Friday, July 5, 2013

Real New Format? -- Or Just Another Stunt? Former Birmingham 'Zone' Becomes Variety Hits 'Y'All FM'? The Birmingham News (at AL.com) believes this is the new format for former Sports Talk "97.3 The Zone" WZNN-FM, Birmingham, Alabama. But some think Adult Variety Hits (with a Southern flavor) "97.3 Y'all FM" is just another stunt. For a number of reasons, we are very skeptical. The Hawaiian music as "97.3 Hula FM" was replaced for July 4th with patriotic music, before the "new format" (?) launched today. "We play everything, and our listeners are going to tell us what they want to hear," Summit Media EVP/COO David DuBose tells AL.com. "It can be everything from Sinatra to Michael Jackson to Foo Fighters. We play what you say." Supposedly similar to the "Jack FM" format, "97.3 Y'all FM" will offer a wide variety of unhosted music. "It's not available in the Birmingham market right now," DuBose said. "It provides an option that people don't currently have." The station will not have any on-air personalities. "That’s the beauty of it - no disc jockeys, just the music," DuBose said. But is this just another stunt? Ears in Birmingham report they are hearing a limited number of songs being repeated. "I've listened to this station this morning since about 7am. I've heard the same songs in order twice already. If the suits are reading this, you may want to get some more music before you lose your listeners after the first day. Also, lose the redneck lady doing the promos," says a comment below the AL.com report. Also making us skeptical is the fact that the "new format" was launched without a logo or website. Honestly, it sounds to us like a new stunt. However, Bob Carlton of the Birmingham News writes, "At 97.3 Y’all FM, listeners may make song requests on the station's website, DuBose said. For now, that Web address is www.973thezone.com, the site for Summit’s former sports-talk station. A 97.3 Y'all FM Facebook page should be coming soon." The cited listener comment suggests there's only a two-hour loop of music airing, which screams "stunt" to us. And a domain for the "new format" -- at yall973.com" remains dormant. Nevertheless, Carlton believing DuBose, writes, "It is the second station launch this week for Summit Media, which on Tuesday began airing adult album alternative station Birmingham Mountain Radio on its 107.3 FM signal. BMR had previously been available on the internet only." If, by some chance this is the "real new format," it may be one of the worst station launches in recent memory. Cleveland Radio Morning Host 'Rover' Arrested Cleveland morning radio host Shane "Rover" French is facing charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, possession of fireworks and assault after an early Friday morning arrest. www.newsnet5.com reports that Rover from the "Rover’s Morning Glory" show at Clear Channel Rock WMMS-FM, Cleveland, was arrested at Whiskey Island in Cleveland. They write that an off-duty Cleveland police officer asked Rover, whose real name is Shane French, and another man to stop shooting off illegal fireworks at about 3:40am, according to the police report. "The officer stepped on the lighter the men were using for the fireworks and that’s when French grabbed him by the shirt, according to the report. The officer identified himself as a police officer while both French and his friend starting pushing him, police said. The officer fell to the ground then showed the men his badge, while their friends agreed to take them home. According to police, French started to walk away, then turned around and pushed the cop in the back." French reportedly said, "I don’t believe you’re a police officer.” The officer, we're told, asked a nearby security guard to call police, then told French he was under arrest. The police report said French got free and ran with the other man back to their boat. More Cleveland police arrived and took both men into custody. So far there's no word from WMMS-FM on how or if the arrest will affect French's employment. Nevada's '106.9 The Q' Flips to Hot AC 'Q106.9' Adult Hits (Classic Rock/Classic Hits hybrid) "106.9 The Q" KVGQ-FM, Overton, Nevada, which serves the Las Vegas market, flips to Hot AC as "Q106.9" -- featuring "Today's Hit Music" -- and simulcasting on KMZQ-FM, Payson, Arizona, to the Phoenix market on 99.3 FM. A new website is under construction here with a splash screen displaying the new logo. Small print at the bottom tells visitors the new station airs on "FM 99.3 and FM 106.9". The station is owned by Kemp Broadcasting, based in Las Vegas, with the broadcast license held by Kemp Communications. Kemp Broadcasting also operates Rhythmic CHR "Hot 97.5" KVEG-FM ("K-VEGas") in the Las Vegas market -- "Blazin' Today's Hottest Music!" Both stations (as well as KMZQ-FM) are overseen by Kemp Broadcasting EVP and Market Manager Gary Cox. KVGQ-FM's immediate previous format was Adult Hits "specializing in some rather obscure pop and rock songs not heard on the radio in a long time, and for some songs, never before in America." Earlier, "106.9 The Q" had been a traditional Classic Rock station preceded by a stint as traditional Classic Hits ("The Best Hits Of The 70's And 80's") when the KVGQ call letters were obtained in November 2009. "Q106.9" is now positioned to compete with CBS Radio's Hot AC "Mix 94.1" KMXB-FM, Las Vegas. Pittsburgh Market Urban Oldies WZUM-AM Launches Urban Oldies WZUM-AM, licensed to Braddock, Pennsylvania, serving the Pittsburgh market, launches on 1550 with 1,000 watts daytime, 4 watts at night -- the former home of WLFP-AM. AM Guys LLC purchased WLFP-AM for $14,515 from a bankruptcy receiver appointed to operate it and other assets of the Business Talk Radio network. AM Guys, headed by Edward DeHart and Stephen Zalenko, had leased the studio and its equipment to Business Talk Radio and performed sales duties for the company on a contract basis. On July 5, the station relaunched with an Urban Oldies format with new call letters, WZUM-AM, calls formerly at 1590 in Carnegie. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports, "A new AM radio station hit the airwaves today with an old name and format. WZUM, 1550 AM, went on the air at midnight with a format of automated rhythm and blues music from the 1960-80s with artists such as Aretha Franklin and Sly & the Family Stone." DeHart says the station will remain automated while technicians work out problems over the next few weeks but it may add local hosts and national news later. "There's a whole lot of good music out there that we're going to play," he said. The majority of WLFP-AM's programming had been provided by the Lifestyle TalkRadio Network. The AM 1550 signal debuted in 1947 as WLOA -- call letters which remained on the frequency until 1982 when it became WHYW, followed by WJLY, WCXJ, and WURP before it became WLFP in 2007, which remained until it went silent earlier this year. The original WZUM (on 1590) lost its license in early 2011after being silent for a year following 50 years on the air. Its last successful format was similar to the one now on the new WZUM-AM. Salt Lake City's 'B98.7' Flips to Adult Top 40 Cumulus Media's "B98.7" KBEE-FM, Salt Lake City, "flips" from AC to Adult Top 40 as "Utah’s Hit Music Station." The station launches commercial free through the holiday weekend. With the flip, morning hosts (and real life husband and wife) "Todd and Erin" (Collard) are out, replaced by the syndicated Kidd Kraddick. Midday host Rachel (9am-3pm) and afternoon host Dain Craig (3-7pm) remain in place. Despite promotional announcements of a flip, some might argue, however, that "The All New B98.7" is more of a re-branding than a format flip. The former Citadel station, acquired by Cumulus when it took over Citadel Broadcasting, has moved increasingly toward a Hot AC format over the past two years -- and the music now being aired on KBEE-FM remains essentially a mix of Hot AC currents and recurrents with a limited number of Hot AC gold-based titles from the 2000s. Although Cumulus had previously insisted "B98.7" was an AC station, for the past two years Mediabase has listed KBEE-FM on its Hot AC panel, while BDS has included the station on its AC panel. KBEE-FM was "born" in 1995 after Citadel purchased Hot AC KVRI-FM, and changed the call letters. In 2002, the station became AC "B98.7" and continued airing Soft AC for most of the next nine years until moving more toward Hot AC. As for the difference between "Hot AC" and "Adult Top 40," some claim it's only a matter of designation. The Nielsen BDSRadio chart for the format is published by BDS as "Hot AC" while Billboard publishes the same airplay chart as "Adult Top 40."

Fourth of July

Tom Kent Open Letter to Radio: 'The Spirit of Independence' Tom Kent Radio Network President and CEO Tom Kent has written an open letter to the radio industry on "The Spirit of Independence" and shares it for the July 4th Independence Day holiday. We are reprinting it in full: "On this Independence Day we celebrate our freedom in this great country and our never ending pursuit of happiness. Those dreams for most of us reading this involve radio and a vision that first ignited our passion for this industry. The dream is kept alive by that independent spirit that's part of our DNA whether it's the Mays family at Clear Channel or the Dickey family at Cumulus. Independence can still be found even in those corporate behemoths. It's that spirit that drives all of us whether it's an independent entrepreneur such as myself or some of the great independent operators like Curtis Media in North Carolina or in the syndication world with United Stations. "The idea is the same. We're enabled by our Creator to pursue that which we desire in order to form a more perfect union. In the case of radio, it's the union of ideas and creative empowerment that allows us to follow those dreams. Radio continues to get a bad rap and some of it deservedly so. So many folks want to focus on the negative in our industry and totally ignore that which is not only keeping our industry alive but also driving us all to roll with the changes. The one thing I've observed over the years about radio goes back long before deregulation. That one constant is change. Either we embrace it or we are bound to be run over and flattened by it. No matter what our attitude may be, it won't change the fact that this business is constantly and continuously changing. It always has and always will. To that point, I was cleaning out my closet the other day and found an old issue of R&R from the year 2006. It was astounding to me to see up close and personal all the changes just in that 7 year period. No matter, it could have been a 7 year period from any decade and the changes would amaze. "Change brings forth great opportunity. Independent creative resources available to radio are at an all time low. Quality syndication, consultants, prep services, music, engineers, personalities, and all the rest who've been either displaced or driven out of the business have left our industry with a huge vacuum. Town to town up and down the dial, we keep looking for that shining radio station on a hill and many times is really hard to find. "Good news...secret revealed! This really is good news because there only needs to be one significant paradigm shift in order for radio to thrive again. Really, just one? That's right! It's hard to believe that something so simple like the nose on your face could be so true! I'm here to tell you that the pendulum must swing back to the product! One of the things that I learned early in life is that when we put money first then money will elude us. To simplify it all, this is why many of the behemoths are steeped in massive debt and the true independents still prosper. Most of the independents still put the product first, have little to no debt and their balance sheet actually balances! When we worship at the altar of money, we're building our houses on sand. "One of my favorite quotes is from the Gospel according to Frank Sinatra. 'When I stop caring about my audience, they'll stop caring about me.' Come on radio! Other than us, do people really care about radio? How about our youth? Let's get back to that true independent spirit that first drove us all to be in this business to begin with. Remember how good it felt to nail a post on the air as a jock? Remember that first station you programmed when your vision came alive and you saw the results three months later in Arbitron? Remember how good it felt to take those numbers to your sales team and see the money follow? Want to see profits like you've never seen before? Try focusing completely and totally on the product and you'll be printing money!"

Wednesday's Radio & Media News - July 3, 2013

Pandora Reportedly Makes A Deal with UMPG Billboard: Pandora, Universal Music Publishing Reach Short-Term Royalty Deal Pandora and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) have reportedly reached a short-term, direct royalty deal, which would pay out the highest royalty rate to which the streaming music service has ever agreed. A spokesperson for UMPG tells Billboard, "We can confirm that UMPG has worked out an arrangement with Pandora that we believe is in the best interest of our writers while ensuring Pandora access to our music through the end of the year." The new deal, however, could get killed by the ASCAP rate court, which is expected to rule on a motion by Pandora that argues publishers can’t cut direct deals because they are still operating under an ASCAP consent decree. Therefore, notes Billboard, UMPG and others seeking direct deals are still obligated to accept whatever rate the court sets for ASCAP for the current licensing period set to expire Decrmber 31, 2015. "In cutting a deal with UMPG, Pandora has averted potential liability for its use of the publisher’s catalog. If it hadn’t reached and agreement and the ASCAP rate court judge ruled against Pandora on the consent decree motion, the service as of July 1 would have been in violation of copyright," says the report. Sources tell Billboard that Pandora has also been in talks for a "grace period" while awaiting ASCAP's rate court decision, which is expected at the end of this month. Warner/Chappell Music and BMG Chrysalis have also filed notices of intent to withdraw their digital rights from ASCAP, as of July 1, but sources tell Billboard that Warner/Chappell has opted to delay its withdraw until January 1, 2014. "We believe all parties are awaiting the ruling of the court on our motions," says a Pandora spokesperson. Clear Channel Flips Dayton's 'Lite' AC to 'Hot Country B94.5' Clear Channel AC "Lite 94.5" WLQT-FM, Dayton, flips to "Hot Country B94.5" -- launching with 1,000 songs in a row. Market Manager Tom Doran says the station is emphasizing “Hot New Country Favorites.” The new "B94.5" will run jockless until Monday, July 15. The station describes itself to potential listeners as featuring "artists that are the stars of today." The new "Hot Country" station is directly competing with Cox’s "K 99.1" WHKO-FM. Longtime WLQT-FM personality Kim Faris will remain with the station, shifting to afternoons. Premiere's syndicated “Bobby Bones Show” will air in mornings, with Billy Greenwood in middays and Michael Jay airing nights. Reports from Ohio say Clear Channel is attempting to transfer AC "Lite" listeners to sister Hot AC "Mix 107.7" WMMX-FM. "Lite 94.5" has struggled with ratings since moving from 99.9 FM to the less powerful 94.5 two years ago. KKBR-FM/Billings Flips to 'Pop Crush 97.1' After several days of stunting with Christmas music, Townsquare's Oldies "K-Bear" KKBR-FM, Billings, Montana, flips to CHR-Top40 as "Pop Crush 97.1" -- with "Today's Hit Music" -- featuring the syndicated Elvis Duran morning show and Billy Bush in evenings, along with local midday and afternoon hosts. Tara Nicole will host middays. An afternoon host has yet to be named. Some of the "Pop Crush" core artists, we're told, include Selena Gomez, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, One Direction and Katy Perry. KKBR-FM becomes the second Townsquare station to use the "Pop Crush" brand, following its installation at WQSH-FM, Albany, NY. The new Billings station is online at www.PopCrush971.com. The launch of "Pop Crush 97.1" follows several days of stunting as "97.1 Santa FM" following the end of the "K-Bear" Oldies format. 'Nash FM' Brand Expands to Five More Stations Cumulus further expands its Country "Nash FM" brand, adding five more of its stations to the stations re-branded in late May. "Great Country 93.7" WSJR-FM Dallas-Scranton-Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, becomes "Nash FM 93.7"; "Wheelz 100.5" WHLZ-FM, Marion-Florence, SC, is now “Nash FM 100.5”; "KD 101" KAYD-FM Beaumont, Texas, goes to “Nash FM 101.7”; "The Hitkicker" WHKR-FM, Rockledge-Melbourne, Florida, becomes "Nash FM 102.7"; and, "Great Country 104.9" WKOS-FM, Kingsport, Tennessee, is now "Nash FM 104.9". Those five stations join the five that relaunched over Memorial Day weekend and the original "Nash FM 94.7" WNSH-FM, New York, that debuted in January. During the Memorial Day weekend, Cumulus flipped WLXX-FM, Lexington, Kentucky; KHKI-FM, Des Moines; KQFC-FM, Boise; simulcasters WPKR-FM, Omro, and WPCK-FM, Denmark-Green Bay; and WKAK-FM, Albany, Georgia -- all to the "Nash FM" brand. Further expansion of the new national Country brand is expected. Rep. Doug Lamborn Again Seeks to Defund NPR Colorado Republican Congressman Doug Lamborn is again attempting to eliminate federal funding for NPR. The new bill is identical to one that passed the House in March 2011 but failed in the Senate. Lamborn says, "At a time when millions of federal works are being furloughed, school children are barred from visiting the White House, and many military training flights are grounded all to save money, it is unacceptable that taxpayers are still on the hook for millions of dollars each year to subsidize National Public Radio. Additionally, it was highly inappropriate for NPR to move into a lavish new headquarters building partly paid for by taxpayers, many of whom continue to struggle under the worst economy since the Great Depression." Lamborn's latest attempt to defund NPR (HR 2597) is titled "To prohibit Federal funding of National Public Radio and the use of Federal funds to acquire radio content." In fiscal year 2010, NPR received $56 million in indirect funds and $5 million in direct funds from federal taxpayers, notes Lamborn. "In a world of 500-channel cable TV, streaming radio over the Internet, and cellphone Internet access, government-funded broadcasting is completely unnecessary. The government has no business being a broadcaster, especially when there is a thriving private market." Arbitron to Re-Issue Fresno Spring Phase 2 Arbitrends Arbitron says it will re-issue its Spring Phase-2 Arbitrend data for the Fresno market after it learned that six diaries were returned from a media-affiliated household. In a statement, Arbitron says, "Arbitron has learned that six Spring 2013 Phase 2 Fresno Metro diaries were returned from a media-affiliated household. We have confirmed that these diaries, which were In-Tab for the originally issued Spring Phase 2 Arbitrends data, should not be included in the In-Tab sample. Revised Spring Phase 2 Fresno Arbitrends data, based on an In-Tab sample that excludes these diaries, will release on Monday, July 8, at 12:00 Noon Pacific Time. Audience estimates reported for KJWL-FM and KYNO-AM may be substantially affected. Estimates for KFIG-AM may be affected to a lesser extent. In addition, estimates to stations that were not recorded in the deleted diaries may be slightly affected as a result of sample balancing and reprocessing procedures that accompany deletion of any diary from the sample." Spotify Adds 'Discover' Function to iOS App Spotify, as previously promised, has added its "Discover" function to its iOS app. The function will roll out to other platforms "soon," according to Spotify, and offers recommendations and playlists based on listening habits. A new update for its iOS app brings its Discover functionality to iOS, says Spotify. Also added in version 0.7.1 are a new logo, new Now Playing view, and the ability to edit playlists directly from the iPhone. Spotify says in its announcement, "Ever find yourself wondering what to play on Spotify? Introducing the new Discover experience on iPhone. (Coming soon to everyone.)" Also New: "A shiny, new Now Playing view, featuring the 'Up Next' queue on iPhone. (Again, rolling out to everyone soon.)" As for improvements, "We've changed the order of the iPhone search tabs. Now it's Artists, Albums, Tracks. (iPhone/iPod only.)" and "We've moved the ... context menu button in the Playlist and Album views to the top right of the screen. It's better there. (iPhone/iPod only.)" For "fixes" we're told, "Ford integration now works correctly when your iPhone/iPod is set to a language other than English" and "In your playlist folders, 'All Tracks' will now show you the actual number of tracks." Harris Broadcast CEO Harris Morris Exiting Harris Broadcast CEO Harris Morris is exiting the company today. A new CEO is expected to be named next week. Morris led the company through its divestiture from Harris Corporation and subsequent acquisition by the Gores Group. The news of his exit was disclosed via an email sent to all Harris Broadcast staff by company Chairman Carl Vogel. No reason was given for Morris’s departure. The text of Vogel's email reads, "This is to inform you that, based on discussions with the board of directors of Harris Broadcast, Harris Morris is transitioning from the Company." Vogel adds, "We thank Harris for his contributions to the company over his tenure and for guiding Harris Broadcast through the end of the fiscal year in its transition to an independent company. We wish Harris well as he pursues new opportunities. We are excited about the future and look forward to the next chapter for Harris Broadcast. As such, we will be announcing the new CEO to the company on Tuesday, July 9th." Morris joined the Harris Broadcast & Communications (BCD) business unit in January 2008 as VP software systems. He became president of Harris BCD in February 2010. In February 2013, Morris was named CEO of Harris Broadcast when it became an independent company following the purchase of Harris BCD by the Gores Group from Harris Corporation. Prior to his time at Harris, Morris was chief strategy officer at Thomson Learning; and was a partner and vice president for Bain & Company. Beasley Names Debbie Pretzello President's Club Winner Beasley Broadcast Group announces that Debbie Pretzello has been named the company's "President's Club Overall Winner" for the calendar year 2012. This is the second time that Pretzello, a senior account executive for Beasley Broadcast's Augusta, Georgia, group has earned the award. The President's Club consists of Beasley sales execs inducted annually for their abilities to meet or exceed individual and market goals, while attaining RAB accreditation as Certified Radio Marketing Consultants (CRMC). One account executive in each market is named to the Club monthly, and after the year ends the individual with the highest ranking from the pool of top performers is named the "President's Club Overall Winner" for the previous calendar year. Pretzello has been a member of the company's President's Club for the past four consecutive years (2009-2011) and additionally earned the coveted "Overall Winner" status in 2010. Says VP of Sales Heather Monahan, "It is most important for a sales executive to not only achieve success but to be able to do it multiple times and build a sustainable business in the process. Debbie has demonstrated that she knows how to achieve success and how to duplicate it year-after- year. Debbie has now entered our elite group of repeat President's Club winners, this challenging task is impressive and inspiring, and we are lucky to have her on our team." Envision Radio Launches VirtualNWS News Reports Envision Radio Networks launches "VirtualNWS News Reports." As part of Envision's VirtualNWS (News-Weather-Sports) brand, the service will provide local news written and voiced by a remote team of reporters available anytime and anywhere. VirtualNWS News Reports' team of 15 anchors have expertise in major-market radio and TV news and have been heard in top markets such as Denver, Houston, Sacramento, Philadelphia, and elsewhere. Envision Radio Networks President and CEO Danno Wolkoff tells us, "VirtualNWS News Reports has been specifically designed for radio stations. The customized news service delivers content that your listeners want and need on a daily basis with no additional needs placed on your current newsroom. Radio stations’ sales departments can still sell local advertising and sponsorships for each newscast delivered as VirtualNWS will integrate them seamlessly." Stations interested in a free customized newscast from VirtualNWS News Reports should visit www.envisionradio.com or contact Melissa Bachtel at melissab@envisionradio.com. DMR/Interactive Announces 'Groundswell' Marketing, Takes Advantage of 'Word of Mouth' Marketing DMR/Interactive says that as new digital platforms and communities emerge on an ongoing basis, "Word of Mouth" (WOM) marketing continues to be the most powerful way people connect and make recommendations with one another. To help radio take advantage of this audience amplification, DMR/Interactive is launching "Groundswell" -- a marketing strategy "that combines the process of a 360-degree approach with the power of in-person WOM." DMR/Interactive says Groundswell removes the guess work from WOM marketing by specifically identifying the P1s who are the best brand advocates for the station. The result is a relationship with those who matter most to ratings and revenue. Not only are these people participating in an engaged two way relationship with their favorite station, says DMR/Interactive, but they are also connecting directly with other members of the audience. This community building approach is noteworthy because unlike Pandora and other personalized audio services, radio is very much a shared experience. DMR/Interactive has a proprietary reporting and tracking system that identifies, tracks and influences the key brand advocates for each station. "We regularly see brand advocates collectively sharing their favorite station with 4,000-6,000 of their family members, friends and co-workers," commented DMR/I COO Andrew Curran. "Conversations around the water cooler have always been taking place, but with Groundswell, stations are no longer left to guess who their best brand advocates are. We literally provide them a list." He adds that during the first half of 2013, clients who used WOM amplification saw a 15-25% increase in their audience engagement. In addition, based on data analysis and reporting, two thirds of these connections were new database members and 75-80% are in the station's core demo, which further demonstrates the strength of audience amplification. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Tribune Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, appoints Todd Manley as VP of Creative Content. Most recently, Manley handled similar duties for crosstown Triple-A WXRT-FM. Previously, he was Program Director of Talk KTRS-AM, St. Louis. This marks a return for Manley to WGN-AM, where he worked from 1998-2008 as Production/Imaging Director and then Creative Director ... Katie Barr is the new midday host at Maverick Media Hot AC "Mix 104.9" KMHX-FM, Santa Rosa, California. She previously was Program Director, Music Director and midday host at Triple-A "The Crush" KRSH-FM, Healdsburg, California ... Zannie K exits as APD/MD and morning host at Rhythmic CHR KPEZ-FM, Austin ... Nick Bonsanto joins the morning show on "103.7 The Game" KLWB-FM, Lafayette, Louisiana, starting Monday (July 8). Most recently he hosted "The Nick Bonsanto Show" on The Sports Byline USA Network live from the Luxor Casino in Las Vegas ... Salem News Talk "AM 560 The Answer" WIND-AM, Chicago, announces that former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh's radio show will be expanding to three hours and moving up to 5-8pm weekdays, following the exit of Steve Cochran.

Tuesday's Radio & Media News - July 2, 2013

RTDNA/Hofstra Survey: Radio News Salaries Stagnant Overall, radio news salaries edged up only 0.8% in 2012, while local television news salaries actually fell 1.9% in 2012, according to the latest RTDNA/Hofstra University Annual Survey. "But you really have to burrow into the numbers to see what took place," writes Hofstra University Professor Bob Papper. For radio, he says, major market salaries rose in 2012 and rose by quite a bit. The overall number was so much lower because median salaries actually fell in large, medium and small markets, although the small market results were a bit more mixed. As usual, the larger the market, generally, the higher the salary. Papper notes that with inflation a modest 2.1%, that meant that TV news salaries dropped in purchasing power by 4% last year, while radio salaries fared only slightly better -- the radio increase was not enough to compensate for the inflation rate, leaving radio news salaries down 1.3% in terms of real wages. The latest survey finds that salaries rose substantially in major markets but fell in other markets. Over the past five and ten years, reporter salaries have outpaced inflation, but news director salaries have lagged. Starting salaries in radio and television remained flat from 2011. The overall maximum salary in the survey is $130,000 for a News Director, while the average is about $43,000. News reporters average $37,200 with a maximum salary of $110,000. Sports anchors average $36,700 with a maximum of $75,000. A major market News Director averages $67,000 per year while a large market News Director makes $41,500, a medium market News Director makes $35,500, and a small market News Director is paid $30,000. Papper also looked at radio reporters. In a major market they average a salary of $50,000 compared to a large market reporter at $32,000, a medium market reporter at $32,500, and a small market reporter at $24,000. Papper says comparisons this year are problematic because of two factors. "First, a disproportionate percentage of major market news directors are skewing this year's numbers out of line on an overall basis, and, second, that's throwing off the numbers of other positions, like producer, anchor and sports anchor, which are becoming less and less common in smaller- and medium-sized markets. The salaries by staff size are almost always highly variable, although there has almost always been a general tendency for the largest news operations to pay more. As with previous years, there is no consistent pattern to salaries based on the number of stations a news director supervises." Major markets are those with 1 million or more listeners. Large markets are those from 250,000 to 1 million; medium markets are from 50,000 to 250,000; and small markets have fewer than 50,000 listeners. The RTDNA/Hofstra University Survey was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2012 among all 1,732 operating, non-satellite television stations and a random sample of 3,000 radio stations. Valid responses came from 1,377 television stations (79.5%) and 217 radio news directors and general managers representing 575 radio stations. Read more here. 'National Radio Talent System' Launches The National Radio Talent System -- a system of Radio Talent Institutes on college campuses across America -- has been launched. NRTS holds "an intense ten-day Radio Talent Institute" on college campuses, with the goal being that one is held in every region or state in America so students can attend in their home state, and so radio stations can recruit from their own region of the country, or nationally. "The Institutes are taught by radio professionals," says industry consultant Dan Vallie, who is the Director of the Institute. "This is to insure students and young broadcasters learn what you need them to know. He adds that these Institute students are just as determined, excited and passionate about getting into radio as you were." According to the announcement of the NRTS, "For decades, the radio industry has talked of the long-standing need for a farm system that would identify and bring new talent into the industry. Due to the advent of voicetracking, automation, syndication and labor laws that minimize or prevent the opportunity to just 'hang around' the station, the radio industry has lost much of its training ground. NRTS is designed to be the 'go to' place to find new, young, well-educated, entry level talent qualified to excel in stations across the U.S." We're told that the working model for the NRTS is the Kellar Radio Talent Institute at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC, created by Vallie. So far, almost a hundred broadcasters from the region have taught sessions over the past 6 years, and 70% of the students that have completed the Institute have gotten their first job in radio or a related field. They are now working for CBS, Clear Channel, Beasley Broadcast Group, Entercom, Greater Media, Dick Broadcasting, Curtis Media, Centennial Broadcasting, CNN and others. Vallie tells us, "It's the broadcasters who have vision, passion and love for the business that recognize this long-standing need and the importance of finding young, entry level talent, and the National Radio Talent System is the solution to that need. Most know that, while it's imperative that we continue to have advances in technology and insure that radio is ubiquitous, success in our industry and the future will always depend on people. We have to attract the best and the brightest who have the talent and desire to get into radio." The Kellar Radio Talent Institute at Appalachian State University is funded by former broadcaster Art Kellar and is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters. Later this month, the Kentucky Broadcasters Association WKU Radio Talent Institute debuts on the campus of Western Kentucky University as the second Institute in the System. The Institute is sponsored by the KBA and broadcasters in Kentucky and the region. Individual broadcasters, groups or organizations who would like to join the NRTS in establishing and sponsoring a Radio Talent Institute on a campus in their state and region should contact DanVallie@NationalRadioTalentSystem.com or call 828-262-1502. Read more about NRTS here. Nielsen to Replace Sprint on S&P 500 Index Nielsen Holdings will replace Sprint on the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, effective at the end of the trading day on Monday (July 8). Sprint is being removed from the S&P 500 following a $21.6 billion deal giving SoftBank Corp. control of the wireless company. S&P says the deal puts Sprint shares available for trading below the 50 percent mark set as the criteria for the index. Nielsen's addition to the index is not directly related to its pending acquisition of Arbitron. Shareholders of Sprint last week approved the deal with Tokyo-based SoftBank Corp., agreeing to give the Japanese company control of the third-largest U.S. wireless carrier after, as Bloomberg puts it, "an eighth-month saga." The transaction "will mean that Sprint shares available for trading will fall below the 50% mark set by S&P as a criteria for membership of the U.S. equity benchmark index." 'Planet Radio' Returns to Jacksonville Clear Channel has relaunched Active Rock "Planet Radio" -- "Jacksonville's Real Rock" -- in Jacksonville, Florida. The new incarnation of the station comes via FM translator W295AZ at 106.9 and WNWW-FM's HD2 multicast channel. The 99 watt translator had been rebroadcasting Clear Channel’s "Sportsradio 930" WFXJ-AM. "106.9 Planet Radio" is being promoted as being commercial-free all summer until Labor Day. "We are thrilled to bring back Planet Radio and a brand that has been missed by Rock music fans in Jacksonville," says Clear Channel Jacksonville Market Manager Marv Nyren. Operations Manager Tommy Bodean adds, "Fans have missed Planet Radio. We hear from them all the time that they've wanted it back. I couldn't be more excited to bring a real rock station back to Jacksonville and the fact that we revive a brand like Planet that still resonates with the audience makes it even more exciting." The 106.9 frequency is the third one used for the Rock brand in the market. "Planet Radio" first aired on 93.3 from 1995 to 2005 -- and then 107.3 from 2005 until August 2010. 'Birmingham Mountain Radio' Now on FM The Triple-A format returns to FM in Birmingham as webcaster "Birmingham Mountain Radio" begins simulcasting its programming on FM tranlator W297BF at 107.3 via Summit Media's WZNN-FM HD2 multicast channel. This ends the national ESPN Radio feed which had been carried on the translator from WENN-AM. The AM station, meanwhile, returns to a simulcast of Classic Hip Hop "Power 102.1" on another translator -- W270BW. Birmingham Mountain Radio, under Program Director Geno Pearson, is a fully staffed webcaster that debuted in December 2010 to fill the gap left by the flip of "Live 100.5" WWMM-FM to News Talk earlier in the year. The station describes itself as "an Internet-based radio station that has a world class rock/adult album alternative format and focuses on local content through local DJs, specialty shows, promotions, and by highlighting local and regional bands." Says Pearson, "We've done so well just being on the Internet with just word of mouth. I think with FM, it's going to do really well. Nothing on the programming side or the content side will change. We have the same control as we did when we started. We’ve got the say on what’s on the air, who's on the air and when." The station will continue to be available on the Internet at bhammountainradio.com. Steve Cochran Returns to Chicago's WGN-AM Amid rumors that Steve Cochran, who just exited Salem News Talk "560 The Answer" WIND-AM, Chicago, was returning to crosstown WGN-AM, Cochran was heard on the air at WGN-AM Tuesday morning. MHBC has independently confirmed that Cochran, who was the afternoon host on "The Answer" and exited after declining a contract renewal, is indeed returning to "720 WGN Radio" but "for now" will only be doing fills. Chicagoland Radio and Media confirms that information, but we also have learned that Cochran, who was at WGN-AM from 2000-2010, is in the plans of new station boss Jimmy de Castro for a daily show, as de Castro continues re-making the station. Today (Tuesday), Cochran was heard on WGN-AM filling in for vacationing morning host Jonathon Brandmeier. A new daily show hosted by Cochran should be announced "in the next few months" according to our source inside the Tribune News Talk station who also tells us to expect to hear a lot of him in various roles until then. CRM, meanwhile, is reporting that Cochran "will spend much of this summer doing freelance fill-in work at the station, not just for the morning show, but other shifts, as well. Those fill-ins could very well lead to a much larger, full-time role at WGN-AM by the end of this summer, when even bigger changes are expected to take place." Chicago's JoAnn Genette Joins WERV-FM's 'Mackay in the Morning' Chicago radio veteran JoAnn Genette who has just exited WBBM-AM, will be joining Classic Hits/Classic Rock hybrid "95.9 The River" WERV-FM as the co-host and producer of the "Mackay in the Morning" show, starting Monday (July 8). According to Chicagoland Radio and Media, Genette has been working as a part-time overnight and weekend news anchor on "Newsradio 780" WBBM-AM since September 2012. Prior to her time at WBBM-AM, she was with the late "FM News 101.1" WIQI-FM as an anchor/reporter working multiple shifts. "She was among the first hired at the station in July 2011 and remained with it through its demise, just one year later," says CRM. Genette has been working in Chicago radio for over 15 years and has also "been heard delivering news and/or traffic reports on WLIT-FM, WLUP-FM, WXXY-FM (with Robert Murphy), and WCBR-FM. She may be best remembered as the morning news/traffic personality and co-host for WKSC-FM's morning show for well over seven years with DreX, and briefly with Sean Valentine before that," writes Chicagoland Radio and Media. Says WERV-FM Program Director Mark Zander, "I have known JoAnn since she was an aspiring broadcaster some years ago. It has been a pleasure watching her build a successful career here in her hometown. I was able to hire her once before, and am thrilled I had the perfect opportunity here at 95-9 The River to offer her now. We are indeed looking forward to the next phase of the 'Mackay In the Morning' show!" And says Genette, "I am excited to be part of a successful team, and a great morning show. The family atmosphere at The River and the dedication of its fans will be sure to make this experience fun and rewarding!" Tim Westergren: Pandora Not Worried About New Competition Pandora co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Tim Westergren says he is not worried about new digital music competition from Apple and Google. In an interview with the Financial Times, Westergren said, "I think we are on Pandora killer number eight by my count. I don’t mean to sound arrogant by saying that. We take every competitor seriously... But history has taught us that focus counts for a lot." Westergren adds, "We are the best builders of personalized playlists. I don’t think people get how hard it is to do that really well." The Financial Times says their interview took place just prior to "a crucial meeting on Monday with music industry representatives following its latest row over royalty payments." That would likely refer to last week's report that Pandora would begin formal negotiations with recorded music labels and publishers on royalty rates for the streaming music service. Westergren told FT that despite the company's recent, public issues with royalties, he predicts Pandora's overall royalty payments will continue to rise. "Our goal is to have those total payments go up," Westergren said, "Every hour [of listening] from broadcast radio to the web is [new] money for artists. It’s nothing but good news." Westergren argues that Pandora's “music genome” personalization technology, which ensures listeners are more likely to hear songs they like based on giving the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” to tracks they hear, has been perfected over its 13-year history. That, he says, will give them an edge over new competitors. “We are the best builders of personalised playlists,” Westergren said. “I don’t think people get how hard it is to do that really well.” Cox Miami Market Manager Dan Kearney Resigns Cox Media Group Miami VP and Market Manager Dan Kearney has resigned, effective immediately. Kearney in July 2012 succeeded longtime Market Manager Jerry Rushin, who retired after more than 20 years with the company. Kearney has overseen the Miami cluster's WFLC-FM, WHQT-FM, WEDR-FM, and WFEZ-FM. Previously, he was VP and General Manager of CMG's Atlanta radio cluster from 2010 until he moved to Miami in 2012. "After fifteen-and-a-half years with CMG, I have decided to move on to the next chapter of my career," says Kearney. "It was almost a year ago when the company presented me with the opportunity to move to South Florida and we accepted. However, after much soul searching, my wife and I have decided to look at other opportunities outside of the South Florida market." Kearney began his radio career in Southern California. He joined Cox Radio in 1998 as LSM for KFI-AM, Los Angeles, later moving to GSM at WSB Radio in Atlanta, helping WSB become the top billing radio station in the country. So far, there's no word on a replacement for Kearney at CMG Miami. Dan Binder Joins SparkNet as Research Consultant Dan Binder joins the SparkNet team as a Research Consultant. The 25-year programming and management veteran becomes a member of the research and consulting firm to work mainly with the development and expansion of SparkNet's online products and services. Previously, Binder has held programming and operational positions at CBS Radio, Clear Channel, Radio One and Jarad Broadcasting. Says SparkNet Research and Consulting VP Max Dugan, "Dan's diverse experience in content development and programming combined with his vast research understanding, make him a valuable resource for our clients in the U.S., Canada and around the world." JVC Media Names New Directors of Client Services Long Island-based JVC Media recently announced the creation of new Client Services Departments for its Long Island and Ocala-Gainesville, Florida, clusters. Now, JVC tells us they've selected Ocala native Chad Hallmark and Long Island native Donna Drake to lead the new departments. Hallmark will develop the department for the company’s newly-acquired Ocala-Gainesville five-station cluster, and Drake will lead the Long Island four-station cluster department. Both assume the title of Director of Client Services. JVC Florida VP and Market Manager Shane Reeve tells us, "Hallmark will concentrate on building and developing long-standing relationships with clients, agencies and listeners. This really will become a department that focuses on making these stations market friendly and developing that synergy between sales and programming.” And JVC Long Island GSM Bruce Shepard tells us, "Donna Drake is a proven winner on Long Island and a natural talent for developing business and relationships. She is a wealth of knowledge and professionalism that we need as we expand our reach and develop new business. We are lucky to have her." 2014 Odyssey Is First Honda to Offer HD Radio The 2014 Odyssey from Honda now arriving at dealers, and its Touring Elite version offers HD Radio, Honda's first vehicle to offer the service. The 2014 Odyssey arrives at dealers with HD Radio and Neural 5.1 surround audio factory-installed. The offering in the upper-end Odyssey models is part of an audio package that includes surround-sound speakers in a 650 Watt system. According to iBiquity, HD Radio is now available as a factory installed feature in 33 automotive brands, including Acura, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI USA, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Ram, Rolls-Royce, Scion, SRT (Chrysler), Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio "CBS Sports Radio 1140" KHTK-AM, Sacramento, returns to its previous "KHTK Sports 1140" identity, and moves morning host Don Geronimo back to middays (noon-3pm) starting July 8. Geronimo's co-hosts Drew Hoffar and Little Joe Pittman make the move with him. The rest of his team, Joe Ardinger, Mark "Phantom" Lowe, and Craig Harless are exiting the station. Co-owned Rhythmic CHR KSFM-FM afternoon host Keith "Boondock" Brooks will co-host mornings with former station host Carmichael Dave who returns to the station after being let go last year. The new morning show will air 5:30-9am, as the 9-10am hour is added to Jim Rome’s syndicated show so that all three hours air live on KHTK-AM. Current 12-3pm host Jason Ross will remain with the station in a role to be announced ... CHR-Top40 "95SX" WSSX-FM, Charleston, SC, names Yonni Rude Program Director, replacing Mike Edwards who exited last month. Rude was previously Assistant PD at sister Urban "Z93" WWWZ-FM ... Daron Harris joins CHR-Top40 "Kelly 95.3" KLLY-FM, Bakersfield, California, as Music Director and afternoon host.

Monday's Radio & Media News - July 1, 2013

Tulsa's '94.1 The Sound' Flips to AC '94.1 The Breeze' KTSO-FM, Tulsa, flips from Classic Hits "94.1 The Sound" to a new "Refreshing Lite Rock" Adult Contemporary format as "94.1 The Breeze" as Stephens Media Group officially takes over the station and sister KMYZ-FM. Stephens is acquiring the stations from Shamrock Communications and begins operating them under an LMA. "The Breeze" debuted this morning with Michael Buble's "Everything" followed by a welcome from morning host Eric Steiner. "94.1 The Breeze is not the adult contemporary station of previous generations," says Stephens Media Group National Program Director Bob Thornton. "Our focus is on the listener experience and not gimmicky promises that only radio people understand. We want this station to be a vibrant part of the community and deeply personal for our listeners." He tells us that current artists like Josh Groban, OneRepublic and Michael Buble will air along with past favorites from artists such as Celine Dion, Rod Stewart and Journey. "There’s definitely a void in Tulsa for a contemporary radio station created for adult women," says station owner David Stephens. "We’re making a significant marketing investment to launch The Breeze, and as more and more people tune in, I believe they will realize 94.1 The Breeze as being a breath of fresh air for Tulsa radio." Middays are being hosted part-time by Terese Taylor, who worked for Stepehns previously at "Warm 101.3" WRMM-FM, Rochester, NY. Afternoons are hosted by Doug Hannah. The current staff, we're told, is subject to change as Thornton searches for a full-time staff. "We are looking for all positions and all dayparts -- a great morning team, middays, afternoons, evenings, APD, promotions, imaging, production, weekends. We need great people in every position and we are hiring." Meanwhile, Thorton says Alternative "Z104.5 The Edge" KMYZ-FM will debut its new morning show -- "The KMYZ Morning Edge" -- on July 15 with Chuck Stikl and Assistant PD Bobby Butler. There, Drew McKenna remains in middays, while Nik Rivers will take music calls at sister WZNE-FM, Rochester, until a fulltime Music Director is hired for KMYZ-FM. 'Hula 97.3 FM' Replaces 'The Zone' in Birmingham Summit Media’s WZNN-FM, Birmingham, is stunting with Hawaiian Music as "Hula 97.3 FM" ahead of a new format yet to be announced. Last week (June 25), we reported that "a format change is coming soon" at Sports Talk "97.3 The Zone" WZNN-FM, Birmingham, now owned by Summit Media which obtained the station from Cox Media Group. Friday, the Sports Talk format ended, and the stunting began. Last week, Summit Media COO David Dubose said, "We have been evaluating the sports format in light of multiple factors, including [Paul] Finebaum’s placement. After nearly two years, it became clear the market did not support two competing sports stations. Therefore, we have determined we should focus on other format opportunities." There's no official word on the coming new format at WZNN-FM, and we don't know how long "Hula 97.3" will last. Will there be other stunt formats to follow before the permanent new programming is introduced? There's not even a temporary logo for "Hula 97.3" -- but you can listen to it here. And as you'll hear, there is some customized imaging for the "Hula" stunt format. TJ Lubinsky Re-Joins Greater Media NJ WJRZ-FM T.J. Lubinsky, known for his nationally televised PBS Classic Hits specials, will re-join the ranks of Greater Media New Jersey beginning Sunday, July 7, with the return of his "Sunday Night Request Show" that pays tribute to artists of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. The show will be heard each week 7pm-12midnight on Classic Hits WJRZ-FM, Manahawkin, in the Monmouth-Ocean market. Greater Media New Jersey tells us, "He'll spin Jersey's greatest hits by request, share behind-the-scenes stories, and talk to many of the artists he's recorded and produced over the year across all musical genres from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Lubinsky created and hosted WJRZ's Sunday Night Request Show every week from 2005-2009." Says WJRZ-FM Program Director Glenn Kalina, "T J Lubinsky is a Jersey Shore treasure! His knowledge of music and love for the artists he plays and listeners he entertains is evident every time he opens the microphone, plus he's a local guy! I'm thrilled that he is returning to 100.1 WJRZ on Sunday nights!" A native of Bradley Beach, NJ, Lubinsky continues to make television specials, uniting the original voices of Motown, folk rock, R&B, classic soul, disco, 60s rock, 70s singer/songwriters, 80s pop and more. In addition, he is an executive producer of "The Very Best of the Ed Sullivan Show" as seen on public television, and has produced and supervised mixes for many audio CD compilation box set releases since 1998. Chicago's '93.9 MYfm' Adds Brooke Hunter and Mario Lopez The recently re-branded "93.9 MYfm" WLIT-FM, Chicago, brings in Brooke Hunter, and adds the syndicated Mario Lopez to the revamped Clear Channel station's on-air line-up, effective immediately. WLIT-FM moved toward Hot AC as it dropped its longtime "Lite" logo. Hunter will host middays 10am-3pm and Premiere's "On with Mario Lopez" will air evenings 7-11pm. Hunter has been on Chicago radio for more than 15 years, starting at the former "Q101" WKXQ-FM. She subsequently worked at "The Mix" WTMX-FM, hosted mornings at "94.7 The Zone" and most recently hosted middays at the former "Fresh FM." Lopez is a syndicated radio show host, New York Times best-selling author and host of "The X Factor" and the daily TV show "Extra." He also danced his way to the finals in the third season of "Dancing with the Stars," is a recurring commentator on HBO Boxing and currently appears on several television programs. Says Clear Channel Chicago VP of Programming Tommy Austin, "The MYfm target listener knows Brooke and she knows what they want from radio. This makes her connectedness to them second to none. Our audience has grown up with Mario and he is a perfect fit for Chicago." NY Radio Ad Sales Up 7.6 % for 2013's First Five Months New York Market Radio advertising revenues for the first months of 2013 increased 7.6% over the comparable period of 2012 according to the New York Market Revenue Report, prepared by Miller, Kaplan, Arase & Co., CPAs, and released by New York Market Radio (NYMRAD). New York Market Radio is a marketing association supported by the New York area Radio stations. "It’s quite a story to see New York Radio Market Revenues up by over 7% year to date through May 2013," says NYMRAD Executive Director Deborah Beagan. "That’s the fastest growth among the Top 10 markets in what is -- outside of New York -- a flat growth scenario nationwide. "The key to New York Market Radio’s success is live and local content that engages the audience," she continued. "For the 92% of New Yorkers who listen to Radio, this is their hometown and their favorite stations. In addition, NY Market Radio stations have significantly invested in the digital arena to provide multiplatform options to advertisers. The future of effective advertising lies in the smart integration of traditional and digital media. I am extremely enthusiastic about the second half of 2013." May 2013 New York Local Spot Revenues were up 8.3% to $40,703. The National Spot Revenues were up 11.2% to $9,002. The Total Spot were up 8.8% to $49,705. The Total Revenues, including Digital and Network/NTR/Other, were up 7.2% to $56,874. For the five months ended May 2013, market growth was up 6.1% for Local Spot, up 14.3% for National Spot, up 7.6% for Total Spot and up 6.7% for grand total market revenue according to Miller, Kaplan and Arase. The market’s 6.7% YTD increase over 2012 is spread across three categories -- Local Spot (+6%, over $9M); National Spot (+14.3%, nearly $5M); and, Digital (+19%, nearly $2M). Country Music Association CEO Steve Moore Resigns The Country Music Association Board of Directors announced today that Steve Moore, who has led the CMA for nearly four years, has resigned his position, effective immediately. Moore was named CEO two and a half years ago, but had served as interim director before that. He replaced Tammy Genovese, who resigned her position in late 2009. The organization did not immediately announce plans regarding new leadership, but spokeswoman Wendy Pearl said the board would be making an announcement regarding a transition plan soon. Under Moore, the 2013 CMA Music Festival hit a record attendance with an increase of 13 percent. He also created and led the newly formed CMA Foundation. In addition, Moore was instrumental in securing an extension of the television partnership for the annual CMA Awards, the CMA Music Festival special, and the "CMA Country Christmas" special, which all appear on the ABC Television Network. "Steve Moore's dedication and hard work" has "taken our organization to new levels of success," says CMA Chairman of the Board Troy Tomlinson. "He's been a tremendous asset to CMA due to his high regard in the industry as a resourceful and tenacious advocate for country music." Moore has been in the music business in Nashville for more than two decades. He came to Nashville as the first executive director of the Starwood Amphitheater. In addition, Moore ran his own entertainment companies, and also served as SVP for AEG Live!, one of the world's largest concert promotion, special events and touring companies. Clear Channel Spends $1.17M on Q1 Lobbying Clear Channel Communications spent $1.17 million on lobbying in the first quarter of this year according to a report filed with the Clerk of the House of Representatives. The lobbying report shows that money spent on radio-related lobbying included Congressional oversight and legislative proposals regarding the FCC proceedings on broadcast localism, proposals regarding the FCC proceeding on local radio ownership rules, proposals regarding broadcast decency enforcement, legislative proposals regarding tax incentives and loan guarantees to encourage diversity of ownership of telecommunications businesses., proposals regarding low power FM stations, legislative proposals regarding privacy and proposals regarding emergency communications systems as pertaining to EAS and FCC oversight. 'Shotgun Tom' Kelly to Host Marconi Radio Awards and Dinner The NAB announces that the 2013 NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner and Show will be hosted by legendary radio personality "Shotgun Tom" Kelly. The event will take place September 19 at the 2013 Radio Show at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando. "Shotgun's energy and vibrant personality will keep the show moving. Nobody loves Radio and Radio people more than 'Shotgun'!" says NAB EVP of Radio John David. Kelly, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in April, has had a 40-year career in radio and television including 16-years in Los Angeles radio where he anchors the highly-rated afternoon drive shift at CBS Radio's "K-Earth 101" KRTH-FM. Before joining KRTH-FM, Kelly deejayed at legendary stations in San Diego, including KGB-AM, KCBQ-AM and KFMB-FM. Kelly has also been recognized for his work in television, hosting popular children's programs, "Words-a-Poppin," which was syndicated nationally and "Kids Club," which ran for twelve seasons. He won multiple Emmy Awards as outstanding host. His voice has long been featured in national TV and radio commercials, and he also appeared in the motion picture "Déjà Vu" with Denzel Washington. Most recently, "Shotgun Tom" is narrator of the worldwide TV show "A 1000 Ways to Die" and voice of the long-running television program, "America's Most Wanted." Kelly has contributed to numerous community causes, including the MDA Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy, the Bob Hope USO and the L.A. Police Department's "Cops for Tots" campaign benefiting Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Established in 1989 and named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi, the NAB Marconi Radio Awards are given to radio stations and outstanding on-air personalities to recognize excellence in radio. Winners will be announced at the NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner and Show. The 2013 Radio Show, produced by the RAB and the NAB, will be held September 18-20 in Orlando. Adam Bomb Explodes in Perez Hilton's Face Cumulus Media Networks drops Perez Hilton's one-year old show, and announces the new syndicated program "Nights Live with Adam Bomb." Hilton will be heard as a feature on the new show with nightly entertainment gossip. "Nights Live with Adam Bomb" airs weeknights from 7-11pm ET -- featuring "top hits, entertainment news and exclusive celebrity interviews," says Cumulus Media Networks. "Adam Bomb delivers a nightly dose of pop culture through great music, insider Hollywood scoop and interactive features that keep listeners connected." Bomb had been co-hosting with Hilton until the just-announced big change which more or less switches their roles. (Will Hilton be reporting this one on his gossip-filled website? Probably not.) iHeartRadio Makes A Splash at 'Ultimate Pool Party' Clear Channel's iHeartRadio and the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hosted the iHeartRadio Ultimate Pool Party presented by VisitFlorida.com, a two-day musical weekend in Miami, Friday and Saturday, as part of the Fontainebleau's BleauLive concert series. The weekend festivities included a daytime pool party featuring performances by Krewella, Jason Derulo and a DJ set by Icona Pop. Throughout the weekend, fans enjoyed live poolside sets by DJ Prostyle, DJ Skee and DJ Obscene. The event culminated in a live concert that evening featuring Afrojack, Ke$ha and Pitbull, as well as co-hosts LL Cool J and Miley Cyrus with a surprise guest appearance by Enrique Iglesias. During the weekend, Krewella debuted their new single "Live For The Night," and Grand Prize winner Natalie Bergen from Montgomery, NY, was treated to a weekend-long fantasy all-access experience including being "Ke$hafied" by the Pop star herself. The evening performances streamed live on iHeart.Yahoo.com and more than 120 Clear Channel CHR-Top40, Rhythmic CHR and Electronic Dance Music stations nationwide, which also featured live report updates every hour throughout the day. The exclusive television broadcast of the two day event will air nationally on The CW Network July 15, 8-10pm ET. 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander and Lancer Include HD Radio Audio and Data HD Radio developer iBiquity Digital tells us that Mitsubishi Motors North America is the first automaker to have vehicles with integrated audio entertainment and real-time traffic and data services using HD Radio Technology on dealer lots. The 2014 Outlander and 2014 Lancer are now at dealerships offering both real-time traffic information integrated into its navigation system as well as the expanded audio features of HD Radio Technology. Says iBiquity COO Jeff Jury, "We were happy to announce Mitsubishi's launch of HD Radio audio and data services back at the L.A. Auto Show in November and are even more excited now to have the first vehicles available at dealerships across the country. We are confident that Mitsubishi drivers will find the 'here' traffic, weather and fuel services broadcast by the BTC and HD Radio Technology to be fast, efficient, reliable and best of all subscription-free." Also, we're told, Nokia's "here" has partnered with a group of radio companies called the Broadcaster Traffic Consortium (BTC) to create a nationwide network set-up to broadcast the real-time traffic and data information using the HD Radio digital AM and FM system. Mitsubishi has selected "here" as the service provider and will receive their digital traffic, weather and fuel information over the BTC network via the HD Radio broadcast on all 2014 Outlander and Lancer vehicles equipped with the navigation system. iHeartRadio App Launches on Windows Phone 8 Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has rolled out iHeartRadio's Windows Phone 8 app. The app has already amassed more than 180 million downloads across a variety of platforms. "We're excited to showcase the best apps available on Windows Phone 8, says Microsoft Retail Stores Senior Director of Marketing and Experiences Kelly Soligon. As part of the Summer of Appiness program, we're inviting our customers to come into their local Microsoft retail store for the opportunity to experience apps, like iHeartRadio App, first hand." Says CCME President of Digital Brian Lakamp, "Adding Windows Phone 8 to iHeartRadio's mobile platform portfolio reflects our commitment to be available everywhere our listeners are with the ultimate radio listening experience they expect. We are thrilled to have worked with Microsoft in developing a product that capitalizes on Windows Phone's innovative Live Tiles and are excited to bring iHeartRadio to even more mobile users." NPR Expands 'Here and Now' in Deal with Boston's WBUR-FM More than 300 NPR member stations will now broadcast a new, expanded "Here and Now," intended to meet a growing audience demand for midday news and analysis. The live program, hosted by Robin Young for more than a decade and now also with co-host Jeremy Hobson, expands from one to two hours with updates for different time zones across the country as part of a partnership between NPR and WBUR-FM, Boston, which has been producing the program since 1997. This marks the first time NPR has collaborated with a member station on a daily news program. NPR selected "Here and Now" specifically to serve as a bridge in midday between its signature news magazines, "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered." Says NPR President and CEO Gary Knell, "Through this partnership with WBUR, we're creating what will very quickly become the next two hours of must-hear radio for millions of listeners. This show represents an entirely new way of working across public radio to produce the best news content possible and reflect a broad range of American interests." The program's daily lineup will now include interviews with NPR hosts, reporters, editors and bloggers as well as news from stations across the nation. Meanwhile, just in time for the expanded role of WBUR-FM, Tom Melville is appointed News Director at the station. He's served as Executive Editor of Content since joining the station in 2011, after moving from News Director at New England Cable News (NECN), a 24-hour news cable outlet. What has now begun was first announced in late March, when we reported that NPR is partnering with member station WBUR-FM, Boston, to expand the midday "Here and Now" to two hours, and add a co-host, Jeremy Hobson, who hosted the "Marketplace Morning Report," and that "Talk of the Nation," broadcast by more than 400 stations nationwide, would stop production at the end of June. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio AC "101.5 Lite FM" WLYF-FM, Miami, names Kimba Assistant PD. The longtime South Florida broadcaster is coming aboard from crosstown Hot AC "97.3 The Coast" WFLC-FM. Kimba will also add afternoon hosting when her non-compete ends ... Following the exit of morning co-host Mickey Cucchiella, as reported here last week, "98 Rock" WIYY-FM, Baltimore, says it will debut its new morning show July 8. For now, the station is airing listener-selected music via "Mobcast" ... Salem News Talk "560 The Answer" WIND-AM, Chicago, afternoon host Steve Cochran exits after declining a contract renewal ... Cox Country "Y100" KCYY-FM, San Antonio, APD/MD and afternoon host Brian Hatfield "steps down" and exits, seeking his next opportunity ... Hot AC "Y 107.9" WXYY-FM, Savannah, Georgia, midday host Maunalee is joining sister Country "Bob 106.9" WUBB-FM (across the hall) as morning co-host ... Christmas comes early to Chickasha, Oklahoma, as FM translator K291BR and KWCO-FM HD2 drops Classic Hits and begins stunting as "Christmas 106.1" ahead of a new format later this week ... Sports Talk KMZQ-AM, Las Vegas, re-brands as "Fox Sports 670" adding Fox Sports Radio's programming, replacing Yahoo! Sports Radio, but keeping the syndicated "Mancow Experience" in mornings ... News Talk WLS-AM, Chicago, hires former crosstown "CBS 2" WBBM-TV morning anchor Susan Carlson as afternoon news anchor for the Roe Conn and Richard Roeper show.