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Tom Taylor Reaffirms Pending Cumulus Purchase of Dial Global, 
There are new reports today that Cumulus Media will acquire Dial Global, adding Townsquare Media to a pair of deals to make the acquisition possible. Reportedly, Cumulus will spin-off some four dozen stations to Townsquare Media, so that Cumulus can come up with the capital to purchase DG and merge it with Cumulus Media Networks, resulting in radio's largest syndication operation. Veteran radio/media news reporter/analyst Tom Taylor again was first to report the latest details on a story he broke Monday (as we reported then). However, this time more other major online publications picked up on Taylor's report, either citing his info (without attribution) or claiming their own sources. And some of the new reports today do add more details to the reported pair of related deals that all say are within days of being announced. Again we hear that the new giant syndication company that would result from combining those of Cumulus and Dial Global could be named Westwood One to both eliminate the troubled DG identity and make syndication deals easier with non-Cumulus stations -- much as is the case with Clear Channel's Premiere Networks. The link for the three companies in the pair of related deals is said to be Oaktree Capital, which holds a major stake in Dial Global, along with The Gores Group, which inherited a substantial piece of DG when it acquired the syndication operations of the former Westwood One. Oaktree also is the controlling shareholder of Townsquare. Says Taylor, in his "Now" newsletter today, "the likely movement on the chessboard" breaks down this way: "Oaktree and The Gores Group control Dial Global, and they’d sell DG to Cumulus. Cumulus would then be able to combine Dial Global – including much of the former Westwood One product line – with its own Cumulus Media Networks. Lots of synergies there, as Cumulus boss Lew Dickey would tell Wall Street. What form would it take? Most likely, Cumulus buys publicly-traded Dial Global outright, then folds DG together with its own CMN." The deal between Cumulus and Townsquare would be announced separately. You might remember that just over a year ago, Townsquare bought 55 stations in 11 small and medium markets from Cumulus. None of the players in the reportedly pending new deals are yet speaking on the record, although Cumulus Co-COO John Dickey, when asked about Monday's reports, didn't deny any of it, while not confirming anything. But his response does give rise to the belief that something is definitely pending. "As the industry knows Cumulus is an acquisitive company. As such, we are always looking at opportunities that are both accretive and strategic." Cox Media Group Names Jeff Garrison Country Radio Format Leader 
Cox Media Group (CMG) names Jeff Garrison as its new Country radio format leader, effective immediately. In this role, Garrison will work closely with Steve Smith, CMG's VP of Radio Programming, and all of CMG's Country music program directors at the company’s Country stations, in addition to his current duties as Program Director of "Y100" KCYY-FM/San Antonio and Operations Manager of the San Antonio cluster. KCYY-FM is one of six Cox Country stations. The others are Orlando's WWKA-FM, Houston’s KKBQ-FM, Dayton’s WHKO-FM, Tulsa's KWEN-FM, and WNGC-FM/Athens. "We are proud that Jeff is taking on these additional responsibilities, and I am confident he will be a huge resource to our country program directors," says CMG EVP of Radio Kim Guthrie. "CMG has some of the biggest super brands in the country format, and adding Jeff to the strategic teams at each station will help us leverage our strength in this format." Says Smith, "I've known Jeff for 25 years, and I’m delighted that CMG can tap this country radio veteran programmer who has tremendous results. During his short time with CMG San Antonio, he has taken Y100 from seventh in the market to second with listeners 25 to 54, and we’re a hair away from being Number One in the market." Garrison tells us, "It is a privilege to be a part CMG's elite country stations. I look forward to working with such a great group of programmers as we maximize the engagement and entertainment to our local audiences. I also would like to thank Steve Smith for the opportunity to work with his team!" Garrison, a 31-year media veteran, has worked in many markets in his career. He has spent the past 17 years with CBS Radio as Program Director and Operations Manager for stations in Houston, Texas and most recently Phoenix. He has overseen formats including Country, Classic Hits, Hot AC, CHR/Top 40 and Smooth Jazz. As Vice President of CBS Country from 2002 to 2010, Garrison oversaw the programming for Country stations in markets like Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Seattle and Tampa. In 2011 he segued to CBS Country VP/Artist-Label relations securing content and promotions for on-air, digital and TV assets. USRN Sues Former United Stations VP Dan Brassem 
United Stations Radio Networks is suing its former VP/Managing Director of Affiliate Relations Dan Brassem for allegedly providing information to USRN's former EVP of Comedy Dave Kolin ("Dr. Dave"), who is now competing with USRN at Premiere Networks. USRN's suit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. USRN alleges that Brassem, who quit United Stations to join Premiere, is "drawing upon, and improperly using, USRN's confidential, proprietary and trade secret information to undercut USRN's pricing and other customer terms and to unfairly lure USRN's customers away from USRN to PRN." The suit adds that Brassem has "teamed" with Kolin -- with whom he has "thrown the proverbial one-two punch." The filing explains the claim that Kolin "is using USRN's trade secrets in an attempt to replicate USRN's product, while Brassem is using USRN's trade secrets to market that product to USRN's existing and prospective customers." The suit also alleges that the two former USRN executives "have unfairly poached numerous other USRN employees." The suit claims that Kolin attempted to "destroy the company and everything that" its founders "and others had worked hard and contributed substantial capital to build" due to "personal differences with or jealousy of" Nick Verbitsy (one of USRN's founders, along with Charlie Colombo and Dick Clark. That, says the suit, came after Kolin failed to acquire the company. He's also alleged to have undermined the loyalty of USRN employees, including Brassem, with whom the suit says he "began conspiring to destroy USRN." The suit cites emails from Brassem to Kolin with spreadsheets containing affiliate and ratings information for USRN services, and alleges Brassem created a new user name and password for his USRN account to "furtively access and download USRN's Proprietary Content from his personal email account" and changed cancellation rights and terms for affiliates to allow them to cancel their USRN contracts. It's also alleged that Brassem took contracts from company files and put a trojan on his computer to allow unauthorized access and theft of passwords. The suit also says 48 "stolen affiliates" cancelled USRN contracts to move to Premiere Networks. Broadcasters Donate $6.9M in Airtime to End Mental Health Stigma 
The NAB announces that OK2TALK, its PSA campaign designed to end the stigma around mental health, has received $6.9 million in donated broadcast airtime since its launch on July 23. The PSAs have aired on local television stations across America more than 48,000 times and more than 3,300 times on local radio stations. "I'm so proud of broadcasters across the country who have embraced this campaign and stand united in making a positive difference in the lives of millions of people," says NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith.
Harris Broadcast Strengthens Leadership Team to Support New Vision
Appoints Steve Foreman, President of Global Operations and Services; 
Harris Broadcast, now "a global supplier of content management and network infrastructure serving broadcasters, satellite, MSOs, IPTV, mobile television and over-the-top providers," announces plans to preview the new management team's vision and strategy at IBC 2013 in Amsterdam. The business also announced new senior management appointments. Steve Foreman has been named President of Global Operations and Services, and Jeff Liening, SVP of Global Sales Operations. "With our customers and partners facing significant technology and industry transformations, Harris Broadcast is aggressively focused on shaping our vision, product roadmaps and go-to-market strategy to address these unique challenges and opportunities," says Harris Broadcast CEO Charlie Vogt. "We are uniquely positioned in the marketplace with more than 3,000 customers worldwide, powerful patents and a leading solutions portfolio, while our new, independent ownership structure is fueling customer-focus and an entrepreneurial culture. The investments we are making in our leadership team build on the company’s strong base to better serve our customers and the industry." Foreman, we're told, brings a unique global track record in operations, transformation and supply chain management to Harris Broadcast. He joins the company from Texas Pacific Group (TPG) where he was senior advisor for seven years supporting management teams during strategic and operational transformations, including Freescale Semiconductor, Avaya and Armstrong Worldwide Industries.
'Rising Through the Ranks' Program Completion Announced 
The RAB, in conjunction with BMI, and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group (MIW), announces the successful completion of the Sixth Annual Rising Through the Ranks, Women in Radio Management and Leadership Training Program. Twenty scholarship recipients were welcomed at the BMI offices in Nashville, August 21-22, 2013. Scholarship recipients were selected and awarded by
Amy Tardif Elected RTDNA Chair 
"Southwest Florida Source for Public Broadcasting" WGCU-FM, Fort Myers, Station Manager and News Director Amy Tardif has become the first woman in public radio to head a global association of broadcast and digital journalists. She will be responsible for chairing the 2014 RTNDA conference in Nashville after being elected chair-elect for 2013-2014 at the organization's annual meeting. She will also serve as RTDNA's executive producer of the Association's next national convention, "Excellence in Journalism 2014" in Nashville. Members of the Radio Television Digital News Association have also voted for several members of the Board of Directors, although because Tardif had served as Regional Director for Region 13, her seat now becomes vacant. Her successor will be appointed at a later date. For complete election results, click here. RTDNA represents local and network journalists in broadcasting, cable, and digital media. WGCU-FM is Southwest Florida's NPR affiliate and broadcasts from the Florida Gulf Coast University’s campus. Chris 'Mad Dog' Russo Re-Ups with SiriusXM, Joins MLB Network 
Sirius XM Radio signs Chris "Mad Dog" Russo to a new three-year contract that will keep his daily Sports Talk show exclusively on SiriusXM's "Mad Dog Sports Radio" channel. Russo's on-air role will be expanded to include a significant presence on the MLB Network Radio channel on SiriusXM. MLB Network says that Russo will join its roster of on-air talent to host a new weekday baseball show launching in the spring of 2014, in addition to appearing across its studio programming. The new show will be produced by MLB Network and simulcast on MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM. MLB Network's studio show "MLB Tonight" is currently simulcast on MLB Network Radio weekdays at 6pm ET. In addition to hosting "Mad Dog Unleashed" daily, Russo will take on an expanded role that will feature him prominently on the MLB Network Radio channel on SiriusXM (channel 89 on XM, channel 209 on Sirius Premier and on the SiriusXM App). He will also serve as SiriusXM's "baseball ambassador," hosting shows and specials and appearing regularly on the channel to comment on MLB news and issues. "I've always loved the on-air freedom that comes with being on SiriusXM," says Russo. "I can do the kind of show here that I wouldn't be able to do anywhere else and I'm fortunate to be able to continue to give my listeners my kind of sports talk radio each and every day on Mad Dog Unleashed. I'll also get to emphasize my passion for baseball with my new role on MLB Network Radio and MLB Network, where I'll be talking to dyed-in-the-wool baseball fans like me throughout the year. This is a terrific opportunity that allows me to do what I do best, while also reaching new audiences." Says SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein, "Chris is a one-of-a-kind sports radio talent, one of the best in the history of the medium, and we're very pleased to keep him on SiriusXM for years to come. Our listeners will continue to get his unique style of sports talk-the biting commentary, the high profile interviews, the great rants-on a daily basis. And by expanding his role to the MLB Network Radio channel, we can better showcase his passion for baseball and his extraordinary knowledge of the sport. This will enhance our overall sports programming and increase his reach, and will be a benefit to both Chris and our listeners." 'Matt and Ramona' Renew at Charlotte's 'Link' WLNK-FM 
Greater Media has signed a multi-year deal with the afternoon "Matt and Ramona Show" at Hot AC "107.9 The Link" WLNK-FM, Charlotte, North Carolina. Matt Harris and Ramona Holloway joined the station as the afternoon show duo more than 12 years ago. "Matt and Ramona have done an amazing job in the afternoon drive slot on the station over the past 12 years," says Greater Media Charlotte VP and Market Manager Rick Feinblatt. "We are thrilled to be able to continue this exciting partnership and have them entertain our listeners for years to come." The show, based at WLNK-FM and owned by Greater Media, is syndicated on over 60 nationwide affiliates.
Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio 
YMF Urban AC WBLS-FM, New York City, is bringing in comedian "Earthquake" to join current midday host Deja Vu for a new afternoon show beginning September 9. Earthquake takes over from Jeff Foxx who remains with the station for weekends. Earthquake is a familiar voice as a regular contributor to the Steve Harvey show, and has also filled in for Harvey ... Cody Robinson is named midday host at Adult Top 40 "Now 100.5" KZZO-FM, Sacramento. Robinson, who starts September 16, is coming in from weekends at Rhythmic CHR "Wired" WRDW-FM, Philadelphia ... Rhythmic CHR/Hip Hop "B95" KBOS-FM, Fresno, announces that Chris "CK" Hall has joined "The Juice Crew Morning Show" as co-host alongside Carmen. Hall, most recently on the air in Stockton, has hosted mornings in Portland and Tucson, and worked in San Francisco and Sacramento. Earlier in his career Hall worked part-time at "B95" ... Country WSM-FM, Nashville, moves morning co-host Lisa Manning back to afternoons replacing Jeff Lyon, who becomes morning producer for co-owned Country WKDF-FM. Co-host Rick Marino will now host WSM-FM mornings solo ... Former Chicago Bears eight year player Alex Brown joins the Chicago Bears pre-game show on "The Score" WSCR-AM, Chicago ... Clear Channel Indianapolis Director of Operations Buzz Casey exits ... Carol Vonn and Terry Love join Adult Standards/Nostalgia "1290 Martini Radio" WZTI-AM, Milwaukee. Vonn currently co-hosts the morning show on sister AC "B93.3" WLDB-FM, and will now also hosts the 10am-2pm on "Martini Radio" while Love takes the 3-7pm shift. Love was a personality on WZTI-AM when it was Urban Talk/Music hybrid WMCS-AM.
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From Mark Harris Broadcast Consulting
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Wednesday's Radio & Media News - August 28, 2013
"Local broadcasters and our network partners are committed to a national dialogue on mental health, ending the terrible stigma that surrounds this disease, and encouraging young people to get help for a health issue that can be successfully treated." The radio and TV PSAs direct people to OK2TALK.org, a Tumblr-based community where teens and young adults struggling with mental health problems can share personal stories of recovery, tragedy, struggle or hope. By inviting young people, their families and friends to add their voice in a safe, moderated space, the campaign encourages an organic conversation about mental health challenges and recovery stories. The site also includes resources for those seeking help. In addition to the thousands of broadcast stations that have committed airtime and financial resources in support of OK2TALK, partners in the effort include: Active Minds, Bring Change 2 Mind, Each Mind Matters, Entertainment Industries Council (EIC), Mental Health America, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), One Mind for Research and Tumblr.
the three organizations. The two-day course emphasized the specific needs of women in management roles, including enhancing their overall management knowledge and skills.
Courses were led by Susan Davenport Austin, Chairman, BMI Board of Directors/ Vice Chairman, Sheridan Broadcasting Corporation / President,
Sheridan Gospel Network; Lynn Anderson, CEO, Integrated Media Solutions Group; Beverlee Brannigan, VP of Radio Programming, Journal Broadcast Group; Sheena Calton, services coordinator, RAB; Lindsay Cerajewski, General Sales Manager, CBS Chicago; Erica Farber, President and CEO, RAB; Brandeis C. Hall, VP of Professional Development, RAB; Carol Hanley, EVP, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Arbitron; Weezie Kramer, Station Group President, Entercom Communications; Katerina Perez, VP sales, Seattle, Clear Channel; Kay Olin, partner, Olin & Associates / Chair of Alliance for Women in Radio; Danielle Outlaw, VP, Sales, Neuhoff Media; Dan Spears, VP, Licensing, BMI; Bud Walters, President & Owner, The Cromwell Group; Diane Warren, Founder, Bounceology.
Harris first teamed up with Holloway at WNVZ-FM in Virginia Beach in 2000. The next year, "The Matt and Ramona Show" was launched on Charlotte’s WLNK-FM. In the first two years, the team had gone from number eight to number one with the 25-54 adult demographic, doubling the average commercial rate in the time slot. The show is designed for contemporary music stations with a mix of music and conversations targeting a 25 to 44 year old audience. Each hour contains two to three songs. "The Matt and Ramona Show" has twice been honored by the critics and readers of Creative Loafing newspaper as Charlotte's best afternoon show. Ramona was also named Charlotte’s Best Radio Personality by Charlotte Magazine in 2003 and 2008. Ramona also won the Gracie Award for radio comedy in 2009. In addition to being on the air on WLNK-FM, Ramona also joined Colleen Odegaard as co-host of "Charlotte Today" on the market's NBC TV affiliate at the beginning of this year.
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