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[Updated] Boston Radio Returned to News-Info Emphasis, 
With Boston in a lockdown Friday morning (April 19), as a massive manhunt continued for a second suspect from Monday’s Boston Marathon bombings, radio in the market returned to a major news and information mode. CBS Radio was simulcasting All News WBZ-AM on its four Boston FMs, after news that one bombing suspect had been killed and the second was at large with an all-out manhunt. The bombing suspect who was killed, and the second suspect being sought, robbed a covenience store, then "shot a police officer to death, carjacked an SUV and hurled explosives out the window in an extraordinary firefight with law enforcement," authorities told national news media. The second suspect was on the loose, and police ordered people in the Boston suburb of Watertown to stay in their homes and businesses not to open. Boston shut down its buses and subway system for the hunt. The surviving suspect has been identified as Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, whose last known address was Cambridge, Massachusetts (pictured). His brother, 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev, is the other suspect. He was killed by police overnight in Watertown. Boston University's NPR affiliate WBUR-FM was airing wall-to-wall coverage of the new developments. Greater Media was interspersing news coverage from Boston’s local ABC-TV affiliate on its five music FMs, along with updates from the stations' own on-air talent. Clear Channel and Entercom stations were also providing updates and airing calls from listeners talking about the news. Offices for Greater Media and Entercom were open to essential staff only. Clear Channel's CHR-Top40 "Kiss 108" WXKS-FM "Matty in the Morning" suspended music and was talking with listeners and providing updated information. The station said the live show would continue on-air in that mode "for as long as needed."
Kansas City Public Television Acquiring '90.9 The Bridge' KTBG-FM 
Kansas City Public Television (KCPT) has agreed to purchase NPR News and Triple-A "90.9 The Bridge" KTBG-FM, Warrensburg-Kansas City, Missouri, from the University of Central Missouri for $1.7 million, which includes $600,000 for improvements and upgrades. The letter of intent permitting the acquisition of UCM's campus-based radio station was signed April 18 by the UCM Board of Governors, according to a Friday news release. "This is a decision that was made after carefully considering our overall mission and the university's recent academic and administrative reviews," says UCM President Charles Ambrose. "The university is very pleased with the overall agreement with Kansas City Public Television. In conjunction with transferring ownership of KTBG, we are also establishing an exciting, multi-dimensional relationship with KCPT and the Kansas City community, which will greatly benefit both parties." Says KCPT CEO and President Kliff Kuehl, "This is an incredible opportunity for KCPT to extend its reach into the community and develop new relationships with our public media partners in Warrensburg. KTBG has developed a strong following of listeners with an exceptional programming line-up of music and local services. We're thrilled to be able to share this community asset with an even greater audience in the Kansas City region." The news release notes that "KTBG currently operates on the 90.9 FM frequency as licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. Through the transaction with UCM, KCPT is purchasing the rights to operate on this frequency, which must be approved by the FCC." Says Ambrose, "This agreement with KCPT provides a new collaboration structure that allows us to explore meaningful opportunities that will ultimately benefit UCM, our students, KCPT and its audiences. KCPT has an established national reputation as an excellent public broadcaster and through the elements of our future relationship our combined efforts will serve and benefit our respective and collective stakeholders." Veteran Chicago Program Director Barry James to Retire from Radio 
Hubbard Radio Adult Hits "Rewind 100.3" WILV-FM, Chicago, Program Director Barry "BJ" James announces his retirement after 36 years in the radio industry. James says he will retire from the station and broadcasting on May 17, his 20th anniversary with Hubbard. James was named Program Director for Hot AC clustermate "101.9 The Mix" WTMX-FM in 1993, and was promoted to VP of Programming three years later, before adding programming duties for WILV-FM in late 2004. He was Operations Manager of "Y98" KYKY-FM, St. Louis, until 1993. "During my interview with [Hubbard Radio COO] Drew Horowitz in May of 1993, he mentioned that I should really settle in and stay a while in my next position," says James. "I took that to heart and enjoyed an amazing 20-year run!" Hubbard Radio Chicago VP of Programming and Operations Greg Solk tells us, "BJ has had a run most broadcasters dream of. Inbetween Barry's many passions that include aviation, scuba diving, motorcycles, playing the drums and racing cars, Barry has been a dear friend and a brilliant programming partner to me and our Chicago teams for two decades. We are thrilled for Barry and his next chapter." James says his future includes racing cars and motorcycles. "I've been racing cars and motorcycles since I was old enough to point one down the track." He adds, "So, I'm retiring from radio after 36 years and taking a dream opportunity with VMP Superchargers, a performance motorsports company based in Central Florida." Seven More Members of Congress Supporting LRFA 
Even as Congressional opposition is launched against the Local Radio Freedom Act, six more House members and another Senator have signed onto the non-binding resolution that opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The LRFA is now currently co-sponsored by 124 Members of the House and 10 Senators. Earlier this month a bipartisan group of nine House members and another Senator signed onto the resolution supporting local, free, over-the-air radio. Adding their support to the act this week are Reps. Jim Bridenstine (OK), Christoper Gibson (NY), Jim Jordan (OH), Mark Meadows (NC), Mick Mulvaney (SC) and Tom Reed (NY). Senator John Boozman (R-AR) is the latest lawmaker to sign onto its companion resolution in the Senate. Reps. Michael Conaway (R-TX) and Gene Green (D-TX) introduced the Local Radio Freedom Act (H. Con. Res. 16) in the House on February 15 along with 71 additional co-sponsors. An identical resolution (S. Con. Res. 6) was introduced in the Senate on March 6 by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND). These are the new 2013 versions of the LRFA which are virtually identical to those from last year. Yesterday we reported that a bipartisan group of Congress members -- Darrell Issa (R-CA), John Conyers (D-MI), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Melvin Watt (D-CA.) -- have sent a letter to their colleagues urging them not to co-sponsor the LRFA. Confirmed: Jersey Shore's 'Breeze' Blows Away 
Earlier this week, we told you that a "change is reportedly 'in the air' at Press Communications AC 'The Breeze 107.1 and 99.7' WWZY-FM, Long Branch, and WBHX-FM, Tuckerton, NJ." We've now learned from Press Communications that the stations is rebranding as "107.1 FM" -- with the slogan "A Music Radio Station" -- and a scaled-back music library.
More 'Bull' - This Time Down South at WMUV-FM 
Renda Broadcasting Country WMUV-FM, Brunswick, Georgia-Jacksonville, Florida, rebrands from "Country 100.7" to "Bull 100.7" less than two months after changing the format from Classic Country "Country Legends 100.7" to a mainstream Country format. With the name change, for the first time since the late 1980′s, the station is changing its focus from the Jacksonville market and focusing on Southern Georgia. New on-air imaging for the station is promoting "South Georgia’s Big Old Bull." Lance Venta reports that Renda also owns Country '99.9 Gator Country' WGNE-FM in Jacksonville, and removing WMUV-FM from the Jacksonville market makes it a two way competition between WGNE-FM and Clear Channel’s WQIK-FM for the Country audience in Jacksonville. Clear Channel Albany Announces Two New Appointments 
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Albany announces a pair of new appointments. Shanna joins Hot AC "99.5 The River" WRVE-FM as the new morning co-host, and CHR-Top40 "Kiss 102.3" WKKF-FM afternoon host D Scott is named Assistant PD for WKKF-FM. Both appointments are effective immediately. Shanna -- who will co-host alongside Kevin Rush weekday mornings from 5-10am on "The River" -- joins from "Kiss 98.5" Buffalo, where she spent the last few years as an on-air talent. "I'm excited to further my radio career with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Albany," says Shanna. "I'm looking forward to getting to know our listeners and exploring the Capital Region." WRVE-FM Program Director Randy McCarten tells us, "Shanna's personality alongside our current co-host Kevin Rush will help our Capital Region listeners wake up with a smile each morning. They are both excited to get out and have some fun with River listeners." D Scott has been with "Kiss 102.3" since 2011. In addition to his new role as Assistant PD, he will continue to host weekdays from 2-7pm. He's been in the radio industry for more than 14 years and started his career as a Producer for "American Top 40 with Kasey Kasem." Since then, D Scott has held a variety of on-air positions including hosting weekend and evening shows in Albany. CBS Sports Radio Adds Two New Weekend Shows 
CBS Sports Radio adds two new weekend shows. Beginning this weekend, "Eye on Baseball" with host Damon Bruce will air Saturdays 10am-12noon ET, focusing on Major League Baseball news and headlines. Bruce will be joined by a rotating group of sports experts who will serve as co-host. Bruce is based out KNBR-AM, San Francisco, where he hosts "The Damon Bruce Show" weekdays from 12-3pm. The former ESPN talent also currently serves as post-game host for San Francisco 49ers games. Also, CBS Sports Radio debuts the weekly program "Eye on Basketball" this Saturday from 6-8pm. The show will be hosted by Jody "Jody Mac" McDonald and CBSSports.com's NBA insider Ken Berger. The duo will explore the latest NBA topics and breaking stories. McDonald, a 25-year Sports Talk veteran, was an inaugural member of WFAN-AM, New York. He's hosted middays at WFAN; WIP-AM-FM, Philadelphia; and ESPN New York, as well as afternoon drive at Sports Talk "The Fanatic" WPEN-FM, Philadelphia, and a SiriusXM program. Award winning journalist Berger serves as the NBA expert for CBSSports.com.
Jelli Receives Second Patent: 
Social radio platform Jelli has been awarded a second patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office -- this one for “Dynamic selection of advertising content in a social broadcast environment,” which describes methods related to determining advertising content to be included in a broadcast dynamically. These methods are based on a broad set of inclusion criteria, including among other factors, audience targeting (demographics, location), audience feedback, advertiser bidding, third party advertising technology parameters, according to Jelli Chief Technology Officer and co-founder Jateen Parekh. The dynamic selection for ad content patent follows Jelli's first patent last month for "Social Broadcasting User Experience." At that time, as we reported on March 26, Jelli CEO Mike Dougherty told 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." Reporting the second patent, on its website, Jelli writes: "More patent goodness at Jelli, supporting our technology innovation! On the heels of receiving our first patent, we have now received our second patent." After summarizing the same information sent us in their news release, Jelli adds, "Broadcasting is defined broadly as any one-to-many communication regardless of transmission method (e.g., terrestrial, digital, satellite, streaming, etc.) or broadcast medium (e.g., radio, television, in venue, etc.). We are adding to the intellectual property of the company in this important area of advertising." Detroit '89X' PD Jay Hudson Shares Boston Marathon Experience 
Bell Media Detroit market Alternative "89X" CIMX-FM, Windsor, Ontario, Program Director and afternoon host Jay Hudson ran in the April 15 Boston Marathon, finishing the race before the marathon bombings began. Hudson says he had already crossed the finish line and was sitting inside a bar about quarter mile from the finish line when the first bomb exploded. He's shared his experiences in audio from his "89X" afternoon show. Courtesy of CIMX-FM, we have that audio.
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Friday, April 19, 2013
Friday's Radio & Media News - April 19, 2013
CFO and General Manager Rich Morena tells us that after an extensive perceptual study of heavy radio listeners in its target demographics, the former "Breeze" is re-creating the stations, focusing on more currents and recurrents, while remaining Adult Contemporary. He says listeners indicated they didn't hear their favorite songs often enough. Starting Monday (April 22), the "Pork Roll and Eggs" morning show, hosted by Nina Siciliano and Tom Devoy, moves to WWZY-FM and WBHK-FM from sister CHR-Top40 "B98.5" WBBO-FM. They will be replaced at WBBO-FM by current midday host and Music Director Kelso and night host Sara Cucci.
Our original Wednesday (April 17) report noted that 
Former Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers coach Mike Holmgren is joining "Sports Radio" KJR-AM/KNBQ-FM, Seattle, as an NFL expert and regular contributor, effective Monday (April 22) ... CHR-Top40 "Island 106" WILN-FM, Panama City, Florida, brings aboard Holly O'Connor to join Miguel Fuller and Mandy Williamson for the new "The Miguel Show with Mandy and Holly." O'Connor most recently was co-host of the "That Guy Kramer In The Morning Show" on Hot AC WSJT-FM, Tampa. Meanwhile, Jeremiah Wood joins "Island 106" for afternoons. He arrives from CHR-Top40 "K104.7" WSPK-FM, Poughkeepsie, NY, where Wood hosted nights ... Georgia Ellyse is in for mornings at Urban "Foxie 105" WFXE-FM, Columbus, Georgia. She will co-host with Baby J, who is inbound from WWWZ-FM and WXST-FM, Charleston, South Carolina. Ellyse previously was on-air at Urban AC KMOJ-FM, Minneapolis, for the last four years ... Beasley Rhythmic CHR "Wired 96.5" WRDW-FM, Philadelphia, has a new night host -- Bonics. "Bonics is the final piece of the puzzle that I was looking for" says Program Director Dan Hunt. Bonics previously was at "96.1 Kiss" WKST-FM, Pittsburgh, first in nights, and then afternoon host and Music Director, before leaving to perform with Wiz Khalifa. Bonics tells us he will still tour with Wiz Khalifa, and share his experiences with his Philly radio audience ... Rick Party joins Urban AC WHQT-FM, Miami, for afternoons, replacing the former syndicated "Michael Baisden Show." Previously, Party hosted mornings on Urban WBLS-FM, New York, mornings at co-owned Urban WEDR-FM, and afternoons at "103.5 Kiss FM" WKSC-FM, Chicago.
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