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John Foxx Named Program Director for New York 'Nash FM' 
As we reported first early Friday (initially in our "Behind the Microphone" section), Cumulus Media New York names Hot AC WPLJ-FM Program Director John Foxx as Program Director for sister Country "Nash FM" WNSH-FM, New York. The veteran programmer adds WNSH-FM programming, and also continues as WPLJ-FM PD. Foxx, who also hosts afternoons on "95.5 WPLJ," joined the New York City station from co-owned CHR-Top40 "i93" KLIF-FM, Dallas, where he was PD and afternoon host, as Cumulus made a number of changes in Dallas and New York last summer. Foxx tells his listeners on the WPLJ website that he's "originally from NY, born in Yonkers and moved my way up the thruway and around the country a bit. I spent the majority of my life growing up in LaGrangeville and got my start in radio at WSPK Poughkeepsie. I have also worked for some great radio stations in Albany, Colorado, and my most recent stop was in Dallas. I love music of course and I love to cook, especially on the grill. I'm also in to all things that involve adventure, speed, heights, and I guess it is safe to say some level of risk like sky diving." Now, add to sky diving the job of overseeing programming for the Cumulus flagship station of its new national "Nash" Country brand! Garett Michaels Named Program Director for Seattle's '107.7 The End' David Richards to Program 'The Mountain' 
Entercom Alternative "107.7 The End" KNDD-FM, Seattle, names veteran programmer Garett Michaels as its new Program Director, effective Monday (April 15). With Michaels taking over KNDD-FM, Entercom Seattle VP of Programming Dave Richards takes over as Program Director for sister Triple-A "The Mountain" KMTT-FM. They replace Mike Kaplan, who recently announced his exit to program Clear Channel Alternative KYSR-FM, Los Angeles. Michaels has previously programmed Alternative KBZT-FM, San Diego; KYPT-FM, Seattle; WPLT-FM, Detroit; and, "Y100" WPLY-FM, Philadelphia. Says Richards, "In a city as unique and music rich as Seattle, it’s critical to have a person with the right combination of creativity, strategy and vision, to lead an iconic Alternative radio station like The End to the next level. I’m proud that we could bring Garett in to take the 21-year-old symbolic Seattle music brand of 107.7 The End to new heights." Michaels adds,"The extensive journey to discover my next career opportunity has come to The End. My family and I are absolutely ecstatic about returning to Seattle. It's an honor to be invited to join the select and outstanding programmers at Entercom. A huge thanks to Pat Paxton, Jack Hutchison and Dave Richards. I can't wait to get started." Louie Diaz Adds Portland 'Bull' Program Director 
Alpha Broadcasting appoints Louie Diaz Program Director for Country "98.7 The Bull" KUBL-FM, Portland, in addition to his duties as PD of sister Hot AC "Live 95.5" KBFF-FM. Says Alpha Director of Programming Scott Mahalick, "Louie's multi-format experience and detailed knowledge of PPM will help Alpha Broadcasting continue to advance ratings growth. We're always happy to promote from within Alpha." Alpha Broadcasting COO Bob Proffitt adds, "Louie knows radio from the ground up to the biggest market in the country. He understands the complexities of dealing with the single rating system we have to deal with and the challenges because of that. He's a pro and I'm very excited to expand his role on our Portland team." Diaz, a 22-year radio industry veteran, tells us, "Thank you Bob Proffitt, and Scott Mahalick and everyone here at Alpha Broadcasting. We have an amazing team in Portland and I'm extremely happy and proud to be a part of it." Diaz, who has been Program Director of Live 95.5 since June 2012, previously was PD of WMBX-FM and WHFS-FM, West Palm Beach, Florida. He began his radio career at WPLJ-FM, New York, as an intern eventually working up to Assistant Program Director. He's also been National Format Director for Citadel Broadcasting, overseeing CHR, Hot AC, Modern Rock and Rhythmic CHR stations. Lincoln Financial Media Appoints Tim Windsor VP of Digital 
Lincoln Financial Media appoints longtime digital media and advertising executive Tim Windsor as LFM's VP of Digital Strategy. Windsor was Director of Digital Engagement for the State of Maryland over the past year. His recent experience also includes Editorial Director for AOL's Patch.com and Director of Digital Strategy for The Johns Hopkins University. Windsor spent 12 years at Baltimore Sun Interactive, rising to the post of VP and General Manager, 2005-2008. He begins his new LFM position later this month. "It is imperative to remain at the forefront of technology as we connect with our consumers and clients," says Lincoln Financial Media SVP of Programming and Operations John Dimick. "Tim has the background and experience we need, as a blended media company, to build those connections." Says Windsor, "We want to meet our station listeners and advertisers wherever they are in the digital space, be it on browser, by text and email, on their phones or tablets. They count on digital media as an outstanding complement to traditional broadcasting. We will be focused on making our online and mobile experience even more entertaining, relevant and effective for our listeners and advertisers." Maverick Media Sells Its Last Two Clusters Mid-West Family Broadcasting Buying Eau Claire and Rockford Groups 
Mid-West Family Broadcasting has agreed to acquire Maverick Media's clusters in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Rockford, Illinois. Terms of the deal are not immediately disclosed, but will become known when the paperwork arrives at the FCC. Reliable reports, however, say the deal for a total of 10 stations and a translator, is valued around $15 million. Before the Commission okays the license transfers to allow closing on the deal, Mid-West will begin operating the stations at both clusters under an LMA starting May 1. Earlier this week, Sonoma Media Group purchased Maverick's five-station cluster in Santa Rosa, California. That followed Maverick's sale of its Lima, Ohio,
cluster.
Sinclair May Keep Fisher Seattle Radio Stations 
Sinclair Broadcast Group -- "one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today" -- may not rid itself of the Fisher Communications Seattle radio stations after all. Several initial reports had said SBG was likely to spin-off Fisher's Seattle radio cluster, with Sinclair interested only in Fisher's 20 television stations in eight markets. Actually, early reports, in advance of the official announcement, had erroneously indicated that Sinclair was only acquiring Fisher's TV stations. But, although no final decision has been made, SBG executives say Sinclair may keep the three Fisher Seattle radio stations -- News Talk KOMO-AM, Talk KVI-AM, and Hot AC KPLZ-FM. During a Thursday (April 11) conference call with analysts, Sinclair Broadcast Group EVP/CFO David Amy said, "Our understanding is that they work very closely with the Seattle television stations, and are complementary to, and benefit the Seattle television stations. So we’ve been in radio in the past, and we’re familiar with what works and what doesn’t work within a television market in that regard. So it will take us some time to, I guess, verify those comments that are being made to us. But at this point, no, we haven’t made any decision to do anything but to continue the way they are."
Twitter Reportedly Ready to Launch 'Twitter Music' App 
Twitter is reportedly ready to launch its own dedicated music app -- "Twitter Music" -- as soon as this weekend. The app could be revealed in conjunction with Coachella, which kicks off today in Indio, California, say reliable reports. According to CNet, the "Twitter Music" app would suggest artists and songs "based on a variety of signals, and be personalized based on which accounts a user follows on Twitter." Songs, we're told, would be streamed to the app via SoundCloud. CNet also cites AllThingsD, "The microblogging service plans to launch its standalone music app [Friday], sources familiar with the matter tell AllThingsD. Still other sources say the app will launch during this weekend's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California, but not necessarily [Friday]." The report comes on the heels of Twitter confirming that it has purchased music discovery service "We Are Hunted." CNET reported in March that Twitter had acquired the music discovery service last year and was using its technology to build a standalone music app. Radio and TV host Ryan Seacrest recently confirmed the app's existence in a series of Twitter tweets that indicated he was "lovin" using it. Report: Apple and Universal 'iRadio' Agreement 'Imminent' 
Apple is now reported to have a deal with Universal Music Group, with another one close with Warner Music Group, for the delayed launch of Apple's "iRadio" streaming music service. "Apple is expected to sign its first internet radio licensing agreement with a major record label perhaps as soon as next week, multiple sources with knowledge of the talks" tell The Verge. "Universal Music Group, the largest of the major record companies, has reached the final stages of the negotiations and Warner Music is close behind, the sources said." Last week, we reported, "Apple is reportedly close to a deal with two major music labels to finally launch its streaming music service" mentioning both UMG and WMG. As we continue to report whenever deals are said to be near -- despite multiple delays -- Apple is expected to launch its Internet radio service, similar to Pandora's, this year -- if they can reach agreements with the major recorded music labels and music publishers. The biggest reported snag at this point may be reaching an agreement with Sony Music Entertainment, with whom, says The Verge, talks are "said to not be as far along." Spokesperons for all three music labels have declined to comment. An Apple spokes says the company's policy is not to comment on rumor and speculation. The Verge notes, as have our many previous reports since last September, "Because of iTunes huge number of users, the new service is expected to be an immediate threat to Pandora." That is, if and when "iRadio" actually launches. Radio and TV Host Carson Daly to Continue 'Last Call' 
Los Angeles radio personality Carson Daly will continue to have plenty of face time on NBC television, as the network renews his "Last Call With Carson Daly" late late night TV show for a 13th season, although more people may actually see him as he also continues his role as host of NBC TV's "The Voice." Daly, of course, is the morning host at CHR-Top40 "Amp 97.1" KAMP-FM, Los Angeles. There had been widely cirulated reports (or more correctly rumors and speculation) that NBC was close to announcing that Daly would be replaced on "Last Call" by Alec Baldwin. Now there are reports saying the network is still continuing talks with Baldwin for "some type of project" -- but with the announcement of another year for Daly, it won't be "Last Call" for the former "30 Rock" star. Baldwin, also a public radio host and podcaster, has a deal to develop programming with NBC, and, reports the New York Times, "his success with the podcasts is what has generated the interest" in a new TV project. NYT notes that reports Baldwin might replace Daly resulted in NBC moving "quickly" to announce that Daly -- who has hosted “Last Call” since its 2002 debut -- was renewed for another year. The newspaper also notes that "Daly has increased his importance at the network since taking over as the host of NBC’s biggest hit series, 'The Voice'."
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Friday, April 12, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News
With the sale of the Eau Claire and Rockford groups, Maverick Media completes its exit from the radio industry. The stations being acquired by Midwest include "News Talk 790" WAYY-FM, Sports “ESPN 1150” WEAQ-AM, Classic Rock "92.9 The Big Cheese" WECL-FM, Hot AC “i94” WIAL-FM, Adult Variety Hits "99.9 Bob FM" WDRK-FM, and Country WAXX-FM in the Eau Claire market. The Rockord stations are Comedy "Funny 1330" WNTA-AM, Adult Variety Hits "95.3 Bob FM” WRTB-FM, News Talk "100.5 NTA-FM" W263BJ, AC "B103" WGFB-FM, and Rock "X104.9" WXRX-FM. Says Mid-West Family Broadcasting President Tom Walker, "We have wanted to grow our company for some time and want to bring the ideals of 'locally-owned radio' back to these two cities. The stations in both Eau Claire and Rockford will continue serving their local markets with the quality programming Mid-West Family brings to all its stations."
Cumulus New York names Hot AC WPLJ-FM Program Director John Foxx as PD for sister Country "Nash FM" WNSH-FM, New York. The veteran programmer will add WNSH-FM programming, and also continue as WPLJ-FM PD ... "Talk Radio 1210" WPHT-AM, Phildadelphia, is moving afternoon co-host Rich Zeoli to evenings to take over from Gary R'Nel who moves to afternoons to co-host with new host Dick Morris. The changes are effective April 15. Zeoli and Steve Martorano temporarily hosted afternoons after Buzz Bissinger exited at the end of 2012 ... Urban AC "V103" WVAZ-FM, Chicago, promotes sister Urban WGCI-FM night host Consuela "Connie" Williams to fill WVAZ-FM's vacant midday shift, starting April 15, replacing Kelly Mac who exited last month. The search is now on for a new night host at WGCI-FM ... Urban "96.7 The Block" WKJX-FM, Elizabeth City, NC, promotes Quentin "DJ Shuk" Jackson to 6-10pm evening host. He previously worked at crostown WRVS-FM, and more recently handled parttime duties at "The Block".
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