Monday's Radio & Media News - August 19, 2013

Daniel Kearney Named CBS Radio Los Angeles Market Manager Daniel Kearney is named SVP and Market Manager for CBS Radio Los Angeles. The announcement was made by CBS Radio President/CEO Dan Mason, to whom Kearney will report. Kearney will oversee all operations of the six station Los Angeles cluster, effective September 3. The cluster consists of News KNX-AM, CHR/Top 40 "Amp Radio" KAMP-FM, Adult Variety Hits "Jack FM" KCBS-FM, Alternative KROQ-FM, Classic Hits "K-Earth" KRTH-FM and AC "The Wave" KTWV-FM. Kearney, we're told, will work closely with SVP/Director of Sales Peter Bowen and SVP of Programming Kevin Weatherly. "Dan is an accomplished broadcaster and exactly the right executive to shape a new future for our iconic radio stations in Los Angeles," says Mason. "He has an impressive record of experience managing the operations of a multitude of different radio formats, producing noteworthy growth across all key measures. Dan’s a fabulous addition to our organization." Kearney has spent over two decades in the radio industry, and was most recently VP/Market Manager for Cox Media Group in Miami. He joined Cox in 1998 as Local Sales Manager for KFI-AM, Los Angeles, where he worked for nearly two years before transferring to Atlanta to take on the GSM role for Cox’s largest station, WSB-AM. Kearney spent close to 13 years in Atlanta leading sales for WSB-AM (1999-2005), and later becoming General Manager for the full Atlanta cluster. Steve Carver Named CBS Radio Tampa Market Manager Once Kearney takes over in Los Angeles, Market Manager Steve Carver will move to Tampa to become SVP/Market Manager there, effective September 12. Current Market Manager Ben Hill stays on until October 11, when he will leave the company to tend to his family. CBS Radio EVP Of Operations Scott Herman tells us, "This move allows Ben to move on knowing he delivered not only on his promise of service to CBS Radio, but on his commitment to lead yet another market to ratings and revenue growth. Ben will continue in his current role and Steve in his during transitions that will occur over the coming weeks. Steve will arrive in Tampa the week of September 9 with Friday, October 11 as Ben's last day in the office. Ben has also agreed to remain available to us through the end of the year." Hill had only committed to a year leading the CBS Radio Tampa cluster, after heading up the CBS Radio West Palm Beach cluster until its sale. Rob Babin Named Cox Media Group Miami Market Manager Cox Media Group Miami names industry veteran Rob Babin as its new VP and Market Manager, effective immediately. In his new role, Babin is responsible for Hot AC WFLC-FM, Urban AC WHQT-FM, Urban WEDR-FM and AC WFEZ-FM. He replaces Daniel Kearney, who was named SVP/Market Manager of CBS Radio Los Angeles. Babin most recently was VP of Sales for CMG Atlanta. "We are delighted to tap into our amazing, internal leadership talent pool and have Rob step into this new executive role, overseeing our Miami operation," says CMG EVP of Radio Kim Guthrie. "He has been an outstanding leader in his 12 years with CMG, both in our Orlando and Atlanta radio markets. His strategic vision, incredible performance track record and desire to be the best make him a great fit for this opportunity." Says Babin, "I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with so many great people at CMG Atlanta, and I know their tradition of success will continue. Now I am thrilled to work with the phenomenal group of radio stations and talented team that make up CMG Miami!" During the past 12 years with CMG, Babin has held General Sales Manager roles in Orlando and Atlanta. MRC Accredits Eight More Arbitron PPM Markets The Media Rating Council (MRC) has accredited the radio average-quarter-hour monthly ratings data produced by Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings service in eight additional markets -- Cleveland, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Denver-Boulder, Detroit, Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood, Pittsburgh, Portland OR, and Nassau/Suffolk (Long Island). The MRC has also voted to continue accreditation in eighteen markets. In total, 26 markets now display the MRC double checkmark logo for the radio average-quarter-hour monthly ratings data produced by the Portable People Meter radio ratings service. The MRC voted to not grant accreditation at this time in the remaining 22 PPM markets, and therefore PPM data in those markets continue to be unaccredited. "MRC accreditation for our PPM markets is a company-wide priority at Arbitron, and we are pleased the MRC continues to recognize our ongoing efforts to improve Sample Performance Indicators and other quality metrics in our Portable People Meter ratings services," says Arbitron EVP/Service Innovation and Chief Research Officer Gregg Lindner. "Continuous improvement remains our watchword, for PPM and for all our ratings and software offerings and we are focused on earning accreditation for the balance of our PPM markets." Says MRC Executive Director George Ivie, "We congratulate Arbitron for the continued improvements of its quality metrics and on earning accreditation in eight additional markets. Arbitron has clearly made progress in meeting MRC requirements, particularly in most of the larger PPM markets. We look forward to future audits and continued progress." The 18 markets in which accreditation is continued are Atlanta, Baltimore, Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, Chicago, Cincinnati, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Milwaukee-Racine, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Riverside-San Bernardino, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, St. Louis, and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater. Report: Rush Limbaugh Will Stay with Most Cumulus Stations Sean Hannity Will Not Remain on Cumulus Radio Stations Rush Limbaugh will not be leaving Cumulus stations when his contract is up at the end of this year, reports Radio Ink, citing "sources very close to the negotiations." The one exception will be in New York City where Limbaugh will switch from Cumulus Media's WABC-AM to Clear Channel's WOR-AM. "A deal between Cumulus and Limbaugh, who is syndicated by Clear Channel owned Premiere Radio Networks, was struck when Premiere agreed to unbundle Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, according to sources," says the report. In a separate, related report, Radio Ink says, "Sources close to Sean Hannity confirm there is no way the number two most-listened-to Talk Radio host in America will sign another contract with Cumulus. Both camps confirm there is nothing left to negotiate. Both also claim they ended this marriage. What is known for sure is that Sean Hannity and Cumulus are preparing for change in 2014." Several reports now circulating say Hannity refused to sign with Cumulus, indicating he prefers to be only on Clear Channel stations. Friday, we reported, "After reports that Cumulus Media planned to drop both Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity from its stations at the end of 2013, due to distribution rights costs, and then Limbaugh saying he wasn't leaving Cumulus, and claiming the reports constituted a 'public business negotiation,' Politico is now reporting that Limbaugh will remain with Cumulus, but Hannity will exit their stations. Limbaugh and Hannity are the number one and number two ranked radio talk hosts in the country. Currently, Cumulus carries their shows on more than 40 stations nationwide. Politico says sources tell them that Limbaugh is now likely to re-sign with Cumulus in 'virtually' all markets." We also told you that Michael Savage, whose show is now syndicated by Cumulus, told his listeners that he expects to take over Hannity's time slot by the end of the year." Meanwhile, the Tom Taylor Now newsletter says today, "Rush Limbaugh's power as a lead-in will be tested, if Hannity comes off the big Cumulus stations. If Premiere stablemates Limbaugh and Hannity are de-coupled on Cumulus-owned talk stations such as WLS Chicago (890), that could really boost 'Savage Nation' host Michael Savage." Veteran radio/media news reporter and analyst Tom Taylor notes, though, "That's if – as Savage speculated last Thursday – he takes over the 3-6pm Eastern time position long claimed by Hannity." Cox Responds to Former Birmingham Manager's Lawsuit Cox Media Group has filed a response to former CMG Birmingham VP/Market Manager David Dubose's lawsuit, claiming the company owes him over $300,000 of bonus pay. In its response, CMG says Dubose had violated the broadcaster's orders not to make any "significant decisions" without consulting VP of Revenue Paul Curran, when he hired Sports WJOX-FM Program Director Ryan Haney. Cox has filed a 21-page answer and counterclaim, denying that Dubose is owed the $310,686 he says the company promised him as bonus pay for staying with the cluster while it was in the process of being sold to his present employer Summit Media, where he's EVP/COO. Cox management, the suit claims, decided to fire Dubose over the Haney arrangement but were talked out of it by Summit Media investor Carl Parmer and agreed to let Dubose remain. His lawsuit alleges that Cox's then-President David Franklin promised him a bonus based on staying on board through the transition and his help in several signal upgrades, then increased the ante when the sale did not close by the end of 2012. But later Cox refused to pay the promised bonus. NPR CEO Gary Knell to Exit Later This Year President and CEO Gary Knell will exit NPR in several months to become President/CEO of the National Geographic Society. Knell, who joined NPR in 2011, will remain in place for now as the public radio network seeks his successor. “Gary and the management team have worked effectively to strengthen NPR as a world-class media organization, technological innovator and industry leader,” says NPR Board Chairman Kit Jensen. “NPR has built a firm foundation for providing the highest quality journalism and programming. We will be working closely with Gary over the next few months, and deeply appreciate the lasting impact he has made." In a letter to NPR employees, Knell says he reached his decision after “a great deal of personal reflection." He adds, "NPR is and will always be a beacon of journalistic integrity, commitment and courage. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with you.” Knell became President/CEO of NPR in late 2011, months after Vivian Schiller resigned earlier that year. In his email to staffers, Knell writes, "Before I even started at NPR, I had huge respect for this organization. And from the first minute of my first day at NPR, my respect has only grown. Seven days a week, around the clock, NPR is 'on the story' no matter where it happens. That's because of what each of you make happen. The power of this organization rests in the collective brilliance, courage, and dedication of our staff and our station community – and in our shared commitment to making this institution better each day. Knowing this makes it a little easier to share a difficult decision I've made. I will be leaving NPR after my term ends in late fall to join the National Geographic Society as its President and CEO. I was approached by the organization recently and offered an opportunity that, after discussions with my family, I could not turn down. As President and CEO, supporting NPR's success – your success – has been my highest ambition. Working together, we have put NPR on more solid footing to continue to deliver the highest-quality journalism and programming. We have launched innovative new platforms and made meaningful strides in attracting new audiences and new funding. We have promoted a series of collaborations in news gathering, development, and a digital future. And we have an exceptionally strong leadership team in place that is charting an ambitious path for our future." Read Knell's full email here. Miami's '97.3 The Coast' Names Mike Kruz Afternoon Host Cox Media Group's "97.3 The Coast" WFLC-FM, Miami, names weekender Mike Kruz as the new afternoon host, effective immediately. Kruz will also be the station's Imaging Director. "Mike Kruz stepped up his game," says CMG Miami Program Director Tom Calococci. "It's always great when you have someone who really steps up and earns a spot on the team, and Mike did just that. He sounds great on the air, is hard-working and has shown himself to be a very valuable team member. The evolution of The New 97.3 The Coast continues, and South Florida just got a little hotter!" Kruz tells us, "I am super excited to leap into my new position at 97.3 The Coast. It's all about fueling the listener's excitement for the new 97.3, not only day-to-day on the air, but in its overall presentation through imaging. I'm also looking forward to more involvement within the community, while working side-by-side with Tom and the rest of my talented, driven co-workers at The Coast and CMG-Miami. It's game time!" Kruz began in radio while studying broadcast journalism at Syracuse University, and working at the university's student run "Z89" WJPZ-FM. Later he obtained a fulltime gig in his hometown of Binghamton, NY. He's sinced worked at stations in Burlington, Vermont; Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania; and Charleston, SC, before moving into the Miami market. SiriusXM and Major League Baseball Extend Agreement SiriusXM Radio and Major League Baseball have reached a six-year extension of their agreement, which will now make MLB game broadcasts available on both Sirius and XM satellite radios, starting today. SiriusXM, which has been the official Satellite Radio partner of MLB since 2005, will continue to air live play-by-play of every regular and postseason MLB game, as well as select spring training and Spanish-language game broadcasts, through the 2021 season. All MLB games will be available for the first time to subscribers with Sirius radios on either a Premier or All Access package. All MLB games will continue to air on all XM radios. "Baseball has been an essential part of our programming lineup and we're very happy to extend our relationship with MLB to deliver the games to our subscribers for many years to come," says SiriusXM President/Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein. "We're especially pleased to now offer the games to SiriusXM subscribers whether they listen through Sirius radios, XM radios, the SiriusXM App or online." Says MLB EVP of Business Tim Brosnan, "SiriusXM has been a valuable partner providing our fans with the ability to listen to every MLB game on the growing platform of satellite radio. We are proud that Major League Baseball content has been an important contributor to the growth of satellite radio and we look forward to continuing this relationship into the next decade." Live MLB game broadcasts are also currently available to all subscribers on the SiriusXM Internet Radio App and online at SiriusXM.com through SiriusXM's agreement with MLB Advanced Media, the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball. In addition to MLB game broadcasts, SiriusXM will continue to offer baseball fans 24 hour coverage of their sport on the MLB Network Radio channel, available on channel 89 for XM subscribers and channel 209 for Sirius Premier subscribers. D.L. Hughley Set to Go with New Show Next Week D.L. Hughley will begin rolling out his new afternoon show next week. The show, from Reach Media and syndicated via Cumulus Media Networks, begins a "soft launch" on August 26. Stations in Chicago, Toledo, Columbus, Raleigh, and Birmingham are among early starters for the new show, intended as a replacement for the former Michael Baisden show, although not officially as a replacement for Skip Murphy who originally took over from Baisden. We're told that affiliates of Murphy's show will be transitioned to Hughley's new offering. There's still no confirmation of a reported TV simulcast for the new "D.L. Hughley Show" - most likely on TV One. That television network and Reach Media are both essentially subsidiaries of Radio One. Last week, we told you that after the announcement that he will host a new nationally syndicated afternoon radio show distributed through Reach Media, D.L. Hughley announced that Jasmine Sanders and Steve Wilson will be his co-hosts. "The D.L. Hughley Show" will air weekdays from 3-7pm ET. That was two days after we reported that "Reach Media makes it official, that comedian, author, actor, TV personality, and former radio host D.L. Hughley has signed to host a weekday afternoon show." We were told at the time that the launch date would soon be announced. "The D.L. Hughley Show" will be a daily-themed, music-intensive afternoon drive program. Cumulus Media Networks will partner with Reach Media in affiliation and other aspects of the show. KOY-AM/Phoenix Flips to 'Business 1230' Adult Standards KOY-AM, Phoenix, is teaming with "NewsTalk 550" KFYI-AM to become Business Talk "1230 The KFYI Business Channel" effective immediately. KFYI-AM is the home of Bloomberg Radio in Phoenix and "The Big Biz Show with Sully." The lineup for "The KFYI Business Channel" includes Bloomberg Surveillance (4-7am), Bloomberg Hays Advantage (7-9am), The Big Biz Show with Sully (9-11am), Bloomberg Taking Stock (11am-3pm), Bloomberg West (3-4pm), Bloomberg Live From London (10pm-1am) and Bloomberg The Pulse (1am-2am). "The business format fits well into the KFYI brand. Businesses and individuals are always looking for ways to manage their money better, to do more with less, and to make sure their futures are secure," says KOY-AM Program Director Neil Larrimore. "This touches everybody. It's a natural relationship for the established and trusted KFYI information brand to be part of this format." Tom Waddle Joins ESPN Radio and ESPN Tom Waddle, co-host of the "Waddle & Silvy Show" on "ESPN Chicago 1000" WMVP-AM and ESPNChicago.com, has reached a multi-year deal to provide analysis during the national "Football Sunday on ESPN Radio" program, beginning September 8. Waddle, a former Chicago Bears wide receiver, will work from ESPN's Bristol, Connecticut, studios each Sunday throughout the NFL regular season. Waddle will also appear on Sunday editions of ESPN's SportsCenter and on ESPN2's "Cowherd on Football" (9-10am), the new hour-long program focusing on both college and pro football with host Colin Cowherd. Waddle will continue his ESPN Radio Chicago role and add a variety of duties for "ABC 7" WLS-TV/Chicago. ESPN Radio's first season of broadcasting Sunday afternoon NFL games will kick off with the New York Jets at New York Giants preseason game Saturday, August 24. Mark Kestecher will call the play-by-play while former Jet Damien Woody will provide analysis. Regular-season coverage will begin September 8 when Tennessee visits Pittsburgh. Dial Global Hires Lee Napier as Regional Affiliate Manager Dial Global hires Lee Napier as Regional Affiliate Manager. In the new role, Napier will handle affiliate sales for the company's prep services division at Dial Global and will be based in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Previously, Napier was a Manager at 60 Second Music, where he was responsible for sales and production of jingles and background music. "We're so excited to have Lee join our Affiliate Management team at Dial Global," says SVP/GM Music and Entertainment Susan Stephens. "His relationships with radio stations and his strong background in sales, marketing, and business development will be an asset to our Affiliate Prep Services." Napier has also been General Manager at BRG Music Works. Before that, he developed his marketing and public relations skills as Marketing Director for the Twin Tire Corporation and National Tire Wholesale. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Bob O'Dell is named Program Director for Classic Rock KGGO-FM and Country KJJY-FM, Des Moines. O'Dell replaces John Kelly who moves to sister Classic Hits WOGT-FM, Chattanooga as Program Director ... CHR/Top 40 "103.5 Kiss FM" WKSC-FM, Chicago, tells us they've lost a "Brother" (but not the "Fred") -- as morning co-host "Brother Fred" becomes just Fred. (His real name is Christopher Frederick) ... Former "V103" WVEE-FM, Atlanta, morning host Frank Ski will join Howard University's Urban AC WHUR-FM, Washington DC, hosting afternoons, effective September 9 ... Cape Cod's Codcomm is debuting a new eclectic format on WKFY-FM, Chatham, Massachusetts, known as "Koffee 98.7" -- targeting the 50-plus demographic with "a mix of oldies, classic album cuts and modern artists loved by older listeners," including Adele, Michael Buble, Bruno Mars and Adam Levine ... Lincoln Financial Media rebrands San Diego's "Smooth FM 98.1" KIFM-FM as "Easy 98.1 FM" to "coincide with an evolution" from Smooth Jazz, then Smooth AC, and now to Soft AC. The station's on-air staff remains in place -- Greg Cook in mornings, PD Mike Vasquez in middays, Dawne Davis in afternoons, and Maria Lopez hosting nights. Note to Our 'Dot Com' Friends Thank you to our "dot com" readers who have contacted us regarding more server problems today for our Radio & Media News at TotalPopularMusic.com, and those trying to view our new weekly TPMusic charts there. We are aware of the 14th occasion of such problems in the past 30 days, this one coming only 48 hours after our site returned online after a 24-hour complete outage. Once again, we have learned, "Hosting Solutions of Orem, Utah, is screwing around with their beloved spammers, deliberately allowing them to destroy service to regular paid hosting customers." We've been told that "they apparently earn more income from hosting known illegal spammers than from their regular paid customers." Although we are constrained from providing specific details publicly at this time, we assure you this matter is, and has been, under investigation by government authorities for quite some time. We've been assured that ultimately the result will cost them far more than "all the money they've made by illegally and willingly hosting known illegal spam, including some infected with known malware." To those who have contacted us, thank you for your concerns. To those who wish to support future actions against the hosting company (which we will exit at the end of 2013 or very early in 2014), you may register your formal complaints with a special email account set up just for that purpose (compliance-officer.ftc@gmail). We do hope that during the limited times our home base website has been available, everyone has made note of the "direct connect" url's for our two Blogspot sites -- one for Radio & Media News, and one for our exclusive "Total Popular Music" Mass Appeal Hit Music Radio format.