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Morgan Prue Joins Boston's 'Magic 106.7' as Assistant PD 
Veteran radio programmer Morgan Prue is the new Assistant Program Director at Greater Media's AC "Magic 106.7" WMJX-FM, Boston. She will be "responsible for helping to oversee all elements of the overall strategic direction for the station," says the official announcement. A Canadian native, Prue most recently was Program Director and Brand Manager for Classic Hits "Boom 99.7" CJOT-FM, Ottawa, Ontario. "As we continue to build our team of 'A' talent at Greater Media Boston, we are fortunate to add someone of Morgan's caliber and character to Magic 106.7," says Greater Media Boston Director of Programming Cadillac Jack McCartney.
Atlantic City's 'Buzz' Is Back 
Equity Communications Rhythmic CHR "99.3 Kiss FM" WZBZ-FM, Atlantic City, returns to its roots, rebranding as "99.3 The Buzz" in what is seen as a two-fold move. The change is more than just a rebranding, as WZBZ-FM goes to an even more rhythmic playlist. "The Buzz" had been a highly rated station before it flipped to CHR-Top40 "Kiss" airing mostly unhosted music. That change resulted in a loss of ratings and "Kiss" eventually became but a shadow of what "The Buzz" had become in the market. Eventually "Kiss" began moving more toward Rhythmic CHR, ultimately completing a total changeover. Now, "The Buzz" returns to Atlantic City. Equity also hopes the return of the former brand will help further separate WZBZ-FM from clustermate WAYV-FM, which has moved from Adult Top 40 to CHR-Top40. "99.3 The Buzz" officially returned today at 12noon. The station had been teasing that the identity change was coming, masking on-air references to "Kiss" and airing liners promoting a "Rewind 2008 to 2002″ -- seen by most as indicating "Kiss" (which took over in 2008) would again become the "Buzz" (which ruled the market in 2002), and become even more rhythmic than 99.3 had recently become. "99.3 The Buzz" is online at Buzz.EquityRadioAC.com. J.D. Hayworth Joins San Diego's 'Mighty 1090' as Morning Co-Host 
Former Congressman and Talk KFYI-AM, Phoenix, afternoon host J.D. Hayworth is joining BCA Sports "The Mighty 1090" XEPRS-AM, San Diego, as morning co-host with Lee "Hacksaw" Hamilton, starting March 18. The hiring follows three months of tryouts of seven final candidates for the position. XEPRS-AM Program Director Mike Shepard tells us, "We really appreciated all the 'players' who gave their time to this search and in the end, J.D.'s extensive background in radio, and true chemistry with Hacksaw made the difference. When the two of them were on together it was what we call ‘lean forward and listen’ radio. San Diego's sports fans will truly be entertained every morning." Says Hayworth, "Hacksaw and I go way back. As a TV sportscaster in Phoenix, I got to know Lee during his days at KTAR, which was his radio home before he came to San Diego years ago. The preparation and dedication that Lee brings to his broadcasts impressed me then, and inspires me now. What an honor to become his partner. We will not rest until we are the best sports morning show in the country!" VP and Market Manager Norman Feuer adds, "Our dream team is now complete with Hacksaw and J.D. in mornings, followed by Jim Rome, Darren Smith, the returning Scott and B.R. in afternoons and Coach Kentera at night. It's the best line-up of sports hosts on one station since the heady days of the original Mighty 690 fifteen years ago." But what does Hamilton think about this? "I'm really excited to be working with J.D. We’re good friends, we get along great in the office and when it comes to sports topics, we disagree on just about everything. How much fun is that going to be! And, if you want to get between the two of us, we’ll be taking lots of calls. But be prepared to keep up because we’ll be moving fast.” NBC Sports Radio: Erik Kuselias/Mornings, Jon Stashower/Evenings 
As NBC Sports Radio, distributed by Dial Global, prepares for its fulltime April 1 launch, the new network announces that current evening host Erik Kuselias will be the morning drive host from 6-10am and weekend host Jon Stashower will move to 7-10pm. Says Kuselias, who has been in evenings since NBC Sports Radio's limited schedule debut last September, "I'm thrilled to be in the prime spot for NBC Sports Radio's first daily lineup. We believe this is the smartest and most fun sports radio program in the nation, and we look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Additionally, NBC Sports and Dial Global Sports allow us to have an unparalleled guest list, which will help us rejuvenate mornings for those looking for a fresh approach." Stashower tells us, "In sports, so much happens at night. It's when the games are played and so many of the stories break. I'm really looking forward to being on every night to break down all that’s going on."
Changes Coming to St. Louis' KFNS-AM and KXFN-AM 
Change is in the air in St. Louis at Grand Slam Sports KFNS-AM and KXFN-AM. "590 The Fan" KFNS-AM will flip to "590 The Man," a Sports format featuring what is called "Guy Talk" in mornings and afternoons, while "Sportsradio 1380" KXFN-AM will launch a female-targeted talk format as "1380 The Woman." Both changes are tentatively set for a target start date of May 1, according to Grand Slam Sports. The syndicated "Bubba the Love Sponge" morning show is reportedly set for wake-up on "590 The Man" -- although Grand Slam is not yet confirming that. Grand Slam President Dan Marshall is taking over programming of KFNS-AM from General Manager Katy Pavelonis, who will be in charge of sales.
Howard Stern to Replace Jimmy Fallon on 'Late Night'? 
Howard Stern is being considered to replace Jimmy Fallon on NBC-TV's "Late Night' show in 2014, when Fallon replaces Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show." Multiple reports say Leno will be "retired" (for real) next year, with Fallon taking over the earlier show as Comcast seeks younger demographics for "The Tonight Show" -- and now the prevailing speculation is that Stern is the leading contender to replace Fallon on the later show. Stern reportedly is ready to end his morning show on SiriusXM, leaving the satcaster and morning radio. He's been successful at boosting NBC-TV's "America's Got Talent" as a judge, and is said to be in favor with the struggling television network, which has seen ratings seriously erode for much of its schedule.
Cox Atlanta Names Adam Wolfson Co-GSM 
Adam Wolfson is named the new co-General Sales Manager for Cox Media Group's Atlanta stations "B98.5" WSB-FM, "Kiss 104.1" WALR-FM and "97.1 The River" WSRV-FM, effective April 15. Wolfson will partner with co-GSM Karyn Cerulli to lead the cluster’s sales teams. Wolfson most recently was CMG’s GSM for WBLI-FM and WBAB-FM, Long Island, where he led two LSM's, one NSM, 17 Account Managers, two sales assistants and two traffic managers. "I am very excited that Adam will be joining our talented sales management team," says CMG Atlanta VP of Sales Rob Babin. "We have amazing talent across the company, and this was a prime opportunity to promote from within Cox Media Group." Wolfson joined CMG in 2004 as an Account Manager, became the Digital Sales manager in 2006, and in 2007 became Local Sales Manager of WBAB-FM, then GSM of WBLI-FM in 2008, and cluster GSM in 2009. "I'm thrilled at the opportunity to begin a new chapter with Cox Media Group, while continuing to be a part of the most dynamic and innovative media company in America," says Wolfson. "CMG Atlanta is setting the standard for integrated sales and marketing and putting us in an ideal position for continued success and growth. I look forward to working with Ben Reed, Rob Babin, and Karyn Cerulli and the sales consultants at B98, 97.1 The River and Kiss 104, sharing the successful initiatives we've developed on Long Island, and helping to define CMG Atlanta as the standard bearer for the future of the broadcasting business." NPR Newscast Editor Brenda Box Dies at 58 
Award-winning NPR Newscast Editor Brenda Box Johnson died Thursday morning (March 7) at the age of 58 after an illness. Johnson came to NPR with an extensive resume in news and radio, graduating with a journalism degree from Colorado State University. Johnson had previously worked as a Capitol Hill correspondent for USA Today Broadcasting and Gannett News Service, as an anchor for the UPI and NBC/Mutual Radio networks and as a reporter for West Virginia Public Radio and WTOP. "Brenda had an exacting eye and a natural, comfortable way in her dealings with reporters and correspondents, distinguishing her as the type of consummate editor that most organizations can only dream of," says NPR newscast executive producer Robert Garcia. "Anyone who ever dealt with Brenda knows what a special and unique person she was. Equal parts outspoken and hilarious, brilliant and fun and warm and self-deprecating." Johnson’s family requests that in remembrance, contributions in her name can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio  |
From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Friday, March 8, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - March 8, 2013
"The depth of her knowledge for the AC format is truly outstanding, and when coupled with her great instincts and passion to win, I'm confident Magic will continue to strengthen its long-standing position as one of Boston's dominant radio stations." Prue tells us, "It feels like home to again be working with two of the smartest men I know -- Cadillac Jack and Market Manager Rob Williams. Magic 106.7 is a heritage station and I'm thrilled and honored to be a part of the Greater Media Boston team!"
Prue was previously at AC "106.7 Lite fm" WLTW-FM, New York, for 15 years. She started there in 1997 as Program Coordinator, was named Music Director in 2004, and added Assistant PD in 2007.
Dial Global EVP/GM Chris Corcoran adds, "I can't wait to fire up morning drive with EK and break open the playing field. And we're thrilled to give Stats his own weekday show. He's a consistent, solid performer who grabs listeners' attention and keeps them tuned in." Says NBC Sports Ventures and International SVP Rob Simmelkjaer, "Erik brings a rare combination of analytical rigor and energy to the world of sports radio. And like many in the New York area, I've spent years listening to Jon Stashower's familiar voice talking sports. He gives our network additional credibility."
Marshall says the only host he is sure will remain from the two outlets is Frank Cusumano, who handles middays on KFNS-AM. "Everything else will be determined," says Marshall, adding, "but there will be multiple holdovers. Some other people will be back." The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Dan Caesar reports that the most high-profile move could be the removal of the KFNS-AM morning show featuring Tim McKernan, Jim Hayes and Doug Vaughn. McKernan's show is the property of insideSTL Enterprises, owned by McKernan, who is reportedly owns looking for another station to air the show in the market. Also reported by Caesar, sales veteran Robin Jackson will run KXFN-FM, with the lineup for "1380 The Woman" to be announced. When the pending changes take place, Hubbard's "101 ESPN" WXOS-FM will be the St. Louis market's only remaining all Sports Talk station.
NBC executives are reported to feel that Stern has proven he's suitable for the strict world of broadcast TV -- even though he'd been considered a risky bet when he signed on for the Simon Cowell-produced talent show last year, due to his provocative radio show and use of bad language. But he has proven to be a hit with younger viewers. His wife Beth Ostrosky Stern told The New York Post, "We were in a hotel and all these little kids recognize him now as the judge from 'America's Got Talent.' Usually it's their dads. But now it is screaming little kids. People are now seeing him for who he really is." She also feels her husband would be the perfect candidate to host a talk show. She added, "I always say that to him! He is one of the best interviewers out there."
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