Monday's Radio & Media News - May 20, 2013

Bill Pugh Named San Francisco KFOG-FM/KSAN-FM Ops Manager Bill Pugh is named Operations Manager for Cumulus Triple-A KFOG-FM and Classic Rock "107.7 The Bone" KSAN-FM, San Francisco, and direct Program Director for KFOG-FM, effective immediately, replacing Dennis Constantine who exits. A 30-year veteran radio programmer, he was most recently with Clear Channel as Operations Manager in San Diego. Prior to joining Clear Channel in 2008, he was Program Director of Sporting News Radio. Previously, Pugh was VP of Programming for Broadcast Companies of America in San Diego. "I am very excited to join the Cumulus team and looking forward to all the opportunities to expand the brand in San Francisco," says Pugh. He's also in the past been Director of AM Programming for Jacor/Clear Channel in San Diego. Official: 'Dave & Chuck the Freak' New WRIF-FM/Detroit Morning Hosts As expected, Greater Media Detroit makes the official announcement -- Dave Hunter and Chuck "The Freak" Urquhart are named the new morning show hosts at Rock WRIF-FM. The duo will debut next week (May 28) in the 6-10am slot just vacated by Drew and Mike -- Drew Lane and Mike Clark, who exited after 22 years on the air at WRIF-FM, Detroit. We previously told you that former Bell Media Alternative "89X" CIMX-FM, Windsor-Detroit, hosts Dave and Chuck the Freak would be coming to the end of a non-compete period, and would be hired for mornings on WRIF-FM. Also coming with them is Lisa Way. All three spent nearly a decade together at CIMX-FM. Now with the expected official announcement, Greater Media Detroit Market Manager Steve Chessare tells us, "WRIF has dominated morning radio in Detroit for 20 years. Now, with the addition of the infamous and highly rated Dave and Chuck the Freak Show, 101 WRIF-FM is positioned to continue to dominate the Detroit morning airwaves for years to come. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Greater Media family." Says Hunter (the "Dave" of the duo), "To say we're excited to start our next adventure at the legendary WRIF is a massive understatement. We look forward to reconnecting with our fans and having them be a part of the show every weekday morning." Friday (May 17) was the final show for "Drew and Mike" (and longtime newsperson Trudi Daniels), as had been announced May 8. "We would like to thank Drew, Mike, Trudi and the entire team for their many contributions to the station over the years in the Motor City," said Chessare then. "They are true professionals and we are very grateful to them." When we first reported the pending end of that longtime show, we told you of reports that Dave and Chuck the Freak were expected to be announced as incoming, and the reason Greater Media Detroit said goodbye to Drew and Mike. Reportedly, WRIF-FM not only wants to pep up down-trending morning ratings, but also to aim for a younger demographic than that of the longtime followers of the former morning show. Listeners first heard the official announcement of the new morning show today (May 20) when Program Director Mark Pennington went on the air to announce, "Dave and Chuck the Freak are coming to mornings here at WRIF. We're starting a new chapter in WRIF mornings." Filling the week-long gap between "out with the old" and "in with the newA" is afternoon host Meltdown covering wake-up. New Morning Shows Debut in Portland and Charleston How are the debuts of new morning shows in Portland and Charleston related? First, Alpha Broadcasting Hot AC "Live 95.5" KBFF-FM, Portland, brings in Mike Edwards and Tanya Brown from Cumulus Media’s WSSX-FM, Charleston, South Carolina to join current AM drive host Nikki West for its new "Morning Mess with Tanya, Nikki and Mike." And, with the departure of Edwards and Brown, CHR-Top40 "95SX" WSSX-FM brings in Jessica Chandler and Ryan Walker to partner with Kelly G for the new "Two Girls and a Guy” morning show. Brown and Edwards had co-hosted the “Two Girls and a Guy” morning show on WSSX-FM. At KBFF-FM, Program Director Louie Diaz says he's had his ear on them. "I’ve been listening to Mike and Tanya for a while. They are now ready for PPM major league mornings. This is just another example of Alpha's commitment to live and local radio. 'The Morning Mess' will be delivering unique and compelling audio to help Portland start the day off right." At "95SX" in Charleston, Chandler and Walker move in from sister Country, "96.9 The Wolf" WIWF-FM. Says Chandler, "When Tanya and Mike left, they asked me and Ryan to come over from their sister station and join the show. We’re excited for the opportunity and to switch from Country to Pop. We're all around the same age, and it'll be a younger and fresher take on the show. 'Two Girls and a Guy' is always evolving, and it keeps getting better." Portland's '98.7 The Bull' Debuts 'Morning Bull Ride' Alpha Broadcasting's New Country "98.7 The Bull" KUPL-FM, Portland, Oregon, also gets a new morning show -- "The Morning Bull Ride with Howie, Monica and Jake!" The three will offer bull sitting weekday mornings 5-10am. Howie Drummond comes to "The Bull" from the "Alice 105.9" KALC-FM morning show in Denver, which he hosted for more than nine years. He's also the creator and host of the cooking show "Grill vs. Grill" -- now in its third season. Howie was also a cast member on season seven of "The Next Food Network Star with Bobby Flay and Giada." Monica Lunsford, former morning co-host at Hot AC "i94" WRWM-FM, Indianapolis, was born and raised in Indiana, and went to Butler University. At WRWM-FM, she was also the station's Director of Events. Jake Byron is a station veteran since 2004, when he started on KUPL-FM's Street Team -- eventually convincing the bosses to let him go on air, where he's been ever since. The station gave him his first job out of college (and says the station, with any luck, it will be his last). Alpha Broadcasting Director of Programming Scott Mahalick tells us that with the new morning show, "We are proud to have such world class talent on the team!" Mignon Clyburn Officially Takes Over as Acting FCC Chair FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn officially takes over as Acting Chair of the FCC, replacing Julius Genachowski until the confirmation of President Obama's nominee Tom Wheeler. As we reported last week, an initial hearing for Wheeler's confirmation is not expected until at least early June. Commissioner Robert McDowell also officially stepped down from the FCC Friday, becoming the first Commissioner to tweet his farewell to the FCC on Twitter. Clyburn is the first woman to Chair the Commission, even on a temporary basis, at least temporarily breaking the so-called "glass ceiling." Clyburn was nominated for a seat on the Federal Communications Commission by President Barack Obama on June 25, 2009. She was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate on July 24, 2009, and sworn-in as Commissioner on August 3, 2009. In a statement to FCC staffers, Clyburn says: "By now you may have heard, that President Obama has asked me to serve as Acting Chair of the FCC, pending the confirmation of Tom Wheeler. I wish to express my deep appreciation for this incredible opportunity, and commend President Obama, for his excellent choice of Tom Wheeler, as our next Chairman. Because we don’t know how long I will be in this position, with my tenure directly linked to the efficiency of the U.S. Senate, I thought it would be a good idea for us to get together, to assure each other, that we’re on the same page. Allow me to get straight to the point: I love the FCC, and to lead this agency is one of the greatest honors of my life. For in my view, there are two things that set this agency apart. The first is its people: all of you. Obviously, this agency is filled with world-class talent, but the staff at the FCC is not just smart and talented, you are caring, and committed to public service. The last two attributes were immediately made clear to me, when I entered the building, nearly four years ago. So many of you, have made my transition from South Carolina less traumatic, with words of support, kind gestures, and yes, warm hugs just when I needed them. I also want to thank my fellow Commissioners, for their support over the years: more recently Commissioners Rosenworcel and Pai, and of course, Julius Genachowski, Rob McDowell, Mike Copps and Meredith Baker. The second thing that sets this agency apart from the rest is its mission. I was raised to believe in the value of public service, by a support system, which through hard work and volunteerism, reinforced the importance and rewards, of that motto, 'service above self.' And for us, there is no more exciting or critical mission in government, than working to accelerate the communications revolution that’s transforming our economy, and the way we live. We have an important mission, and this is an important time. "I assume the role of Acting Chair, with a great sense of responsibility, but also great humility. And as we await the confirmation of Tom Wheeler, I see myself as a member of a relay team, running one of the middle legs. My job is to build on forward momentum, give the next teammate a running start, an improved position, and no matter what, my goal is not to drop the baton. I consider my friend Mike Copps, a model for an outstanding Acting Chair. He approached this job with seriousness, humility, and led this agency through the completion of the DTV transition – a major accomplishment. So if asked about my goals as I take this new position, I would answer without hesitation – its hallmarks will be continuity and progress. At 12:01am on Saturday, I actually became the Acting Chair of the Federal Communications Commission. This time gave me an opportunity to reflect a bit over the weekend. I thought of my swearing-in, in the summer of 2009. It took place in South Carolina, because until then, that was the only place I could ever think about calling home. Today, however, I see the FCC as home, and you, my regulatory family. Like every other family, we may disagree at times, and yes, frustrate each other, but at the end of the day, we’ve got each other’s back. We’ve got America’s back. So while we may face many challenges in the days and weeks ahead, by working together, we will continue to do great things. Continuity and progress: the hallmarks, the building blocks, of a great time, great people and a great agency. Thank you for all that you’ve done, and what you will continue to do, to make this nation proud. Thank you, and Godspeed." 'Song Skipping' Reported to Be Latest Apple 'iRadio' Holdup Apple, which has been aiming for a summer rollout of a streaming music service, has reportedly hit a negotiating snag with Sony Music over some of the features that it is building into its product. More specifically, reports CNet, "Apple and Sony Music, the world's second-largest music label, are still trying to hammer out details over how much Apple would pay for songs that people listen to a fraction of and then skip, according to people familiar with the negotiations. There could be other points of contention as well." Apple's streaming music service, which resembles Pandora, says the report, has some features built into it that give users added control, such as the ability to rewind a song and skip to the next after listening to a portion of it, according to CNet's sources. .Sony declined to comment. An Apple spokesperson wasn't immediately available. Apple last week reached an agreement with Universal Music, the world's largest label, and it's very close to finalizing its deal with Warner Music Group, sources say. That skipping has become an issue is frustrating executives at the other labels because they see Apple's free radio service as a potential boon for the music industry overall and are eager to help the company get it launched. Streaming music is the fastest-growing segment of the recorded music industry, and Apple's offering, designed for the iPhone and linked to iTunes, could speed the growth of Internet radio that much faster. CNet notes that what also excites some music executives about Apple's planned service is that it includes two other streams of revenue, adding up to an overall deal that should be far sweeter than what the labels get from Pandora. That includes a quick way for users to purchase a song they're listening to, and a slice of the ad revenue that Apple earns. Apple has told the music labels that it plans to build out its iAd business, including the potential of adding audio ads such as those heard on Pandora's free service. Media Audit: Planned Auto Buyers Spend Most Media Time with Radio Radio is the leading medium for time spent with media by prospective vehicle purchasers, with buyers spending over 20% of their time with radio and 18% with the Internet (other than email), according to a new study by The Media Audit. Those planning to purchase domestic cars spent over 177 minutes a day with radio, 132 minutes with the Internet, and 103 minutes with broadcast television. The survey interviewed 68,401 adults in 87 markets during 2012. Last week, we reported that radio "plays a dominant role" when people are considering a vehicle purchase, according to RAB findings. "The closer listeners get to purchasing or leasing a vehicle, the more important a part radio advertising plays" -- according to findings stemming from "the RAB's new service to help radio stations sell locally and highlight the buying power of radio listeners coast to coast." Now, Media Audit President Bob Jordan tells us, "Planned vehicle purchasers spend nearly 150 minutes a day listening to the radio. This large amount of listening along with radio's massive reach, makes it the ideal medium for car dealers and manufacturers to tell their story. The internet is a strong number 2 at 125 minutes a day but it should be remembered there is tremendous fragmentation with the web. Consumers can go to dozens and dozens of websites during the day but radio listeners tend to be loyal to a couple of radio stations. On average they listen to about 2.5 radio station during a week." Jordan adds, "The amount of time some people spend with radio may be a driver (pardon the pun) for radio's strength. Our research shows that people planning to purchase a vehicle in the next 12 months tend to be more financially optimistic than the general market. 52% of planned vehicle purchasers tend to be more financially optimistic compared to 36% of the general market. And financially optimistic people tend to be heavier radio listeners." RAB Launches 'New State of the Art Re-Designed RAB.com' Website The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) launches its latest version of RAB.com. "With an updated, fresh design this new site was created with today’s mobile salesperson in mind," says a news release. "The site uses a responsive design that automatically reacts to a visitor’s screen size, so RAB members can search for vital sales intelligence, consumer insights and sales material support no matter if they’re on their desktop, in the office, or using any mobile device including tablets and smart phones. The section for radio managers, account executives and associate members is navigated through the 7 Steps to Selling Success, a set of principles reinforced through RAB Professional Development training and certification courses. It features sections devoted to prospecting, appointments, research, creative, and proposals and presentations. Managers will also find their own dedicated section with important links to RAB Professional Development, management articles, and sales tips." According to the RAB, radio account executives will find a number of new and exciting features including "Trending Now on RAB.com." Based on real-time traffic across the new RAB.com, account executives will see what topics, articles, reports, etc. are growing in popularity. Favorite RAB services such as Articles on Demand, Instant Backgrounds, prospecting reports, consumer profiles, commercial scripts, mp3 commercial audio and RAB's co-op library are all available on the site with easy-to-find functionality. The section devoted to advertiser and agency visitors features case studies, consumer insights, creative, planning, buying, research and revenue statistics. Visitors needing expert help with research, planning or execution can also reach out to the RAB Business Development team directly by filling out an AskRAB form on the site. "The RAB prides itself on delivering the most current products, information and resources to our members," says RAB President and CEO Erica Farber. "Redesigning this site with total mobile capabilities was a 'must have'. In order to remain competitive, our members need to access current services and data while on the go." We're told that all sections of rab.com are equipped with a simple Google search tool, so visitors can easily and immediately find the research they are hunting for. On top of the available search tools, visitors can also connect with the RAB via social media websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Dallas 'H2O' Dried Up By 'Hot 107.9' First, Lance Venta reported , "Less than a year after launching the 'H2O Radio' brand in Dallas with the potential to expand elsewhere, Univision appears ready to transition 107.9 KESS-FM Lewisville-Dallas to a more traditional radio brand" suggesting a domain registration for MyHot1079.com gave the clue to the new format and identity. Now, Tom Taylor, noting a post on the Dallas Board of RadioDiscussions.com, is reporting that Dallas bilingual "H20" KESS-FM re-directs to Rhythmic as "Hot 107.9" -- and we decided to do some further checking. Sure enough, without a lot of fanfare, Univision Radio has flipped the station. Checking back with Venta's RadioInsight, a Friday update that we somehow missed tells us, "KESS completed its shift to Rhythmic CHR as it rebranded as 'Hot 107.9' at noon today. The station is promoting 'The 107 Days Of Summer'," said the report. We're still wondering why we haven't seen an official news release from Univision Radio on the flip. Are they embarrassed that so soon after their much-heralded launch of "H2O" they ditched it? LDR Appoints Director of Sales and Hires Four Team Members LDR appoints Tracy Gilliam as Director of Sales. She will oversee LDR's affiliate sales and station sales support. Previously, Gilliam managed LDR's sales support initiatives for three years. Before that, Gilliam served as National Sales Manager at KMOX-AM, St. Louis; Market Manager for Clear Channel Omaha and General Sales Manager for Classic Hits KRTH-FM, Los Angeles. LDR has also hired four new members to the team, including Todd Frost, specialist in medium and small affiliate sales. Most recently, Frost worked as an account coordinator for Clear Channel Dallas. Steve DiMatteo is named LDR.TopicPulse manager, working directly with affiliates using the social media/news sentiment platform. Previously, he was a freelance writer. Sarah Davis is appointed Project Manager, overseeing client-facing initiatives and serving as part of the company's quality control department. Her media and digital career includes work with advertising agencies, in both client and agency roles, as well as in broadcasting. Mark Ediss is named Music Content Manager, overseeing multiple LDR systems to keep the various music libraries diverse and current. "Our team is passionate about creating and developing platforms that improve broadcasters' businesses," says LDR CEO Daniel Anstandig. "We are always looking for industry professionals who share our enthusiasm and help bring our affiliate partners to the next level by providing the best service in the industry." Alex Cadelago Named CBS Radio Houston VP/DOS Alex Cadelago is named VP and Director of Sales for CBS Radio's six Houston market stations. He will be responsible for managing the cluster’s monthly and annual sales objectives, as well as driving strategy to grow revenue on all six stations -- "Sports Radio 610" KILT-AM, Country "The Bull" KILT-FM, "CBS Sports Radio 650" KIKK-AM, Hot AC "Mix 96.5" KHMX-FM, CHR-Top40 "Hot 95.7" KKHH-FM and Spanish Contemporary "Mega 101" KLOL-FM. Says SVP and Market Manager Sarah Frazier, "Alex is a proven sales manager in the Houston market. He is adept at analyzing the business from all angles, and has risen from the management ranks organically as the next logical Director of Sales of our Houston team. His experience marketing within both the General Market and the Hispanic market uniquely qualify him to best position our portfolio of brands in this minority majority city." Cadelago, says CBS Radio Houston, started his career in radio at KXYZ-AM, Houston, in 1992. He spent time as a Local Sales Manager for Mega (KLOL-FM) prior to the station coming under the CBS Radio umbrella in April 2009. He was promoted to General Sales Manager after joining CBS, "transitioned his team into the CBS culture and quickly gained credibility with his peers and the company. In 2011 Cadelago drove Mega to the number one spot in the market for non-traditional revenue." Deborah Norville to Emcee NABEF's Celebration of Service Awards Deborah Norville, host of the nation's top-rated syndicated newsmagazine "Inside Edition," will serve as master of ceremonies at the NAB Education Foundation's (NABEF) fourteenth annual Celebration of Service to America Awards. Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013, will make an appearance. Held Monday, June 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, the celebration recognizes broadcasters for outstanding service to their local communities. Norville has more than three decades of broadcast journalism experience, including serving 18 years as anchor at "Inside Edition." Norville joined "Inside Edition" from "CBS News." Previously, she was co-anchor for NBC's "The Today Show" and anchor of "NBC News at Sunrise." A two-time Emmy Award-winner and best-selling author, Norville is active in a number of charities, including the Broadcasters Foundation of America on whose board she has served for many years. Mallory Hagan, crowned Miss America 2013 in January, is from Brooklyn and participated in the Fashion Institute of Technology Presidential Honors Program. Hagan focused on child sexual abuse awareness and prevention as Miss New York and became an advocate for the Children’s Miracle Network, the Miss America Organization’s official charity, upon being crowned. As previously announced, Stevie Wonder will receive the Service to America Leadership Award for his outstanding public service, and Lowe's Companies, Inc. will receive the Corporate Leadership Award for the company's extraordinary focus on community service and corporate social responsibility. Marc Rayfield Inducted into Philly Jewish Sports Hall of Fame CBS Radio Philadelphia SVP and Market Manager Marc Rayfield is inducted into the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Rayfield, NBA and college coach Larry Brown, and seven others are honored at a reception in Philly at the site of the Hall. In addition, the 2013 JCC Maccabi Games Team Philadelphia Graduating Athletes receive special recognition. CBS Radio Philadelphia VP and DOS Jim Loftus tells us that Rayfield "is a gifted broadcaster, a loving husband and father, a creative thinker, and a great friend. These things we have known for a long time. Now we know he is a 'Hall of Fame' Athlete as well." Rayfield is also VP of WIP SportsRadio. As Market Manager, he oversees Newsradio KYW-AM, "SportsRadio 94" WIP-FM, "CBS Sports Radio 610" WIP-AM, Classic Hits WOGL-FM, Talk WPHT-AM and CBSPhilly.com. Genesis Communications Celebrates 25 Years Do we say "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Anniversary" to Genesis Communications? The company tells us they are celebrating 25 years. Founded in 1988 with the purchase of WLQY-AM in Miami and WNIV-AM in Atlanta, the company currently owns and operates radio stations in Florida -- including All News WWBA-AM, Sports Talk WHBO-AM and News Talk WMGG-AM in Tampa Bay; Sports Talk WHOO-AM, All News WAMT-AM and All News WIXC-AM in Orlando-Melbourne. Genesis Communications also owns and operates web publications -- including www.newstalkflorida.com and www.sportstalkflorida.com -- and developed the "Gotta Know" mobile application available to consumers in both the iTunes and Android formats. "We are going to use this milestone anniversary to build on our strengths and to forge exciting new opportunities, enabling us to continue to meet and exceed the needs of our clients," says Genesis President and CEO Bruce Maduri. As part of their 25-year celebration, the company plans a customer appreciation party later this year. One other thing. They are calling it a 25th Anniversary.