'Radio Fights Off Static from Rival Technologies' "Radio broadcasters face being squeezed off the dial as stereo makers offer an array of new apps with thousands of new listening options in new cars," writes USA Today, as they bring the issue to the mainstream media. "A far cry from local AM/FM sets of the past, the latest units not only offer satellite or HD radio, but apps that bundle signals from Internet radio broadcasters across the country. The result is that conventional broadcasters are being forced to adapt by emphasizing quality local or targeted content, working different distribution channels or maybe becoming part of a bundle themselves." Thilo Koslowski, a Gartner vice president who tracks digital technology in cars, tells USA Today, "AM/FM broadcast, as a technology, will be much more under the gun. Content is king. Having a transmitter does not guarantee you're successful." The good news for broadcasters is that the report ultimately concludes that traditional radio is likely to remain the first choice for most consumers. Before coming to that bottom line, the USA Today reports notes, "So far, though, radio broadcasters haven't see a ratings drop-off, even among younger listeners, Arbitron reports. Nearly six of 10 adults listen to AM/FM radio either all or most of the time they are in the car, the ratings agency reports, far ahead of listening to CDs at 15%, portable digital players at 11% or satellite radio at 10%." The report adds that automakers "have taken notice and have no plans to yank radios from cars." That reenforces our recent report that panic over that possibility -- at least in the short run -- resulted only from erroneous reporting. "We see a bright future for radio," says General Motors spokesman Scott Fosgard. While AM/FM is not at "peril," Ford Motor spokesman Alan Hall says, "You're going to see more options" for in-car entertainment amid "fierce" competition. Read the full USA Today report here. Maureen Lesourd Named LFM Miami SVP/General Manager Lincoln Financial Media appoints Maureen Lesourd as SVP and General Manager of LFM's Miami cluster -- AC "101.5 Lite FM" WLYF-FM, Classic Hits "Magic 102.7" WMXJ-FM, and Sports Talk WAXY-AM-FM -- replacing Jeff Dinetz, who recently exited. Lesourd joins from LDR Interactive, where she was Chief Revenue Officer. Her broadcast career includes 20 years as a General Manager in major markets including New York City, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Detroit. "I am very excited -- both for our Miami staff and for our company overall -- to have Maureen on board," says Lincoln Financial Media President/CEO Don Benson. "She has led many big, successful radio stations during her multi-media career and will bring spirit and vision to our operations in Miami." Says Lesourd, "The chance to join Don and the team at Lincoln Financial is a real honor. My career has afforded me the opportunity to work in all aspects of the broadcasting industry, from radio, syndication, and network TV to new technology. I hope to apply this experience with the Miami crew to help the cluster grow in a positive and productive way for the staff, the listeners, and our advertisers." Lesourd begins her new position in April. Lesourd, a veteran market manager, was VP of Programming and Distribution for Cumulus Media Network prior to joining LDR. She'd held that position with Citadel Media prior to its acquisition by Cumulus. Previous experience included management at WRQX-FM/Washington DC, WQCD-FM/New York, CBS Radio Detroit and Los Angeles, and ABC Radio Los Angeles. Jim Dolan Appointed Philadelphia 'Ben FM' GSM Greater Media Philadelphia appoints former Clear Channel Market Manager Jim Dolan as General Sales Manager at Adult Variety Hits "Ben FM 95.7" WBEN-FM, Philadelphia, effective April 1. Dolan most recently was the Regional Sales Manager at Comcast Spotlight in Baltimore and South Ridge, South Carolina. Previously, he was VP and Market Manager at Clear Channel Baltimore. "Jim's outstanding track record speaks for itself," says Greater Media Philadelphia VP of Sales Paul Blake. "His commitment to the both the radio industry and the community made him the perfect choice to lead our outstanding team at 'Ben FM.' We look forward to having him take the station to the next level and continue to super serve our clients." Dolan tells us, "This is an enormous opportunity for me to work with Paul Blake and John Fullam at Greater Media Philadelphia. Both hold long standing reputations as great leaders in our business. The company continues to win accolades as one of the best places to work in Philadelphia and with good reason. It is an "oasis of excellence" in the radio industry, continually focused on customer intimate solutions and the development of their people. I am excited to be working with the best." Glenn Beck 'Blazes' Onto SiriusXM SiriusXM and Glenn Beck announce a new "TheBlaze Radio Network" channel on the SiriusXM Internet Radio service. This is part of a new deal between Beck and the satcaster, under which Beck's "multi-platform news, information, and opinion network," will produce 24/7 hourly radio newscasts on SiriusXM's Conservative Talk "Patriot" channel. Beginning today (March 25), hourly updates from "TheBlaze Radio News" will "begin every hour of programming on SiriusXM Patriot Channel 125, with anchors and reporters from around the nation providing news and information specifically targeted toward the SiriusXM Patriot listener." Also beginning today, SiriusXM Internet Radio Channel 778 becomes "TheBlaze Radio Network" featuring exclusive talk programs from Jay Severin, Doc Thompson and Buck Sexton, as well as "The Glenn Beck Program" and "The Pat and Stu Show." Beck tells us, "TheBlaze is successfully becoming a true multi-platform news, information and opinion network. We are excited to further our long relationship with SiriusXM with the launch of 'TheBlaze Radio Network,' and feel that SiriusXM Patriot is the perfect home for our news updates which will prove that the truth has no agenda." Says SiriusXM SVP of Talk and Entertainment Programming Jeremy Coleman, "As 'TheBlaze' brand and SiriusXM continue to grow, SiriusXM is pleased to expand our relationship with Glenn Beck with the creation of 'TheBlaze Radio News' and the addition of 'TheBlaze Radio Network' to our lineup." Friday we reported that Beck's "TheBlaze" is seeking to raise $40 million in new funding. One of the stated purposes was to expand the reach of "TheBlaze," which was recently said to be relaunching as a global network. Cumulus Controller Linda Hill Exits Linda Hill exits as Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer at Cumulus Media, according to an SEC filing, which also tells us that SVP/Treasurer/CFO J.P. Hannan takes over Hill's duties. There's no explanation of Hill's exit, which is being reported by some media as initiated by Cumulus. In the filing, Cumulus says only that Hill is "no longer an employee of the company.” She'd served in the position since August 2009, joining from a similar role at newspaper publisher GateHouse Media. Previously, she had worked with Eastman Kodak. Journal Names Alvin Pritchard VP of Finance Journal Broadcast Group appoints Alvin Pritchard VP of Finance effective April 1. In his new role, Pritchard will have financial oversight of Journal Broadcast Group's owned and operated television and radio stations in 14 markets, in addition to serving as a key strategic partner to the broadcast leadership team, reporting to President/CFO Andre Fernandez. "Alvin will have financial oversight for Journal's owned and operated stations in our 14 markets in both television and radio and will serve as a key strategic partner to the broadcast leadership team," says Fernandez. "We're confident that his experience will play a valuable role in helping us execute on Journal's strategic and operational direction." Previously, Pritchard has worked at NBC Universal, where he was VP of Finance for NBC’s Chicago television duopoly -- WMAQ-TV (NBC) and WSNS-TV (Telemundo), for the past nine years. Entravision Names Javier Ortiz Las Vegas VP/Integrated Marketing Entravision Communications appoints Javier Ortiz as VP of Integrated Marketing Solutions for its Las Vegas cluster. In this new position, he will be responsible for maximizing traditional and digital advertising while developing new business opportunities for growth in the market. Ortiz previously was the Local Sales Manager of Cox Media Group's broadcast television stations in San Francisco, as well as the Cox Media cable division in Las Vegas. "The addition of Javier to our team exemplifies Entravision's ongoing effort to recruit top-notch talent," says Entravision SVP of Integrated Marketing Solutions Chris Roman. "Las Vegas is one of the fastest-growing Latino markets in the country and Latino media consumption continues to grow in the broader region, placing us in a unique position to maximize advertising opportunities for our clients. I would like to express my congratulations to Javier on his appointment and am confident that his strong background and skills will help grow our presence within the market." Tornado Hits WMEL-AM Cocoa Beach Florida A tornado struck Talk WMEL-AM, Cocoa Beach, Florida, Sunday afternoon, toppling the station's 200-foot tower and tearing the roof off the west wing of the building, resulting in major interior damage. Then a power surge damaged WMEL-AM's transmitter. Station Owner John Harper says the station is off the air until at least Tuesday afternoon, possibly longer. For now, the station is relying on online live streaming at 1300WMEL.com to communicate with its listeners. On the website, they report: "WMEL received extensive damage Sunday around 3:30pm to the west wing of the building when a tornado ripped off the roof leading to extensive damage from the rain. Additionally, power fluctuations damaged the main supply transformer for the transmitter. Although the transmitter is off air, broadcasting still continues via the internet. We estimate that the transmitter may be off air until Tuesday or Wednesday until a replacement transformer can be shipped and installed." Florida's WKRO-FM Moves, Rebrands to '93.1 Coast Country' Country WKRO-FM, Daytona Beach, has changed its city of license to Port Orange, Florida, completed a signal upgrade, and rebranded to "93.1 Coast Country." Also, there are changes in the on-air lineup. A new morning show debuts with newcomer Michelle McCoy joining Operations Manager Gerry McCracken and in-place host Jim "Kingbird" King. The Southern Stone Communications station -- online at 931Coast.com -- tells website visitors: "93.1 FM Coast Country is a brand new radio station for Volusia and FlaglerCounties! With nearly 25 thousand watts of power on a brand new tower standing tall in South Daytona, Coast Country provides clear as a bell coverage of today’s hottest country music! 93.1 Coast Country is a live and local radio station with professional and friendly hosts all day! The Coast Country Morning Show is Kingbird, McCracken and McCoy! Listen each morning for good clean laughs, plenty of Nashville and Celebrity News! Strain your brain with “Mr. Know It All” too. You’ll get plenty of local new updates from the Coast Country News Room and WFTV Channel 9’s Tom Terry has the lastest forecasts! While you are at work, Stephanie keeps the music going starting at 10AM each day. She’s a Florida girl who makes her home right here in Coast Country! Chris has you covered on the ride home with plenty of tunes plus all the info you need about local events and traffic updates. We are so proud to call the Daytona area our home! As you already know, everything is just better on the Coast!" Chicago's 'ESPN 1000' Renews Host Carmen DeFalco "ESPN 1000" WMVP-AM, Chicago, re-signs longtime host Carmen DeFalco to a multi-year deal, according to the station. DeFalco, a native Chicagoan and Columbia College Chicago graduate, began his media career as a college intern for WLS-AM. In January 1998, he went from intern to employee when he was hired at WLS-AM as an associate producer for Don and Roma Wade's morning show. For a short time, DeFalco also worked with Mark Giangreco and the WLS-TV sports department, according to Chicagoland Radio and Media. In December 1998, DeFalco joined WMVP-AM in a part-time position. He's been on the air there ever since, working a wide variety of roles. After Dan McNeil exited the station in January 2009, DeFalco, who had been McNeil's main fill-in, then filled his role permanently. The afternoon show became "Carmen, Jurko, and Harry." With the recent exit of Harry Teinowitz, the show is now called "Carmen and Jurko." Starting next week, the show moves to its new 10am-3pm midday slot. WMVP-AM, per ESPN policy, doesn't disclose exact terms of DeFalco's new contract, but CRM reports that one source says it could be a four-year deal. "Carmen and Jurko" co-host John "Jurko" Jurkovic remains under contract through this summer. San Francisco's 'The Game' Adds Josh Reddick to A’s Coverage Entercom's "95.7 The Game" KGMZ-FM, San Francisco, adds Oakland A's outfielder and 2012 Gold Glove winner Josh Reddick to its baseball coverage. Reddick joins A’s General Manager Billy Beane and Manager Bob Melvin as A’s personnel adding to KGMZ-FM's coverage of the team. Says Program Director Jason Barrett, “We wanted to strengthen our A’s coverage for 2013 and few players are more productive at the plate and entertaining on and off the field than Josh Reddick. Whether he’s talking about his beard, an important series against an AL West opponent, or his passion for pie and the WWE, Josh will captivate the audience.” The Reddick Report airs Tuesdays at 12:30pm on KGMZ-FM during “The Wheelhouse” with John Lund and Greg Papa. NAB Show to Commemorate American Cancer Society's 100th Birthday The NAB is "joining with the American Cancer Society to commemorate the nonprofit's 100th birthday through activities and initiatives at NAB Show, the world's largest media and entertainment event with more than 90,000 attendees, to be held April 6-11, 2013 in Las Vegas." The NAB tells us, "The Society will have a significant presence at the event, including a text-to-give fundraising campaign and a booth in the lobby between the North and Central Halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center. As the official sponsor of birthdays, the Society will throw several birthday parties at various times throughout NAB Show at Booth L5 to celebrate their 100th birthday. This will give conference attendees an opportunity to get loud and active in the battle to end cancer because the Society knows that silence won't finish the fight - only action will. Additionally, NAB will distribute the organization's public service announcements (PSAs) to its member radio and television stations, to air throughout the year. The PSAs are available at www.NABSpotCenter.org." Says NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith, "Every human on planet Earth has likely been touched by cancer. We are honored to recognize the work of the American Cancer Society and to use NAB Show's global brand to fight against this deadly disease. We're proud to use our platform to increase cancer awareness and to raise money to find cures." NAB Show attendees will be encouraged to text the word "Fight" to 41518 to make a $10 donation to the American Cancer Society. All proceeds will support the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research. DC's WAMU-FM Wins Honors for Broadcast Education Reporting "American Graduate" a news series by Washington DC's WAMU-FM News Education Reporter Kavitha Cardoza has won first place in the Broadcast category in the 2012 National Awards for Education Reporting. The awards are given by the Education Writers Association (EWA) and recognize dogged journalism, accomplished storytelling, and insightful analysis produced by print, radio and online media outlets across the country. "American Graduate" examined the high school dropout crisis in the DC region. Cardoza teamed with producer Ginger Moored to complete the nine-part series, which aired January through March 2012 on the American University Radio outlet. The team interviewed teachers, parents, researchers, and dropouts and examined the causes and consequences of the problem, which affects approximately one million students each year. The in-depth series took a deep look at the issue from many perspectives -- from examining the impact of the dropout crisis on the local economy to comparing graduation rates in the United States with outcomes around the globe. The series also spotlighted early indicators that a student might drop out before graduation, experimental schools working to stem the trend, and efforts to re-engage truant students. The WAMU-FM News series was reported as part of "American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen," a public media initiative supported by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting to help communities implement solutions to the high school dropout crisis. Cardoza also received a special citation from EWA for "No Place Like Home" -- her report on college students coping with homelessness. That piece aired during WAMU's week of special programming in honor of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week in November. 'Hey, San Francisco: It's Another BFD' - Says 'Live 105' CBS Radio Alternative Rock "Live 105" KITS-FM, San Francisco, tells us its "BFD 2013" is set for Sunday, May 19 at Shoreline Ampitheater in Mountain View, California. The 19th edition of the station's summer festival will feature over 30 artists on four stages. The main stage, says "Live 105," is topped by Thirty Seconds To Mars, Passion Pit, Silversun Pickups, Of Monsters And Men, AWOLNATION and a suprise act to be announced. The Bud Light Festival Stage will include Jimmy Eat World, The Airborne Toxic Event, Fitz & The Tantrums, Atlas Genius and more. There will also be an electronic Subsonic Tent and a local stage. The station tells its listeners more about "BFD 2013" on its "Live 105" website.