MHBC Radio and Media News: Wednesday's Radio & Media News

Official: President Obama Nominates Tom Wheeler for FCC Chairman

As expected, President Obama nominates venture capitalist and lobbyist Tom Wheeler as the next Chairman of the FCC, to replace the outgoing Julius Genachowski. "Tom knows this stuff inside and out," Obama says a statement. The President adds that Wheeler "is the only member of both the cable television and the wireless industry hall of fame. So he’s like the Jim Brown of telecom or the Bo Jackson of telecom." Until Wheeler is confirmed, FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn will serve as Acting Chair of the Commission. NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith says, "NAB salutes President Obama's historic selection of Mignon Clyburn as acting Chair of the FCC. Commissioner Clyburn is a trailblazer and role model for millions of women, and her commitment to serving the public interest is unquestioned." FCC Yesterday, in response to reports that Wheeler's nomination was at hand, Smith said in an earlier statement, "NAB welcomes the nomination of Tom Wheeler as Chairman of the FCC. He has the experience and temperament to serve the agency with distinction, and we look forward to working with him." Says Genachowski in his own statement, "Today President Obama announced his intent to nominate Tom Wheeler to serve as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission and designate Commissioner Mignon Clyburn to serve as Acting Chairwoman upon my departure. These are excellent selections, and I commend the President."

In his statement, the outgoing FCC Chairman goes on to say, "I've had the pleasure of knowing Tom personally and professionally for almost 20 years. I was pleased to appoint Tom as Chairman of the FCC's Technological Advisory Council in 2010, and under his leadership the TAC has made strong contributions to the FCC's work, including on unleashing spectrum for mobile, removing barriers to private investment, and strengthening our cyber security. At this exciting time in this important sector, I can attest to Tom's commitment to harness the power of communications technology to improve people's lives, to drive our global competitiveness, and to advance the public interest. Julius Genachowski The FCC’s role has never been more essential, and with Tom’s deep policy expertise and his first-hand experience as a technology investor, he is a superb choice to advance the FCC's mission of promoting innovation, investment, competition, and consumer protection. Tom will be a great FCC Chairman, and I urge his swift confirmation. It has been a great honor and pleasure to serve with Commissioner Clyburn for the past four years. Mignon is a strong, experienced, and thoughtful leader. She has distinguished herself through her work to modernize universal service and promote competition, and as a champion for closing America’s digital divide. With this appointment, Mignon will also distinguish herself as the first woman to lead the FCC. I congratulate my friend and colleague on this honor." Genachowski now tells us when he will leave. "With this nomination and appointment, when I depart in mid-May, I'll be leaving a revitalized FCC in great hands."

In her own statement, Clyburn says, "I am deeply humbled by the opportunity to lead the Federal Communications Commission as interim chairwoman during this transition period, and I thank President Obama for this incredible and historic honor. Modern communications platforms are transforming every aspect of our lives, bringing about new opportunities and challenges. I am committed to continuing the FCC’s strong record of promoting competition, investment, and advancing the public interest. Mignon Clyburn I am a firm believer that our government can be an effective problem-solver with an important role to play in opening doors of opportunity for all Americans. This agency, and the outstanding people who comprise it, are to be commended for their service to this nation, and I intend to work hand in hand with every Bureau and Office to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. I also look forward to collaborating with members of both houses of Congress to ensure that we are fulfilling our mission. I want to again express my gratitude to the President, my family, friends, and staff, as well all those who have offered their support and guidance prior to and during my service at the Commission. I will continue to work hard in confronting the crucial issues that come before the FCC, and will do so with the interests of the American consumer in front of mind. I join a host of others in congratulating Tom Wheeler on his nomination, and wish him well as the Senate considers his candidacy. Chairing this great agency brings with it the need to make myriad complex decisions each and every day. Tom’s depth of experience makes him well-suited to the job, and I have no doubt that his leadership will allow the FCC to smartly navigate the ever-changing communications landscape. I want to again thank Chairman Genachowski for his leadership and friendship over the past four years. I look forward to working with Tom and his team, and offer my hopes for a swift and successful confirmation."

Jacksonville WOKV FM Simulcast Replaces Retired 'Rock 104.5'

The stunting ends on the former "Rock 104.5" WFYV-FM, Jacksonville, with the frequency becoming a simulcast of sister Talk WOKV-AM, which moves from the lower-powered 106.5 FM it has used since 2006. The flip came after several days of stunting that teased five potential formats, none of which actually was the new occupant of 104.5 FM. For now, WOKV's programming is airing on all three signals, as WOKV briefly transitions 106.5 listeners to the new frequency. The programming will also continue on 690 AM. The 104.5 signal is one of the most powerful in northeast Florida. "Our listeners told us loud and clear that we needed more power”, says Program Director Mike Dorwart. "Moving to 104.5 FM means that, for the first time ever, our listeners can hear WOKV everywhere in northeast Florida, any time they want." He notes that the "most noticeable improvement will be heard by listeners in Baker, Clay, St. Johns, and Nassau counties. They now have full coverage from WOKV, 24/7, on 104.5 FM." We're told that WOKV’s full weekday lineup of Conservative Talk will be on 104.5 FM -- including Herman Cain, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, and Andy Dean. WOKV was one of the first stations to begin simulcasting a Talk format on FM in 2006. Cox purchased Christian AC "106.5 The Promise" WBGB-FM, Ponte Vedra Beach, and it became WOKV-FM. Now speculations begins on what is next for 106.5 when the transition to 104.5 is completed.

Knoxville News Talk WNOX-FM to Become Country

With Journal Broadcast Group's acquisition of Oak Ridge FM’s News Talk WNOX-FM, Knoxville, about to close, the company is preparing to move the Country format currently aired on "Q93" WCYQ-FM to the stronger 100.3 signal currently occupied by News Talk WNOX. A Country simulcast is set to begin on the two FMs Thursday (May 2), while some of the News Talk programming now on WNOX-FM will move to Blount Broadcasting’s Classic Country WKVL-AM, a daytimer at 850. Among the select shows to survive on AM ia the afternoon Sports Talk show "The Drive With Russell Smith." Journal has received an FCC waiver to allow WCYQ-FM and WNOX-FM to simulcast for two weeks beginning May 2. At the end of the waiver period, the Country format currently on 93.1 will remain on 100.3 exclusively while 93.1 debuts a new format, to be announced. There's speculation it will be a Classic Hits format. Journal’s purchase of WNOX-FM was approved by the FCC in late February. Many loyal fans of WNOX-FM's ending Talk format are upset with the moves. One published comment calls the new format "Cuntry Musak."

Report: NYC WFAN AM-FM Simulcast to Split in January
-- Plus: What Our Own Sources Tell Us

The long expected end of the AM-FM simulcast of CBS Radio Sports Talk WFAN-AM-FM, New York, will come in January, reports FishbowlNY.com's Jerry Barmash, citing a source. Barmash says that "a source close to the situation cautions the switch is tentative"; the move would ostensibly put the national CBS Sports Radio lineup on 660 AM with the local WFAN format continuing on 101.9 FM." CBS Radio VP of Sports Programming and WFAN Program Director Mark Chernoff says, however, "We have no announcements to make in regards to WFAN/CBS Sports Radio at this time." According to Barnash, his source says, “There is an effort to make sure that the Fan is not too adversely damaged by the change.” There's been a dilemna in New York City on how to clear the new CBS Sports Radio network, with some suggestions (as we've previously reported) that the net might go on the FM signal, if the local format doesn't successfully move its audience there. Keeping the local programming on AM, we've learned, is definitely an option. It was on 660 AM that the first Sports Talk station became a national model, and where it still remains successful. That dilemna, according to our own sources, is the main reason the introduction of the new 24/7 CBS national net still hasn't debuted in the Big Apple.

John Ryder Gets Expanded WEEI-FM Red Sox Role
Two Others Named to Join Team Broadcasts

Entercom's Boston-based WEEI-FM names John Ryder as host of the station's pre- and post-game coverage of Red Sox Baseball. Ryder has been with WEEI since 1998 and is a regular contributor to the "Planet Mikey" show, in addition to hosting Red Sox Review and Celtics Rewind after Sox and Celtics games. "John has done a stellar job in every role we've had for him and has absolutely earned this promotion," says Entercom Boston VP of Programming Jason Wolfe. "He's hosted the pre- and post-game shows for the Sox many times before and was a natural choice for us to fill this important job." Entercom Boston also announces that Sean Grande and Lou Merloni will join the broadcasts filling in for Dave O'Brien, who will miss Monday night games during the season due to his responsibilities for ESPN. Grande has been the voice of the Boston Celtics since 2001, after having served as the TV voice of the Minnesota Timberwolves for three years. Merloni is currently co-host of the "Mut and Merloni" show on WEEI-FM. Merloni also had a nine-year professional career in Major League Baseball, the first five with the Red Sox. Wolfe tells us, "John has done a stellar job in every role we’ve had for him and has absolutely earned this promotion. He’s hosted the pre- and post-game shows for the Sox many times before and was a natural choice for us to fill this important job. Sean’s play-by-play experience speaks for itself. He’s one of the greats in the industry right now, and Lou’s expertise is second to none. There's no baseball man in Boston who knows the Sox better than Lou."

Clear Channel Detroit Names Aaron Klauber Director of Marketing

Aaron Klauber is appointed Director of Marketing and Promotions for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Detroit, joining from CCME Dayton where he spent the last 13 years in various roles including marketing, promotions and on-air. Klauber will oversee all marketing and promotions for Detroit's six stations, and will be responsible for planning, organizing and executing all major station events. He will work with the sales department to coordinate third party opportunities to drive sales and monetization, as well as with Detroit's Program Directors to create on-air and web promotions, says CCME Detroit. "Aaron has proven his leadership abilities within Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. We are excited for him to join our team in Detroit," says CCME Detroit VP of Programming Tony Travatto. "He has a passion for music and the radio industry, and I'm confident he will help Detroit create incredible relationships with our partners and experiences for our listeners." The six-station Detroit cluster includes CHR-Top40 "Channel 955" WQKI-FM, Hot AC "Fresh 100.3" WNIC-FM, Classic Rock "Detroit Rock City" WDTW-FM, Urban "Mix 92.3" WMXD-FM, Hip Hop WJLB-FM, and Sports Talk "1130 The Fan" WDFN-AM.

CRSA Hires Cindy Sivak as VP of Content and Talent

In preparation for its upcoming launch, Classic Rock Society of America (CRSA) has hired veteran radio and music industry executive Cindy Sivak in the newly created position of VP of Content and Talent, and Executive Producer. CRSA, online at CRSA.fm, is a digital and live streaming music enterprise between Focus 360 LLC and Denny Somach Productions (DSP), a producer of national rock radio programming. CRSA is devoted to the "Preservation, Promotion, and Celebration" of Classic Rock music. CRSA's entertainment portal will be delivered to hundreds of Classic Rock radio station websites and media partners via an embeddable player that resides on their websites. Sivak, a 20-year programming, content development and celebrity talent booking vet, will be responsible for overall CRSA programming and music industry outreach, including curating its archive of rare radio shows and artist interviews, booking of musical talent and executive producing its live streaming Pay-Per-View (PPV) concert series.

Says CRSA President Debbie Durben, "Cindy is a phenomenal addition to our seasoned music and radio team, and has already been instrumental in helping to prepare for the upcoming CRSA launch. Her experience, relationships and 'behind the scenes' talent has brought tremendous value and visibility to our initiative. We are delighted to add her to our executive team." Sivak says, "I'm excited to be a part of CRSA and its revolutionary approach to delivering unique content to media websites that want to reach the classic rock audience. The compelling content is relevant to the classic rock fan and will drive traffic to our partners' websites." Most recently, Sivak headed Sivak Entertainment, producing content for TV, radio and digital. She was the original VP/Industry and Talent Affairs at SiriusXM, and the first female Vice President in satellite radio. Prior to that, Sivak was co-founder and Executive Supervising Producer at MTV Radio Networks, where she launched MTV's radio division in three formats. She also spent nine years at Westwood One and United Stations as Director/Artist & Industry Relations.

Poll Shows Talk Radio Listeners Are Politically Different from Others

Hillary Clinton tops the list of favored potential candidates for the 2016 Democratic nomination, while Republicans are decidedly more mixed over who should be their standard-bearer when the White House becomes vacant. A new national poll of registered voters from Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind finds that 63 percent of self-identified Democrats and those who lean Democratic support the former Secretary of State , with her potential rivals trailing her significantly. Twelve percent favor current Vice President Joe Biden, and three percent support New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. As for the current crop of frequently mentioned Republican possibilities, Republicans split their loyalties about evenly among Florida Senator Mario Rubio (18%), former Florida Governor Jeb Bush (16%), and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie (14%). Another nine percent endorse former US Senator Rick Santorum, and a fifth each prefer someone else (21%) or are unsure (21%).

Notably, the PublicMind poll finds that there are significant differences in choices from Talk Radio listeners versus others. Republicans who favor talk radio as their source of news and information are more likely to favor Rubio, Bush, or, mostly, "other" over Christie -- when compared with those who favor comedy programs like Jon Stewart's "The Daily Show." Among Republicans favoring the Internet or local TV news, "none of the above" is the clear leader. The poll found that among registered voters, the most frequently cited favored sources of news were the Internet (44%), local TV news (43%). cable news (38%), network TV news (33%), and a newspaper (31%).

NAB Announces New Additions to Radio Board of Directors
Bob Pittman Headlines the New Radio Board Additions

NAB Radio Board Chairman Don Benson has appointed four radio executives to the NAB Radio Board of Directors -- headlined by Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman. The NAB tells us that in addition to Pittman the four include: Margaret Perkins, President and CEO, First Natchez Radio Group, Natchez, MS; Russell Perry, Chairman, Perry Publishing and Broadcasting, Oklahoma City, OK; and, Jeff Simpson, President and CEO, Bonneville International, Salt Lake City, UT. Perry, Pittman and Simpson will fill designated seats on the Board, while Perkins will represent Louisiana and Mississippi. Also, Eddie Esserman, partner, Golden Isles Broadcasting LLC, St. Simons Island, GA, was recently elected to the NAB Radio Board representing Georgia and Alabama.

Katz EVP Mary Beth Garber Participates on Digital Hollywood Panel

Katz Radio Group EVP of Radio Analysis and Insights Mary Beth Garber was set to participate on a panel at Digital Hollywood's "The Women's Entertainment and Technology Summit" today (May 1), in Marina Del Rey, Cali8fornia. Garber joins the panel -- titled "Building Your Personal Brand to Break Through the Glass Ceiling" -- to discuss how to cultivate a professional image and the skills needed to achieve career success. The session will draw from corporate experience, highlighting brands that productively manage their image through new or traditional means. "I'm thrilled to join Digital Hollywood and this interesting panel of exceptional women to share our stories and experience," says Garber. "My career in radio has taught me two valuable lessons -- how to sell and how to really listen, and those skills have led me to extraordinary opportunities. I hope to encourage those attending to consider creative paths in their own careers."

Legendary Rock Musician Randy Bachman Set for Conclave 38

The Conclave Learning Conference tells us "that legendary rock and roll guitarist, songwriter, performer, and producer Randy Bachman will be featured in a BMI Showcase event Thursday July 18 during Conclave 38." Says the official announcement from our friends at The Conclave, "Bachman has earned over 120 Gold and Platinum album/singles awards around the world for performing and producing. His songwriting has garnered him the coveted #1 spot on radio play lists in over 20 countries and he has amassed over 40 million records sold. His songs have been recorded by numerous other artists and placed in dozens of television, movie, and commercial soundtracks. As the founding member of The Guess Who, the group went on to virtually own the pop charts with an unprecedented run of 5 million-selling singles. By 1970, The Guess Who had sold more records than the entire Canadian recording industry, even outselling the Beatles with their with hits included These Eyes, Laughing, Undun, No Time, No Sugar Tonight and American Woman.

Desiring a change in lifestyle, which would include spending more time with his young family, Randy left the Guess Who at the height of their success. While this move stunned the music world, Randy knew that he could never leave music behind. He formed Brave Belt – a county rock outfit in 1970 and experimented with a new musical style and lineup that eventually transitioned into Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Bachman’s career would eclipse his earlier triumphs and give him yet a third run at the pop music charts with BTO's monstrous hits included, Let it Ride, Roll on Down The Highway, Takin' Care of Business and You Ain't Seen Nothin’ Yet."

According to The Conclave's news release, "Randy Bachman continues to be in much demand as a songwriter, session player, and solo artist and can add radio host to his impressive resume fronting Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's two-hour show “Randy Bachman's Vinyl Tap," which is also carried throughout North America on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio. For more information on the Learning Conference and Conclave educational programs, visit www.theconclave.com. Also found on the Conclave website is hotel room reservation information for the Doubletree Park Place Hotel."

Total Popular Music Component Charts

According to the new TPM Component Charts from BDSRadio, Rihanna's STAY, featuing Mikky Ekko, remains Number One at CHR/Top 40, but on the verge of being passed by JUST GIVE ME A REASON from P!nk with Nate Ruess, which is now the top song for Hot AC/Adult Top 40 radio airplay for our Hot Adult component. But STAY is up 7-6 at Hot Adult.