Monday, April 1, 2013

Monday's Radio & Media News - April 1, 2013

Greater Media Promotes Steve Chessare to Detroit Market Manager

Steve Chessare

Steve Chessare is promoted to Market Manager of the Greater Media Detroit cluster -- including WRIF-FM, WCSX-FM and WMGC-FM. He's upped from Director of Sales at Greater Media Detroit, taking over from Steve Kosbau. "Steve brings a tremendous wealth of experience, knowledge and leadership to our team," says Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth. "We look forward to having him take our Detroit cluster to the next level." Says Chessare, "I'm in this business because I love and believe in radio. Having the opportunity to work with these heritage radio stations, these incredibly professional people and this great organization is the best next step in my career. People that I've worked with and respected over the past 25 years in New York City have asked me 'Why Detroit?' and my answer is simple, 'Greater Media.' I couldn't be more excited!" Prior to joining Greater Media, Chessare was the SVP of Sales for Westwood One Companies. Prior to that, he was the General Sales Manager of Clear Channel's WLTW-FM, New York. He also had held various positions within the CBS Radio organization that culminated in the role of VP and General Manager of CBS Radio Sales.



Official: Philadelphia's WRNB-FM Flips to 'Old School 100.3'

Old chool 100.3

UPDATE Monday, April 1: It's official. Radio One Philadelphia flips Urban AC WRNB-FM to "Old School 100.3" at 5pm today, following the much-heralded "big announcement." Earlier today, we reported that we had learned that with the pending format flip, the entire WRNB-FM Urban AC format's on-air staff is out. Reports from Philadelphia said all of the on-air hosts "have been released." We confirmed that all of them were missing from the "old" website where the "announcement" notice had been changed to read "today." The new website for "Old School 100.3" is now fully activated. The decision to flip WRNB-FM, we've learned, was made by Radio One SVP of Programming Jay Stevens and Philly Operations Manager Elroy Smith to more directly compete with Clear Channel's WDAS-FM. A new on-air staff is expected to be announced for "Old School 100.3" in the next several days.

Our original report follows:

WRNB We've now confirmed that Radio One Philadelphia is about to flip Urban AC WRNB-FM to "Old School 100.3," after the station posted on its website, "Big Announcement Coming This Monday at 5pm!" That, we've learned, does mean a flip to Old School R&B, as the station ditches newer Urban AC hits. This is Radio One's fourth Urban AC station to switch to Urban Oldies. Previous such flips have taken place in St.Louis, Dallas and Charlotte. As we previously reported, along with the promise of a "big announcement," WRNB-FM tells listeners and other website visitors to "Keep your radios locked to WRNB!" Big Announcement It appears that a new website at www.OldSchool1003.com is already set for the flip. That url, which had been "parked," is now active, and currently redirects to the existing WRNB-FM site at RNBPhilly.com, where the Monday 5pm announcement is promoted. Radio One has been fighting a losing battle in Philly with Clear Channel’s WDAS-FM, which airs "R&B and Classic Soul."



Minneapolis Loses 'Love' - Gains 'The Ticket' - Times Three

Sports Radio 105 The Ticket

Cumulus Minneapolis launches Sports Talk "Sports Radio 105 The Ticket" -- replacing the "Love 105" trimulcast of WGVX-FM, WGVY-FM, and WGVZ-FM, following a weekend of stunting as "Radio 105" with a broad music mix, and no imaging. Cumulus Corporate Sports Programmer Jim Mahanay tells us, "Minneapolis-St. Paul is an amazing sports market. We’re excited to enter the competition with an all-star line-up of talent and to partner with CBS Sports Radio at Sports Radio 105 The Ticket." Operations Manager Scott Jameson adds, "The passion for sports combined with the power and credibility of the CBS brand makes for engaging and entertaining content. Sports fans in the Twin Cities now have a choice for their daily fix of news and conversation delivered by the best in the business." The new "Ticket" competition for the Sports Talk audience includes Clear Channel’s “100.3 K-Fan” KFXN-FM, and Hubbard’s “1500 ESPN” KSTP-AM.



NBC Sports Radio Launches 24/7 Programming

NBC Sports Radio

NBC Sports Radio today launched its 24/7 programming, accompanied by a new website at NBCSportsRadio.com and a customized NBC Sports Radio mobile app for Android and Apple devices. The new Sports Talk network is being distributed by Dial Global, with its content produced by NBC Sports. Says NBCSR EVP/GM Chris Corcoran, “Game on! We are pumped and ready to take the field. When you combine our unmatched talent with our stations, our digital assets and our social media presence, it all adds up to an amazing listening and interactive experience for sports fans everywhere." NBC Sports Ventures SVP Rob Simmelkjaer tells us, “We couldn’t be more excited to be launching our 24/7 format today. In just a short time, NBC Sports Radio has become a relevant player in the market, and we’re looking forward to continuing our growth. Today we also launch new ways for listeners to hear our content, from our new online webpage to our mobile app. Audio content is now consumed in more ways than ever, and we’re pleased to provide multiple touch points for listeners." The NBC Sports Radio mobile app, created by Abacast, showcases a branded home page with rotating sponsorship panels and an integration system that syncs audio ads and rotating display ads--a feature that will help advertisers extend their brands. Among its many features, the mobile app also delivers programming content, Facebook and Twitter promotion, and a station information page linking to phone request lines.



'Port City Radio' - Wilmington NC's 'Only All News Radio' - Launches

Port City Radio

"Port City Radio" -- Wilmington, North Carolina's "only all-news radio" launches today. Formerly "The Big Talker," "Port City Radio" is airing on 93.7 WNTB-FM and 106.3 WLTT-FM, and streaming online at PortCityRadio.com. "With the retirement of southeastern North Carolina’s most listened-to talk radio host, Chad Adams, officials with Hometown Wilmington Media decided to change the news-talk format of The Big Talker FM to an all-news format," reports PortCityDaily.com. “Port City Radio is the perfect complement to Port City Daily. With the departure of Chad, who is truly irreplaceable—not just because of his role in the community, but for the respectful exchange of ideas he was able to create and foster on his show—we thought it was time to move in a different direction,” says Hometown Wilmington Media General Manager Beau Gunn. “We decided to give Wilmington something it was missing—all-news radio with a focus on local news, sports, traffic and weather." The new "Port City Radio" says on its website, "Port City Radio is the only all-news radio station serving the greater Wilmington area. Every weekday, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Port City Radio provides a steady stream of the latest news, weather, sports, traffic and features focused on the lifestyles of the people who live in the Wilmington area. Listeners always know what they’re going to hear when they tune in to 93.7 FM and 106.3 FM–all news, all the time. With a team of local reporters from Port City Daily (link), anchors, contributors and producers, you can rely on fair, straightforward and concise coverage of your world."



'Bob and Sheri' Join American Forces Network's 'Joe Radio'

Bob and Sheri

Greater Media announces that American Forces Network's AC "Joe Radio" will launch the syndicated "Bob and Sheri Show" April 8, 2013 as its new morning show. The show is a syndicated radio program hosted by Bob Lacey and Sheri Lynch, based at WLNK-FM, Charlotte, North Carolina. Lacey and Lynch have co-hosted the show since 1992 when Bob, already established on WLNK's morning show, chose Sheri as co-host from over 65 applicants. The morning show will be carried live daily on AFN to members of the U.S. Military serving abroad and their families. "Joe Radio" on AFN carries the programming to 177 countries and all U.S. ships at sea. "After visiting with the Bob and Sheri team in Charlotte and hearing their very professional and entertaining show, we knew almost immediately that they’d be a perfect fit for our ‘Joe Radio’ service,” says Jef Reilly, Director of American Forces Radio Network. “Bob and Sheri are very popular among military audiences stateside and we’re sure that will be the case on AFN Radio overseas where our heroes are stationed and listening.“ The duo has a history with military involvement supporting the Wounded Warrior organization. In 2012, Bob and Sheri participated in a military devoted Flag Day Parade in Hudson, NY. They attended the Army Birthday Celebration at Ft. Bragg Military Base where over 13,000 soldiers were in attendance at times, cheering and calling them by name as they ran past the live broadcast. "Nothing gives us more pride and satisfaction than to serve the men, women, and children who are dedicated to protecting our country," say Bob and Sheri. "It is more than an honor to have this opportunity, and we will rise to it!" Their show currently airs on 42 stations across the country. "We are absolutely thrilled that Bob and Sheri will be sharing their entertaining show with our valued members of the United States Military and their families both here and now abroad," says Greater Media Chairman and CEO Peter Smyth. "Bob and Sheri will be a fantastic edition to Joe Radio on the American Forces Radio Network. As a company, we consider it a privilege to be able to serve our dedicated men and women who continue to sacrifice to keep our families and country safe." is more than an honor to have this opportunity, and we will rise to it!"



Clear Channel and Big Machine Launch The Band Perry’s New Album

The Band Perry

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announces a partnership with Big Machine Label Group to launch The Band Perry‘s sophomore album, "Pioneer." The sibling trio’s second album is set to release April 2, when Clear Channel will launch a two-week-long on-air and online Artist Integration Program using Clear Channel’s "powerful platforms to introduce Pioneer to fans and listener," says the announcement. "To celebrate the release of Pioneer, the multiplatform program will also feature an intimate performance by The Band Perry for iHeartRadio Live at the iHeartRadio Theater presented by P.C. Richard & Son in New York City on April 3." The campaign, we're told, "is a unique promotional vehicle that is specifically designed for The Band Perry to increase audience awareness of their new album across more than 115 participating Clear Channel Country radio stations featuring custom content and spots. A series of on-air spots created by Clear Channel’s top Imaging Directors will run across its network of Country stations nationwide and their online station streams, featuring audio clips from an exclusive interview with the trio." The Band Perry will also receive featured placement on iHeartRadio.com as well as banner ads and a custom content portal to drive listeners to purchase "Pioneer" on iTunes. In 2011, siblings Kimberly, Reid and Neil Perry quickly catapulted into the mainstream with the success of their breakout hit “If I Die Young.” On April 3, immediately following the release of "Pioneer," The Band Perry will perform songs from their new album as well as other hits for iHeartRadio Live, a Clear Channel entertainment production. The private show will be hosted at the iHeartRadio Theater presented by P.C. Richard & Son for "an intimate group of Clear Channel listeners in New York City." The Band Perry’s exclusive performance for iHeartRadio Live will also stream live for fans at iheartradio.com/thebandperry.



Beasley Miami Names Keriann Worley DOS

Keriann Worley

Beasley Broadcast Miami announces the appointment of Keriann Worley to Director of Sales for its three-station cluster -- "Power 96" WPOW-FM, "99.9 Kiss Country" WKIS-FM and "560 Sports Radio" WQAM-AM. The appointment is effective April 8. Worley will report to VP and Market Manager Joe Bell. Most recently, she was VP and Market Manager of Clear Channel's Melbourne, Florida, cluster. Says Bell, "Keriann has had a meteoric rise in the broadcast industry and I look for her to continue that ascension at Beasley Miami. Her skill set, passion for our industry and ability to 'move the revenue needle' make her the right person at the right time for this opportunity." Worley's resume also includes sales stops at South Florida's WHYI-FM, and management positions in West Palm, the Keys and the Treasure Coast. "I am thrilled be back in this market and joining the talented staff at Beasley Broadcast Miami," says Worley. "We will continue to build upon the cluster's success by utilizing all of our assets, which includes strong products and a high performing sales team."



NAB Announces Newly Elected Radio Board

NAB

The NAB announces the results of its 2013 NAB Radio and Television Board elections. Elected to the Radio Board are: BL Broadcasting Managing Partner Mike Boen, Team Radio owner Bill Coleman, Cox Media Group/Jacksonville VP/Market Manager Bill Hendrich, Henson Media President and Owner Ed Henson, Lenawee Broadcasting President Julie Koehn, CCME SVP of Government Affairs Jessica Marventano, K-Love/Air1 Radio President and CEO Mike Novak, Qantum Communications President Frank Osborn, Alpha Broadcasting President and COO Bob Proffitt, Greater Media VP of Corporate Communication Heidi Raphael, Thunderbolt Broadcasting President Paul Tinkle and Dana Communications President Dana Withers. The two-year terms of the newly elected board members will begin this June.



Brian Mack Adds Program Director at Chattanooga 'Kiss FM'

Brian Mack

As we first reported briefly late last week in our "Behind the Microphone" feature, CHR-Top40 "107.5 The River" WRVW-FM, Nashville, Program Director Brian Mack adds PD duties for sister CHR-Top40 "Kiss FM" WKXJ-FM, Chattanooga, taking over for JoJo, who will continue his programming duties in Greensboro and Augusta. Now says Clear Channel Chattanooga Regional Program Manager Gator Harrison, "JoJo and B-Mack are both CCME Killers. WKXJ is blessed with both brains wrapped around the creation and evolution of 103-7 KISS FM." And "B Mack" tells us, "It was only a couple of years ago that Rod asked me to assist him from a creative angle on the re-birth of Kiss. I am just thrilled that he and Gator have tapped me to be Program Director. Full circle indeed!" Mack was named Program Director at "The River" in March last year. His Clear Channel tenure includes several years in Cleveland as Imaging Director and on-air host at "Kiss FM." Prior to Nashville, Mack was APD/MD and Creative Services Director at "Y100" WHYI-FM, Miami. He's also been the brand architect of several CHR format flips in the company and is the signature voice of many of Clear Channel's CHR stations in the Southeast, including "Y100" -- and has served on the iHeartRadio CHR Brand team responsible for the launch of Custom Radio in 2011.



Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio
img Len Tillem is out at "Newstalk 910" KKSF-AM, San Francisco. He joined the station last year after his former station, crosstown Talk KGO-AM, increased its news programming and eliminated a number of prominent talk shows. At KKSF-AM, Tillem's afternoon 3-4pm slot is filled by expanding the Gil Gross Show ... Operations Manager and Program Director Mike Edwards exits CHR-Top40 "96SX" WSSX-FM, Charleston, SC, after 13 years, to relocate to another unnamed area ... NRG Media Wausau Stevens Point names RW Smith, a 20-year broadcast veteran with extensive programming experience, Operations Manager for the four-station cluster -- CHR-Top40 "Hot 96.7" WHTQ-FM, Country "Y 106.5" WYTE-FM, Adult Variety Hits "Big Cheese 107.9" WBCV-FM, and Classic Rock WGLX-FM ... Urban "Hot 107.9" WPHI-FM, Philadelphia, now has "PMS" -- a new morning show titled "Philly's Morning Show (PMS)" hosted by market veterans Shamara and Laiya ... To show its support for American League Rookie of the Year and hometowner Mike Trout, Talk/Variety WSNJ-AM, Bridgeton, NJ, has joined the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim radio network for the 2013 season.



MHBC

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