Research Director Inc., Exclusive May PPM Analysis For New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas

What torments did the MAY survey unleash on an unsuspecting radio industry? Did numbers go down for no explainable reason? What stations were on the rise thanks to some unseen force? Well, The Ratings Experts from RESEARCH DIRECTOR, INC. – along with the wizards behind the curtain at XTRENDS – are here to pull the levers, twist the dials, and ‘splain some of this stuff. The survey began innocently enough on APRIL 29th and ended in a flurry on MAY 26th. In between there were no long holiday weekends, an ode to mom, and millions of vaccines. Time to get busy…

NEW YORK: Overture, Hit The Lite…

To ... more »

Copyright Royalty Board Raises Broadcasters' Streaming Rates For 2021, No Break For Simulcasters

The COPYRIGHT ROYALTY BOARD (CRB) has increased the streaming royalty rates for broadcasters, raising the rate for commercial nonsubscription services -- including radio station streams -- from $0.0018 to $0.0021 per performance in 2021, a 17% increase, with a single-company maximum of $100,000 per year, while commercial subscription services will pay $0.0026, an 8% increase. Rates from 2022 through 2025 will be determined based on increases or decreases in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (U.S. City Average, all items) (CPI-U) with the NOVEMBER 2020 release as a base number.

Noncommercial webcasters will pay ... more »

Groups Urge President Biden To Move On Nominations For Open FCC Seat, Permanent Chair

REUTERS reports that more than 50 major organizations have sent a letter to President JOE BIDEN urging that action be taken on nominating someone to fill the open seat on the FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC), and that a permanent chair be chosen. The panel is presently split between Democrats (Acting Chairwoman JESSICA ROSENWORCEL and Commissioner GEOFFREY STARKS) and Republicans (Commissioners BRENDAN CARR and NATHAN SIMINGTON), and ROSENWORCEL has been Acting Chairwoman since former Chairman AJIT PAI's departure in JANUARY.

The groups, including the AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION, the ELECTRONIC FREEDOM ... more »

Sony Music Entertainment Stops Applying Unrecouped Advance Balances Against Royalties For Some Artists Signed Before 2000

SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT will no longer apply unrecouped advance balances against earnings for certain legacy artists, a sharp departure from its longstanding practice. The move, announced in a letter to artists unveiling a new "Artists Forward" initiative and a "Legacy Unrecouped Balance Program," will involve existing unrecouped balances for artists who have not received an advance from 2000 forward and applies to earnings generated on or after JANUARY 1st, 2021.

The letter added, “Through this program, we are not modifying existing contracts, but choosing to pay through on existing unrecouped balances to increase the ability of those who qualify to receive more money from use of their music.” The label's action writes off the unrecouped balances moving forward, meaning that the artists who qualify may begin to receive royalties on their work rather than see the royalties diverted to pay back the advances.

FCC Reaches Consent Decree With One Licensee, Fines Another

The estate of ROBERT CUMMINGS TOOLE, through personal representative KAREN L. TOOLE, has agreed to a Consent Decree with the FCC resolving public file violations at KBCK-A and KQRV/DEER LODGE, MT and K257AF/BUTTE, MT. The licensee filed license renewal applications disclosing that the stations had not been in compliance with online public file rules. The agreement has the stations implementing a compliance plan and does not assess a fine.

But JONES COMMUNICATIONS LTD, licensee of WVFG/UNIONTOWN, AL, has been hit with a $3,000 fine by the Commission for failure to timely file a license renewal application. The licensee has neither replied to a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture nor paid the fine.

Indeed Again Tops Media Monitors Top 10 National Radio Advertisers Chart For June 7-13

INDEED held onto first place on the MEDIA MONITORS' top 10 national radio advertiser chart for JUNE 7-13, with PROGRESSIVE repeating in second and iHEARTRADIO promos moving back into fourth place after a week in the fifth slot. PELOTON followed last week's surge into the top 10 with a fifth place showing, down from third.

The top 10:

1. INDEED (#1 last week; 54165 instances)
2. PROGRESSIVE (#2; 48711)
3. iHEARTRADIO (#5; 44400)
4. THE HOME DEPOT (#9; 40128)
5. PELOTON (#3; 36995)
6. THE RON BURGUNDY PODCAST (#29; 36178)
7. MISSING ON 9/11 PODCAST (#7; 31724)
8. MACY'S (#11; 31118)
9. GEICO (#10; 30041)
10. LOWE'S (#23; 27926)

Dua Lipa's 'Levitating' Is Lifted To #1 On The Mediabase Top 40 And Hot AC Charts

After a magical 34-week run on the MEDIABASE Hot AC chart and 23 on the MEDIABASE Top 40 chart, congrats to MIKE CHESTER, DAVE DYER, JOSH REICH, MICHELLE BABBITT, JEREMY RUBIN and the rest of the WARNER RECORDS staff as DUA LIPA’s “Levitating” ascends to #1 on those respective charts! Making the leap from #2 on the Top 40 chart by increasing by an impressive 1622 spins.

Powered by a research story that just keeps growing at both Hot AC and Top 40, the song is now part of the conversation for the title of the mythical “Song Of The Summer”-- the summer after it was initially released.

The Top 40 ... more »

Exclusive Mediabase Analysis From All Access

Industry insiders receive ALL ACCESS' exclusive MEDIABASE chart recap analysis in their e-mail box every MONDAY morning. How about you? This week's data from ANTHONY ACAMPORA, Partner MUSICRUNCH/RADIOCRUNCH and MEDIABASE Charts Consultant:

Top 40: Dua Lipa Grabs Top Spot; Ariana Top 3; Lil Nas X Nearing Top 5; Saweetie Top 10; Marshmello/Jonas, Nelly/Florida Georgia Top 20

* DUA LIPA comes all the way back and scores a dual chart topper at Top 40 and Hot AC with "Levitating"

* She had fallen out of the top 10 at both formats and this week goes 2*-1* at Top 40 and is +1622 ... more »

MUSEXPO's 'Creative Summit Set To Return In 2022 With Lisa Worden Honored As 'International Music Person Of The Year' 

MUSEXPO will honor iHEARTMEDIA's VP/Rock & Alternative and PD of Alternative KYSR (ALT 98.7)/LOS ANGELES, LISA WORDEN as "International Music Person Of The Year" when it's "Creative Summit" returns to CASTAWAY in BURBANK,CA, MARCH 20th-23rd, 2022. The MUSEXPO "Creative Summit" joins a week-long series of events that includes the "Global Synch Summit" and "International Songwriting Summit," as well as an additional soon to be announced event, all coinciding as part of CALIFORNIA ENTERTAINMENT WEEK (MARCH 20th-25th). 

MUSEXPO's "Creative Summit" will ... more »

The Jesus And Mary Chain Sues Warner Music Group, Claiming Copyright Infringement

THE JESUS AND MARY CHAIN is suing WARNER MUSIC GROUP for copyright infringement based on the COPYRIGHT ACT's "35-year law" that grants copyright holders the right to terminate grants of copyright interests after 35 years have elapsed. The band (brothers JIM REID and WILLIAM REID) allege that Notices of Termination were served on the label but were not acknowledged. The REIDS are seeking a total of $2.55 million in statutory damages.

The band's attorney, EVAN S. COHEN, who is also serving as co-counsel in similar class action cases filed in federal court against SONY MUSIC and UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP, said, ... more »

No New Station Sale Transactions In FCC Database Monday

No new station sale transactions appeared in the FCC databases as of mid-afternoon (ET) MONDAY (6/14).

In non-sale filings with the FCC, applying for STAs were RADIO WORKS, INC. (KCXY/EAST CAMDEN, AR, reduced power due to transmitter failure) and PORTLAND RADIO PROJECT (KSFL-LP/PORTLAND, OR, temporary location while vacating licensed site for repairs).

FAMILY LIFE MINISTRIES, INC. has requested a Silent STA for WMTT-F/HORSEHEADS, NY while it moves to a new site.

GARRY WING's DESERT BROADCASTERS LLC has closed on the sale of News-Talk KKGX-A-K256CU (920 KGX)/PALM SPRINGS, CA and Easy Listening ... more »

Westwood One Blog Post Examines TV Ratings Decline, Network Radio's Ability To Add Reach To TV Ad Campaigns

This week's WESTWOOD ONE blog post by Chief Insights Officer PIERRE BOUVARD cites a MOFFETNATHANSON study of NIELSEN TV ratings to tout network radio's ability to increase ad campaigns' reach as TV ratings suffer.

The MOFFETTNATHANSON study shows non-live cable audiences are down 49% since 2011 and broadcast network non-live audiences are down 44%; The study also shows drops in linear TV audiences across the board, even in older demographics. BOUVARD also cites NIELSEN MEDIA IMPACT data showing that shifting 10% of a media plan from TV to digital and social did not add to a campaign's reach, and moving 20% to ... more »

Strategic Solutions Research Presents Nielsen Audio May '21 PPMs Released Today

NIELSEN AUDIO PPM MAY '21 MONTHLY results arrive TODAY for NEW YORK; LOS ANGELES; CHICAGO; SAN FRANCISCO; DALLAS; HOUSTON; PHILADELPHIA; ATLANTA; NASSAU-SUFFOLK; RIVERSIDE-SAN BERNARDINO; SAN JOSE; and MIDDLESEX-SOMERSET-UNION. Find the ratings for the subscribing stations in the ALLACCESS.COM NIELSEN AUDIO section after 2p (PT).

Coming TUESDAY, JUNE 15th: WASHINGTON, DC; BOSTON; DETROIT; MIAMI; SEATTLE; PHOENIX; SAN DIEGO; MINNEAPOLIS; TAMPA; ST. LOUIS; DENVER; and BALTIMORE. 

14 More In House, 3 In Senate Join As Co-Sponsors Of Local Radio Freedom Act

Fourteen more members of the U.S. HOUSE of REPRESENTATIVES and three members of the SENATE have joined as co-sponsors of the 2021 version of the Local Radio Freedom Act, the bill that opposes "any new performance fee, tax, royalty or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations. The bill now has 138 co-sponsors in the HOUSE and 18 in the SENATE.

Signing on to co-sponsor the bill were Reps. JACK BERGMAN (R-MI), LARRY BUCSHON (R-IN), JOHN CARTER (R-TX), LIZ CHENEY (R-WY), VICKY HARTZLER (R-MO), CHRISSY HOULAHAN (D-PA), TRENT KELLY (R-MS), DARIN LAHOOD (R-IL), FRANK MRVAN (D-IN), AMATA RADEWAGEN (R-AS), TOM RICE (R-SC), ... more »

KGON/Portland Adds Jeetz As New Morning Co-Host

AUDACY Classic Rock KGON/PORTLAND, OR is welcoming JEETZ as their new morning show co-host joining TERRY BOYD and TERRY BOYD'S WORLD starting on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16th. JEETZ replaces BRIAN SHANNON who recently left the station.

“JEETZ has proven himself to be a tireless, fearless entertainer since we plucked him from the promotions street team and put him on KISW back in 2004,” said ENTERCOM PORTLAND Sr. VP/Market Manager KIM MARTINEZ. “TERRY has been a winner in PORTLAND for years, and with his addition, we’ve put together a world-class team to take 'TERRY BOYD'S WORLD' and this legendary ... more »

Jim Fox Named OM For Cumulus/Kansas City, PD At KCMO-F

Former AUDACY/DALLAS VP/Programming JIM FOX has joined CUMULUS MEDIA as OM for its KANSAS CITY cluster and PD of Classic Hits KCMO-F. FOX spent 17 years with AUDACY/ENTERCOM in DALLAS and SACRAMENTO and as Rock/Alternative Format Captain.

CUMULUS EVP/Content and Audience BRIAN PHILIPS said. “JIM FOX enjoys a well-earned, terrific career-long reputation. We are proud to add him to our roster of ‘best-and-brightest’ newly-arrived CUMULUS programmers. JIM is a perfect example of the caliber of talent drawn to our winning KC operation by DONNA BAKER’s power and prowess.”

Regional VP/Market Mgr. ... more »

Summitmedia/Richmond, VA Welcomes Dave Symonds As Dir./Programming & Operations

SUMMITMEDIA has named DAVE SYMONDS as Dir./Programming and Operations for the company’s RICHMOND, VA cluster, which includes Country WKHK (K95), Hot AC WURV (103.7 YOUR VARIETY), Classic Rock WKLR and Classic Hits WJSR (AWESOME 100.9), plus two HD-2 stations.

SYMONDS most recently spent 11 years as VP/Programming for iHEARTMEDIA, where he oversaw stations in RICHMOND, NORFOLK, VIRGINIA BEACH, HARTFORD and NEW HAVEN, CT. A veteran of nearly 40 years in radio, he succeeds MELISSA CHASE, now Brand Mgr. for AUDACY Hot AC KHMX (MIX 96.5) and Adult Hits KKHH (95.7 THE SPOT)/HOUSTON (NET NEWS 6/11).

“SUMMIT/RICHMOND ... more »

Renee Nelson Hangs Up Her Headphones After 30 Years Of Mornings At WMME (92 Moose)/Augusta, ME

After 30 years of waking up her loyal audience, TOWNSQUARE Top 40 WMME (92 MOOSE)/AUGUSTA ME morning legend RENEE NELSON has announced that she’s going to do her last show on JUNE 23rd. She reached that 30-year milestone on MAY 1st.

NELSON told her audience of her decision this past FRIDAY (6/11), posting on the 92 MOOSE site: “TODAY is a day that has been a very, very long time in coming … I have decided to leave the 92 MOOSE MORNING SHOW on JUNE 23, 2021. I am relocating to FLORIDA. No. More. Winters.

“On the surface, this may appear to be a snap decision, but it is not. I decided while I was in high school ... more »

Bryant ‘Ryder’ Konold Joins KDBL/Yakima As Brand Manager And Morning Co-host  

BRYANT “RYDER” KONOLD will join TOWNSQUARE MEDIA Country KDBL (92.9 THE BULL)/YAKIMA, WA as Brand Manager and morning co-host effective MONDAY, JUNE 21st. He will join an a.m. drive team that also includes BRIAN STEPHENSON and REESHA COSBY. STEPHENSON is the Dir./Content for the six-station cluster, and COSBY doubles as Brand Mgr. for Classic Hits sister station KGMW (MEGA 99.3).

KONOLD previously was part of the "FITZ In The Morning” show at HUBBARD RADIO Country KNUC (98.9 THE BULL)/SEATTLE until that show disbanded late last year (NET NEWS 12/4/20). At KDBL, he succeeds former Brand Mgr./morning host JIM ... more »

Paragon Media Strategies Promotes Two Researchers

PARAGON MEDIA STRATEGIES ups two, as SARA SCHUELLER is named VP/Research and SIMONE LOWIN rises to Research Services Director.    

PARAGON CEO MIKE HENRY noted, "SARA SCHUELLER and SIMONE LOWIN have been part of the PARAGON backbone for two decades. During that time, PARAGON has produced hundreds of research projects for our media and entertainment clients. Every one of those projects was guided by these incredible women who exhibit the highest capacity for integrity and professionalism. We're incredibly fortunate to have them as part of the PARAGON family."

SCHUELLER came to PARAGON in 2002, arriving ... more »

Inrush Broadcast Services Adds Two To Team

INRUSH BROADCAST SERVICES is adding two members to its team in JULY. Joining the broadcast technology integration firm will be TELOS ALLIANCE Product Manager SHAUN DOLAN as Partner and WEIGEL BROADCASTING Broadcast Systems Engineer SAM REIMAN as Systems Engineer.

INRUSH Partner MIKE DORRIS said, “SHAUN is well-respected throughout the industry and we are thrilled to have him on our team. His holistic approach to crafting solutions and business development is a big asset to us and our clients.” 

DOLAN said,  “I’m very grateful to TELOS for their unrelenting support as I make this transition. ... more »

MPR News Holds 'Radio Camp' For BIPOC Students

MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO's MPR NEWS is holding two consecutive week-long camps for Black, Indigenous and youth of Color to offer them an introduction to journalism. The two "2021 Radio Camp" events, produced in partnership with THREESIXTY JOURNALISM at the UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS, MIGIZI, PILLSBURY UNITED COMMUNITIES low power KRSM-LP/MINNEAPOLIS, and AMERICAN INDIAN FAMILY CENTTER,  will be held this month on a virtual basis and will include 16 students being taught how to tell their stories, including development of digital and audio skills..

The camps will be followed by a virtual celebration open to the ... more »

Elton John, David Furnish, Demi Lovato, Olly Alexander With Mawaan Rizwan, Trixie Mattel, And Daniel Howell To Present 'YouTube Pride 2021'

Celebrity emcees ELTON JOHN, DAVID FURNISH, DEMI LOVATO, OLLY ALEXANDER WITH MAWAAN RIZWAN, TRIXIE MATTEl, and DANIEL HOWELL will each host their own YOUTUBE ORIGINALS live streaming "YOUTUBE Pride 2021" party from their respective YOUTUBE channels. During the event, the hosts will ask viewers to donate to LGBTQ+ charities, ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION, THE TREVOR PROJECT, and AKT.  “YOUTUBE Pride 2021” is sponsored by LEVI'S®  and STATE FARM in the US. It will live stream on FRIDAY (JUNE 25th) 12p (PT)/ 3p (ET) / 8p (BT). 

LGBTQ+ community members are encouraged to submit videos about ... more »

Live Nation To Book L.A.'s New Performance Venue At Hollywood Park

LIVE NATION has inked an exclusive multiyear deal to book the PERFORMANCE VENUE AT HOLLYWOOD PARK, a new 6,000 seat concert venue built under the canopy of SOFI STADIUM in INGLEWOOD, CA, home of the LOS ANGELES RAMS and CHARGERS and part of the redevelopment of the former HOLLYWOOD PARK racetrack site. The venue, scheduled to be completed this SUMMER, is located near another music venue, THE FORUM, the former sports arena, and is also near yet another proposed venue likely to be booking concerts, the new arena the LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS are planning for a site just south of SOFI STADIUM on Century Blvd.

“The PERFORMANCE VENUE ... more »

Tom Joyner's 2021 Fantastic Voyage Cruise To Feature Usher, Alicia Keys, & Frankie Beverly

URBAN ONE/REACH MEDIA’s retired syndicated host TOM JOYNER's has put in motion his 2021 “FANTASTIC VOYAGE” CRUISE. 

The CARNIVAL FREEDOM will sail from MIAMI NOVEMBER 6th-14th with stops at the ports of ST. MAARTEN, ST. KITTS and SAN JUAN, PR.

USHER and ALICIA KEYS will headline what JOYNER traditionally refers to as the "ULTIMATE PARTY WITH A PURPOSE®" to support Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) with scholarships.

There are 30 other acts scheduled to perform, including BRANDY, BUSTA RHYMES, THE BONFYRE, and FRANKIE BEVERLY. Attendees will also be offered ... more »

AWOLNATION Sails To RIAA Diamond Certification For Breakout Single

AWOLNATION earned a diamond certification by the RECORDING INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA (RIAA) for their mega-hit single "Sail." On the tenth anniversary since its release on RED BULL RECORDS, “Sail” has now officially moved over 10 million units in its decade-long run, becoming the 57th song in history to earn an RIAA diamond certification and the third independent release to ever receive the accolade. 

 AWOLNATION's AARON BRUNO said, “I wrote this song with the intention of showing a few friends and my family. It’s a very raw and honest song, so I was kinda nervous to share. I ... more »

Final Round Of Covid-19 Relief Coming From MusiCares

MUSICARES, the music charity supporting the health and welfare of the music community, is distributing its final round of funding for COVID-19 RELIEF. MUSICARES is distributing the $2 million raised during MUSIC ON A MISSION directly to 2,000 eligible applicants. The need for support remains high even as music professionals return to work. MUSICARES is dedicated to helping.

MUSICARES Exec. Dir. LAURA SEGURA commented, "The pandemic has been devastating to musicians, tour managers, stage crews, and so many others that are involved in making music happen. We heard from our community that many are experiencing elevated levels of ... more »

Danny Wimmer Presents Acquires 'Billy Alan Productions' Headed By Billy Brill

DANNY WIMMER PRESENTS has acquired BILLY ALAN PRODUCTIONS, a top talent booking agency for NATIVE AMERICAN casinos, and rebranded it as BILLY ALAN 2. The agency will be led by longtime industry executive and consultant BILLY BRILL.

BRILL has been booking national talent for NATIVE AMERICAN casinos since 1999, and currently represents various casinos in CALIFORNIA, OREGON, and MISSISSIPPI. JOE MOALLEMPOUR is BILLY ALAN 2's National Casino Coord., and both he and BRILL are fully integrated into all departments and talent booking services at DWP.

BILLY ALAN 2’s services include talent booking, media buying, and ... more »

Record Store Day Offers Vinyl Help To Beleaguered Retailers

This SATURDAY (JUNE 12th) marked the first of two RECORD STORE DAYS being held, offering a glimmer of hope for independent retail businesses attempting a rebound from the impact of the pandemic.

RECORD STORE DAY is held worldwide to “celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1,400 independently owned record stores in the U.S. and thousands of similar stores internationally."

The first RECORD STORE DAY was held APRIL 19th, 2008, and has since been a single day devoted to exclusive vinyl releases only available at participating record stores. It often features performances, cookouts ... more »

Lakeside Management Forms Partnership With CloudKid

LAKESIDE MANAGEMENT GROUP has entered a strategic partnership with music curator and record label, CLOUDKID.

Originally founded in 2013 as a YOUTUBE channel for music discovery, CLOUDKID content has garnered more than 2.1 billion views and 60 million average monthly views. Much of the product features developing artists within the electronic-influenced Alt-Pop and Rocktronic sphere around the world. Over time, the company has evolved into a full-service independent label headquartered in BERLIN, GERMANY with an international presence.

LAKESIDE founder DAN PEARSON and his staff will use their extensive relationships and ... more »

KAJM (Mega 104.3)/Phoenix Sets Details On 20th Year Anniversary Bash

SIERRA H Rhythmic AC KAJM (MEGA 104.3)/PHOENIX has set the date/lineup for its 20th YEAR ANNIVERSARY BASH. The SEPTEMBER 10 concert at PHOENIX SUNS ARENA will feature ZAPP, MIDNIGHT STAR, LISA LISA, EVELYN "CHAMPAGNE" KING, MONTELL JORDAN, JODY WATLEY, ROB BASE, TAG TEAM and a surprise special guest to be announced.

Tickets are on sale at TICKETMASTER.COM.

Luke Combs' 'Forever After All' Holds #1 Spot For A Second Week

Congratulations to RIVER HOUSE/COLUMBIA NASHVILLE's LUKE COMBS as his hit, "Forever After All," holds the #1 spot on the MEDIABASE Country chart for the second week in a row.

Kudos to SONY MUSIC NASHVILLE (SMN) EVP/Promotion & Artist Development STEVE HODGES; COLUMBIA NASHVILLE SVP/Promotion SHANE ALLEN; SMN VP/National Promotion LAUREN THOMAS and Dir./Artist Development BO MARTINOVICH; COLUMBIA Dir./WEST COAST Promotion PAIGE ELLIOTT, Dir./MIDWEST Promotion LAUREN LONGBINE, Dir./NORTHEAST Promotion LYNDSAY CHURCH, Dir./SOUTHEAST Promotion MARK GRAY and Promotion Specialist ... more »

River House Artists' Zebb Luster Promoted To VP/GM

RIVER HOUSE ARTISTS (RHA) has promoted Creative Dir. ZEBB LUSTER to the newly created role of VP/GM, effective immediately. LUSTER was RHA's first hire, and has been with the company since 2017. RHA is led by CEO and founder LYNN OLIVER-CLINE, who LUSTER will assist in label services, and overseeing artist development and RHA's publishing roster, which includes Country stars LUKE COMBS, DREW PARKER, JAMESON RODGERS, SOUTHERLAND and more.

“I am so grateful to find an executive like ZEBB who is as passionate about RIVER HOUSE and our amazing artists and writers as I am," said OLIVER-CLINE. "He not only super ... more »

Industry Vet Pete Fisher Joins Valiant Wealth Family Office As Entertainment Industry Advisor

Former ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC CEO and GRAND OLE OPRY GM PETE FISHER has joined VALIANT WEALTH FAMILY OFFICE as the company's Entertainment Industry Advisor. A 33-year music industry veteran, FISHER will provide VALIANT with strategic guidance in a variety of areas, including private equity opportunity evaluation.

VALIANT recently opened offices in FRANKLIN, TN. In addition to his new role, FISHER will continue to operate his FISHER ENTERTAINMENT CONSULTING firm, connecting businesses, brands, TV, film and social impact with the NASHVILLE entertainment industry.

“We are excited to have someone with PETE’s experience and reputation for service join our team," said VALIANT CEO DOUG VANDER WIEDE. "It is great to be in business with people who share your values and aspire to make a positive impact on our community and those we serve.”

Carrie Underwood To Release First Gospel Live Performance DVD

CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE's CARRIE UNDERWOOD has announced the release of her first-ever live Gospel performance DVD, "My Savior: Live From The RYMAN," bringing her studio album, "My Savior," to life from NASHVILLE's RYMAN AUDITORIUM. The DVD will be released on FRIDAY, JULY 23rd by GAITHER MUSIC GROUP in partnership with CAPITOL RECORDS NASHVILLE, and distributed by CAPITOL CHRISTIAN MUSIC GROUP/UNIVERSAL.

The set, originally streamed live globally on FACEBOOK on EASTER SUNDAY as a fundraiser for SAVE THE CHILDREN, also features special guest appearances from Gospel artist CECE WINANS, BEAR RINEHEART ... more »

Country Duo High Valley's Curtis Rempel Departs

Country sibling duo HIGH VALLEY has lost a member, with CURTIS REMPEL leaving NASHVILLE (and music) to return to their native CANADA to launch a new furniture, leather accessories and home goods business with his wife. The duo was previously signed to ATLANTIC/WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE, but has been off the roster for nearly a year, a label spokeperson confirms.

The band first came to NASHVILLE’s attention as a brother trio, but BRYAN REMPEL left the group in 2014.

In a social media post on FRIDAY, JUNE 11th, CURTIS REMPEL wrote, “On the road and touring with HIGH VALLEY is the only life I’ve ever known since ... more »

Amber Wilson To Depart WAXY (790 The Ticket)/Miami

AMBER WILSON has announced that she is exiting AUDACY Sports WAXY-A (790 THE TICKET)/MIAMI'S 10a-2p (ET) weekday slow with JONATHAN ZASLOW after five years working fulltime at the station, first in mornings with ZASLOW, BRETT ROMBERG, and BRENDAN TOBIN replacing JOY TAYLOR, and later in middays with ZASLOW.

WILSON, who signed a multiyear contract extension in late 2019, made the announcement on FRIDAY's show, saying that this week will be her last on the show, citing a "tumultuous" personal life and adding that she hopes to continue hosting on weekends at ESPN RADIO. She said she will be focusing for now on her law work at LINDSEY WILSON, PLLC, the law firm at which she is a partner with her husband SEAN LINDSEY.

Howard Bryant Joins Meadowlark Media As Contributor

Another prominent sports media personality has boarded DAN LE BATARD and JOHN SKIPPER's "pirate ship" MEADOWLARK MEDIA with the addition of longtime ESPN Senior Writer and NPR "WEEKEND EDITION" sports correspondent HOWARD BRYANT as a contributor. BRYANT, with ESPN for 14 years and "WEEKEND EDITION" for 15 years, is also serving as co-Exec. Producer of HBO's "BACK ON THE RECORD WITH BOB COSTAS." At MEADOWLARK, BRYANT will be developing new content, reporting, scriptwriting, and providing on-air narration. 

“HOWARD is a brilliant writer and a respected voice on race ... more »

SiriusXM To Air Golf's U.S. Open This Weekend

SIRIUSXM PGA TOUR RADIO will air the U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP golf tournament this weekend from TORREY PINES in SAN DIEGO, with 45 hours of live play-by-play. Coverage will air THURSDAY through SATURDAY, with announcers including MICHAEL BREED, CARL PAULSON, DREW STOLTZ, GARY MCCORD, JASON SOBEL, TAYLOR ZARZOUR, DENNIS PAULSON, MARK LYE, BRIAN KATREK, MARK CARNEVALE, JOHN MAGINNES, and FRED ALBERS.  DENNIS and CARL PAULSON will also host their regular show "INSIDE THE ROPES" from the TORREY PINES driving range TODAY through WEDNESDAY.

The rounds will be followed by wrap-up shows with DAVID MARR III, LYE, DENNIS ... more »

Two New Shows Join Audacy's BetQL Network

AUDACY has launched new shows on its BETQL NETWORK as part of its deal with BETMGM. The new shows include "THE DAILY TIP," hosted by MICHAEL JENKINS and CHELSEA MESSINGER, for weekdays 6-9a (ET), and "BETMGM TONIGHT," hosted by QUINTON MAYO and RYAN HORVAT for 7-11p (ET) weekdays. The network is heard on Sports KEZW-A (THE BET 1430AM), KCBS-F-HD3/LOS ANGELES, WCFS-F-HD2 (THE BET 105.9 FM)/CHICAGO, and online.

 “We are ecstatic to announce the next phase of our planned expansion of the ‘BETQL NETWORK,’" said AUDACY Pres./Sports MIKE DEE. “Our partnership with BETMGM -- who is ... more »

Michigan Radio's Sarah Cwiek Wins Michigan Press Association's McCree Award

The MICHIGAN PRESS ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION has awarded one of three of its  45th annual WADE H. MCCREE ADVANCEMENT OF JUSTICE AWARDS to MICHIGAN RADIO reporter SARAH CWIEK for her foreclosure investigation “Tax foreclosure lawsuit asks: How much can government take from property owners?” 

The other winners were the HOLLAND SENTINEL's CHANDRA BOZELKO for columns on the judicial system and the DETROIT FREE PRESS' NANCY KAFFER for an investigation into a prisoner's unexplained death.

Benztown Offering Free 4th Of July SFX

BENZTOWN is offering a 4th OF JULY WEEKEND AudioPack, available to radio stations for free, now through FRIDAY, JULY 2nd.

The AudioPack has all the SFX and musicbeds to set the tone for a patriotic weekend mood for stations of all formats. 

Just sign up at benztown.typeform.com/to/N62goWg9, and BENZTOWN’s audio imaging pros will send you the download link. Contact SUSAN AKSU at sa@benztown.com or (818) 842-4600. 

Steve Martin And Andy Somers Launch Paladin Artists

STEVE MARTIN and ANDY SOMERS have partnered to start "PALADIN ARTISTS," described as, "a diverse independent agency with a focus on music touring, live events, theater, literary representation, touring exhibitions and estate management."

The agency is founded in partnership with ENTOURAGE TALENT ASSOCIATES and THE KAGENCY.

“The world has been through hell for the last 18 months with many places and people still struggling. I’m simply grateful to work with people I like and artists that I respect, enjoy and have fruitful relationships with,” says PALADIN Co-Founder STEVE MARTIN. “Many were able to take a step back during the shutdown and evaluate what is important, be it personal or business. The industry is rapidly evolving and will continue to do so in the post-pandemic world.”

SupeRadio & AURN Inspirational Network To Celebrate Father’s Day With A Marvin Sapp Special

SUPERADIO NETWORKS & AURN INSPIRATIONAL NETWORK will celebrate FATHER’S DAY on JUNE 20th with a special 2-hour broadcast of the nationally syndicated MARVIN SAPP Radio Show.

The multi-award-winning musician/songwriter (DOVE, STELLAR, and GRAMMY) will also have on as special guests KIRK FRANKLIN and his son MARVIN SAPP II also known as JAMAL THE PRINCE. His son is the first artist signed to SAPP’s new Gospel Label.

Bishop SAPP said, “This FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL will celebrate all fathers with the best in old school and new school all while keeping it churchy and funky at the same time."

THE FATHER’S DAY show will also feature guests JAMES FORTUNE, DR. BOBBY JONES, BRANDON CAMPHOR, EARNEST PUGH, HEZEKIAH WALKER, and KEYLA RICHARDSON.

North Korea's Kim Jong-Un Calls K-Pop 'Vicious Cancer'

NORTH KOREA's Supreme Leader, KIM JUNG-UN, says K-POP is "A vicious cancer corrupting young NORTH KOREANS’ attire, hairstyles, speeches and behaviors. His state media has warned that, if left unchecked, it would make NORTH KOREA “crumble like a damp wall.” It's reported the brutal dictator sees the rise of K-Pop and its fans as a serious threat to NORTH KOREAN socialism and is ordering a crackdown against K-Pop fans.

TMZ reported, "Leaked documents from the NORTH KOREAN government show KIM is running an anti-K-Pop campaign against what he calls the "vicious cancer" of ... more »

Downloads Up 1% Week-To-Week, Down 11% Year-To-Year In Podtrac Weekly Podcast Data Release For June 7-13

PODTRAC's weekly podcast listening data for its measured shows for JUNE 7-13 showed downloads up 1% from the previous week and down 11% on a year-to-year basis.

As for growth in "top categories" for PODTRAC measured shows, download growth for the 52-week period from JUNE 8, 2020 to JUNE 13, 2021 was -15% for Arts, -24% for Business, +6% for Comedy, -49% for Education, -7% for History, -19% for News, -11% for Science, -24% for Society & Culture, -3% for Sports, and +55% for True Crime. Week-to-week growth was 2021 was -5% for Arts, -5% for Business, -1% for Comedy, -11% for Education, +5% for History, +3% for News, +9% for Science, -5% for Society & Culture, +5% for Sports, and -1% for True Crime.

L.A. Times Studios, At Will Media Produce Branded Content Podcast For Southwest Airlines

The LOS ANGELES TIMES' L.A. TIMES STUDIOS and AT WILL MEDIA have produced a 20-episode branded content podcast for SOUTHWEST AIRLINES to commemorate the airline's 50th anniversary. "IS THIS SEAT OPEN?" is hosted by SOUTHWEST's QUINNIE JENKINS and LUCAS HERSHBERGER.

The series of 7- to 10-minute episodes features the airline's employees relating a defining moment from their careers with the company.

New Podcast Examines Mysterious Theft And Return Of 'The Wizard Of Oz's' Ruby Slippers

AUDACY podcast division CADENCE13's C13ORIGINALS will debut on TUESDAY (6/15) a new podcast about the theft of the iconic ruby slippers worn by JUDY GARLAND in "THE WIZARD OF OZ." "NO PLACE LIKE HOME," an eight-episode look at the slippers' theft and return is narrated by THE ATAVIST Editor-in-Chief SEYWARD DARBY and journalist ARIEL RAMCHANDANI.

“We have been following this story for three years, and we are thrilled that C13ORIGINALS is helping us shepherd it into the world,” said DARBY and RAMCHANDANI in a press release. “Like so many people, we grew up watching 'THE WIZARD OF ... more »

HBO Sets Debut Of TV Version Of Ronan Farrow's 'Catch And Kill' Podcast

The six-episode HBO television series based on RONAN FARROW's podcast and book "CATCH AND KILL" will begin airing on JULY 12th with two back-to-back episodes. 

"CATCH AND KILL: THE PODCAST TAPES" is directed by FENTON BAILEY and RANDY BARBATO and produced by WORLD OF WONDER and expands on the podcast's expose of HARVEY WEINSTEIN's history of sexual misconduct with new footage and additional detail.

Episodes will air back-to-back each MONDAY for three weeks, JULY 12th through 26th, and will also be available for streaming via HBO MAX.

Radio Veteran Nick Cash Has Died At 56

ALL ACCESS sends condolences to the family and friends of radio veteran NICK CASH (born RICHARD SZOST, who died unexpectedly last week at the age of 56 at his home in HICKORY, NC. A native of DUNNELLON, FL, CASH worked in the radio business for more than 25 years, including more than eight as Brand Mgr. and afternoon driver at iHEARTMEDIA Country KHGE (102.7 THE WOLF)/FRESNO. His Brand Mgr. duties also extended to sister stations Sports KCBL (FOX SPORTS RADIO 1340) and Religious Talk KRDU. 

He most recently was OM for CURTIS MEDIA GROUP’s LENOIR, NC cluster, and morning host at Country WKVS (KICKS 103.3) until his ... more »

Zimmer/Joplin Market Manager Chad Elliot Dead At 47

ZIMMER MARKETING GROUP/JOPLIN, MO Market Mgr. CHAD ELLIOT died SATURDAY (6/13) at his home; he was 47.

ELLIOT (real name CHAD CARROZ) was an on-air talent at KWRE-A-KFAV/WARRENTON, MO and ZIMMER's KTXY-KATI/JEFFERSON CITY, MO, and served as Operations Manager for ZIMMER covering several markets from 1994 (with one detour when he worked for MAX MEDIA after it bought ZIMMER’s CARBONDALE, IL cluster) through MAY 2016, when he was upped to GM of the six-station JOPLIN cluster. He also hosted News-Talk KZRG-A/JOPLIN's "KZRG MORNING NEWSWATCH" from 2009 through 2018.

"CHAD will be missed by all who ... more »

Former KMOX/St. Louis Entertainment Reporter Harry Hamm Dies In Jail At 79

HARRY HAMM, the longtime entertainment reporter at News-Talk KMOX-A/ST. LOUIS who was sentenced to prison on child pornography charges in APRIL, died on SATURDAY (5/12) at 79. HAMM was in jail awaiting relocation to a federal prison and trial on county charges of statutory sodomy, incest, and child pornography and had battled heart problems in recent years.

HAMM had been a regular contributor on KMOX since 1975 until he was charged with three felonies, second-degree statutory sodomy, incest, and possession of child pornography in 2019. He pleaded guilty to two federal felony counts of child pornography possession and one count of access with intent to view child pornography in FEBRUARY and was sentenced to five years and eight months in federal prison (NET NEWS 4/28).

Juan Nelson, Virtuoso Bassist For Ben Harper, Passes At 62

World renowned bassist JUAN NELSON passed away on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9th. Performing with BEN HARPER AND THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS for nearly three decades, NELSON was also a record producer, composer, and songwriter.  

Born AUGUST 24th, 1958 in CINCINNATI, OH, JUAN moved to CALIFORNIA in the late '60s. “My first bass was a K bass and it cost $70,” JUAN told BASS PLAYER MAGAZINE. “I saved up to buy it, took it home to play it and then found out that I need an amp to hear it!”. 

His first show with BEN HARPER and the band that became the INNOCENT CRIMINALS was on APRIL 30th, 1994, when they ... more »

Happy Birthday

ALL ACCESS Happy Birthday wishes on MONDAY (6/14) to CUMULUS MEDIA/LOS ANGELES VP/Market Mgr. DAWN GIROCCO, TESHMEDIA's ALICIA TYLER, HOLLYWOOD HAMILTON’S WEEKEND TOP 30 COUNTDOWN’s MICHELE PARISI, former BIGGER PICTURE's MATT CORBIN, WZGC/ATLANTA PD TERRY FOXX, AAUDIO VIDEO STUDIO's ROY CUNNINGHAM, KDES/PALM SPRINGS PD DANNY FOX, THE TENNESSEAN’s CRAIG HAVIGHURST, SOUTH CENTRAL Pres. CRAIG JACOBUS, SUMMITMEDIA/BOISE OM DAN ... more »

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