Monday's Radio & Media News - August 12, 2013

Chris Oliviero Promoted to CBS Radio EVP of Programming CBS Radio promotes SVP of Programming Chris Oliviero to EVP of Programming, with an expanded role, effective immediately. Oliviero has worked for the company in various capacities since 1996, the past four as SVP of Programming. In this new role, Oliviero "will lead programming development and operations for CBS Radio's 126 News, Sports, Talk and music stations nationwide, as well as manage talent relations and explore new business partnerships and acquisitions." We're told he will also continue his role overseeing CBS Sports Radio. "Chris has been a valued member of our senior leadership team, creating opportunities and initiatives that provide an exceptional listening experience and extend the CBS Radio brand," says CBS Radio President/CEO Dan Mason. "He has demonstrated a profound understanding of collaboration across our local station management, sales and digital teams to drive growth, and brings a contemporary perspective into the ever changing media landscape. Chris is a true industry leader and a respected colleague to everyone at CBS Radio." Says Oliviero, "CBS Radio has afforded me the chance to work with an amazingly talented group of professionals – all who share my enthusiasm for radio and its unquestionably bright future. We’ve assembled an outstanding line-up of multi-platform assets that not only showcase our unmatched collection of exclusive content, but also provide additional opportunities to introduce our industry leading brands to new audiences each and every day. I look forward to continuing these efforts by partnering with [SVP of Programming] Greg Strassell along with all our program directors in the years to come." Oliviero was named SVP of Programming for CBS Radio in 2009, and assumed a supervisory role for CBS Sports Radio in 2012. He "has been instrumental in CBS Radio's expansion of Sports radio on FM, including launches in New York, Dallas, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Tampa, Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Cleveland." He began his career with CBS Radio in 1996 as an intern for "The Howard Stern Show." Official: Greater Media's WMGC-FM/Detroit Flips to Sports Talk Greater Media Detroit makes it official. AC "Today's 105.1" WMGC-FM flips to Sports Talk as "Detroit Sports 105.1" with local host Drew Lane and other programming from ESPN Radio. The new format, as expected, launches at 3pm today with Lane's local show. Greater Media Detroit tells us, "Powered by ESPN, the new station will feature America’s top sports morning show, 'Mike and Mike' each weekday morning from 6-10am. From 10 to noon listeners will hear the outspoken Colin Cowherd on 'The Herd.' During both shows, listeners will receive news and information about local Detroit teams three times an hour. Afternoon drive will be hosted by legendary former long-time WRIF-FM morning personality Drew lane from 3-7pm. He will be joined by longtime producer Marc Fellhauer." Says Greater Media Detroit Market Manager Steve Chessare, "We are thrilled to be able to offer Detroit a new alternative that will be designed with our loyal and dedicated sports fans in mind. We look forward to providing the very best local and national talent on the airwaves for our listeners. We will have more announcements surrounding the new station in the near future." The station says its agreement with ESPN "will allow the station to use all of the resources of 'The Worldwide Leader in Sports' to entertain the fans of Detroit. ESPN Monday Night Football announcer and Ann Arbor resident Mike Tirico will make a weekly appearance on Detroit Sports 105.1. The station will have access to the full slate of ESPN’s analysts and personalities." Patrick Polking, ESPN Senior Director, Distribution and Business Development tells us, "We are excited about expanding our relationship with Greater Media by providing ESPN Radio programming to the 12th largest media market in the country on Detroit Sports 105.1. This move provides Detroit’s passionate fans the best of our national and their local coverage and analysis while extending our goal of moving our content to the FM dial. This addition becomes our 148th FM affiliate (roughly 40%) for ESPN Radio." A news release adds, "The agreement with ESPN will allow the new Detroit Sports 105.1 to air some of the biggest events in the world of sports including: The World Series, The NBA Finals and The BCS Championship Game. In addition, 'Ryan and Rico' -- consisting of Ryan Ermanni and Rico Beard -- will be hosting the 12noon-3pm program until a permanent personality is announced." Jack Clark/Kevin Slaten Out at 'CBS Sports Radio 920'/St. Louis Following On-Air Allegations That Albert Pujols Used Steroids Jack Clark and co-host Kevin Slaten are off the air at "CBS Sports Radio 920" WGNU-AM, St. Louis, after on-air allegations by Clark that Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols, a former St. Louis player, has used performance-enhancing drugs. Pujols denies using PEDs, and is threatening to sue. Clark claimed that a former trainer told him years ago that he was administering steroids to Pujols. Clark and Slaten just started on WGNU-AM on August 1. They are out after just seven shows. WGNU-AM is programmed on weekdays by Tim McKernan's InsideSTL Enterprises, which began operating the station as "CBS Sports Radio 920" on August 1. "InsideSTL Enterprises, LLC and all related companies would like to make clear that Jack Clark is no longer associated with the company," says McKernan in a statement. "Mr. Clark was never employed by insideSTL but rather was an independent contractor. Any opinions, views or statements made by him strictly reflect his own personal views and do not reflect the views of insideSTL. insideSTL Enterprises, LLC and any related companies have never asserted and do not assert that Albert Pujols has ever used steroids or any other type of performing enhancing drug." Earlier Pujols said in his own statement, "I know people are tired of athletes saying they are innocent, asking for the public to believe in them, only to have their sins exposed later down the road. But I am not one of those athletes, and I will not stand to have my name and my family's name, dragged through the mud. I am currently in the process of taking legal action against Jack Clark and his employers at WGNU. I am going to send a message that you cannot act in a reckless manner, like they have, and get away with it. If I have to be the athlete to carry the torch and pave the way for other innocent players to see that you can do something about it, I am proud to be that person." In an interview in Los Angeles, Pujols said, "I've been tested hundreds and hundreds of times throughout my career, and never once have I tested positive. It is irresponsible and reckless for Jack Clark to have falsely accused me of using performance-enhancing drugs." Clear Channel Settles Two New Orleans Sales Execs Lawsuits, Prepares for Courtroom Battle with Third (Prixie Montgomery) Clear Channel has settled two of the three lawsuits filed by African-American former sales account managers for the company's New Orleans cluster. Terms of the settlements, described in the orders of dismissal as "a compromise," were not disclosed, but we are told the claims of Ave Gaines and Lela Logan are "dismissed without prejudice," meaning they can be reinstated if the settlement isn't completed within a reasonable time. The third suit, by Prixie Montgomery, filed in July 2012, is proceeding to trial, with Clear Channel filing an objection to her "first witness and exhibit list," claiming it was submitted after a deadline. The three filed suit over the February 2009 revision of sales compensation and account assignments, which the plaintiffs said were discriminatory. Clear Channel says the changes were based on the economic downturn. The company also added workplace violence allegations in Montgomery's case. Pacifica's WBAI-FM/New York Lays Off Most Staff Most staff members including the entire news department are laid off today at Pacifica's WBAI-FM, New York, because the station doesn't have the funds to meet payroll. Several months ago, the station began issuing notices to the staff and management that they would be be out of work July 15. That deadline was later extended, but the layoffs did take effect today. Pacifica Interim Executive Director Summer Reese says WBAI-FM had the choice of paying back payroll or transmitter rent this week. She also says Pacifica's national office is out of money after paying WBAI and other stations. According to Reese, Station General Manager Berthold Reimers, and Interim Development Director Andrea Katz remain, while former WBAI Program Director Andrew Phillips, recently Interim GM of Pacifica’s KPFA Berkeley, California, assumes oversight of WBAI's non-commercial Progressive Talk programming. Reese says the station has "not been able to fully recover" from Hurricane Sandy, and "many years of financial stress at this station." Reports from New York say that in all 19 of 26 staffers are now gone. Entercom's Weezie Kramer Wins MIW Trailblazer Award The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Group announces that Entercom Radio President Weezie Kramer has been named the recipient of the 5th annual MIW Radio Group Trailblazer Award. Kramer will be recognized on stage, September 18, during the Opening Remarks and Keynote session at the 2013 Radio Show in Orlando. The Trailblazer Award is presented each year to a woman who has "blazed new trails" for women in the radio industry. It was renamed in 2012 the "Frances Preston Trailblazer Award" in honor BMI's late longtime President, CEO and member of the MIWs. "Weezie Kramer‘s career serves as a shining example for all women in our industry," says MIW Radio Group Spokesperson and Greater Media VP of Corporate Communication Heidi Raphael. "Her leadership, commitment and passion for the radio industry made her the ultimate choice to receive this special honor." The Trailblazer Award is presented each year to a woman who has "blazed new trails" for women in the radio industry. It was renamed in 2012 the "Frances Preston Trailblazer Award" in honor of BMI's late longtime President/CEO and member of the MIWs. '101 The Fox' Extends with Kansas City Chiefs The Chiefs Radio Network and the Kansas City Chiefs sign a multi-year radio extension with Cumulus Classic Rock "101 The Fox" KCFX-FM, Kansas City, extending their partnership through 2019. For the 24th consecutive season, "101 The Fox" will be the flagship station of the Chiefs Fox Football Radio Network. The first year of the new agreement in 2014 will be the 25th anniversary of the club's partnership with KCFX-FM. "We're excited to extend our long-standing partnership with 101 The Fox," says Chiefs President Mark Donovan. "In more than two decades serving as our FM flagship radio station, KCFX has been a valuable partner and more importantly, a remarkable resource for our fan base. Their award-winning broadcast team has provided Chiefs fans with incredible gameday coverage and we are looking forward to continuing that trend." Cumulus President/CEO Lew Dickey says, "Sports is a key focus for Cumulus and we couldn't be more pleased to announce this long-term extension in Kansas City with our partners at the Chiefs organization. They are consummate professionals and share our deep passion to create a compelling broadcast experience for the enormous base of Chiefs fans." And Cumulus Kansas City SVP and General Manager Mark Sullivan tells us, "We are extremely happy that our partnership will continue through our 30th season. We are looking forward to continuing to provide the best broadcast in the NFL to the Chiefs Kingdom." KCFX-FM will broadcast all Chiefs pre-season, regular season and post-season games to affiliates throughout a seven-state region. Producer RedOne Launches 'Red's World Radio' on iHeartRadio Clear Channel Media and Entertainment and Grammy-winning producer, musician and songwriter RedOne, announce the launch of "Red's World Radio" -- a digital station on iHeartRadio. The station is hosted by RedOne, along with Bilal the Chef, Porcelain Black, Novel and Prophet of the band 7Lions and will feature talk segments discussing their inspirations, topics and highlights of their careers and introducing some of their favorite music. "With this station, the music creator becomes the music curator. It's a great way for listeners to discover tomorrow's hits early and hear the story behind the music from the man writing and producing the music," says CCM+E President of National Programming Platforms Tom Poleman. "I’m glad to have someone as accomplished in the industry like RedOne be a part of iHeartRadio." Says RedOne, "I am loving this chance to introduce the world to some of my favorite music and artists and also discuss some of my biggest inspirations along the way. I am grateful that Clear Channel is giving me this tremendous platform to share with those who love exploring and learning about music." We're told that "fans of world music, pop, rock, classic and 80s rock and all things in between" can hear it all on "Red’s World Radio" 24/7 on iHeartRadio here. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio AC "Today's 105.1" WMGC-FM, Detroit, staffers are out, with the station's flip to a new Sports Talk format. Those released include Program Director Brian Figula, morning host Chris Edmonds, and midday host Mitzi Miles, as well as several part-time weekend hosts ... Clear Channel Rhythmic CHR "B95" KBOS-FM, Fresno, longtime Program Director and morning host Greg Hoffman exits, as the company continues budget-cutting nationwide. At "B95" morning co-hosts Andre "Dre" Covington and Carmen remain ... News Talk WJR-AM, Detroit, host and Detroit News columnist Frank Beckmann will retire as radio play-by-play voice of University of Michigan football after the 2013 season ... Country "K92" WWKA-FM, Orlando, midday host Grace Vasquez exits after six years with the station ... News Talk WIOD-AM, Miami, News Director and anchor Lori Shepard exits ... Reid Mullins exits Talk KTOK-AM, Oklahoma City, after eight years in mornings.