Pandemic Pounds Entercom In Second Quarter

ENTERCOM COMMUNICATIONS CORP. second quarter 2020 net revenues took a solid hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, falling 54% year-to-year to $175.9 million, with spot revenue off 65% while digital revenue rose 19%. The bad news was tempered somewhat by improvement since the APRIL nadir, continuing through the SUMMER and into third quarter billing.

The company cut station expenses by 32% (including furloughs and job cuts) to $188.9 million and reduced corporate expenses by 45% to $8.4 million. Net income went from a gain of $26 million to a loss of $54 million (19 to -40 cents/basic and diluted share). Operating income fell from a gain of $64.8 million to a loss of $45.3 million, which included a non-cash impairment charge of $4.2 million. Adjusted EBITDA dropped from a positive $87.6 million to negative $20 million. more »

Trump Follows Through With Executive Order Banning TikTok In 45 Days, Unless Sold -- TikTok Fires Back A Response

Pres. DONALD TRUMP puts some teeth behind his saber rattling last week about banning TIK TOK from any U.S. transactions in 45 days unless current owner BYTEDANCE sells it to MICROSOFT or some other approved AMERICAN entity by Executive Order, as ALL ACCESS first told you (NET NEWS 8/3) and (NET NEWS 8/5).

TRUMP had publicly asked for a chunk of the deal to go to the U.S. TREASURY but according to CNN, that was not part of his EO. And there is speculation as to whether this EO is legal as its written as this is an unprecedented action by the US.

The order alleges that TIKTOK "automatically captures vast swaths of information from its users, including Internet and other network activity information such as location data and browsing and search histories. This data collection threatens to allow the Chinese Communist Party access to AMERICANS' personal and proprietary information -- potentially allowing CHINA to track the locations of Federal employees and contractors, build dossiers of personal information for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage." more »

NAB Pres./CEO Gordon Smith: It Wasn't A Stroke After All

NAB Pres./CEO GORDON SMITH issued a message from the hospital THURSDAY evening (8/6) to report that his illness was not, as initially disclosed by the NAB (NET NEWS 8/6), a stroke, but was a blood clot that was treated before it caused a stroke.

SMITH's message read:

To my friends,

I am so grateful for the outpouring of support from all of you. Your prayers and kind words have meant the world to me and my family. I am delighted to tell you that after a very extensive MRI last night it was discovered that I did have a blood clot, but thanks to the quick medical intervention I received, an actual stroke was averted. As a result, my prognosis is extremely positive and there is no permanent damage. I am so grateful to SHARON for immediately jumping into action and getting me the medical attention needed in order to have this outcome, for SUE KEENOM and KAREN WRIGHT for all of their help getting information to my medical team, and to the doctors and nurses who took such great care of me.

I am indeed a man blessed for all the prayers that were said on my behalf and for the love that I have felt. Even though I am not often on social media I have been forwarded the many Tweets and postings that have sent well wishes my way and to say I am humbled is an understatement. I look forward to seeing you all soon – if only on Zoom.

Gratefully,

GORDON

Nielsen Music/MRC Data Releases The Sixth Report On The Impact Of COVID-19 On The Entertainment Industry

The NIELSEN MUSIC/MRC DATA report compiled from data collected JULY 9th to 13th, provides key insights on entertainment shifts over time, changes in subscription habits, trends in music consumption, consumers expectations of the industry, and what it all means for live music.

Among the highlights, interest in adding new subscriptions continues to grow with an increased intent to pay post-pandemic. Forty-two percent of respondents added a new subscription streaming service, with 88% likely to continue paying for the added service after COVID. Meanwhile, interest in music streaming services has grown substantially (up 11% from Release 5) more »

WAMU/Washington GM JJ Yore Exits Amidst Turmoil At Station

The turmoil at AMERICAN UNIVERSITY News-Talk WAMU/WASHINGTON has led to the departure of GM JJ YORE. The station announced that YORE, who was criticized by station staffers for his handling of sexual harassment allegations against former reporter MARTIN DI CARO and other management issues, is stepping down immediately. YORE, one of the creators of MARKETPLACE, became GM at WAMU in 2014. VP/People and External Affairs/Chief of Staff SETH GROSSMAN said, “AU thanks JJ for his years of service to WAMU, and we wish him well as he pursues his next endeavor."

An interim GM will be named "during the next four to six weeks," the school announced, and a new HR employee relations consultant with "proven experience in improving organizational culture and creating inclusive workplaces" will be installed. Interim Chief Content Officer MONNA KASHFI will be the permanent Chief Content Officer overseeing WAMU and DCist. The station's leadership will take diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism training, and a task force chaired by KASHFI will review the station's culture and make recommendations, followed by a search for a permanent GM. A new Assistant VP for Equity and Title IX will start by the beginning of SEPTEMBER and will conduct listening sessions with staff.

GROSSMAN added, “Today, we are announcing a series of critical steps designed to address issues in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, human resources, and management, as well as how matters of misconduct are handled at WAMU. These actions are a combination of immediate and longer-term steps to accelerate WAMU’s work to enhance culture and workplace. The changes will provide important support to the WAMU staff, who we thank for continuing to focus on producing award-winning journalism that the WASHINGTON, D.C., region relies on amid this period of change.

“We believe these actions will offer support for the entire WAMU team and provide a foundation for the station’s next chapter."

The Clock Is Ticking Toward November 3rd -- Join Alan Burns & Assocs. + All Access -- Head To YouGotta.Vote To Learn How To Register Your Audience To Vote

To vote on NOVEMBER 3rd, you must Register To Vote ... Join us, now! ALAN BURNS & ASSOCIATES are joining with ALLACCESS.COM for an industry-supported YOUGOTTA.VOTE (YouGotta-dot-Vote) initiative to help register AMERICA to participate in the NOVEMBER 3rd. Here is why this effort is so important:

We can't do it without your help! You and your station(s) can play an important role in one of the most AMERICAN, and essential, things we can do... vote. It’s not only a right, but an obligation of citizenship. 

In just 88 days from now AMERICA will elect, or re-elect a President, one-third of our senators, and all of our Congressional representatives. The Presidential race is critical: four years ago the popular vote and the Electoral vote didn’t match, and that outcome helped further divide the country. A strong voter turnout with a more decisive result -- for either candidate -- on NOVEMBER 3rd would be a step toward more confidence in our government.  more »

Salem Media Group Second Quarter Revenues Skid While Net Loss Narrows

SALEM MEDIA GROUP second quarter 2020 revenues fell 18.3% to $52.9 million, with the broadcasting segment seeing a 19.6% decrease to $39.5 million (same station off 17.4%), digital media off 5.2% to $9.4 million, and publishing falling 29.3% to $4 million.

Net loss narrowed from $3.6 million to $2.5 million (14 to 9 cents/share), while EBITDA plummeted 72.1% to $2.7 million and Adjusted EBITDA fell 72.4% to $2.8 million.

Scripps Second Quarter Revenues Up, Income Down

The E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY's second quarter revenues rose 12% year-to-year to $359 million, boosted by $55.7 million from the addition of 8 TV stations spun off from the NEXSTAR acquisition of TRIBUNE MEDIA and 15 stations from CORDILLERA COMMUNICATIONS during 2019, although the company has moved podcast operation STITCHER, which it recently announced is being sold to SIRIUSXM for $325 million, to the "discontinued operations" category.

The company is also selling CW affiliate WPIX-TV/NEW YORK, acquired in the TRIBUNE deal, to NEXSTAR-affiliated MISSION BROADCASTING INC. for $75 million plus $5 million in accrued interest. more »

South Carolina FM Sold

MICHAELSEN COMMUNICATIONS LLC  is selling Oldies-Beach Music WKSX-F/JOHNSTON, SC to THE POWER FOUNDATION for $180,000.

In other filings with the FCC, RONALD M. CAMERON is selling hs 72% of KZLZ, LLC, licensee of Regional Mexican KZLZ (LA PODEROSA)/CASAS ADOBES-TUCSON, AZ, 90s KWCX-F/TANQUE VERDE-TUCSON, AZ, K251CG/WILLCOX, AZ, and K277CV/TUCSON, to partner TODD P.ROBINSON, who will end up with 77% of the company, for $1. TED L. SNIDER owns 18% and VIC MICHAEL owns a non-attributable 3%.

EDGEWATER BROADCASTING, INC. is donating K242CI/CASPER, WY to RADIO BY GRACE, INC. The primary station is EMF Contemporary Christian KLWC (K-LOVE)/CASPER. more »

Jonathan Shaffer Upped To APD At WGFX (104.5 The Zone)/Nashville

CUMULUS MEDIA Sports WGFX (104.5 THE ZONE)/NASHVILLE morning show Producer JONATHAN SHAFFER has been promoted to APD. SHAFFER, who joined the station in 2019 from crosstown RYMAN HOSPITALITY PARTNERS Country/Americana WSM-A, where he served as PD/OM, will continue producing the morning show.

PD PAUL MASON said, “JONATHAN has demonstrated that he is ready for this challenge. He's earned this opportunity and I look forward to working with him as we move forward toward reaching our goals at 104.5 THE ZONE."

SHAFFER said, "I am proud and honored to be part of such a talented, committed team at 104.5 THE ZONE. I am very excited about this opportunity and am looking forward to contributing to THE ZONE's continued success."

KNKX/Seattle Drops 'Weather With Cliff Mass' Over Personal Blog Post

The weekly "WEATHER WITH CLIFF MASS" segment is off the air at FRIENDS OF 88.5 FM Jazz-Blues-News-Talk KNKX/TACOMA-SEATTLE after a post on his personal blog compared BLACK LIVES MATTER protestors to Nazi Brownshirts. The segment had been airing on FRIDAYS at 9a (PT); MASS, a UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON professor, joined KNKX (then KPLU) in 2011 after his non-weather commentary got him dropped by crosstown UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON News-Talk KUOW/SEATTLE.

A statement posted by station management said, "If a commentator, even on his own independent platform, delivers rhetoric that is offensive and inaccurate, we cannot support it. This is the case today with CLIFF MASS. His post on his personal blog compares recent events in SEATTLE to Kristallnacht, the 1938 pogrom carried out by Nazi GERMANY, and draws distorted, offensive parallels between protesters and Nazi Brownshirts. We abhor the comparison and find it sensationalized and misleading -- it does not reflect who we are and what we stand for at KNKX."

SummitFest 2020 Industry Awards Announced

On THURSDAY, AUGUST 6th, the 2020 JACK BARTON ENTERTAINMENT SUMMITFEST industry award winners were announced during the virtual second evening.

The winners are:

Radio:
* MD of the Year: Non-Comm - MARGOT CHOBANIAN (KJAC/DENVER-FT. COLLINS)
* MD of the Year: Markets 75+ - DIANE MICHAELS (KPND/SPOKANE)
* MD of the Year: Markets 1-75 - JOHN FARNEDA (WXRT/CHICAGO)
* PD of the Year: Non-Comm - RITA HOUSTON (WFUV/NEW YORK)
* PD of the Year: Markets 75+ - MARK “FISH” FISHMAN (KMTN/JACKSON HOLE, WY)
* PD of the Year: Markets 1-75 - DAN BUCKLEY (WRLT/NASHVILLE)
* Station of the Year: Non-Comm – KCMP (MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL)
* Station of the Year: Markets 75+ - KBAC (SANTA FE)
* Station of the Year: Markets 1-75 - WRLT (NASHVILLE) more »

NAB Leadership Foundation Opens Applications For 2021 Broadcast Leadership Training Program

The NAB LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION (NABLF) is accepting applications through WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19th for its 2021 Broadcast Leadership Training program.

The program, entering its 21st year and shifting into a hybrid online and in-person schedule, is geared towards executive training for senior-level broadcasters looking to advance into ownership or executive positions. The NABLF is encouraging women and people of color to apply.

“As we transition to a hybrid online and in-person model, we look forward to expanding the reach of the Broadcast Leadership Training program,” said program founder and SHOOTINGSTAR BROADCASTING Pres./CEO DIANE SUTTER. “Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we cultivate the next class of diverse industry leaders and equip them with the knowledge and training to advance their careers.”

Find out more at nabfoundation.org.

Strategic Solutions Research Presents Nielsen Audio Spring '20 Books Released Today

The final batch of NIELSEN AUDIO SPRING '20 Books are out TODAY for BISMARCK, ND; HARRISONBURG, VA; JACKSON, TN; RAPID CITY, SD; SAN ANGELO, TX; SIOUX CITY, IA; SIOUX FALLS, SD; and WICHITA FALLS, TX. Find the 12+ ratings for the subscribing stations in the ALLACCESS.COM NIELSEN AUDIO section after 2p (PT).

JULY '20 Ratings will be released beginning AUGUST 11th. AUGUST '20 PPMs arrive beginning AUGUST 31st.

SiriusXM Doctor Radio To Air Special On School Reopening In Pandemic

SIRIUSXM and NYU LANGONE HEALTH's DOCTOR RADIO will air a two-hour live special on the issue of reopening schools in the pandemic.

"Back to School in the Time of Coronavirus" will be hosted by Dr. JESS SHATKIN, host of the channel's "ABOUT OUR KIDS," and Dr. BENARD DREYER, host of the hannel's "ON CALL FOR KIDS," and will air MONDAY (8/10) noon-2p (ET).

Guests will include NYU LANGONE HEALTH's Drs ALETA ANGELOSANTE, Ph.D. and DANIELA MONTALTO, Ph.D.; the NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH's Dr. JIM GRIFFIN, Ph.D.; ATLANTA BRAVES team physician and EMORY SPORTS MEDICINE CENTER professor Dr. NEERU JAYANTHI; and NYU Professor Dr. JENNIFER LIGHTER.

iHeartRadio/San Antonio Launches Friday Night Virtual Dance Party

iHEARTRADIO/SAN ANTONIO is teaming up with SAN ANTONIO METRO HEALTH to launch the FRIDAY Night Virtual Dance Party. FRIDAY nights at 7p (CT), the families throughout the community can tune into Top 40 KXXM (96.1 NOW), Country KAJA (KJ97), AC KQXT (Q101.9) or Latin KZEP (104.5 LATINO HITS) for a 30-minute virtual dance party.

Participants are encouraged to share photos and videos of themselves dancing with members of their own households on social media by tagging @SAMetroHealth @961nowsa, @kj97sanantonio, @1045Latino_Hits or @Q1019 using the hashtags #DancePartySA, #StopTheSpreadSA and #SanAntonio. The press release reminds people to maintain at least six feet of distance from each other at all times, including while singing and dancing. more »

KRXP/Colorado Springs Reveals The Next Great Colorado Band Winners

BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS Alternative KRXP (RXP@1039)/COLORADO SPRINGS, CO has announced LETTERS FROM THE SUN and MODERN SUSPECTS were the winners of its local band contest, THE NEXT GREAT COLORADO BAND. Both artists will receive airplay on KRXP throughout AUGUST.

KRXP PD SHAWN ROCK said, "It was a three week contest with artists from all over COLORADO submitting their songs for consideration. All genres were accepted and we were blown away by how many talented artists we have here in COLORADO. Voting was all this week on our website and bands/artists campaigned on their socials. The top two with the most votes will get rotation on RXP through the rest of the month. Due to the popularity of the competition RXP will host another round in SEPTEMBER!" 

Big Loud Records Marks Five Year Milestone

ALL ACCESS sends congratulations to BIG LOUD RECORDS, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this month. The label was launched in 2015 as an extension of BIG LOUD’s publishing and management divisions, which began with GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter CRAIG WISEMAN’s BIG LOUD SHIRT PUBLISHING in 2003.

The label has scored seven #1 hits with MORGAN WALLEN (“Chasin’ You,” “Whiskey Glasses,” and “Up Down” ft. FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE), JAKE OWEN (“Homemade,” “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)”), and CHRIS LANE (“I Don’t Know About You,” “Fix”). It's artist roster also currently includes HARDY, MASON RAMSEY, and newcomers MACKENZIE PORTER, ERNEST, BEN BURGESS, ASHLAND CRAFT, LARRY FLEET and SEAN STEMALY. Watch the artists share their favorite label memories here.

“It’s been a wild five years and we’re just getting started,” said BIG LOUD Partner/CEO SETH ENGLAND. “CRAIG, JOEY [MOI] and I feel honored each day to get to work with such an incredible BIG LOUD family – from our artists to our team – and can’t wait to keep it going. Here’s to many more years of BIG LOUD music.”

Ryman Auditorium To Launch First Ever Livestream Series

NASHVILLE's RYMAN AUDITORIUM will host its first-ever livestream concert series, "Live At The RYMAN," bringing fans exclusive livestream performances directly from the historic music venue. The six-week series will launch FRIDAY, AUGUST 14th with Christian music duo FOR KING & COUNTRY and continue in the following weeks with Country artists CAM, CHRIS JANSON, SCOTTY MCCREERY, BRETT YOUNG and OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW. 

While the series will launch as a livestream event, the RYMAN is working with VANDERBILT HEALTH and the NASHVILLE PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT in hopes of allowing a small audience in the later weeks while keeping everyone safe. “Live At The RYMAN” will use the new MANDOLIN livestreaming platform for the series. more »

ACM Launches Third Web Series Ahead Of 55th ACM Awards

The ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC is launching a new, multi-part series, "Next Stop: ACM Awards," on its digital platform, ACM: The Hub (NET NEWS 7/22). The series will feature behind-the-scenes footage of this year’s ACM New Female and New Male Artist nominees, including INGRID ANDRESS, GABBY BARRETT, JORDAN DAVIS, RUSSELL DICKERSON, LINDSAY ELL, RILEY GREEN, CAYLEE HAMMACK, CODY JOHNSON, TENILLE TOWNES and MORGAN WALLEN. The series began last night (8/6), and new episodes will air TUESDAYS and THURSDAYS at 6p (CT) through SEPTEMBER 3rd.

"Next Stop: ACM Awards" is the third digital series ACM has launched leading up to the "55th ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC Awards," following “ACM Wine Down Wednesday” and “The ACM Weekly." All are available to watch now on ACM: The Hub.

WWJ/Detroit Launches 'Breaking Down The Barriers' Segments

ENTERCOM News WWJ-A/DETROIT is launching a series of segments on the diverse voices in DETROIT and its suburbs. "BREAKING DOWN THE BARRIERS" will consist of two segments, “Voices of the Community,” hosted by WWJ Traffic Ops. Mgr. LLOYD JACKSON, and “Black Business Minute,” hosted by City Beat Reporter VICKIE THOMAS, both beginning AUGUST 10th.

“The diverse citizens of DETROIT are an integral part of the fabric of this great city and we’re proud to use our platform to champion their stories,” said SVP/Market Mgr. DEBBIE KENYON. “There are countless cases of business owners and leaders helping residents get through this crisis, and we look forward to employing this series as another way to shine the spotlight on them.”

JACKSON said, “I look forward to shining a favorable spotlight on the city of DETROIT to communicate the current and future positive actions occurring within the community.”

THOMAS said, “I’m really excited about promoting these black-owned businesses across the metro DETROIT area and connecting them with needed resources.”

ABC News Radio Sets Coverage Of Democratic, Republican Conventions

ABC NEWS RADIO will offer three hours of coverage of the upcoming DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION 8-11p (ET) AUGUST 17th-20th. The network will also cover the REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION, with details pending the release of the RNC's schedule of events.

Correspondents AARON KATERSKY and KAREN TRAVERS will anchor coverage, and Radio Correspondents ALEX STONE, RYAN BURROW, and JIM RYAN will report, with Political Analyst STEVE ROBERTS and the political teams from ABC NEWS and FIVETHIRTYEIGHT on hand. The network will also offer multiple one-minute Status Reports each night. The "START HERE" podcast with BRAD MIELKE and the "POWERHOUSE POLITICS" podcast with JONATHAN KARL and RICK KLEIN will also offer coverage.

HBO Documentary On Craig Carton To Air October 7th

HBO has confirmed that it is producing a documentary about the rise and fall of former ENTERCOM Sports WFAN-A-F/NEW YORK morning co-host CRAIG CARTON. "WILD CARD: THE DOWNFALL OF A RADIO LOUDMOUTH" will debut on OCTOBER 7th at 9p (ET) on HBO. The film is being directed and produced by MARTIN DUNN and MARIE MCGOVERN of STREETSMART VIDEO and will use interviews, including with CARTON himself, to track CARTON's path through gambling addiction and the ticket-resale scam that led to his arrest and conviction.

“CRAIG CARTON’s radio persona gained him a public following, while his private struggles lost him everything one casino run at a time,” said HBO SPORTS EVP PETER NELSON. “Many knew CARTON, but never knew his secrets, as we learn from CARTON himself in this documentary about success, self-destruction, lies and blackjack.” more »

MRN And vCreative Join Research Platform ARC

REATRO VENTURES and its software division, MEDIA10, are now connected to MOTOR RACING NETWORK (MRN) and vCREATIVE as they both signed on to use its ARC software. 

ARC, created by network radio’s JAY BAILEY is a radio research platform providing station and personnel information, revenue analysis, a full CRM and integrated NIELSEN data.

“ARC has transformed our day to day business operations with an easy to navigate dashboard that is updated in real-time,” said MOTOR RACING NETWORK Pres. CHRIS SCHWARTZ, “And by streamlining our affiliate development process our partnerships team is able to get more done.” more »

Podtrac Releases Ranker Of Top 20 Podcast Publishers For July

PODTRAC has released its JULY 2020 ranking of the top podcast publishers, with iHEARTRADIO back in the top slot after NPR's brief return to the apex last month.

8 of the top 20 showed audience increases from JUNE, and 13 showed growth in global download numbers. Average Unique Monthly Audience figures for the top 10 was flat from JUNE and were up 22% year-to-year; Global Unique Streams & Downloads increased 4% for the top 10 from JUNE and have grown 72% year-to-year.

The publisher rankings, which, once again, only include shows opting in for PODTRAC's Podcast Measurement System for the full month (and missing some of the largest shows and publishers) and ranked by unique U.S. monthly audience: more »

Robert Earl Keen Brings 'Americana Podcast' To American Songwriter Podcast Network

ROBERT EARL KEEN's podcast "AMERICANA PODCAST: THE 51ST STATE" is joining the AMERICAN SONGWRITER PODCAST NETWORK for new episodes starting TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st, with the Americana singer/songwriter interviewing LORI MCKENNA. KEEN launched the series in APRIL 2019, and all 19 previous episodes will be available through the new network affiliation this month.

KEEN said, “When AMERICAN SONGWRITER knocked and asked if we’d like to join forces, we did not blink. We jumped at the opportunity. There is no better fit. Being asked to partner with the AMERICAN SONGWRITER PODCAST NETWORK is like the first time you hear an incredible song -- you don’t believe that just happened.”

AMERICAN SONGWRITER's DAN WISE said, "It is such an honor to have ROBERT EARL KEEN join the AMERICAN SONGWRITER PODCAST NETWORK to share his expertise on Americana music. This is the perfect fit for the podcast network and the AMERICAN SONGWRITER family."

Megatrax Now Offers The Custom Imaging Services Of WIZZFX

MEGATRAX PRODUCTION MUSIC now offers the custom imaging services of WIZZFX of LONDON, ENGLAND to radio stations and groups across the USA, CANADA, and LATIN AMERICA.

As an independent production music library and custom music house MEGATRAX is known for its commercial-quality recordings and composers, artist and arrangers. Founded by composers RON MENDELSOHN and JC DWYER in 1991.

WIZZFX Founder and Creative Director CHRIS NICOLL says, "With time and cost pressures mounting, WIZZFX is ready to support and empower Imaging and Production Directors, supercharging them with access to our dedicated team of WIZZFX Imaging Producers." more »

Tom Kent Radio Network Adds More Affiliates

The TOM KENT RADIO NETWORK has added new affiliates for three of its syndicated daypart shows.

"SWEET SOUL WEEKEND WITH JEFF FOXX" has been cleared for SATURDAYS 5-10a (CT) at RICHARDSON BROADCASTING Urban Oldies WJLD-A-W231DE-WIXI-A-W277DM/BIRMINGHAM, AL.

"TOTALLY 90S NOW" has been added for SATURDAYS 7p-midnight (ET) at EDWARDS COMMUNICATIONS Hot AC WHSB (107.7 THE BAY)/ALPENA, MI.

"BILL SHANNON MORNINGS" has joined the lineup at COSTA EAGLE RADIO Classic Hits WMVX-A-W255DA/SALEM, NH.

CEO TOM KENT said, "We're on a crusade to end boring radio and these excellent new believers join our campaign. Congrats to ED DOUGLAS and his team on reaching another milestone with these new adds. Thank you ALPENA, BIRMINGHAM, and BOSTON, who bring our total to 625 affiliates!"

Reach ED DOUGLAS at EdD@TomKentRadio.com or (614) 321-6708.

Happy Birthday

ALL ACCESS Happy Birthday wishes FRIDAY (8/7) to CAROLINE Pres. JACQUELINE SATURN, CUMULUS VP/Country CHARLIE COOK, ENTERCOM/PHOENIX SVP/Market Mgr. DAVE PUGH, RICK ALLEN CREATIVE’s RICK ALLEN, RADIO ONE/ATLANTA OM and WAMJ/ATLANTA PD DEREK HARPER, AMERICOM/RENO Dir./Programming BILL SCHULZ, CUMULUS/MEMPHIS OM DANNI BRUNS, KDES/PALM SPRING PD DANNY FOX, CUMULUS VP/Programming Operations DOUG HAMAND, KAMEN ENTERTAINMENT’s Pres. ROY KAMEN, WLVQ/COLUMBUS, OH PD THOM MCGINTY, MEDIABASE's GREGG MILLER, consultant JEFF SILVERS, 4TH STREET MEDIA GROUP's KEN STEVENS, GALAXY/SYRACUSE-UTICA Chief Eng. FLOYD VINCENT, WBPE/LAFAYETTE, IN 's MIKE WARNER, former KJLH/LOS ANGELES OM JAMILLAH MUHAMMAD, SPOKESGODDESS PRODUCTIONS' COURTNEY YOUNG, KMOD/TULSA MD LYNN HERNANDEZ, ATLANTIC's CHRIS STANG, former KHHT/LOS ANGELES' RENEE TAYLOR, NICK DRAEGER CREATIVE’s NICK DRAEGER and to THE DANA CORTEZ SHOW’s DJ AUTOMATIC. more »

ALL ACCESS ACTION

JACQUELINE SATURN, BRET DUMLER, JOE GUZIK, MICHAEL MARTIN, LOUIE DIAZ, STEVE SERRANO, DAVID JACOBS, KEVIN ZINGER, AARON AXELSEN, ANGELO SCROBE, BRI AAB, BRETT GREENBERG, DAVE MAXWELL, RANDY DAVIS,OMAR JANNOUN, MATT CANDELARIA, JOJO LOPEZ, KEVIN CRUISE, STEVE CHAVEZ, LISA PAIGE, DAN ALEXANDER, MIKE POPADINES, GINI MASCORRO, BORNA VELIC, ANTHONY “ROACH” PROFFITT, BOB HATHAWAY, RAY GMEINER, RICHARD NASH, DAVID LAWRENCE, ERIC FAISON, LISA FOX, DARRYL D, ROBERT EARL KEEN, OLD DOMINION, JERROD NIEMANN.

Pandemic Leads To Second Quarter Revenue, Income Declines At iHeartMedia

iHEARTMEDIA second quarter 2020 revenue fell 46.6% year-to-year to $488 million (down 47.1% excluding political revenue), another victim of the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the company says that it has seen improvement each month since the APRIL low point and saw podcasting revenue double from last year.

Broadcast revenue declined 56.5% to $244 million, and Networks division revenue fell 38.4% to $96 million, but digital revenue rose 2.4% to $93 million, boosted by a 102.7% increase in podcasting revenue. Meanwhile, the Sponsorship and Events segment declined 65% to $15 million and the Audio & Media Services segment dropped 32.9% to $39 million. Adjusted EBITDA dipped from $263 million to negative $29 million. more »

iHeartMedia Names Tias Schuster SVP/Programming For Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton NY

Veteran programmer TIAS SCHUSTER, most recently SVP/Programming at iHEARTMEDIA/NORFOLK, is heading north to ROCHESTER, NY, where he'll hold the same title for iHEARTMEDIA's 19 stations located in ROCHESTER, SYRACUSE and BINGHAMTON, NY. He had been sidelined earlier this year along with many others caught up in COVID-19 cuts.

iHEARTMEDIA W. NEW YORK President ROBERT MORGAN said, "We are thrilled to welcome TIAS back to upstate N.Y. He is an experienced leader that brings high energy and innovative thinking to our powerful brands."

SCHUSTER knows his way around the FLOWER CITY, having been programmer back in the day at iHEARTMEDIA HotAC WDVI (MIX 100.5) and Top 40 WKGS (KISS 106.7). Other stops include ENTERCOM Top 40 WKRZ/WILKES-BARRE, PA and WFBC (B93.7)/GREENVILLE, SC (twice!). 

SCHUSTER said, "It feels good jumping back in with my iHEARTRADIO family. It's been an interesting year and familiarity is exactly what this programmer needs! Special thanks to ROBERT MORGAN, JEFF HURLEY, and JON ZELLNER!" 

SCHUSTER hits the ground running immediately.

Instagram Debuts 'Reels' Short-Video Feature Taking Aim At TikTok

FACEBOOK's INSTAGRAM has introduced REELS, a new way for users to create and view video shorts. REELS is set to compete with TIKTOK which is under pressure to divest from current CHINESE owner BYTEDANCE or be banned in the US, (NET NEWS 8/5) by Pres. TRUMP over security concerns.

REELS will let IG users record and edit 15-second multi-clip videos with audio, effects, and creative tools.

REELS can then be shared with followers on a feed -- or if the account is public, they can be made available to the wider INSTA community through a new space in EXPLORE. 

More on how REELS works here.

Grammy-Winning Music Producer Detail Arrested On Multiple Sexual Assault Charges

Producer DETAIL, whose real name is NOEL FISHER, was arrested WEDNESDAY (8/5) in suburban LOS ANGELES on 15 sexual assault counts and five battery counts. His bail has been set at $6.2 million.

FISHER is best known for his work on BEYONCE's single, DRUNK IN LOVE. He's worked with artists such as JAY-Z, NICKI MINAJ, LIL WAYNE, WIZ KHALIFA and DRAKE.

See more from the WASHINGTON POST.

89 Days From Now, America Votes! Head To YouGotta.Vote Courtesy Of All Access & Alan Burns And Join The Drive To Get America Registered For The Nov. 3rd Election

We need your help... Join us, now! ALAN BURNS & ASSOCIATES are joining with ALLACCESS.COM for an industry-supported YOUGOTTA.VOTE (YOUGOTTA-DOT-VOTE) initiative to help register AMERICA to participate in the NOVEMBER 3rd. Here is why this effort is so important:

We can't do it without your help! One of the most AMERICAN, and essential, things we can do is vote. It’s not only a right, but an obligation of citizenship. 

In just 89 days from now AMERICA will elect, or re-elect a President, one-third of our senators, and all of our Congressional representatives. The Presidential race is critical: four years ago the popular vote and the Electoral vote didn’t match, and that outcome helped further divide the country. A strong voter turnout with a more decisive result -- for either candidate -- on NOVEMBER 3rd would be a step toward more confidence in our government.  more »

LiveXLive Media Posts Record Results For Q1 2021

LIVEXLIVE MEDIA, released record results for its first fiscal quarter ended JUNE 30th.

In Q1 fiscal 2021, LIVEXLIVE posted record revenue of $10.5 million as well as record contribution margin of $2.8 million. The increases were driven by growth in subscription revenue, strong sponsorship sales growth and improved margin expansion across LiveXLive's live music events platform. 

CEO/Chairman ROBERT ELLIN commented, "LIVEXLIVE was uniquely positioned to benefit from the abrupt stop of live music and entertainment due to COVID-19. We have the first talent-centric platform focused on superfans and building long term franchises in audio music, podcasting, OTT linear channels, pay-per-view, and livestreaming. Our model includes multiple monetization paths including subscription, advertising, sponsorship, merchandise sales and ticketing. We are excited to raise our revenue guidance for our 2021 fiscal year based on momentum in our core businesses." 

Bell Media Parent BCE Inc. Revenues, Earnings Down For Second Quarter

BCE INC., parent of CANADA's BELL MEDIA, saw its overall consolidated operating revenues fell 9.1% year-to-year to C$5.354 billion, attributed to the effect on consumer and commercial activity due to the COVID-19 pandemic across all segments. Net earnings dropped 64.0% to C$294 million and net earnings attributable to common shareholders fell 68.9% to C$237 million (26 cents/share), including C$452 million of impairment charges related to certain BELL MEDIA TV and radio properties. Adjusted net earnings slipped 31.8% to C$573 million (63 cents per share). Adjusted EBITDA decreased 9.4% to C$2.331 billion; Free cash flow grew 49.7% to C$1.611 million.

The BELL MEDIA subsidiary, which includes the company's radio operations, saw revenue decrease 31.2% to C$579 million; Adjusted EBITDA for the media segment decreased 31.9% to C$173 million. Radio figures were not broken out in the company's financial release.

"Even as the impacts of COVID-19 on all sectors of the economy accelerated in the second quarter, BELL continued to expand our next-generation networks in urban and rural Canada, grew broadband wireless and wireline market share with a focus on customer experience, and delivered the ongoing free cash flow growth that fuels both our investment leadership and BCE's returns to shareholders," said Pres./CEO MIRKO BIBIC. "BELL's performance in Q2 underscored the scale and resiliency of our networks, the strength of our financial foundation, and the BELL team's success in keeping Canadians fully connected and informed throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

"As economic activity continues to build, BELL will continue generating operating momentum while maintaining the financial flexibility to drive both our national investment strategy and the BCE common share dividend. Backed by a strong balance sheet and the best networks, BELL's dedicated and seasoned team is proud to be playing a critical role in Canada's recovery. I'm also proud to highlight how the BELL team has come together to address the wide-ranging impacts of systemic racism and inequality with meaningful action at our company – including new corporate targets for Black, Indigenous and People of Colour representation in senior management and young leaders starting their careers -- and in our communities, with dedicated BELL Let's Talk support for racialized Canadians and new partnerships with expert advisors to guide and strengthen our response.""

"While reduced economic activity and customer demand across BELL business segments significantly impacted revenue and earnings in Q2, BELL delivered positive postpaid wireless and retail Internet growth as well as significantly improved customer churn including in legacy services such as residential home phone. Despite the COVID-19 driven decline in adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow increased 50% in the quarter to $1.6 billion, with overall free cash flow growth of more than 30% for the first half of the year," said CFO GLEN LEBLANC. "We remain confident in the underlying, long-term fundamentals and performance of BCE, including a healthy balance sheet and substantial, ongoing free cash flow generation that provides us with considerable financial flexibility to navigate the COVID-19 recovery while more than meeting all our cash requirements for the balance of 2020."

BCE's Board of Directors has also declared a quarterly dividend of C$0.8325 per common share, payable on OCTOBER 15th to shareholders of record on SEPTEMBER 15th.

FCC Eliminates AM Station Programming Duplication Rule

The FCC has issued a Report and Order rescinding the long-standing prohibition against AM stations with overlapping signals duplicating more than 25% of their programming.

The rule, initially adopted in 1964 and modified in 1976, 1982, and 1992, blocked commonly-owned or time brokered stations with over 50% overlap from duplicating over half their programming in a week, regardless of band; the rule elimination is part of the Commission's Modernization of Media Regulation Initiative, with the Commission saying that the change "would afford AM licensees greater flexibility, help facilitate a potential transition to digital broadcasting, and ultimately allow stations to improve service to their communities." The rule remains in effect for FM stations. more »

Strategic Solutions Research Presents Nielsen Audio July '20 PPMs & Spring '20 Books Released Today

NIELSEN AUDIO JULY '20 MONTHLY PPMs are out TODAY AUSTIN; MILWAUKEE; INDIANAPOLIS; PROVIDENCE; RALEIGH-DURHAM; NORFOLK; NASHVILLE; GREENSBORO-WINSTON SALEM-HIGH POINT; JACKSONVILLE; WEST PALM BEACH; MEMPHIS; and HARTFORD.  In addition, SPRING '20 Books arrive for BEND, OR; CEDAR RAPIDS, IA; CHICO, CA; DULUTH-SUPERIOR, MN; FARGO-MOREHEAD, ND; FLORENCE, SC; GRAND FORKS, ND-MN; LAREDO, TX; ST. CLOUD, MN; WATERLOO-CEDAR FALLS, IA; WINCHESTER, VA; and YAKIMA, WA.  Find the ratings for the subscribing stations in the ALLACCESS.COM NIELSEN AUDIO section after 2p (PT).

Coming FRIDAY, AUGUST 7th: SPRING '20 Books for BISMARCK, ND; HARRISONBURG, VA; JACKSON, TN; RAPID CITY, SD; SAN ANGELO, TX; SIOUX CITY, IA; SIOUX FALLS, SD; and WICHITA FALLS, TX.

Edward Yim Named Chief Content Officer At WQXR/New York

AMERICAN COMPOSERS ORCHESTRA Pres./CEO EDWARD YIM is joining NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO Classical WQXR/NEW YORK as Chief Content Officer, effective SEPTEMBER 28th. YIM, whose previous work included stints with the NEW YORK PHILHARMONIC, NEW YORK CITY OPERA, IMG ARTISTS, and the LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC ASSOCIATION, will report to Pres./CEO GOLI SHEILHOLESLAMI.

“ED is a truly dynamic and innovative leader. I’m thrilled to welcome him as we work to advance WQXR’s impact on the classical music and public media landscapes, and deepen its service to our city’s diverse communities,” said SHEIKHOLESLAMI. “ED is deeply devoted to this artform, and has strong connections to the nation’s cultural community—its premier music organizations as well as the next generation of composers, performers, and ensembles. His creativity, passion, and commitment will help us increase the reach and relevance of classical music, and build our community of artists, listeners, and supporters -- in NEW YORK CITY and worldwide.”

“WQXR is one of the most important platforms for music in the world, and it is an honor to help write the next chapter in the station’s storied history,” said YIM. “I have devoted my career to inspiring the joy of music in others, and cultivating a community that is dynamic and curious. I am committed to embracing the rich and varied voices in our field, including those working beyond the traditional boundaries of the Western European canon. And I’m thrilled to join a vital NEW YORK CITY institution that shares these goals. From the amazing on-air hosts who set the tone for New Yorkers each and every day, to podcasts such as HELGA, ARIA CODE, and THE OPEN EARS PROJECT -- which extend WQXR’s reach around the globe -- the team’s dedication to the art, the artists, and the audience is clear. It is exciting to join them in making the music we love more accessible to more people, now and in the future.”

Oregon LPFM Gets New Owner

FUSION FAITH CENTER is transferring low power KHJJ-LP/ALBANY, OR to KHJJ LTD. for no compensation.

In other filings with the FCC, BEST MEDIA, INC. (K259CN/SACRAMENTO, lost site) and SIN FRONTERAS ORGANIZING PROJECT (KAWU-LP/EL PASO, moving to new site) filed for Silent STAs.

REED BROADCASTING, LLC has closed on the sale of Country WRAB-A-W296DM/ARAB, AL to FUN MEDIA GROUP OF ALABAMA LLC for $100,000.

GLEASON MEDIA GROUP's MOUNTAIN VALLEY BROADCASTING, INC. has closed on the sale of WOXO-F/NORWAY, ME; WTME-A and W252DS/RUMFORD, ME; WPNO-A and W245CQ/SOUTH PARIS, ME; WEZR-A, W237ET, and W288CW/LEWISTON, ME; and WRMO-F/MEXICO, ME to BENNETT RADIO GROUP, LLC for $300,000. more »

FCC Denies Appeal By California Translator Owner Of Fine For Excessive Power

The FCC has denied the Petition for Reconsideration filed by ONDAS DE VIDA, INC. appealing its $12,000 fine for operating K256BS/PALMDALE, CA at excessive power levels.

The fine came after the station was warned that it was transmitting at an ERP of 224 watts instead of the licensed 10 watts; after the station replaced its transmitter, an FCC agent determined that it ws still operating at 33.7 watts rather than 10 watts. A previous Petition for Reconsideration of the initial fine proposal based on a lack-of-proper-notice argument was rejected by the Commission. In the present ruling, the Commission said that the appellant had not raised facts or arguments warranting reconsideration.

KYMT-HD2 (Real 103.9)/Las Vegas Adds SupeRadio’s ‘The Bassment’ For Weekends

iHEARTMEDIA Hip-Hop N’ R&B KYMT-HD 2/K280DD (REAL 103.9)/LAS VEGAS has added CTC PRODUCTIONS/SUPERADIO syndicated show "THE BASSMENT" to weekends.

BASSMENT Host DJ E-ROCK said, "Bringing the energy of the LAS VEGAS strip to the airwaves is the most important mission at hand.

"Conserving the aura of what this city is about through the lens of  "THE BASSMENT" is just the beginning. REAL 103.9 & iHEART became the perfect partner on both a local and national level for us to accomplish this."

SUPERADIO Pres. ERIC FAISON added, "THE BASSMENT just keeps growing. Adding REAL 103.9 and LAS VEGAS to the mix is another jewel in the crown of what is becoming the fastest growing weekend radio show in AMERICA."

The station has also added veteran air personality DJ FRANZEN to the weekend lineup.

WLLD (Wild 94.1)/Tampa PD Orlando Davis Facing 'Jail'

The headline is a little dramatic but WLLD (WiLD 94.1)/TAMPA PD/morning host ORLANDO DAVIS will be "jailed" FRIDAY ( 8/14) as part of a fundraising event for WHEELCHAIRS 4 KIDS.

WHEELCHAIRS 4 KIDS is an organization that works to make sure that struggling families have safe and suitable wheelchairs or other mobility equipment for their children in need.

Here's a quick link for more on how to "bail out" ORLANDO DAVIS for WHEELCHAIRS 4 KIDS.

 

Brett Andrews Re-Ups With iHeart Milwaukee

Congratulations to iHEARTMEDIA's BRETT ANDREWS, who signed a contract extension today. 

The morning host at Classic Hits WRIT (95.7 BIG FM)/MILWAUKEE took to FACEBOOK today to post, "Thrilled to announce today that I've signed a multi-year contract extension to continue as director of programming and morning show host at @957BIGFM as well as continuing my national shows on @iHEARTRADIO stations all over the country. I'm humbled and honored to get to do what I love everyday, I don't take it for granted for a moment! Sorry to COLLEEN FOSSUM VALKOUN and KERRY WOLFE who have to continue to put up with me!  more »

WINS/New York To Livestream Wedding Of Frontline Nurse, Fiancé In Remission From Hodgkin's Lymphoma

ENTERCOM News WINS-A/NEW YORK is inviting listeners to a live streaming of a wedding on AUGUST 9th.

NEW YORK-PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL nurse ASHLEY ISAACS and her fiancé ISRAEL RECHES have been separated for several months while ISAACS worked on the COVID-19 pandemic front lines and RECHES battled stage 4 Hodgkin's lymphoma. RECHES has since gone into remission, and the couple will be reunited for their backyard ceremony, which WINS will cover with audio clips on the air and a live stream of the entire ceremony on FACEBOOK Live. The station has collected several wedding gifts from sponsors as well, and listeners can find the couple on BED BATH & BEYOND and AMAZON registries.

367 Miles To Go On WIP/Philadelphia Host Howard Eskin's 'Virtual Walk' To Tampa For Charities

HOWARD ESKIN is about two-thirds of the way on his "virtual walk" from PHILADELPHIA to TAMPA, raising funds for PHILABUNDANCE and the BRANDYWINE VALLEY SPCA in his "HOWARD WALKS TO TAMPA" stunt for ENTERCOM Sports WIP/PHILADELPHIA. ESKIN is walking every day through SEPTEMBER 13th, covering 736 miles so far with a goal of 1,103 miles (the distance from the PHILADELPHIA EAGLES' LINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD and the TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS' RAYMOND JAMES STADIUM, site of SUPER BOWL LV). ESKIN has raised over $10,000 so far, with the station covering his progress on social media and on air.

“It's been a tough time in our country due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said ESKIN, the longtime PHILADELPHIA sports media personality who currently hosts a SATURDAY morning show on WIP and is a familiar mink-coated, bearded figure as sideline reporter on EAGLES radio broadcasts. “Without any games or practices to attend to, I needed an escape. So, I started walking. It's been great for my physical and mental health, and raising money for two great charities like PHILABUNDANCE and BRANDYWINE VALLEY SPCA makes it even better.”

WTTS/Indianapolis Morning Host Paul Mendenhall Announces Retirement (Sorta)

SARKES TARZIAN Triple A WTTS/INDIANAPOLIS Morning Host PAUL MENDENHALL has announced his retirement from his show after a 20-year run at the station and a 40+ year career in INDIANAPOLIS radio. His final morning broadcast happens on JANUARY 15th, 2021. MENDENHALL will remain on board in a scaled-back, part-time role. 

“I've been a part of all facets of the radio industry including Talk, Classic Rock, CHR, even Country for a weekend,” said MENDENHALL. “I am very lucky to have spent two decades working at my favorite radio station with people who really care about me. I am a slow study, and I had a long way to go, so it's paradoxical to be retiring from mornings when I might be close to getting it right!” more »

Lachlan McLean Exiting WHBE (ESPN 680)/Louisville

UNION BROADCASTING Sports WHBE-A (ESPN 680)/LOUISVILLE "THE MIDDAY RUSH" co-host LACHLAN MCLEAN is exiting the show to devote his full time to serving as News Anchor at SPECTRUM NEWS 1 KENTUCKY.

MCLEAN, who hosted the nightly "SPORTS TALK 840" on crosstown iHEARTMEDIA News-Talk WHAS-A in 2004-15 before joining ESPN 680 in 2016, announced his departure, effective FRIDAY, on TWITTER:

Some personal news: After 16 years doing sports talk in Louisville, I’m saying goodbye to radio, returning to TV to be a full-time News Anchor for @SpectrumNews1KY. I’ll miss everyone at @ESPN680 but the future is so bright at Spectrum. My last day on #TheMiddayRush is Friday.

— Lachlan McLean (@LachTalk) August 4, 2020

Emily Ward Upped To GSM At Entercom/Chattanooga

ENTERCOM CHATTANOOGA LSM/Digital Sales Mgr. EMILY WARD has been promoted to GSM. WARD joined the cluster -- Top 40 WKXJ (103.7 KISS FM), Adult Hits WLND (98.1 THE LAKE), Active Rock WRXR (ROCK 105), Country WUSY (US 101), and Urban WUSY-HD2-W241AF (REAL 96.1) -- in 2018 as an AE from COX MEDIA GROUP's JACKSONVILLE cluster.

“EMILY has done a tremendous job leading the sales function for our portfolio of stations and their digital assets and she is very deserving of this expanded role,” said SVP/Market Mgr. NICHOLE HARTMAN. “I anticipate even more success for her as she grows as General Sales Manager, and am excited to watch her talents help take our stations to new heights.” more »

WAIO (Radio 95.1)/Rochester, NY Rolls Out 'The Big Show' For Afternoons

iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock WAIO (RADIO 95.1)/ROCHESTER, NY will launch “The Big Show,” effective immediately, weekdays from 2–7p. The show will be hosted by EARL DAVID REED, MEGAN CARTER and PAT MCMAHON.

“EARL, MEGAN and PAT clicked from the minute we put them together,” said PD JOE BONADONNA. “They are the three friends you want with you when you’re getting a garbage plate, grabbing a Genny Light or spending the day at Seabreeze.”

KRMG/Tulsa Joins Kansas City Chiefs Radio Network

The KANSAS CITY CHIEFS RADIO NETWORK is changing affiliates in TULSA, with the SUPER BOWL champions moving from iHEARTMEDIA Classic Rock KTGX-HD2-K228BR (93.5 THE JET) to COX MEDIA GROUP News-Talk KRMG-A-F for the 2020 season.

CMG/TULSA Market VP CATHY GUNTHER said, “We know that GREEN COUNTRY football fans are always looking for more ways to listen to their favorite teams and we are glad to add the NFL’s reigning champions to our programming. This has been a while in the making and we are very proud of what is about to hit the airwaves at KRMG.”

CHIEFS RADIO NETWORK Exec. Prod. DAN ISRAEL said, “We look forward to partnering with COX MEDIA GROUP to make 102.3 KRMG the new radio home in TULSA of the defending world champion KANSAS CITY CHIEFS.”

The CHIEFS are changing flagships this season, moving from longtime radio home CUMULUS Classic Rock KCFX (101 THE FOX)/KANSAS CITY to crosstown ENTERCOM Country WDAF (106.5 THE WOLF).

KGNC-A/Amarillo Adds 'Law Enforcement Today'

The syndicated "LAW ENFORCEMENT TODAY" show has been added at ALPHA MEDIA News-Talk KGNC-A-K248DE/AMARILLO, TX.

The weekly show, distributed through TALK MEDIA NETWORK, is hosted by retired BALTIMORE Police Sergeant JOHN "JAY" WILEY. Reach WILEY at jay@lawenforcementtoday.com or TALK MEDIA NETWORK's JOSH LENG at  joshleng@talkmedianetwork.com and find out more at the TALK MEDIA NETWORK website.

Amy Biehl-Owens Upped To Market Manager For KRVN-A-KRVN-F (River 93.1)-KAMI/Lexington, NE

NEBRASKA RURAL RADIO ASSOCIATION has promoted News-Talk KRVN-A-K253CS-K295BI, Country KRVN-F (RIVER 93.1), and Classic Country KAMI-A-K224FL-L261BT/LEXINGTON, NE Dir. /Sales AMY BIEHL-OWENS to Market Manager for the LEXINGTON stations.

BIEHL-OWENS has been with the stations for 21 years.

In This Week's 'Women To Watch' In All Access; Charese Fruge Checks in With WEZI (Easy 102.9) Morning Driver Ali Mac

In this week's ALL ACCESS "WOMEN TO WATCH" column, MC MEDIA Principal CHARESE FRUGE gets the lowdown on waking up JACKSONVILLE from WEZI (EASY 102.9) morning host ALI MAC.    

Discussing flying solo for the first time in the most important daypart MAC said, “I’ve always worked in an ensemble cast situation with morning drive. When I made the move to JACKSONVILLE and EASY 102.9, I knew I’d be taking on a brand new challenge I haven’t experienced yet.” “I’m now a solo morning show host, on a newer station, and I don’t have a co-host to endorse me and let the listeners know it’s cool to like me. It’s completely up to me to win over each and every person in JACKSONVILLE and it’s a huge challenge that I’m loving!"     

Every week in ALL ACCESS CHARESE FRUGE touches base with one of our businesses most fearless females, from household names to up-and-comers.

Read this week's column here.

Jaxsta Pro Platform Surpasses 50,000 Members, Offers Free Access

AUSTRALIAN database JAXSTA PRO, called the IMDb of the music business, has surpassed 50,000 members to its paid subscription service..

Those members include songwriters, artists, engineers, and producers, as well as music industry professionals such as artist managers, record label representatives and industry association employees.

Tens of thousands of artist profile pages have been claimed, meaning there is now a green “verified” tick on the profile pages of artists and industry professionals such as P!NK, TOOL, JOHN LEGEND, SHARKIRA, HARRY STYLES, THE RAMONES, ALICIA KEYS, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and PINK FLOYD, among others, as well as GRAMMY-winning mastering engineers JOHN GREENHAM and EMILY LAZAR and GRAMMY-winning songwriter SERBAN GHENEA.

By claiming their profile, JAXSTA PRO members can add their bio, image, social links and contact details to their profile, making it a resumé and promotional tool. Users also have access to features such as charts and chart alerts (for artists and non-artists), an international events calendar, market research and more.

Commented JAXSTA CEO/Co-Founder JACQUI LOUEZ SCHOORL, “We built JAXSTA PRO with the goal of helping all music industry professionals connect, create career opportunities and save time. During this uncertain period I believe it’s become even more important for those in the industry to have a platform they can use to create opportunities and, in doing so, further their career or the careers of the artists they represent.”

In APRIL, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the dramatic impact it has had on the music industry, JAXSTA announced that JAXSTA PRO will be free for at least the remainder of 2020 to support the music community through this difficult period. Click here to register for free access.

United Stations Expands ‘Phantom Producer’ Imaging Service To Classic Country

UNITED STATIONS has expanded its imaging service, PHANTOM PRODUCER, into the Classic Country format. It is the 13th radio format now supported by the service, with the latest version offering complete station imaging for stations playing Country music from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. It is already on the air via subscribing Classic Country affiliates in nearly a dozen markets.

PHANTOM PRODUCER is also available for Hot and Mainstream Country, as well for AC, Hot AC, Top 40, Urban, Urban AC, Classic Rock, Classic Hits, Rock, Alternative and mornings. Find more information here.

WKML/Fayetteville Cancels '2020 Stars And Guitars' Event Due To Covid-19

BEASLEY MEDIA GROUP WKML/FAYETTEVILLE, NC has canceled its previously announced "2020 Stars And Guitars" concert due to health and safety concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Thank you to our amazing sponsor and fans throughout the years for supporting 'Stars & Guitars' event,” said VP/GM KENT DUNN. “These are unprecedented times. The safety of our community, staff, and Country artists is our #1 priority. As a result, we have made the decision to cancel this year’s event. We’ll be back bigger and better than ever in 2021!”

“We were looking forward to hosting the annual event this year, but as we continued the planning process, it became clear it wasn’t going to be able to happen due to the pandemic,” said PD and afternoon host RANDALL C. BLISS. “We want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of our incredible listeners!”

SuiteRadio Picks Up Bud & Broadway For Syndication

HOUSTON-based SUITERADIO has picked up former HUBBARD RADIO Country WIL (92.3) ST. LOUIS morning team BUD & BROADWAY (BUD FORD and JERRY BROADWAY) for national syndication. Their new morning show will be available, beginning MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th, both as a standalone show and as part of SUITERADIO’s 24/7 Country hits format, “The Brand.”

BRIAN HATFIELD will move from mornings to nights on “The Brand,” and night host TOMMY JORDAN segues to swing/weekends as he prepares to make the move to the company’s 24/7 Pop format, “Nothin’ but ’90s.”

“Now, managers can have the morning show they really want at a cost that can actually afford,” said SUITERADIO COO and co-founder PAT FANT. “Our SUITERADIO Country ambassador and first class talent wrangler ROWDY YATES was instrumental in helping bring this deal together.” YATES is the afternoon host on “The Brand.” more »

KPRC/Houston Extends Deal To Air U. Of Houston Cougars Football, Men's Basketball

iHEARTMEDIA News-Talk KPRC-A/HOUSTON has extended its deal to air UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON football and men's basketball for three more years in an agreement with rights holder LEARFIELD IMG COLLEGE.

The station will continue to air the COUGARS' coaches' shows with football coach DANA HOLGORSEN and men's basketball coach KELVIN SAMPSON. KEVIN ESCHENFELDER will return for his eighth season as football announcer, with TED PARDEE entering his 15th season as analyst, JEREMY BRANHAM as sideline analyst for the eighth season, and sister Sports KBME-A (SPORTS TALK 790) midday host and HOUSTON ROCKETS PA and road radio announcer MATT THOMAS hosting the pre-game show. BRANHAM will continue to call men's basketball with Hall of Famer ELVIN HAYES as analyst for his 11th season.

"We look forward to continuing our partnership with iHEARTMEDIA HOUSTON and KPRC 950-AM," said VP/Athletics CHRIS PEZMAN. "We are thankful for their dedicated support over the last seven years and we looked for to this valuable partnership continuing to grow in the future."

"We're thrilled to continue our partnership with the UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON and IMG for another three years," said iHEARTMEDIA HOUSTON Dir./AM Programming. "We look forward to bringing the HOUSTON community all of the action and excitement of COUGAR football and basketball for years to come."

'The Rich Eisen Show' To Return Via Deal With NBCUniversal's Peacock

"THE RICH EISEN SHOW" is resuming with a new deal that will have the sports talk show, which simulcasts on SIRIUSXM and as a podcast via PODCASTONE, returning AUGUST 17th on NBC SPORTS NETWORK and moving to exclusive streaming via NBCUNIVERSAL's PEACOCK service as of OCTOBER 5th. The show aired on DIRECTV's AUDIENCE NETWORK until earlier this year, and briefly continued on YOUTUBE.

"My entire career I have taken pride in being at the forefront of new ventures, from the NFL NETWORK to my own show," said EISEN, the NFL NETWORK host who launched "THE RICH EISEN SHOW" in OCTOBER 2014. "Now streaming on PEACOCK, I am proud to be hosting and producing the next chapter of sports talk."

"The show's sports and pop culture relevance make it a great fit for PEACOCK, which will become the exclusive home for watching the show live in OCTOBER," said PEACOCK EVP/CRO RICK CORDELLA. "We're excited to start the football season with THE RICH EISEN SHOW across NBCUNIVERSAL platforms."

Chris Brown Officially Named Host Of 'One Bills Live' On WGR/Buffalo And MSG Network

The BUFFALO BILLS made it official this week, naming CHRIS BROWN the new host of the team-produced "ONE BILLS LIVE" midday show on ENTERCOM Sports WGR-A/BUFFALO and MSG NETWORK. Former BILLS special team player STEVE TASKER continues as co-host of the show.

BROWN has been splitting hosting duties for the show with MADDY GLAB since BILLS play-by-play voice JOHN MURPHY exited the show in MAY. "ONE BILLS LIVE,"" which is produced by BILLS owner TERRY PEGULA's PEGULA SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT, is also returning to its live MSG NETWORK simulcast as of MONDAY (8/10).

Congrats to @ChrisBrownBills who officially takes over as the new host of One Bills Live.

Brownie and Tasker bringing you all the latest #Bills news everyday 12-3pm! pic.twitter.com/fvaRQVpyvO

— One Bills Live (@OneBillsLive) August 3, 2020

Fourward Music/Cock Crows Publishing Sign Nick Norman

Songwriter and flagship PUMP HOUSE RECORDS artist NICK NORMAN (NET NEWS 3/25) has signed with LEE BRICE's newly established publishing company, COCK CROWS PUBLISHING, in partnership with FOURWARD MUSIC. NORMAN's debut solo album will release this Fall under PUMP HOUSE RECORDS.

"[CEO] WILL [WARD] and I have had our eyes on NICK and we're thrilled to be his publishing partner," said FOURWARD MUSIC President SHANNAN HATCH. "He's a prolific writer whose songs connect because he writes from a place of honesty and transparency. His songs grab your heart and make you move because they come from a genuine place. We're looking forward to a great future together." more »

Tulsa's Jenks High School Football Moves To KFAQ (Talk Radio 1170)

GRIFFIN COMMUNICATIONS News-Talk KFAQ-A (TALK RADIO 1170)/TULSA will air JENKS HIGH SCHOOL football this FALL. Longtime JENKS football announcer DON KING will serve as play-by-play voice of the TROJANS, with the school's Associate Principal ERIC FOX and JENKS PUBLIC SCHOOLS Dir./Communications ROB LOEBER as analysts. The games previously aired on crosstown TYLER MEDIA Sports KRXO-A-K300CY (107.9 THE FRANCHISE), which flipped to Spanish Hits RITMO 107.9 in JUNE.

“I am excited to welcome the rich tradition of JENKS football to our lineup,” said GRIFFIN Dir./Programming, Radio JEREMIE POPLIN. “This addition will help bolster our GRIFFIN RADIO commitment to sports. Broadcasting the football games for OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY, the UNIVERSITY OF TULSA, and now JENKS give us one of the strongest foundations in the state for live sports. DON, ERIC and ROB deliver one of the best broadcasts week in and week out throughout the whole season.”

Kevin Durant Partners With Cadence13 For New Podcast Network

ENTERCOM’s CADENCE13 is partnering with BROOKLYN NETS star KEVIN DURANT and RICH KLEIMAN’s THIRTY FIVE VENTURES for a new podcast network, THE BOARDROOM PODCAST NETWORK is launching with two podcasts, "THE BOARDROOM: OUT OF OFFICE," a sports business interview show hosted by KLEIMAN debuting AUGUST 12th, and "THE ETC'S WITH KEVIN DURANT," described in a release as "an audio version of long-form articles about fan favorite topics" in sports, music, fashion, and pop culture, coming in SEPTEMBER. DURANT is serving as curator and Exec. Producer for the network.

“THE BOARDROOM has been a primary focus of THIRTY FIVE VENTURES and we’re really proud of the platform we’ve built,” said KLEIMAN. “We’re excited to bring the brand into the podcast space, and we’re looking forward to building a long-term partnership with CADENCE13.”

“I’m really excited to be launching both of these podcasts and this partnership with CADENCE13,” said DURANT. “We’re really invested in making both of these pods different than anything else out there, and I’m personally looking forward to having in-depth conversations about some of my favorite topics.”

“We love investing in greatness,” said CADENCE13 Chief Content Officer CHRIS CORCORAN. “KEVIN DURANT is one of the top NBA players in the history of the game, and RICH is an exceptional leader and entrepreneur; we can’t wait to help create THE BOARDROOM PODCAST NETWORK with them and give fans of the NBA, and the business of sports, a much deeper look at all sides of the game.”

The Who Launching 'Join Together @ Home' Series

THE WHO and YOUTUBE are launching a six-week series of live performances called “Join Together @ Home” on the band’s official YOUTUBE channel starting this SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH at 1p (ET). 

The series launches this weekend with 5 live tracks from THE WHO’s 1982 SHEA STADIUM show in NEW YORK and will be introduced with an exclusive "red carpet" premiere clip from ROGER DALTREY.

The series is free to view but fans are encouraged to donate to co-beneficiaries TEENAGE CANCER TRUST and TEEN CANCER AMERICA via the link www.join-together.org.

Rockcastle Media Networks Adds Affiliates For 'Wilhite & Wall'

ROCKCASTLE MEDIA NETWORKS has added new affiliates for its daypart show "WILHITE & WALL."

The new affiliates include CONSOLIDATED MEDIA Country WVWZ-A-W280FN (103.9 THE BEAR)/ASHLAND CITY, TN and Country WBQL-A-W288DQ (105.5 THE BULL)/CLARKSVILLE, TN, both for afternoons; SOUTHERN BROADCASTING CORP. Country WSLV-A-W286DF/ARDMORE, TN-ATHENS, AL for mornings; and V-TECK COMMUNICATIONS Country WBLL-A-W295CI (106.9 THE BULL)/BELLEFONTAINE, OH. The show was also recently used as fill-in at COLONIAL MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT's CAROLINA COUNTRY stations (WMIR-WYAY/MYRTLE BEACH-GEORGETOWN, SC, WUDE/WILMINGTON, NC, and WFAY-A-W261CX/FAYETTEVILLE, NC). more »

Chris Cruise Joins Throwback Nation For Fill-Ins

CHRIS CRUISE is joining the THROWBACK NATION RADIO franchise for fill-in work and future brand extension projects. 

CRUISE's resume includes stops at WDZH (98.7 AMP RADIO)/DETROIT, KSAS/BOISE, KMPS/SEATTLE among others.

Heavy Hitters President Cindy Badell-Slaughter Passes At 59

HEAVY HITTERS MUSIC GROUP President CINDY BADELL-SLAUGHTER passed away on AUGUST 5th at 59 in LOS ANGELES from metastatic lung cancer. Her husband, the company's VP BILL SLAUGHTER was by her side.

CINDY first became active in the music licensing industry in the mid-'80s at LORIMAR PRODUCTIONS/WB, working on shows such as "Dallas," "Knots Landing," "Falcon Crest," "Full House" and "Perfect Strangers." She moved on to be Director Of Music Clearance for EVAN M. GREENSPAN, handling their many syndicated and prime time series, feature films, and on-air promotion for FOX. She then spent 10 years at CBS TELEVISION as Director, Music Operations West Coast, overseeing shows such as "Touched by an Angel," "Promised Land," "Survivor," the CSI series, as well as movies for television, mini-series and on-air promotion for CBS and UPN. more »

Norm Schrutt, Longtime Capital Cities/ABC Radio Executive Turned Talent Agent, Passes Away

NORM SCHRUTT, the former President of Owned Radio Stations, Group II at CAPITAL CITIES/ABC and a longtime broadcast talent agent, died TUESDAY (8/4) in ATLANTA at 87.

SCHRUTT started at CAPITAL CITIES as an AE at WKBW-A/BUFFALO in 1963, rising to LSM, GSM, GM, and VP/GM. He moved to the company's KZLA-A-F/LOS ANGELES in 1980, and WKHX-A-F/ATLANTA in 1981, then became the President of the radio division when CAPITAL CITIES bought ABC in 1987. In 1996, he left radio management to move to the other side of the negotiating table as a prominent radio talent agent, partnering with attorney JOEL KATZ to form SCHRUTT & KATZ in ATLANTA.

WLKK/Buffalo PD Nik Rivers And Meghan Welcome Baby Girl

ALL ACCESS sends congrats to ENTERCOM Alternative WLKK (ALTERNATIVE BUFFALO 107.7-104.7FM)/BUFFALO PD/afternooner NIK RIVERS and his wife MEGHAN on the birth of KINLEY RYAN YESTERDAY (8/5).

RIVERS shared the exciting news on FACEBOOK: "Now, this is a story all about how our lives got flipped-turned upside down. And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there...I'll tell you how I became... a dad! Today (8/5) at 9:32a we welcomed KINLEY RYAN to this crazy world. She’s 8lbs 2oz, and 21 1/4 inches of perfection. KINLEY & MOM MEGHAN are healthy and doing great. Me, I didn’t know it was possible to fall in love so fast."

Happy Birthday

ALL ACCESS Happy Birthday wishes on THURSDAY (8/6) to syndicated host TOM KENT, KLIF-A/DALLAS’ DAVE WILLIAMS, WXXL-WMGF/ORLANDO APD/MD JANA SUTTER, former KSTP/MINNEAPOLIS OM/PD LEIGHTON PECK, WRFF/PHILADELPHIA PD AMBER MILLER BOUCHARD, WSIX/NASHVILLE’s AMY PAIGE, WCVQ/CLARKSVILLE, TN OM/PD SCOTT CHASE, WFUS/TAMPA's SCOTTY DAVIS, former WKNZ/HARRINGTON, DE APD JR GONZALEZ, WCPZ-WMJK/CLEVELAND OM RANDY HUGG, MERCURY/NASHVILLE’s DAMON MOBERLY, WOLL/WEST PALM BEACH APD KEN PAYNE, ULANOFF PROMOTION’s MATT ULANOFF, KOAI/PHOENIX MD LU VALENTINO, INTERSCOPE’s JENNIFER ZELLER, artist and syndicated host FATMAN SCOOP, WSIX/NASHVILLE’s WAYNE “BIG D” DANIELSON, KYSR/LOS ANGELES' HUDSON HOTT, KMGA/ALBUQUERQUE PD BRYAN SIMMONS, WQPO/HARRISBURG, VA’s KATE MARTIN, SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE’s JAIME MARCONETTE, former KCIX/BOISE Brand Mgr. JEFF CONNELL and to ROTATION RECORDS’ MIKE BACON. more »

ALL ACCESS ACTION

MIKE RITTBERG, DANNY BUCH, JULIE KUBACKI, PATRICK DAVIS, JARED FALLON DAVID EDGAR, TIFFANY POTTER, LISA SONKIN, ROZE BRAUNSTEIN, MICHELLE RUTKOWSKI, HOWARD PETRUZIELLO, CHRIS AUSTIN, BARRY LYONS, TIAS SCHUSTER, EMILY WARD, AMY BIEHL-OWENS, BUD FORD, JERRY BROADWAY, WILHITE & WALL, HALEY & MICHAELS, NICK NORMAN, THE CADILLAC THREE, HOMIE MIGUEL, D-WAYNE CHAVEZ, ERIC SEAN, SHADY SPENCER, DEANNA CRUZ, DAVE SIMON, MARK MILLER, DJ KOSS, WILT WALLACE, CHERON SANDERS, MATT BAKER, MICHAEL MCCOY, JIMBO WOOD, GABBY CANELLA, SCOTT ELLIS, TOMMY DELANEY, MITCH MILLS, LAURA DUNCAN.