Monday's Radio & Media News - July 22, 2013

'Cubby' Morning Show Debuts in Chicago on WLIT-FM Paul "Cubby" Bryant adds Chicago for his morning show as it debuts on Clear Channel Hot AC "93.9 My FM" WLIT-FM. Bryant is based at Clear Channel's WKTU-FM, New York, and is also heard on sister Hot AC WMIA-FM, Miami. "Cubby" also hosts afternoons at Clear Channel's Rhythmic AC "Movin' 107.7" WMOV-FM, Norfolk-Virginia Beach. Bryant previously was heard in Chicago on WLIT-FM (when it was still AC "Lite FM") as co-host to Whoopi Goldberg on her short-lived syndicated morning show. Announcing his show's addition to the Chicago Hot AC, Bryant posted on Facebook, "I'm happy to announce that you can check me out on 93.9 My FM in Chicago from 6am-10am! I hope the White Sox fans will be nice to a 'Cubby'." The Chicago station quietly debuted the show this morning (July 22), with no formal announcement. However "Cubby" (weekdays 6-10am) has been added to the station's website. No further information about the host is offered to Chicago listeners. That makes three on-air hosts, along with the locally-based Brooke Hunter in middays and the syndicated Mario Lopez in evenings (7-11pm), piped in from Los Angeles. Afternoons remain vacant. Meanwhile, Chicagoland Radio and Media writes that when Clear Channel flipped WLIT-FM from "Lite FM" to "93.9 My FM" on June 17, "the company promised to hire all well-known local radio personalities for its daytime shifts." CRM's report notes that was supposed to happen by July 1. "When that date came around, only one well-known live and local personality was hired: Brooke Hunter, who now works middays. Mornings and afternoons remained jockless. That changed this morning when WLIT-FM finally started having an AM host -- only it wasn't a local well-known name." Although the show is reportedly a combination of a simulcast from New York with market-specific voice-tracking for Chicago, CRM says Bryant has "recorded a few Chicago-only segments, talking about how happy he is to be back on the air in Chicago and mentioning the White Sox." Chicagoland Radio and Media also questions if "Cubby" might be temporary "until a deal can be reached with a local morning show team." Reports from the Windy City have previously suggested that WLIT-FM was close to signing Chicago radio veterans Eddie Volkman and Joe "Jobo" Colborn for mornings. CBS Radio Announces 'SPF Powered By Radio.com' "Breakout pop artists Robin Thicke, Jason Derulo and Sammy Adams have been named as the main acts of the inaugural Summer Pool Fiesta (SPF) concert powered by Radio.com at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas on Saturday, August 17," says the announcement from CBS Radio. "With the Las Vegas Strip as the background, the luxury resort’s Boulevard pool will play host to the star-studded event. Fans can watch a live broadcast of SPF streaming on Radio.com and YouTube" beginning at 8pm PT. Is this CBS Radio's attempt at a competitor for Clear Channel's iHeartRadio Music Festival? The formal announcement from CBS Radio tells us, "CBS Radio stations nationwide will award hundreds of listeners complimentary access to the show, with many receiving a trip to Las Vegas with superior travel and accommodations at The Cosmopolitan, and exclusive access on-site at SPF. Tickets for the concert go on sale Friday, July 26 at 10:00AM, PT and are available online at www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com or through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000. General admission tickets are $35 (plus applicable taxes and services charges). SPF is an all-ages show. Guests must be 21+ to reserve a premium cabana at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas." Although on a smaller scale, Radio.com is CBS Radio's answer to iHeartRadio. Radio.com is described as its "online and mobile destination for the best in music, sports, talk and news programming. "More than just live streaming of 350+ stations, Radio.com presents original shows, live and on-demand concerts and events, breaking news, exclusive editorial features and storytelling, and access to some of the biggest names and personalities in the industry." Read more about "SPF Powered By Radio.com" from CBS Radio here. Kevin McCullough to Join WMCA-AM/New York for Mornings Salem Christian Talk WMCA-AM, New York, will add a local talk show hosted by industry veteran Kevin McCullough, starting August 5. The new show will mark a return to WMCA-FM for McCullough. "Kevin has proven to be one of the true up-and-coming voices in Christian talk radio and we are delighted he will be able to join our team," says Salem VP/Director of Spoken Word Format Phil Boyce. "His afternoon program will be live and local, tackling issues of concern going on locally and in the world with a Christian world view." The station says that McCullough's program will include discussion with local ministers about their concerns and "how our listeners can relate to and understand major world events in a biblical perspective." WMCA VP and General Manager Jerry Crowley says, "The addition of Kevin will allow WMCA to truly reflect the attitude of the city we serve, and be more responsive to community concerns." McCullough tells us, "There are a mere handful of radio stations in the history of the medium with a past as legendary as WMCA. I'm excited to align myself with the team of Crowley and Boyce, because I believe it bodes for an even more legendary future that is yet to come." DC's WMZQ-FM Names Aly Jacobs Morning Co-Host Country WMZQ-FM, Washington DC, announces that Aly Jacobs has been named morning co-host, joining "The Boxer Show" from 5-9am. A graduate of American University, Jacobs has been working in DC since 2004 as a morning show co-host and traffic reporter. We're told that over the past ten years she's dedicated her time to some of her favorite charities such as the Marine Corps Marathon, Montgomery County Humane Society, Best Buddies and Pink Jams promoting breast cancer awareness. "Aly is the perfect fit to join Boxer for the morning ride to work," says VP of Programming and WMZQ-FM Program Director Meg Stevens. "Her energetic personality, passion and experience in the market will help take The Boxer Show to the next level." Jacobs tells us, "I couldn't be more excited to come on board to such an amazing radio family," said Jacobs. "Boxer is an unbelievable talent and I'm looking forward to joining him each morning on WMZQ! Many thanks to Meg Stevens and Boxer for the incredible opportunity, this is the definition of a dream job!" Jacobs previously was a morning co-host and traffic reporter at crosstown Cumulus Hot AC "Mix 107.3" WRQX-FM. Angie Ward Joins Atlanta's Country '94.9 The Bull' Clear Channel Country "94.9 The Bull" WUBL-FM, Atlanta names Angie Ward as Assistant PD, effective immediately. She will also host the 10am-3pm midday show. Ward succeeds Lance Houston, who was named Program Director for Country sister WPOC-FM, Baltimore, earlier this year. Ward comes to WUBL-FM from Clear Channel sister station Country WTQR-FM, Greensboro, NC, where she spent 19 years. She will continue to host middays for WTQR-FM, in addition to her new duties in Atlanta. "I am excited to have someone as talented as Angie join our team, locally in Atlanta," says VP of Programming Brian Michel. "Her track record speaks for itself. She's an Atlanta native, and a natural fit to help The Bull grow to the next level." Delmarva Public Radio Names Dana Whitehair General Manager Delmarva Public Radio (DPR) names public radio veteran Dana Whitehair as General Manager for "NPR News Talk 90.7" WSDL-FM and "Classical 89.5" WSCL-FM, Salisbury-Ocean City. His public radio experience spans three decades, highlighted by 17 years at KUT-FM, Austin. "We are pleased that a public radio veteran with a strong background in such areas as technology, classical music, education and community engagement will be leading Delmarva Public Radio," says Provost/SVP of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Allen. "He provides experience and knowledge of the issues confronting radio nationally, as well as first-hand exposure to best practices at some of the country’s most highly regarded stations. This background will benefit DPR." Says Whitehair, "The University has made an enormous investment of confidence in DPR. While other colleges are divesting themselves of their public radio stations, SU did not." He adds, "The connection between a public radio station and its community is crucial. I’m happy to be here. I love public radio. Delmarva is a unique area, and there are exciting possibilities. I see DPR fulfilling a need -- and succeeding." DPR is moving into a new facility as the stations are transferred from a private foundation to Salisbury University. Arbitron Settles Investor Challenge to $1.3B Nielsen Deal Arbitron and an investor who sued over the company's proposed $1.3 billion buyout by Nielsen Holdings have asked a Delaware judge to approve settlement terms that would remove what the investor claims were roadblocks to a more lucrative sale. Law360.com reports that under the agreement, "Arbitron would suspend so-called don't ask-don't waive provisions -- deal-protection clauses that prevent suitors who signed confidentiality agreements related to auctions from coming in later with a higher offer -- for several agreements related to the merger, according to the settlement stipulation." Shareholder Joseph Pace filed the suit in January, claiming that a breakup fee and other terms of the deal prevent any competing offers to buy the company. Pace had asked the court to stop Arbitron from closing the deal with Nielsen, until the company adopted procedures that will "obtain the highest possible price for shareholders." Under the deal filed in Delaware Chancery Court, Arbitron also will make additional public disclosures about the buyout and its financial adviser's relationship with Netherlands-based Nielsen. Arbitron and the directors admit no wrongdoing or violations as a result of the settlement but would acknowledge that the disclosure changes were prompted by the lawsuit, according to the stipulation of settlement. In return, Pace's class action against Arbitron and several of its directors would be dismissed with prejudice. “Plaintiff’s counsel believes the terms of the settlement contained herein are fair and adequate to both the company and its shareholders and that it is reasonable to finalize a settlement of the action," says the motion. "Notwithstanding their belief that the allegations are wholly without merit, in order to eliminate the burden and expense of further litigation, defendants have concluded it is desirable that the claims against them be settled." Jeff Smulyan Among 11 'Giants Of Broadcasting' for 2013 Emmis Communications Chairman, President and CEO Jeff Smulyan is among 11 entertainment industry figures who will be honored as "Giants Of Broadcasting" in its 11th annual staging, sponsored by the Library of American Broadcasting, scheduled for October 16 in New York. The 11 distinguished professionals will be recognized for excellence in the electronic communication arts, joining 159 previously honored by the Library. The other honorees this year include Anne Sweeney, Alex Trebek, Barry Diller, Morley Safer, Dick Cavett, Robert Johnson, David Kelley, (former FCC Chairman) Richard Wiley, Richard Leibner and Carole Cooper. After operating two radio stations in Indianapolis and Omaha, Smulyan formed and became principal shareholder of Emmis in 1980. The company currently owns and operates 20 FM and two AM radio stations in the nation's largest markets, as well as six local, regional and national magazine operations, plus radio stations in Slovakia and Bulgaria. In 1995, Emmis became the first company to own top-rated stations in New York and Los Angeles simultaneously. A former director of the NAB and former Chairman of the Board of Directors of the RAB, Smulyan has served as chair of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, a consortium of CEOs from central Indiana's largest corporations. He's a member of numerous civic boards and committees. In 2000, Smulyan was honored with the NAB's National Radio Award.