Monday's Radio & Media News - May 6, 2013

'106.3 Pop FM' KWNZ-FM Launches in Reno Shamrock Communications Reno, Nevada, launches "106.3 Pop FM" -- reviving the nearly 30-year heritage call letters KWNZ-FM. "Pop FM," we're told, will pay tribute to this heritage by playing "The Hits You Miss" with pop-genre hits from the last 30 years. Director of Broadcast Operations Willobee Carlan will handle Program Director duties, with Bill Shakespeare as Assistant PD and Music Director. Core artists include Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Madonna, TLC, Prince, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Expose, En Vogue, New Edition, Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, Donna Summer, Backstreet Boys, Destiny's Child, Wham!, The Jets, P!nk, Chic, Bobby Brown, and Paula Abdul, among others. The new "Pop" is also airing a limited number of currents/recurrents with the tagline "The Hits Are Back." Shamrock tells us that "106.3 Pop FM" will be available "anywhere via a live web stream and its website at www.1063PopFM.com. The new station will air with "limited commercial breaks" -- and without on-air hosts -- for its first month. Licensed to Lovelock, Nevada, KWNZ-FM launched "Pop" Monday (May 6) at 1:06pm and 30 seconds. UPDATED: Fort Myers WINK-FM Wants to Be 'More' After teasing that "Wink FM" will "become a thing of the past," Fort Myers Broadcasting Hot AC WINK-FM, Fort Myers, Florida, flips to AC "96.9 More FM" with an expanded music menu that adds 80s artists to the previous "90′s, 2K, and Today" variety -- and says goodbye to Elvis Duran. This could be the first of at least several stations with the "More FM" monicker. In late March, Moyes Research Associates filed an application for a "More FM" trademark, with hopes that it will ultimately become a new national brand. At WINK-FM, the first song aired as "More FM" was Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believin'" -- followed by Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble." More than the music changes at the Fort Myers station. The syndicated "Elvis Duran Morning Show" is out. Duran's show moves to Clear Channel "Y100" WZJZ-FM, starting Wednesday (May 8). Reports from the market say that WINK-FM is not only ditching its "Wink FM" identity, and adding more music to its mix, it is also moving to "more music and less talk." The "Wink FM" identity had been in use for the past 50 years. Moyes Research Associates, we're told, found that listeners are asking for more music and less talk, with fewer interruptions. The new format debuted at 10am Monday morning (May 6), following the tease during the wake-up hours, during which Duran's show was conspicuously absent. "We have been talking and listening to thousands of radio listeners here in Southwest Florida. Over and over, they told us they want more. Well we've heard them loud and clear and that's how The New 96 dot 9 More FM was born," says VP and General Manager Wayne Simons. "This station was basically built by our audience. Tapping into their musical tastes through months and months of research has resulted in a unique playlist of songs." Program Director Michael Hayes adds, "More is more! And by giving our listeners more of the music they want comes less talk." Besides Duran's exit from the station, longtime station veteran Gina Birch exits middays, but remains with the company. KVMX-FM/Bakersfield Flips to 'Kix Country 92.1' Lotus Communications' flips Classic Hits "Max 92.1" KVMX-FM, Bakersfield, California to "Kix Country 92.1" featuring a New Country format. The station adds the syndicated "Bobby Bones Show" for mornings and "CMT Radio Live" with Cody Alan for nights (6-11pm). The remainder of the "Max" airstaff remains as morning co-host Mel moves to 10am-12Noon, Anne Kelly airs 12-3pm, and former morning co-host Kris Winston from 3-7pm. KVMX-FM also picks up Bones' "Country Top 30 Countdown" airing on Sundays, 8am-12noon. Says General Manager Greg Holcomb, "Country music is one of those formats that crosses all demographics. With our impressive talent lineup, we look forward to satisfying our new listeners." He tells us that Kelly has been a part of Bakersfield radio for more than 20 years, and Winston is a Country radio veteran from Texas. "Kix Country 92.1" will directly compete with Buck Owens Broadcasting's Country KUZZ-AM-FM. Greg Rakestraw Named Indianapolis 'Fan' Program Director Veteran Indianapolis sportscaster Greg Rakestraw is appointed Program Director of Emmis "The Fan" WFNI-AM and FM translator W298BB, and AC "B105.7" WYXB-FM, Indianapolis, replacing David Wood, who was named PD at sister Talk WIBC-FM last month. Rakestraw previously was PD at the crosstown Raven cluster, and has hosted at Sports Talk WXLW-AM, and been a reporter/producer at Sports Talk WNDE-AM. He recently has been filling in on "The Fan" and writing for its website. "We had strong candidates for The Fan job, but the strongest was Greg Rakestraw," says Emmis Indianapolis Operations Manager Bob Richards. "There won't be anything that Rakestraw doesn't have his fingerprints on at The Fan. If you hear it on the air, Greg one way or another will have influence over it." Rakestraw will also continue to fill in on-air at "The Fan" and write for the station's website. Rush Limbaugh Reportedly May Leave Cumulus Rush Limbaugh's syndicated radio show reportedly is considering ending its affiliation agreement with Cumulus Media at the end of this year, which Politico calls "a move that would bring about one of the biggest shakeups in talk radio history." A source close to the show says Limbaugh's camp is considering such a move -- one that would result in 40 Cumulus-owned radio stations losing the rights to the talk show. Also, reports Politico the show might be picked up by competing regional radio stations in Washington, New York, Chicago, Dallas and other major markets. According to Politico's source, Limbaugh is considering the move because Cumulus CEO Lew Dickey has blamed the company's advertising losses on Limbaugh's controversial remarks about Sandra Fluke, the Georgetown law student. In February 2012, Limbaugh referred to Fluke as "a slut" because she had called on congress to mandate insurance coverage of birth control. The subsequent controversy over those remarks resulted in a significant advertising boycott. Cumulus Media, which has a contract with Limbaugh through 2013, has so far declined to comment on the report -- saying only: "Cumulus owns the premier talk radio distribution platform in the United States and doesn't comment on negotiations with talent under contract." Clear Channel, which distributes the Rush Limbaugh Program through its Premiere Radio division, also declined to comment. The news of Limbaugh's possible departure comes one day ahead of the Cumulus Tuesday earnings call, at which Dickey Is once again likely to address the impact the Fluke controversy has had on advertising. The source close to the show described Dickey's remarks about advertising revenue as unjustified, and said such "criticism" of Limbaugh had resulted in the consideration to leave the company. Meanwhile, the New York Daily News is reporting that Limbaugh could leave Cumulus-owned Talk WABC-AM in New York City for Clear Channel's crosstown WOR-AM when his contract expires at the end of this year. The Daily News, echoing Politico, headlines its report, "Rush Limbaugh: Don't blame me for WABC's declining ad sales." Both Politico and the Daily News are noting what we've reported on numerous occasions -- that Dickey has said multiple times that Limbaugh's controversial comments have diminished ad revenue for the past year, and the slump remains a "residual hangover" for the station. Michael Savage Wins 'Landmark' Federal Court Decision Against TRN "In a ruling that is being compared to the case that led to free agency in baseball, a federal judge in California upheld an arbitration panel's decision to release talk-radio host Michael Savage from a contract with his former syndicator, Talk Radio Network," reports WND Media . Savage's lawyer, Dan Horowitz, called it a landmark case for talk radio. "Michael is to talk radio what Curt Flood was to Major League Baseball," Horowitz told WND, referring to the player who challenged baseball's reserve clause, which kept a player bound to his team even after fulfillment of his contract. Savage told WND the ruling "should free talent from the threats and extortionist behavior of ruthless Old-Hollywood types who can still be found in the corners of the radio industry." He added, "For me, personally, it finalizes a struggle to perform for my audience in an atmosphere of freedom, not working on a 'radio plantation'." Savage said that the case personally cost him $1 million in legal fees. The judge who issued the order, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, was appointed by President Obama. "This should give all of us faith in the legal system," Savage said, “where there is increasing distrust and cynicism about government in general. In this case, an Obama-appointed judge followed the law without bias." TRN CEO Mark Masters says TRN will appeal the ruling. Not only is Savage now officially free of TRN, but Talk Radio Network has also been ordered to pay Savage $862,455 that it withheld from him last year while the talk host was fighting to get out from his contract. Read the federal court order here. Arbitron Explains New Internet Simulcast Policy Responding to radio station clients that simulcast all of their over-the-air programming on online streaming, Arbitron has loosened its streaming simulcast rules. The new policy allows a station stream to substitute out-of-market commercials while still being partnered with the over-the-air station in a Total Line Reporting combo. According to Arbitron, "This change allows greater flexibility for broadcasters and advertisers who stream commercials." Effective May 2013, a stream that simulcasts 100% -- including commercials and sports -- with an AM, FM, or HD-multicast station in the over-the-air station’s home Metro and DMA may carry different commercials outside the Metro and DMA and remain eligible for Total Line Reporting, provided that all other out-of-market content is simulcast 100% and the commercials are sponsored by the same advertiser. Prior to this month, in order for a stream to be eligible for TLR, the stream had to be simulcast 100% including commercials and sports everywhere the stream could be heard. Jacobs Summer School to Kick Off Conclave Learning Conference The Conclave announces the high impact sessions for Jacobs Media's Summer School 4 which kicks off the 38th annual Conclave Learning Conference, July 17. "Conclave 38 begins with what has become a tradition, the fourth annual Jacobs Media Summer School," says Executive Director Bob Shannon. "This year, as part of our commitment to provide ideas that folks can actually take back to work and use, we'll learn how winners think, how great morning shows are built, and how non-media companies are using social media in ways radio has never thought of. And, that's just the first day of this year’s Conclave. Stay tuned for more agenda announcements this week." The Summer School curriculum will include: One-to-one with Jaye Albright; Talent Development; Mobile 2.0; Simply Social; Inside the Mind of Dave Hamilton; Jobs To Do and much more. Jacobs Media President Fred Jacobs tells us, "We have a great lineup for this year’s Summer School, including the star power of Rockwell inductee Jaye Albright to the legendary Dave Hamilton. Plus, the social media guru from the Mall of America – Bridget Jewell – and Target stores – Joe Curry. And we'll have great sessions including social media effectiveness, what's new in mobile apps and the challenge of the 'digital dash'." Spotify Acquires Tunigo Spotify has acquired Swedish-based music discovery start-up Tunigo, which has a popular Spotify app that generates playlists based on users mood and activity. CNet tells us, "It could be Spotify's attempt to see off competition from the recently-launched Twitter Music" (Twitter #Music). All of Tunigo's approximately 20 employees will go to work in Spotify's Stockholm and New York offices. The Tunigo service will continue running -- at least for the time being, notes CNet. Tunigo's app tries to help people discover music by offering playlists picked by its own editorial staff mixed in with songs from its own users. The app is available on Spotify itself and via Apple's App Store. A private beta is also available for Android. "The acquisition fits into our overall strategy around music discovery ... basically helping our users make sense of over 20 million tracks," says a Spotify spokes. Close Up: 'Jersey's Greatest Hits' WJRZ-FM New Host Lineup As we reported first (briefly, in our "Behind the Microphone" feature), "Now that Greater Media's WJRZ-FM, Manahawkin, NJ (Monmouth-Ocean market), has returned to Classic Hits (from AC "Magic 100.1") -- as "Jersey's Greatest Hits" -- a new host lineup is in place: Matt Knight in mornings, T.J. Bryan for middays, Program Director Glenn Kalina in afternoons, Barbara Farragher for nights, and Ricky A handling overnights." Now we have a news release with more on each of those names. "I’m thrilled to be working with such a talented air staff and to be able to entertain listeners with a daily dose of Jersey’s Greatest Hits of the 60′s, 70′s & 80′s,” says Kalina. "WJRZ is poised to soar to new heights with our new outstanding on-air line-up!" Knight, we're told, is "an experienced and dedicated professional who previously worked at the original WBBO-FM "B98.5" as assistant program director, music director and PM drive personality. Previous to that, Knight was the program coordinator at WHTG-FM "G-Rock" before it morphed into "Hit 106" -- where he was promoted to program director and was an on-air talent. Most recently, Matt was heard on the air doing weekend shifts on Greater Media New Jersey’s WRAT-FM. Bryan began his radio career in Long Branch at WMJY-FM. He went on to work on the air at WDHA-FM, where he helped establish and was co-producer of the original "Rock The Park" concert series. In addition, T J has won several on air awards, including one from the NJBA for best commercial production. Previous to that, he served as the program director at WHTG-FM in the late 90′s. Prior to that, T J spent several years in the record industry at Windup Records and was responsible for the promotion of bands such as Creed, Five For Fighting and Evanescence. In addition to his new on-air role, T J will also be assisting with music and production responsibilities. Kalina has been with Greater Media for the past 10 years and has served in a variety of capacities. He spent more than three decades working in the Philadelphia radio market, including several years at Greater Media’s "Mix 95.7." In addition, Kalina served as the morning show host and program director of "Q102" for 11 years along, with working at WLCE-FM, CBS Radio, WCAU-FM, Fox TV, NBC 10, WIP-AM and WZZD-FM. Kalina has been recognized on a local and national level for his programming accomplishments, along with receiving countless awards for his civic and charitable work. In addition to his on-air role, he works as the Program Director of WJRZ-FM. Farragher has been a part of the Greater Media New Jersey broadcast group for many years. She has been on air at WMGQ-FM, WDHA-FM, and WRAT-FM. In addition, she has worked outside the company on "New Jersey 101.5" WKXW-FM and has maintained a successful voice over business for several years. Ricky A. began his career a few years ago in the engineering and promotions departments at Greater Media Philadelphia at 95.7 WBEN-FM. He joined Greater Media New Jersey shortly after and has been working as a weekend on air talent for nearly two years. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Veteran programmer Mike Edwards is the new Program Director at AC "Sunny 104.5" WILT-FM, Wilmington, NC. Edwards, who starts later this month, most recently was Operations Director of Curtis Media's Raleigh, NC, based Triangle Traffic Network. Edwards' past experience includes programming, management and on-air roles in Washington DC, San Francisco, Charlotte and Buffalo ... Former Country KOUL-FM, Corpus Christi, Texas, is now airing Christian Top 40 "Air1" under new owner EMF ... CBS Radio Pittsburgh teams Kelly Langenohl and Flick for afternoons on Hot AC "100.7 Star" WBZZ-FM, as "Flick and Kelly" ... Alternative "FM 102.1" WLUM-FM, Milwaukee morning show co-host Brian Kramp exits after seven years with the station. "We thank Kramp for his efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors," says PD Jacent Jackson, who tells us "FM 102.1" will be moving to a more music driven format in mornings with more details coming soon ... Anthony Heinze is the new Music Director at Emerson College Triple-A WERS-FM, Boston -- replacing Kendall Stewart, who is graduating and moving into commercial radio ... Veteran broadcaster Chuck Lakefield is in for mornings at Adult Standards WNAM-AM, Appleton-Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Lakefield's radio career spans more than 40 years, including hosting top-rated radio shows in San Diego, Washington DC, Milwaukee, and Portland, Oregon.