Weekend Update

North Carolina High Country 'Highway 106.1' Gets Simulcast Partner Hot AC "Mix 102.3" is out at WECR-FM, Beech Mountain, North Carolina, as Curtis Media Group's High Country Radio flips the station to a simulcast of Country "Highway 106.1" WMMY-FM, Jefferson. Says the company in a news release, "High Country Radio has announced simultaneous moves within the six-station radio group that serves the High Country of North Carolina. With the first move, country powerhouse Highway 106 adds a second frequency, 102.3 WECR-FM. The Highway 106 and 102.3 simulcast will serve all of the High Country with local programming. With 102.3, the counties of Avery (NC), Mitchell (NC), Carter (TN), and Johnson (TN) are added, bringing in an additional 100,000+ population under the Highway 106 & 102.3 coverage area." Market Manager Robin Wohlbruck tells us, "With our new superstation, if you will, the western part of the High Country and eastern Tennessee will now get a clear country signal. Country is the hottest format in the nation, and we now cover all of the High Country with Highway 106 & 102.3. It’s great for country fans and 30% more population covered for our Highway customers.” The Highway team features "Joel Gillie in the Morning," the "Short Order Lunch with Ashley Wilson" middays; and Tommy Culver, afternoons. With the second move, 100.7 shifts from Oldies to "Classic Hits 100.7" says Wohlbruck. "Classic Hits 100.7 is a fun station. When you turn it on, you’ll get a recognizable hit every time.” Market veterans Tom Lanier and Andy Glass make the move covering mornings and afternoons, respectively. "The music is terrific, but Tom and Andy are what give the station such local appeal. These guys are the High Country”, says Wohlbruck. High Country Radio also includes WATA-AM, WXIT-AM, and WECR-AM. TuneIn Offering MRN's NASCAR Coverage TuneIn has announced that its "more than 40 million listeners can hear live coverage of NASCAR Speedweeks programming through a partnership with the Motor Racing Network (MRN)." Says a news release, "When away from their local radio affiliate, fans everywhere can keep up with MRN’s NASCAR coverage through the TuneIn mobile app on smart phones and tablets, and at the newly redesigned TuneIn.com … all free of charge." TuneIn VP of Programming Kevin Straley tells us, “TuneIn lets people listen to the world’s radio, which in this case includes the ‘Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing.’ Thanks to our alliance with MRN, NASCAR fans can enjoy all the play-by-play and analysis of Speedweeks whether they’re home, at work or on the go.” TuneIn, we're told, will offer daily programming from MRN, including the NextEra Energy Resources 250 Camping World Truck Series race and the DRIVE4COPD 300 Nationwide Series event. Those follow the February 24 season-opening Daytona 500 offered by the streaming service. “By offering MRN’s racing coverage on TuneIn, we’re able to connect our passionate NASCAR fans to the racing moments that mean the most to them, when they’re away from their local MRN station’s coverage area,” says MRN President and Executive Producer David Hyatt. “In TuneIn, we see a partner that can provide an excellent listening experience for the sport’s growing fan base.” Minneapolis' WCCO-AM to Serve Foodie's 'Off The Menu' Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl Food Show Set for Weekend Debut CBS Radio's News Talk "Newsradio 830" WCCO-AM, Minneapolis, tells us that Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl will bring her food writing talents to their line-up, with a one-hour "Off The Menu" show to air Saturdays at 11am, beginning March 2. Grumdahl, a senior editor at Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine, has been a major voice in Twin Cities food since her work as City Pages restaurant critic from 1997-2008, launched her to national prominence with a string of James Beard Awards, the highest award of the food world. "WCCO has a long and rich history of food and nutrition, from the recipe shows and farm reports of the past to the latest dining trends and nutritional information of today," says WCCO-AM Program Director Bob Shomper. "Dara is the Twin Cities' premier expert on food. She will bring WCCO's tradition of nutritional information to new heights, on all platforms, on-air, online and on mobile devices. We are thrilled to have her on the WCCO team." Grumdahl adds, "There's nothing I care about more than helping people live better through food. Whether it's getting to know a local farmer, finding out about goings-on at the top local restaurants, or hearing about a fun, fast way to use an in-season ingredient, food news can connect everyday people with greater joy and better health. There's nowhere better to showcase this food news than WCCO, with their tradition of being a good neighbor. Now I'm going to be a good neighbor with a hot dish in hand!" NPR Labs to Pilot Project of Radio Emergency Alerts for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People NPR Labs has been awarded a contract from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to demonstrate the delivery of emergency alerts to people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in the Gulf Coast states through local public radio stations and the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS). According to a news release, "This is the first effort to deliver real-time accessibility-targeted emergency messages, such as weather alerts, via radio broadcast texts. The pilot system is intended to demonstrate that all individuals, including those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, can rely on battery-powered radios to stay informed in emergencies when electricity, Internet and other communications channels are unavailable." NPR Labs, the technology research and development group of NPR, will work with DHS and FEMA to identify 25 public radio outlets in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas to participate in the pilot. The distribution network of the Public Radio Satellite System (PRSS) will be used to test the effectiveness of the message delivery system. The Gulf region was chosen because it is frequently subjected to extreme and sudden weather conditions. Once proven, the system could be rolled out nationwide on the public radio stations served by the PRSS, which reach 95% of the U.S. population. "As we work to promote disaster preparedness and awareness, it is important we remember to equip every member of our communities," says Congressman Steven Palazzo (R-MS). "This valuable partnership with Mississippi's local public radio stations promises to expand the reach of our disaster alert systems, and I can think of no better place to conduct this trial than the Gulf Coast." In the demonstration project, FEMA will transmit emergency alert messages to the PRSS using the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). The PRSS network operations center will re-transmit the warning via the Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) on the participating 25 public radio stations on a dedicated digital alerting channel. The stations will broadcast the emergency alert to receivers capable of displaying text messages. Deaf or hard-of-hearing project volunteers will be alerted to the message by a flashing indicator on their radios or a bed-shaker triggered by their radios, to ensure the message is received day and night. NPR Labs plans to identify 500 individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing in the listening areas of the 25 participating stations. The volunteers will be surveyed periodically to determine the efficacy of the warnings.

Sean Shannon Named Entercom Sacramento Market Manager

Sean Shannon is named VP and Market Manager for Entercom's Sacramento cluster, joining from Entercom Seattle, where he was Director Of Sales. Shannon will take over next week for John Geary, who retired after a 45-year career in radio. Shannon is a 24-year radio veteran and has been with Entercom since 2009. Prior to that he had eight year stints with both Clear Channel and Fisher Broadcasting. Says Entercom Regional President Deborah Kane, "I am very excited for Sacramento and for Entercom to be able to promote from within and reward the solid results Sean has produced in Seattle these last four years. Sean is a dynamic individual. His passion for the business, intelligence and authenticity are great fits for leading these incredible brands to the next level." Shannon says, "Our brands are unique, our ratings are formidable and we are a market leader in revenue. Entercom is in a strong position in Sacramento; my goal is to make us even stronger. I can’t wait to start working with this incredibly gifted team."

Univision Reports Fourth Quarter Revenue Increase

Univision Communications reports fourth quarter 2012 net revenue increased 8.9% to $671.7 million, with radio revenue increasing from $83.1 million to $89.1 million. Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) increased 4.9% to $289.3 million. Univision's Q4 loss decreased to $27.7 million, compared to $356 million in the year-ago period. For the full year, Univision's revenue increased 7.4 percent to $2.44 billion. Says President and CEO Randy Falco, "2012 marked a very important chapter in Univision’s strategic transformation from a single niche broadcast station more than 50 years ago to an influential multimedia company today. By expanding and evolving our offerings to meet the demands of our dynamic community, we are now reaching Hispanic audiences in more ways than ever before through 12 networks, including Univision, UniMás and Galavisión; 69 radio stations; 62 television stations; and a host of online and social media options, including recently-launched UVideos, the first bilingual digital network and available on more than 240 million devices. I am proud that Univision is the premier multiplatform media company serving one of the most influential audiences in the United States today, and I am committed to continuing to take bold steps to deliver a Univision branded experience everywhere our audience is and anywhere they want to connect and engage." Regarding the radio division, he adds that Univision "had the #1 ranked Spanish-language radio station during the quarter among Adults 18-34 in 7 of the top 10 Univision markets" in which Arbitron's PPM is used.

Afternoon Talker Ralph Bailey Exits Bakersfield's KNZR ..... UPDATE: Confirms Move to KERN-AM

Buckley Talk KNZR-AM/KSMJ-FM, Bakersfield, afternoon host Ralph Bailey has suddenly exited the station. "It was with a heavy heart that I tendered my resignation to Buckley Radio today," says Bailey on his Facebook page. "However, future opportunities and challenges make it virtually impossible not to seek out new adventures. I would like to thank Steve Darnell, Kathy Baker and posthumously Rick Buckley. To my colleagues, I hope I was a team player who made the station and the client top priority and someone who grasped the concept of pulling on one side of the rope. To my sponsors, I hope I played a small role in your success and thank you for your support! And to my listeners, (and you know I'm blubbering like a baby, by now) you gave me a voice in this community! I pray you will travel with me wherever I go!!! Thank you all!! It's been an incredible ride!!!!" New General Manager Mary Lou Gunn tells us, "He was a huge part of the success of the radio station. He will be hard to replace." Reports from the market suggest Bailey plans a move to American General Media's crosstown News Talk KERN-AM. UPDATE: We now have confirmation that Bailey is indeed crossing the street to KERN-AM, with the announcement that he returns there March 4, to take over afternoons from Scott Cox, who, in turn, returns to mornings on KERN-AM. Bailey made the announcement on Facebook, Friday afternoon. "It is official!!! I signed a contract today to join American General Media. I'll be Scott Cox's guest today at three and begin my own 3-6pm drive time show on Monday, March 4. I could not be happier! I have security in a business that is not that secure and for the first time in my life I'm making a little scratch! I'd like to thank Rogers Brandon and Toni Snyder. It is great to feel wanted and appreciated. Finally, I hope many of you will come with me on this new and exciting adventure. My dear, sainted, widowed mother and Rep. Kevin McCarthy will be my first guests on the NEW Ralph Bailey Show on KERN 1180!!! Ain't life grand!!!!!!"

Friday, Feb. 22, 2013

Nashville's 'River' Names John Mayer APD/Afternoon Host Clear Channel CHR-Top40 "107.5 The River" WRVW-FM, Nashville, announces that John Mayer is the new Assistant Program Director and afternoon host, effective immediately. Mayer will be on air weekdays 3-7pm. As APD he will assist in music scheduling and research, record relations, branding concepts, executive production and new talent training. Mayer transfers from sister CHR-Top40 "KC101" WKCI-FM, New Haven, Connecticut, where he's been an on-air host for more than seven years. "After a month long search with several great candidates, we’re excited to have John join the WRVW on-air/programming team. His audition alone made it seem as though he’s worked here for months," says WRVW-FM Program Director Brian Mack. "When I coupled his on-air ability with his programming skills it was very clear we were adding another all-star to this team and cluster." Says Mayer, "I could not be happier to join the Clear Channel Media and Entertainment team in Nashville at the legendary River. The station is amazing, the city is great and there are big things on the horizon that I can’t wait to be a part of." New Beginnings at Seattle's 'The End' Corey O'Brien Joins for APD/Mornings, Pepper Smith Returns for AMD/Middays Entercom Alternative "107.7 The End" KNDD-FM, Seattle, hires Corey O'Brien for Assistant PD and mornings, and Pepper Smith for Assistant MD and middays. Both start Monday (Feb. 25). Meanwhile, morning host Red exits after three years. Longtime APD/MD and midday host Harms exited last November after nearly 14 years. O'Brien joins from APD/MD and night host at Simmons Media Alternative "X96" KXRK-FM, Salt Lake City, where he spent nearly 15 years. For Pepper, this is a return to Seattle and "The End" after she most recently was at Hot AC "Mix 100.9" KMXW-FM, Reno, as APD/MD and afternoon host. She joined the Wilks cluster there with the original Alternative KRZQ-FM. Says KNDD-FM Program Director Mike Kaplan, "As the evolution of The End continues, I'm looking forward to both Corey and Pepper being part of our next steps. They both come with a great amount of skill sets that will help us further evolve The End." FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai Wants Commission Process Changes FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai says that the Commission needs "to be as nimble as the industry we oversee," adding, "We can’t let regulatory inertia stand in the way of technological progress or deter innovation." Pai made his comments on what Commission process changes he sees as needed at a Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) luncheon. According to a transcript provided by the FCC, among changes Pai said he would like to see is a process for handling applications for review similar to how the U.S. Supreme Court handles "certiorari requests" with automatic affirming of Bureau decisions if the full Commission doesn't act within 90 days. Others include: adding to the list of categories of small transactions that qualify for streamlined treatment; circulating a draft order addressing forbearance petitions at least four weeks before the one-year statutory deadline and requiring a vote of the full Commission to extend that deadline; and enacting the 180-day shot-clock for transactional review, a nine-month deadline for acting on petitions for reconsideration and applications for review, and a six-month deadline for acting on waiver requests. Pai says he'd also like to see a "dashboard" on the FCC website to track the Commission's performance. Pai also said that Congress should move to consolidate the Commission’s reporting obligations to Congress, block the Commission from adopting new rules based on Notices of Proposed Rulemaking more than three years old, allow more collaboration between Commissioners under the Sunshine Act, and modernize application fee statutes. "FCC responsiveness isn’t a Republican or Democratic issue," Pai said. "It's not a conservative, moderate, or liberal issue. Whether the matter before us involves a Fortune 500 company, a small start-up, a public interest group, or an individual consumer, the Commission should strive to respond promptly. Parties might not like the answer that we give them. But they deserve an answer. As one person said to me recently, “Tell me yes, tell me no, but just tell me." Survey Shows Disaster Victims Turn to Radio A new J.D. Power survey shows that disaster victims turn to radio for information on what is happening. The study specifically focuses on Hurricane-turned-Superstorm Sandy, and many see its results as another reenforcement for radio's call for activated FM chips in cellphones. A study, after the superstorm focused on Government and utilities, found that radio was among the top ways unility customers learned about power outages during the Superstorm. In the weeks following Sandy, three-in-ten people living in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut say they received most of their information regarding power outages from radio or television. J.D. Power reports, "Obtaining timely outage information is critical to utility customers. Customers received most of their information regarding the outage by calling their utility directly (37%); listening to radio or watching TV (29%); and going directly to their utility’s website (17%). Nearly three-fourths (71%) of customers who made contact with their utility during the outage used their mobile cellphone or smartphone. Satisfaction is highest among customers who say they received proactive outbound communications, in which their utility sent emails, text messages or outbound phone calls." The study is based on interviews of more than 5,900 U.S. residential customers in 31 utility territories impacted by Sandy. The online survey was conducted from January 4-11. During the October 2012 storm, approximately 8.5 million customers lost power, and 65,000 utility workers responded from 80 utilities from nearly every state and Canada, dispatching crews and equipment to impacted areas. During the hurricane, 43% of all customers surveyed experienced a power outage lasting 24 hours or longer. The average outage duration among all customers surveyed was 48 hours. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio "ESPN Dallas-Fort Worth 103.3" KESN-FM midday hosts Ben Rogers and Jeff "Skin" Wade exit the station,saying: "We have declined a final offer from ESPN on a new deal" ... Clear Channel's Classic Rock "101.3 The Fox" WGFX-FM, Grand Rapids, re-brands as "101.3 The Brew" with a revamp of music, hosts and presentation ... WGN-AM, Chicago, debuts the Sunday 12noon-2pm "Let's Be Frank," a lifestyle program hosted by TV personality Frank Fontana ... Rock "The Drive" KHDR-FM/KHRQ-FM, Barstow, California, taps Jeremy James as morning host, effective March 1. James previously was Program Director at KTRZ-FM, Riverton, Wyoming ... Country KAWO-FM, Boise, Idaho, Assistant PD/Music Director and midday host Dan Matthews exits ... Great Eastern Radio appoints Ken Cail to host afternoons 2-5pm on New Hampshire's "The Pulse" WTPL-FM and WTSL-AM-FM. A well-known New England radio personality, Cail had been co-hosting mornings with Peter St. James ... Fox Sports Radio launches on KGGS-AM, Garden City, Kansas, as the station flips to "Big Dog Sports 1340" airing the full FSR lineup ... "Sports Talk 790" KBME-AM, Houston, evening host Dylan Gwinn is moving to Yahoo! Sports Radio for noon-4pm CT Saturdays and Sundays, starting March 2 ... "97.1 The Fan" WBNS-FM, Columbus, Ohio, Promotions Dir. Todd Reigle is exiting the station after 12 years to join Goodwill Columbus as Director of Marketing ... Hot AC "100.5 Now FM" KZZO-FM, Sacramento, and morning host Baltazar "have parted ways." Morning show co-host Nina Hajian will continue solo until a replacement is named. An active search is now underway.

Thursday's News Reports (Feb. 21, 2013)

RAB Study: TV Advertising Less Effective Than Radio The RAB claims TV advertising is less effective than radio advertising, citing a study conducted by Nielsen Entertainment for the RAB. "Despite unprecedented hype around television ads that ran during this year's Big Game, many viewers said they didn't watch them -- and even when they did, consumer recall of brands advertising during the game was uniformly low," says the RAB. "Although the game brings out the advertising industry's best commercials, the results of the study show the limitations of television ads in selling products and highlight the fact that sight, sound and motion can distract from advertisers' basic messages -- in contrast to radio, where the audio message is more direct and personal and is not obscured by video or picture." For half the ads tested, recall of the actual types of products advertised was below 10 percent among Super Bowl viewers. Also, when asked to name the brand itself being advertised without help, "most viewers could not link the brand to the ad." The ads also had little impact on viewers' perceptions of those brands. According to the RAB's data, only 15 percent of game viewers said they later looked for the ads or related content online; only nine percent posted, tweeted, or shared links about the ads; and as few as seven percent claimed that they actually looked for more information online about the advertised products or brands. Says the RAB report, "Companies paid an average of $4 million for a 30-second spot during this year's Super Bowl, played Sunday, February 3, between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers. Radio works hard to register a marketer's message at a fraction of the cost." The survey consisted of online interviews conducted on February 6, 2013 with 750 respondents aged 18-54 who said they had watched the game and saw any of the 10 ads in question. Kris Abrams Named OM at Cumulus Albuquerque Cumulus Media selects Kris Abrams to be the new Operations Manager for the Albuquerque cluster's music stations, and direct Program Director for Country KRST-FM and Adult Variety Hits "103.3 Ed FM" KDRF-FM. As Operations Manager, Abrams will also oversee AC "99.5 Magic FM" KMGA-FM and CHR-Top40 "93.3 KOB-FM" KKOB-FM. Abrams was most recently Operations Manager at Clear Channel Jacksonville, Florida. This marks a return to the Albuquerque cluster for Abrams, who was there under Citadel from 2001-2007. Says Cumulus Albuquerque Market Manager Jim Christoferson, "As a third-generation broadcaster, Kris Abrams is a winner on every level. His previous enormously successful six-year run at these iconic brands in Albuquerque, combined with a proven track record of innovation and leadership, make him the perfect programming partner to lead our FM stations to new levels of revenue and share." Abrams tells us, "I could not be more excited about returning to the familiar faces of Cumulus Albuquerque. These are great brands with heritage personalities. I look forward to grabbing a Carne Adovada burrito and partnering with VP/Market Manager Jim Christoferson, both SVP/Programming Mike McVay and Jan Jeffries and the entire Cumulus team." Cumulus Hires First Two Hosts for '94.7 Nash FM' NYC New York City's first Country radio station in 17 years announces its first two live hosts. Cumulus Country "Nash 94.7" WNSH-FM, New York -- 'America's Country Station' -- says Kelly Ford and Jesse Addy have been hired and will start on-air next week. Ford will host 10am-3pm, followed by Addy from 3-7pm. Ford was most recently in mornings at Lincoln Financial Media's Country KYGO-FM, Denver, until a surprise exit late last summer. She'd been waking up Country listeners in Denver for more than 20 years, and has won Country Music Association major market personality of the year awards in 2002, 2004 and 2006. She also won the prestigious Marconi Award from the NAB in 2008. Addy comes to the Big Apple from Cumulus Detroit where he hosted afternoons on Hot AC WDVD-FM, and has also been Assistant PD and Music Director. Clear Channel Returns Classic Rock 'Thunder' to Tampa Clear Channel Tampa returns Classic Rock "Thunder" to the market using two FM translators. "Thunder 105.9" launches in Tampa and "Thunder 94.5" in St. Petersburg, on translators W290BJ and W233AV, covering both sides of the Bay. The stations debut commercial free playing Classic Rock from the Beatles, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Eagles, Pink Floyd, Boston, Van Halen and more. "Thunder" had previously aired in the market until a 2005 flip to Country. "We're excited to bring Thunder to Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg to offer our listeners Classic Rock programming all throughout the area," says Tampa VP of Programming Doug Hamand. "Thunder is another avenue for great Rock programming and we're excited to have it as a compliment to Active Rock station, 98Rock WXTB." The "Thunder" duo's lineup includes Jim Kerr 6-10am, Maria Milito 10am-3pm, Ken Dashow 3-7pm, The Big Rig 7pm-12midnight, and Doc Reno 12midnight-6am. The station is online at ThunderTampaBay.com. NBC Sports Radio Adds Portland's 'The Game' Dial Global and NBC Sports Radio have signed a multi-year partnership with Alpha Broadcasting's "750 The Game" KXTG-AM, Portland, Oregon. The full 24/7 NBC Sports Radio lineup will air on the station starting April 1. "750 The Game," says Dial Global, joins the more than 230 stations carrying programming from NBC Sports Radio. Alpha Broadcasting Director of Programming Scott Mahalick tells us, "We are very excited about this deal with Dial Global and NBC Sports Radio, which further emphasizes our sports commitment to the Portland Market." Dial Global EVP and General Manager of Sports Chris Corcoran adds, "Having 750 The Game on our team is a great asset. As we continue to build our station lineup, we look forward to growing our partnership with Alpha Broadcasting and bringing fresh sports talk to Portland." Abacast Unveils Cloud-Based Ad Insertion for Radio Streaming Abacast announces that its patent pending cloud-based ad insertion system has been released and is in production enabling advertisers and broadcasters to serve individualized targeted ads to streaming listeners regardless of what player or device is being used. With cloud-based ad insertion, each listener can receive individualized in-stream audio ads. Examples of targeting options include all smartphone listeners, all listeners in the top 20 DMAs that are on iPhones, all male listeners in the 25-34 age range in a group of zip codes and all listeners listening on the TuneIn player. Abacast says inventory CPM rates for targeted ads are reported to be typically 50% to 200% higher than non-targeted ads, and because advertisers are only reaching the audiences they target, advertisers find targeted inventory very appealing. Even with a number of new mobile and other connected devices, broadcasters can serve targeted audio or video ads to these audiences as soon as the device hits the market. "Abacast's cloud-based ad insertion is the first in the digital media and radio industries to be able to target new devices such as iPhones with cost-effective HTTP delivery, and at the same time address legacy players with this same advanced targeting, all without the need for additional client software," says Abacast CEO Rob Green. "Targeted cloud-based ad insertion technologies will be an imperative driver for broadcaster profitability in online radio as we continue to see consumers using many devices to consume content when and where they choose." AWM Announces 2013 National Board of Directors The Alliance for Women in Media (AWM) announces its 2013 National Board of Directors. Kay Olin, President, Local Focus Radio, will serve as the National Chair. The 2013 Board will convene on January 25 at the National Press Club in Washington DC, for its first Board meeting and then will participate in judging the 2013 Gracie Awards on January 26 and 27. Serving as Chair Elect of AWM is Kristen Welch, SVP of Global Content and Long Range Strategic Planning, Discovery Communications. The Treasurer is Sarah Foss, EVP, Sales & Client Services, Encompass Digital Media; the Treasurer]Elect is Carol Grothem from Minneapolis, MN and Past Chair is Valerie Blackburn, Market Controller for CBS Radio/General Manager for KFWB Asset Trust in Los Angeles. "The Alliance for Women in Media has an ambitious agenda ahead of us. From our Symposium Series to the Gracie Awards, which will be hosted on both coasts for the first time, AWM is actively engaging, recognizing and promoting women in media," says Olin. "I am excited to work with such a talented and committed group of media professionals to accomplish our goals this year." iHeartRadio to Showcase SXSW Austin Clear Channel's iHeartRadio will host an SXSW Showcase featuring live performances by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, Tegan and Sara, Atlas Genius and Josh Baze at The Main, in Austin, on March 12, at 9pm. iHeartRadio listeners will also be treated to an exclusive Austin 2013 digital station that highlights the music of emerging artists and bands attending SXSW 2013. Clear Channel Alternative KYSR-FM, Los Angeles. will broadcast live from their Broadcast Lounge at the Empire during SXSW. Clear Channel will also host an official SXSW panel, "Navigating the Waters of Radio to Your Benefit," which will discuss the social relevance of radio and its importance to music discovery. The panel will be held March 16, and will be moderated by Clear Channel Media and Entertainment President of National Programming Platforms Tom Poleman, and will feature songwriter/producer RedOne; David Field, President/CEO of Entercom Communications; Daniel Glass, President/CEO of Glassnote Entertainment Group; and Peter Gray, SVP of Promotions at Warner Music Group. Cumulus Partners with Touchdown Radio Productions Cumulus Media Networks partners with Touchdown Radio Productions to distribute its weekly NCAA college football games to stations across the country. Touchdown Radio produces a weekly NCAA college football game featuring top teams and conferences hosted by founder and Heisman Trophy winner Gino Torretta, a 2010 inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame and former University of Miami quarterback. "Cumulus Media Networks is excited to be partnering with Gino Torretta and the Touchdown Radio team to bring the best of college football to audiences around the country," says CMN SVP of Affiliate Sales and Broadcast Operations Dennis Green. "We look forward to working with Gino and the entire Touchdown team on building and selling the excitement of the big games and rivalries that make NCAA Football great." Touchdown Radio CEO Gino Torretta adds, "We're very excited about our partnership with Cumulus Media Networks and their exceptional roster of station affiliates. This relationship will allow us to expose on a greater scale our high-octane, unique broadcast approach, not to mention our on-site activation for sponsor clients at the games. We're looking forward to continuing to create unique and interesting content for all of our affiliates during the college football season." New RF Boot Camp Added to 2013 NAB Show RF Boot Camp – Understanding Radio & Television Transmission will be part of NAB Show’s Broadcast Engineering Conference NAB Show will hold a new Radio Frequency (RF) Boot Camp on April 10 as part of the Broadcast Engineering Conference in Las Vegas. The day-long training program presented by NAB Labs will help attendees expand their knowledge and understanding of radio and television RF transmission. "RF transmission is a critical component in the delivery of audio and video content to viewers and listeners and a major factor in a station’s success from a technical, programming and business perspective," notes an NAB news release. "This boot camp will dispel the 'magic' often associated with broadcast transmission and will focus on the essentials that all broadcast managers should understand." Says NAB EVP and Chief Technology Officer Kevin Gage, “Indeed, the broadcast industry has a good source of engineers and technicians who are experts in studio operations and IT; however, their expertise often does not extend to RF transmission operations. The RF Boot Camp provides an opportunity for station staff in various roles, from engineering, IT and management to gain practical knowledge not available elsewhere." Radio technology experts John Bisset of Elenos and Mary Ann Seidler of Tieline Technology and television technology consultants Gary Cavell and Cindy Cavell of Cavell, Mertz & Associates will discuss the operations of broadcast radio and television RF plants. The instructors are adept at explaining complex technical subjects in non-technical terms. They will address the distribution of program and data content from the studio to the RF transmission points, cover the types of hardware and software typically used at the RF plant and explain remote monitoring and telemetry scenarios. An interactive discussion on towers, transmission lines and antennas will be tailored to those who are unfamiliar with maintenance requirements and safety concerns. The RF Boot Camp will also address specific FCC and OSHA rules related to RF transmission and common compliance methods. To attend the RF Boot Camp, register for the NAB Show SMART Pass, Conference Flex Pass or Day Pass. Behind the Microphone: The Ins and Outs of Radio Rhythmic CHR "Hot 97.5" KVEG-FM, Las Vegas, morning host Davey D is out. Station veteran Jeff G returns to co-host the morning show on a temporary basis ... CHR-Top40 KTFM-FM, San Antonio, promotes Music Director and afternoon host Nick Russo to Assistant PD as well as Music Director ... Dawn Marie joins "Real Country 96.9" WSIG-FM, Harrisonburg, Virginia, as morning co-host with Operations Manager Jonathan "JR" Ruppel, who moves to mornings from afternoons, after Amadeus exits mornings and the station ... Emmis launches a partial simulcast of "1070 The Fan" WFNI-AM, Indianapolis, on newly-acquired FM translator W298BB. The FM, fed by Talk WIBC-FM's HD2 channel, splits from the AM to carry ESPN Radio programs in midays while the AM remains local, and when conflicts arise with play-by-play coverage, with different games on AM and FM ... The Oakland A's are in at "CBS Sports Radio 1140" KHTK-AM, Sacramento, as the station joins the A's radio network ... News Talk WPRO-AM, Providence, afternoon co-host Ron St. Pierre exits ... CHR-Top40 WGIC-FM, Cookeville, Tennessee, rebrands from "Magic 98.5" to "98.5 Kiss FM" with no changes in programming or staff. The "Magic" identity had been held over after a previous flip from AC to CHR. David "Freaky Dave" Downs continues as Program Director and host of the "Freak Show in the Mornings" ... CHR-Top40 KDWB-FM, Minneapolis, names Big D night host, moving up from late night following the exit of Wazz ... Afternoon host Michael Mason exits Alternative "102.1 The X" WRXL-FM, Richmond ... Former CHR-Top40 "Star 105" WWWM-FM, Toledo, morning host "Andrew Z" Zepeda makes a wakeup return via "Toledo's App Station." Zepeda, along with Michelle Zepeda, Calen Savage, Brandon Doriot and Corey W. King will be heard starting February 25.

Chad Fitzsimmons Elevated to CBS Radio Director/Music Initiatives

CBS Radio promotes Chad Fitzsimmons to the newly created position of Director of Music Initiatives, effective immediately. "Working with the company’s nearly 85 major market music radio stations, its array of digital assets, and CBS owned television stations across the country, Fitzsimmons will develop and launch a variety of unique partnership opportunities for record labels to promote today's most popular artists and up-and-coming musicians to millions of music fans across the country. In addition, he will create exclusive one-of-a-kind experiences that allow listeners to engage directly with their favorite artists." Fitzsimmons will report to CBS Radio SVP of Programming Greg Strassell, while also working closely with the entire senior programming leadership team, and Helen Leisengang, VP of Integrated Marketing and Special Events. He will be based in Los Angeles. "We're delighted to name Chad to this exciting new position which will maximize exposure for artists on our stations, and elevate our ability to execute larger than life programs across the full spectrum of our portfolio," says Strassell. "Chad has worked on some of the most highly regarded music events, including CBS Radio's pre-Grammy concert held at the famed Grammy Museum, and was instrumental in creating the Red Bull Sound Space at KROQ and AMP Radio in Los Angeles. He knows what it takes to drive the best results for an artist using the powerful platform of radio." "Strengthening radio and records symbiotic relationship has countless benefits - the most important being what these new initiatives will provide for the fans," says CBS Radio President/CEO Dan Mason. "We've had very creative meetings with labels and artist management as of late, and we look forward to continuing the two way dialogue, bringing to bear the full resources of CBS Radio." Fitzsimmons began his career in radio in 1999 as a promotion assistant at WKQX-FM in his hometown of Chicago. He went on to work in Charlotte, NC, at WNKS-FM, WEND-FM and WKQC-FM. In 2005, he moved to Los Angeles and took on the role of Marketing Director for KCBS-FM, a Classic Hits station at the time. Later that year the station launched Adults Hits "93.1 Jack FM." When CBS Radio debuted "97.1 Amp Radio" in Los Angeles, Fitzsimmons was named as Marketing Director for that station as well. Most recently he was Director of Integrated Marketing for Amp, 93.1 Jack FM and KROQ-FM, a position he has held until being named Director of Music Initiatives. Bob Schieffer to Receive NAB Distinguished Service Award The NAB announces that CBS television journalist Bob Schieffer will receive the NAB Distinguished Service Award (DSA) during the 2013 NAB Show. Schieffer will accept the award at the opening keynote session, sponsored by Blackmagic Design, on April 8 in Las Vegas. "For more than 50 years, Bob Schieffer has been an eyewitness to history's biggest stories and respected as a preeminent journalist of his generation," says NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "In recognition of his dedication and profound impact on journalism, we are proud to present him with the Distinguished Service Award.” Each year the NAB DSA recognizes members of the broadcast community who have made significant and lasting contributions to broadcasting. Previous award recipients include Michael J. Fox, Mary Tyler Moore, President Ronald Reagan, Edward R. Murrow, Bob Hope, Walter Cronkite, Oprah Winfrey and Charles Osgood, among others. 2013 marks Schieffer’s 56th year as a reporter and his 44th year at CBS News. He is one of the few broadcast or print journalists to have covered all four major beats in the nation's capital – the White House, the Pentagon, the State Department and Capitol Hill. Schieffer has also moderated three presidential debates. Schieffer has served as the moderator of “Face the Nation,” CBS News’ Sunday public affairs broadcast, since 1991.