News Notes – December ’09/Jan.’10
BS restructures its corporate management and puts CFO and SVP of operations Anton Guitano in the new position of COO of CBS local media. The company says Guitano will “report to Leslie Moonves, president and chief executive officer, CBS Corporation, in his new role as COO of local media. He will also report to Dan Mason, president and CEO of CBS radio, and Peter Dunn, the new President of CBS television stations, helping to drive each division’s ongoing financial, strategic and operating objectives. In addition, Guitano will lead CBS’s efforts 
to capitalize on its unparalleled collection of local news and Internet properties throughout the nation. At the same time, Dan Mason extends his contract to head up the radio division. Moonves says, “Dan is, quite simply, the best executive in the radio business. He has unparalleled gifts as a programmer, and knows how to turn that grasp of our on-air product into improved ratings and financial performance.”…..Joe Davis gives up his president of the radio division post at Salem Communications to take the new senior advisor/special projects and strategic development position where he’ll report directly to CEO Ed Atsinger. Taking over his old position is David Santrella who most recently was GM of the company’s Chicago properties but also was in charge of the Minneapolis and Denver markets. Other Salem 
promotions include: Allen Power who’s upped to SVP and is in charge of the New York, Los Angeles and Chicago markets; plus Philadelphia GM Russ Whitnah, Denver GM Brian Taylor and Atlanta GM Mike Moran are all promoted to operational vice presidents…..Fox News Channel’s Glenn Beck and Bill O’Reilly are embarking on a series of live shows they are calling the “Bold and Fresh Tour 2010.” Beck and O’Reilly will do at least four shows in the East in places like Long Island, 
New York; Charleston, South Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and Norfolk, Virginia. The first show is Long Island on January 23. The website promoting the tour (www.boldfreshtour.com) describes the already sold-out show as “an event that makes professional wrestling seem like a night at the opera. You’ll hear from Bill, you’ll hear from Glenn, and then…they’ll take the stage together. What happens then? Heaven only knows, but one thing is for sure — you’ll want to see it with your very own eyes.”…..After 14 years in the morning drive chair at Fisher’s KVI, Seattle, Kirby Wilbur was ousted in November. Wilbur takes issue with station management’s 
public announcement that it was about ratings but says via his website that he is pursuing other options in radio and hopes to announce something soon. Wilbur’s program was replaced with TRN’s Laura Ingraham…..Lately there’s been a lot of speculation about whether Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin will re-sign Howard Stern when his lucrative contract expires at the end of next year. Karmazin has spoken to a number of mainstream media outlets recently and says Stern 
is worth his salary. He told Fox Business Network’s Neil Cavuto, “Good content costs you a lot of money. And as I’ve said before, I’d much rather have that good content than not have it. And if we have to work harder to generate more subscribers and more free cash flow to pay for it, we’re prepared to do it.” Karmazin also told Cavuto that he’s bullish on the future of the satcaster and believes it’s headed in the right direction: “My metric that I care about, more importantly than subscribers, more importantly than revenue, is free cash flow, because I’ve always believed that free cash flow creates wealth. And it’s free cash flow that enables you to make acquisitions, buy back your stock and pay down debt. And we are generating –– in spite of the costs –– a lot of free cash flow.”…..A poll conducted by “60 Minutes” and Vanity 
Fair in November concludes that Premiere Radio Networks talk stars Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck are America’s leading conservatives. Limbaugh came in first with 26% of respondents picking him and Beck in second at 11%. The two beat out Dick Cheney and Sarah Palin who tied at 10%. The telephone poll of random adults was conducted November 6-8 and included a number of other politically oriented questions…..FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski asks the Third Circuit Court to put a hold on its ruling on the Kevin Martin-era FCC regulation that would waive the cross-ownership ban for companies operating in the top 20 DMAs and for 
those waivers already granted. Genachowski says the 2010 quadrennial review includes a study of this and many other policies and asks the Court to wait for the results of the review. The commission wants the Court either to hold the matter in abeyance or remand it so it can be tackled with the rest of the review…..Randy Michaels –– onetime Jacor and Clear Channel Radio president –– is upped from the chief operating officer post to chief executive officer of Tribune Company. Sam Zell, who held the CEO and chairman titles, remains chairman of the company. In a statement after announcing his resignation from the CEO post, Zell said, “This 
appointment reflects Randy’s increasing responsibilities. At this point in Tribune’s evolution, no one is better suited to lead the company forward.” This news comes on the heels of Tribune winning approval from a bankruptcy judge allowing it to have until the end of February to submit its plan for exiting Chapter 11 protection. Creditors had wanted to force their own reorganization plan on the company…..Clear Channel makes changes to its national sales structure and Premiere Radio Networks. Charlie Rahilly exits his post as chief of Premiere Radio Networks –– sort of. He’s now the president of the newly created Clear Channel Radio National Advertiser Platforms Group. That means he’s in charge of national sales for Clear Channel Radio, Premiere Radio Networks national sales, Katz Media and Clear Channel Radio Digital National Sales. At Premiere, Julie Talbott moves from VP of affiliate marketing to president of content and affiliate relations and executive vice president of sales Carol Terakawa stays right where she is and continues to report to Charlie Rahilly…..WABC, New York begins officially syndicating the John Batchelor show. The weekend evening program is being offered to 
stations across the country in syndication via not Citadel Media, but WABC Radio Syndication. The show airs Saturday and Sunday evenings from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. You may remember the old “Batchelor and Alexander” show that was nationally syndicated on Sunday evenings and reportedly performed well for the old ABC Radio Networks before Paul Alexander exited the business. Batchelor continued solo until 2006 when the show was canceled. Batchelor returned to WABC in late 2007. The show is heard on Citadel’s KSFO, San Francisco and WMAL, Washington in addition to Greater Media’s WTKK-FM, Boston. In another move for Citadel, the company drops Curtis Sliwa and puts Batchelor on weeknights as well. Sliwa had been doing the time slot following Mark Levin’s show but Sliwa and Citadel couldn’t come to 
terms on a new contract…..Speaking of Curtis Sliwa, the case against John “Junior” Gotti alleging he ordered a hit on talk radio host Sliwa ends in a deadlocked jury for the third time. In December, jurors deliberating told a judge that after 11 days they were deadlocked. Prosecutors say the Gabino crime family chief ordered Sliwa killed in 1992 because of Sliwa’s critical comments about his father. Sliwa suffered gunshot wounds in the incident…..Dial Global syndicated talk host and former “Crossfire” co-host Bill Press lost out on his bid to gain credentials for a spot in the Congressional Radio-Television Galleries because of his advocacy stance. According 
to a piece in Politico, Press’ recent statement on his website urging listeners to write Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) to tell him he’s wrong about health care is too activist. Apparently one of the criteria for access to the galleries is: “Applicants shall further declare that they are not engaged in the prosecution of claims or the promotion of legislation pending before Congress.” Press is allowed to reapply and says that he will…..WCCO, Minneapolis mid-afternoon talk host Don Shelby retires from his radio job but will remain at his anchor/reporter post on the company’s WCCO-TV until the end of 2010. Shelby has been doing talk radio at WCCO for the past nine years…..Former New York and Boston talk show host Leslie Gold –– known affectionately as the Radio Chick –– is now broadcasting a daily program on her new venture, the “media 
station” Shovio, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The new online video network at www.shovio.com is billed as the first two-way live online video broadcasting network. Gold tells TALKERS magazine it is the only system that supports open, spontaneous two-way video, and can support millions of concurrent, live viewers. “This is breakthrough, proprietary technology, and currently no one else does it. I like to say it has the look of TV (with host, video, graphics and multiple cameras), the spontaneity of talk radio, and the omnipresence of the internet.” Additionally, talk hosts Jeff Katz, Sid Rosenberg, Goumba Johnny and Karith Foster also do programs on Shovio…..Clear Channel issues a report comparing two recent studies –– the Arbitron “Radio Today” study of how Americans listen to the radio and the Ando Media opt-in survey of online listeners –– to conclude there is a lot of 25 -54 listening online and that includes those listening to news/talk. The Clear Channel report says about 40% of those listening to news/talk over the air are in the 25-54 demo while 71% of those listening to news/talk online are within the coveted demographic…..Los Angeles-based internet hot talk station 
HotTalkLA.com signs on. The “media station’s” site bills itself as “presenting you with the very best hot talk talent from a failed radio station,” and is up and running with some folks who used to work at KLSX-FM, Los Angeles before it flipped to music. “The Film Freak Movie Talk Show” with Leo Quinones and Sam Phillips’ “The Single Life” are two of the shows that used to air on KLSX-FM. Other shows and hosts include Kerri Kasem & Ashley Marriott and Randy Wang & Gina Grad. The site offers all its content in podcast form right now but live streaming is possible in the future. It’s operated by Jack Sullivan and Rick Boerner…..Longtime KABC, Los Angeles afternoon drive host Larry Elder is getting back in the talk media 
game with a digital broadcast emanating from his new website www.wevegotacountrytosave.com. Elder’s manager Carmen Santa Maria says the show will be a two-hour live webcast airing sometime in the afternoon. It will be subscription model and will debut soon. Elder recently wrote on his website, “Thoughtful individuals like you have been left with few choices for their daily information since the on-going downward spiral of daily radio began. My new show will be even harder hitting because it will be listener-direct and not subject to conventional radio management whims. The show will also be downloadable so you can listen live or later.”…..Emmis 
drops Jonathon Brandmeier from WLUP-FM. Brandmeier was brought back to Chicago radio after exiting the old hot talk WCKG-FM in 2005 but it appears ratings have not been what Emmis expected and Brandmeier commanded a pretty hefty salary, too. There are reports Tribune’s WGN and Citadel’s WLS may be interested in pursuing Brandmeier’s services…..Harvey Wells has been vice president and group manager at Fred Eychaner’s Chicago-based Newsweb Radio 
overseeing progressive talk WCPT since he left CBS Radio and legendary rock outlet WXRT-FM back in 2004. But Wells says he will exit when his contract is up in February. He recently told Robert Feder at vocalo.org, “I certainly would like to have had higher ratings and more success. But like any format, it’s going to take a while for progressive talk to build. It is still developing its brands and personalities. But I believe in the progressive talk format, and Newsweb Radio believes in the progressive talk format.”…..Washington, DC-based conservative talk radio syndicator Radio America makes changes in its management and eliminates the program director position, saying good-bye to Michael Packer after more than two years with the company. Packer –– a former major market talk PD –– continues to operate his consulting business Packer Smart Talk…..After seven and a half years on WWBA, Tampa Bay, Mark Larsen exits. According to Larsen, “Unfortunately the owner and I were unable to put together 
a deal going into 2010. We had a great run.” Larsen, who has the highest numbers on the station, is seeking a new radio home in Tampa Bay where he has been on the air for three decades…..Clear Channel names Brian Taylor program director of WRDU-FM. The Raleigh station flips to news/talk under the positioner “Rush Radio” in the New Year. In order to focus his attention on WRDU-FM, Taylor exits his position as PD at sister classic hits WRVA-FM…..KLBJ, Austin brings Todd and Don back to the air. Todd Jeffries and Don Pryor were removed from the morning show at Emmis’ KLBJ, Austin after an on-air discussion in July about illegal immigration repeatedly contained the slur “wetback.” Both served a two-week suspension but neither was fired. Jeffries was doing news director duties and Pryor was working in production. After going through diversity training and promising “a transformed perspective on community history, expectations and cultural sensitivity,” the two returned on December 7…..Progressive talk host Jay Marvin continues to convalesce from the serious health problems and the surgery that took him off the air back in March. Subsequently, Democratic 
strategist David Sirota, who’s been filling in for Marvin at KKZN, Denver, is named permanent host of the morning drive slot…..KNST, Tucson morning host Jim Parisi exits the Clear Channel talk outlet and surfaces across town at Good News Communications’ KVOI. Also, KNST program director Josh Leng exits the station after a year and half and is looking for his next opportunity. No word yet on permanent replacements at KNST for either Parisi or Leng…..KQTH-FM, Tucson adds 
an hour to the Jon Justice morning show, expanding it to 6:00 am to 10:00 am weekdays. Program director Andrew Lee tells TALKERS magazine, “Jon Justice is Southern Arizona’s most-listened-to local news/talk program and the audience was asking for another hour. There is so much to talk about in Tucson and this is the only FM show that gives the average Tucsonian a voice, so it was an easy decision to add an extra hour.”…..“Free Talk Live” adds more affiliates to its growing roster: WTAR, Norfolk; WGIN, Rochester, New Hampshire; KGOE, Eureka, California; KBKW-AM/FM, Aberdeen, Washington; WBHP, Huntsville; and WHOS, Decatur, 
Alabama…..Compass Media Networks announces the Norman Goldman show picks up affiliates WWZN, Boston; KKGN, San Francisco; and KPTK, Seattle. Compass CEO Peter Kosann says, “Progressive talk radio needs a new voice. Norman is compelling, relatable and hard working. Affiliates and listeners appreciate this.” Goldman’s show airs live weekdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET…..Randall Bloomquist’s Talk Frontier Media inks client Fisher House Foundation to help promote the organization’s cause via radio. Bloomquist tells TALKERS magazine the organization that provides temporary lodging and other support to the families of America’s 
wounded warriors is donating to the U.S. government 43 “comfort homes” on the grounds of military and VA hospitals across the country. These facilities allow families to be near a loved one who is receiving treatment for wounds or illness. There is no charge to stay at a Fisher House, regardless of the length of stay. The foundation’s other services include travel assistance for military families and scholarship programs. Fisher House Foundation president David Coker says, “We have learned first-hand that radio has an amazing power to convey the needs of America’s military families in a way that touches people emotionally and moves them to action. We deeply appreciate radio’s support and look forward to expanding our relationships with stations across the country.”…..A California talk station’s advertisers become victims of threats. At least four advertisers on Deer Creek’s KPAY, Chico, California received threatening letters from an unknown source or sources in early December. The letters mentioned no specific reason for the threats but hints it’s their association with conservative talk programming. The letter states the businesses will “reap hate” if they continue to “sow hate.” The letter also mentions specific actions that might be taken against the businesses, such as harm to employees, arson or property damage, if they don’t cease advertising. Police are investigating…..Vinnie Penn worked at Clear Channel’s Top 40 WKCI-FM, New Haven in the 1990s with his now-famous co-host Glenn Beck. He returns to the market hosting morning drive at the station’s sister news/talk outlet WELI beginning in January. He’ll replace Citadel Media’s “Imus in the Morning” and, ironically, will lead into Glenn Beck…..Mike O’Meara, former WJFK-FM, Washington, DC and Westwood One syndicated talk host (and former longtime partner with Don Geronimo) begins producing a daily podcast. The show includes former Don & Mike show newsman Buzz Burbank, cast member Robb Spewak and former WJFK-FM talk host Oscar Santana from the “Big O and Dukes” show. O’Meara continued doing the radio show based at WJFK-FM after Don Geronimo retired but the show was dropped when the station went sports in the spring…..WDDQ-FM, Valdosta, Georgia picks up TRN’s “Watchdog on Wall Street Money Minutes” daily feature. Chris Markowski hosts the program in addition to his weekend “Watchdog on Wall Street” talk show…..Former WTKS-FM, 
Orlando midday talk host Shannon Burke pleads guilty to cruelty to animals and using a firearm while under the influence and will do six months in jail as a result of the April 30 incident at his home in which he shot his wife’s dog and, accidently, his wife as well. Burke could have faced up to 20 years in prison. Burke says he’s sober, attending AA, and is buying time on WORL, Orlando doing a weekend program about addiction and recovery. He begins his sentence on December 31…..Husband and wife talk radio duo Carl and Linda Bott are buying KCNR, Shasta, California from local businessman Mike Quinn. The Bott’s “Free Fire Radio” show aired previously at Mapleton’s crosstown KQMS, Redding before being canceled by the station in September. In addition to the Bott’s show airing in morning drive, TRN’s Michael Savage and Phil Hendrie plus Westwood One’s Dennis Miller will be part of the lineup. The price of the deal has not been disclosed…..Tom Kraeutler reports his “The Money Pit” home improvement 
radio show came out of the year with 60 new affiliates to his roster. He says the down year for builders turned into a big year for renovations and improving energy efficiency. The show now boasts some 228 affiliate stations…..Embattled Florida talk station owner Doug Wilhite is selling WELE, Ormond Beach to Goliath Radio principal Big John (that’s his real name). Apparently Wilhite owes John $35,000 and the sale includes cancellation of that debt and John’s taking over other financial obligations. Wilhite was recently found not guilty of having sex with a minor but it’s possible prosecutors will bring more charges against him and there could be a civil suit as well…..The story of “extreme right-wing talk host” Hal Turner may just turn out to be the stuff of a made-for-TV movie if what the Bergen County Record reported in November is true. According to the piece, the “white supremacist” talk host Hal Turner actually did work for the FBI and rooting out dangerous domestic terrorists was his game. His shtick was acting like a right-wing “nut” to gain entry into the world of white supremacists. Turner is being tried in Brooklyn, New York on charges of allegedly making threats on his blog against three federal appeals court judges in Chicago. His first trial recently ended in a mistrial but prosecutors will try again in March. Before being bailed last month with one condition that he cease talking to the press, Turner did a series of interviews with the Bergen County Record and told of his frustration with the FBI for not arresting people he provided information on –– especially some that had threatened him and his family. The FBI admitted Turner worked for it but called Turner “ineffective.” The story seems to indicate otherwise as it appears much of what Turner tells the paper is corroborated…..Greater Media names Rick Feinblatt general manager of its Charlotte stations. Feinblatt was serving as temporary 
market manager for the company’s WBT-AM/FM and WLNK-FM after Rick Jackson left the company to take a market manager position in San Diego and now he’s officially named Jackson’s successor…..WMFR, Winston/Salem/High Point morning show host Max Meeks calls it quits after a radio career that spans seven decades and 12 presidential administrations. Eighty-four year-old Meeks began his position at WMFR in 1947 as a part time job and never left. Meeks intended to become a college professor but abandoned that notion soon after joining the station. “If I was 22 again, starting all over, I wouldn’t change a thing. I really do love the life and career I’ve had and am thankful God has blessed me in such a unique way. I enjoyed the contact that radio gives you with people, the support of good causes and having a unique communication with my listeners. I’ve loved every minute of (the last fifty years).” Meeks does his last show at the Curtis Media station on January 1, 2010…..“The Kathleen Show,” 
hosted by filmmaker and consumer health advocate Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau, changes its format. Slattery-Moschkau says she’s tweaked the format to give listeners longer and more in-depth interviews during the first hour and she’ll then open the phone lines to callers more during the second hour. Slattery-Moschkau also announced WXXM-FM, Madison picks up the program…..Boston’s WGBH Educational Foundation moves all of its classical music programming to newly acquired WCRB-FM and turns WGBH-FM into a non-commercial news/talk station. The change comes as the deal with Nassau selling WCRB-FM to WGBH for $14 million closes. WGBH-FM continues to air “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” but adds “Fresh Air” and Diane Rehm to the schedule. Beginning in January it will also air a local midday talk show hosted by Emily Rooney and Callie Crossley and audio versions of “NOVA” and “News Hour.” Interestingly, this sets up a rare competition of non-com talk outlets as University of Massachusetts-Boston’s crosstown WUMB-FM also programs a healthy amount of talk content…..The voice of National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” newscasts is retiring from the news desk after 34 years with NPR. Carl Kasell has 
been with “Morning Edition” since 1979 and also is the official judge and scorekeeper for the network’s “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” weekend news game show. In a memo, NPR says, “Carl has raised more than a generation of listeners with his calm and authoritative newscast and has been the first voice many people heard each day. He also has been a teacher and role model for NPR newscasters…not only because of his skill and experience, but also because of his kindness, integrity, and professionalism.” His last newscast will be December 30 but he will remain with “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me.”…..Lake Tahoe talk-rock hybrid KTHO adds an FM translator. Darrell Wampler –– known as “Insane” Darrell Wayne to Los Angeles rock radio fans – adds FM translator K241BK at 96.1 to his KTHO AM licensed to South Lake Tahoe. KTHO is a unique station featuring tons of classic rock and local talk for the Lake Tahoe community. And of course it includes an evening show featuring “Insane” Darrell Wayne and the Knuckleheads. Wampler has a day job, too. He’s a VP of sales and marketing for International Aerospace Solutions…..Capital Broadcasting’s WGDJ, Albany moves on the approved power boost that allows its daytime signal to jump from 5,000 watts to 10,000 and its nighttime signal to go from 5,000 to 8,000 watts…..TALKERS magazine sends condolences to the family and friends of Ken Ober. The comedian and host of MTV’s “Remote Control,” who co-hosted a midday radio talk show on the old KLSX-FM, Los Angeles with Susan Olsen in the mid-1990s, died on November 15 of unknown causes…..E-mail your news and photos to info@talkers.com.
BS restructures its corporate management and puts CFO and SVP of operations Anton Guitano in the new position of COO of CBS local media. The company says Guitano will “report to Leslie Moonves, president and chief executive officer, CBS Corporation, in his new role as COO of local media. He will also report to Dan Mason, president and CEO of CBS radio, and Peter Dunn, the new President of CBS television stations, helping to drive each division’s ongoing financial, strategic and operating objectives. In addition, Guitano will lead CBS’s efforts to capitalize on its unparalleled collection of local news and Internet properties throughout the nation. At the same time, Dan Mason extends his contract to head up the radio division. Moonves says, “Dan is, quite simply, the best executive in the radio business. He has unparalleled gifts as a programmer, and knows how to turn that grasp of our on-air product into improved ratings and financial performance.”…..Joe Davis gives up his president of the radio division post at Salem Communications to take the new senior advisor/special projects and strategic development position where he’ll report directly to CEO Ed Atsinger. Taking over his old position is David Santrella who most recently was GM of the company’s Chicago properties but also was in charge of the Minneapolis and Denver markets. Other Salem promotions include: Allen Power who’s upped to SVP and is in charge of the New York, Los Angeles and Chicago markets; plus Philadelphia GM Russ Whitnah, Denver GM Brian Taylor and Atlanta GM Mike Moran are all promoted to operational vice presidents…..Fox News Channel’s Glenn Beck and Bill O’Reilly are embarking on a series of live shows they are calling the “Bold and Fresh Tour 2010.” Beck and O’Reilly will do at least four shows in the East in places like Long Island, New York; Charleston, South Carolina; Tampa, Florida; and Norfolk, Virginia. The first show is Long Island on January 23. The website promoting the tour (www.boldfreshtour.com) describes the already sold-out show as “an event that makes professional wrestling seem like a night at the opera. You’ll hear from Bill, you’ll hear from Glenn, and then…they’ll take the stage together. What happens then? Heaven only knows, but one thing is for sure — you’ll want to see it with your very own eyes.”…..After 14 years in the morning drive chair at Fisher’s KVI, Seattle, Kirby Wilbur was ousted in November. Wilbur takes issue with station management’s public announcement that it was about ratings but says via his website that he is pursuing other options in radio and hopes to announce something soon. Wilbur’s program was replaced with TRN’s Laura Ingraham…..Lately there’s been a lot of speculation about whether Sirius XM CEO Mel Karmazin will re-sign Howard Stern when his lucrative contract expires at the end of next year. Karmazin has spoken to a number of mainstream media outlets recently and says Stern is worth his salary. He told Fox Business Network’s Neil Cavuto, “Good content costs you a lot of money. And as I’ve said before, I’d much rather have that good content than not have it. And if we have to work harder to generate more subscribers and more free cash flow to pay for it, we’re prepared to do it.” Karmazin also told Cavuto that he’s bullish on the future of the satcaster and believes it’s headed in the right direction: “My metric that I care about, more importantly than subscribers, more importantly than revenue, is free cash flow, because I’ve always believed that free cash flow creates wealth. And it’s free cash flow that enables you to make acquisitions, buy back your stock and pay down debt. And we are generating –– in spite of the costs –– a lot of free cash flow.”…..A poll conducted by “60 Minutes” and Vanity Fair in November concludes that Premiere Radio Networks talk stars Rush Limbaugh and Glenn Beck are America’s leading conservatives. Limbaugh came in first with 26% of respondents picking him and Beck in second at 11%. The two beat out Dick Cheney and Sarah Palin who tied at 10%. The telephone poll of random adults was conducted November 6-8 and included a number of other politically oriented questions…..FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski asks the Third Circuit Court to put a hold on its ruling on the Kevin Martin-era FCC regulation that would waive the cross-ownership ban for companies operating in the top 20 DMAs and for those waivers already granted. Genachowski says the 2010 quadrennial review includes a study of this and many other policies and asks the Court to wait for the results of the review. The commission wants the Court either to hold the matter in abeyance or remand it so it can be tackled with the rest of the review…..Randy Michaels –– onetime Jacor and Clear Channel Radio president –– is upped from the chief operating officer post to chief executive officer of Tribune Company. Sam Zell, who held the CEO and chairman titles, remains chairman of the company. In a statement after announcing his resignation from the CEO post, Zell said, “This appointment reflects Randy’s increasing responsibilities. At this point in Tribune’s evolution, no one is better suited to lead the company forward.” This news comes on the heels of Tribune winning approval from a bankruptcy judge allowing it to have until the end of February to submit its plan for exiting Chapter 11 protection. Creditors had wanted to force their own reorganization plan on the company…..Clear Channel makes changes to its national sales structure and Premiere Radio Networks. Charlie Rahilly exits his post as chief of Premiere Radio Networks –– sort of. He’s now the president of the newly created Clear Channel Radio National Advertiser Platforms Group. That means he’s in charge of national sales for Clear Channel Radio, Premiere Radio Networks national sales, Katz Media and Clear Channel Radio Digital National Sales. At Premiere, Julie Talbott moves from VP of affiliate marketing to president of content and affiliate relations and executive vice president of sales Carol Terakawa stays right where she is and continues to report to Charlie Rahilly…..WABC, New York begins officially syndicating the John Batchelor show. The weekend evening program is being offered to stations across the country in syndication via not Citadel Media, but WABC Radio Syndication. The show airs Saturday and Sunday evenings from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. You may remember the old “Batchelor and Alexander” show that was nationally syndicated on Sunday evenings and reportedly performed well for the old ABC Radio Networks before Paul Alexander exited the business. Batchelor continued solo until 2006 when the show was canceled. Batchelor returned to WABC in late 2007. The show is heard on Citadel’s KSFO, San Francisco and WMAL, Washington in addition to Greater Media’s WTKK-FM, Boston. In another move for Citadel, the company drops Curtis Sliwa and puts Batchelor on weeknights as well. Sliwa had been doing the time slot following Mark Levin’s show but Sliwa and Citadel couldn’t come to terms on a new contract…..Speaking of Curtis Sliwa, the case against John “Junior” Gotti alleging he ordered a hit on talk radio host Sliwa ends in a deadlocked jury for the third time. In December, jurors deliberating told a judge that after 11 days they were deadlocked. Prosecutors say the Gabino crime family chief ordered Sliwa killed in 1992 because of Sliwa’s critical comments about his father. Sliwa suffered gunshot wounds in the incident…..Dial Global syndicated talk host and former “Crossfire” co-host Bill Press lost out on his bid to gain credentials for a spot in the Congressional Radio-Television Galleries because of his advocacy stance. According to a piece in Politico, Press’ recent statement on his website urging listeners to write Senator Joe Lieberman (I-CT) to tell him he’s wrong about health care is too activist. Apparently one of the criteria for access to the galleries is: “Applicants shall further declare that they are not engaged in the prosecution of claims or the promotion of legislation pending before Congress.” Press is allowed to reapply and says that he will…..WCCO, Minneapolis mid-afternoon talk host Don Shelby retires from his radio job but will remain at his anchor/reporter post on the company’s WCCO-TV until the end of 2010. Shelby has been doing talk radio at WCCO for the past nine years…..Former New York and Boston talk show host Leslie Gold –– known affectionately as the Radio Chick –– is now broadcasting a daily program on her new venture, the “media station” Shovio, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The new online video network at www.shovio.com is billed as the first two-way live online video broadcasting network. Gold tells TALKERS magazine it is the only system that supports open, spontaneous two-way video, and can support millions of concurrent, live viewers. “This is breakthrough, proprietary technology, and currently no one else does it. I like to say it has the look of TV (with host, video, graphics and multiple cameras), the spontaneity of talk radio, and the omnipresence of the internet.” Additionally, talk hosts Jeff Katz, Sid Rosenberg, Goumba Johnny and Karith Foster also do programs on Shovio…..Clear Channel issues a report comparing two recent studies –– the Arbitron “Radio Today” study of how Americans listen to the radio and the Ando Media opt-in survey of online listeners –– to conclude there is a lot of 25 -54 listening online and that includes those listening to news/talk. The Clear Channel report says about 40% of those listening to news/talk over the air are in the 25-54 demo while 71% of those listening to news/talk online are within the coveted demographic…..Los Angeles-based internet hot talk station HotTalkLA.com signs on. The “media station’s” site bills itself as “presenting you with the very best hot talk talent from a failed radio station,” and is up and running with some folks who used to work at KLSX-FM, Los Angeles before it flipped to music. “The Film Freak Movie Talk Show” with Leo Quinones and Sam Phillips’ “The Single Life” are two of the shows that used to air on KLSX-FM. Other shows and hosts include Kerri Kasem & Ashley Marriott and Randy Wang & Gina Grad. The site offers all its content in podcast form right now but live streaming is possible in the future. It’s operated by Jack Sullivan and Rick Boerner…..Longtime KABC, Los Angeles afternoon drive host Larry Elder is getting back in the talk media game with a digital broadcast emanating from his new website www.wevegotacountrytosave.com. Elder’s manager Carmen Santa Maria says the show will be a two-hour live webcast airing sometime in the afternoon. It will be subscription model and will debut soon. Elder recently wrote on his website, “Thoughtful individuals like you have been left with few choices for their daily information since the on-going downward spiral of daily radio began. My new show will be even harder hitting because it will be listener-direct and not subject to conventional radio management whims. The show will also be downloadable so you can listen live or later.”…..Emmis drops Jonathon Brandmeier from WLUP-FM. Brandmeier was brought back to Chicago radio after exiting the old hot talk WCKG-FM in 2005 but it appears ratings have not been what Emmis expected and Brandmeier commanded a pretty hefty salary, too. There are reports Tribune’s WGN and Citadel’s WLS may be interested in pursuing Brandmeier’s services…..Harvey Wells has been vice president and group manager at Fred Eychaner’s Chicago-based Newsweb Radio overseeing progressive talk WCPT since he left CBS Radio and legendary rock outlet WXRT-FM back in 2004. But Wells says he will exit when his contract is up in February. He recently told Robert Feder at vocalo.org, “I certainly would like to have had higher ratings and more success. But like any format, it’s going to take a while for progressive talk to build. It is still developing its brands and personalities. But I believe in the progressive talk format, and Newsweb Radio believes in the progressive talk format.”…..Washington, DC-based conservative talk radio syndicator Radio America makes changes in its management and eliminates the program director position, saying good-bye to Michael Packer after more than two years with the company. Packer –– a former major market talk PD –– continues to operate his consulting business Packer Smart Talk…..After seven and a half years on WWBA, Tampa Bay, Mark Larsen exits. According to Larsen, “Unfortunately the owner and I were unable to put together a deal going into 2010. We had a great run.” Larsen, who has the highest numbers on the station, is seeking a new radio home in Tampa Bay where he has been on the air for three decades…..Clear Channel names Brian Taylor program director of WRDU-FM. The Raleigh station flips to news/talk under the positioner “Rush Radio” in the New Year. In order to focus his attention on WRDU-FM, Taylor exits his position as PD at sister classic hits WRVA-FM…..KLBJ, Austin brings Todd and Don back to the air. Todd Jeffries and Don Pryor were removed from the morning show at Emmis’ KLBJ, Austin after an on-air discussion in July about illegal immigration repeatedly contained the slur “wetback.” Both served a two-week suspension but neither was fired. Jeffries was doing news director duties and Pryor was working in production. After going through diversity training and promising “a transformed perspective on community history, expectations and cultural sensitivity,” the two returned on December 7…..Progressive talk host Jay Marvin continues to convalesce from the serious health problems and the surgery that took him off the air back in March. Subsequently, Democratic strategist David Sirota, who’s been filling in for Marvin at KKZN, Denver, is named permanent host of the morning drive slot…..KNST, Tucson morning host Jim Parisi exits the Clear Channel talk outlet and surfaces across town at Good News Communications’ KVOI. Also, KNST program director Josh Leng exits the station after a year and half and is looking for his next opportunity. No word yet on permanent replacements at KNST for either Parisi or Leng…..KQTH-FM, Tucson adds an hour to the Jon Justice morning show, expanding it to 6:00 am to 10:00 am weekdays. Program director Andrew Lee tells TALKERS magazine, “Jon Justice is Southern Arizona’s most-listened-to local news/talk program and the audience was asking for another hour. There is so much to talk about in Tucson and this is the only FM show that gives the average Tucsonian a voice, so it was an easy decision to add an extra hour.”…..“Free Talk Live” adds more affiliates to its growing roster: WTAR, Norfolk; WGIN, Rochester, New Hampshire; KGOE, Eureka, California; KBKW-AM/FM, Aberdeen, Washington; WBHP, Huntsville; and WHOS, Decatur, Alabama…..Compass Media Networks announces the Norman Goldman show picks up affiliates WWZN, Boston; KKGN, San Francisco; and KPTK, Seattle. Compass CEO Peter Kosann says, “Progressive talk radio needs a new voice. Norman is compelling, relatable and hard working. Affiliates and listeners appreciate this.” Goldman’s show airs live weekdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm ET…..Randall Bloomquist’s Talk Frontier Media inks client Fisher House Foundation to help promote the organization’s cause via radio. Bloomquist tells TALKERS magazine the organization that provides temporary lodging and other support to the families of America’s wounded warriors is donating to the U.S. government 43 “comfort homes” on the grounds of military and VA hospitals across the country. These facilities allow families to be near a loved one who is receiving treatment for wounds or illness. There is no charge to stay at a Fisher House, regardless of the length of stay. The foundation’s other services include travel assistance for military families and scholarship programs. Fisher House Foundation president David Coker says, “We have learned first-hand that radio has an amazing power to convey the needs of America’s military families in a way that touches people emotionally and moves them to action. We deeply appreciate radio’s support and look forward to expanding our relationships with stations across the country.”…..A California talk station’s advertisers become victims of threats. At least four advertisers on Deer Creek’s KPAY, Chico, California received threatening letters from an unknown source or sources in early December. The letters mentioned no specific reason for the threats but hints it’s their association with conservative talk programming. The letter states the businesses will “reap hate” if they continue to “sow hate.” The letter also mentions specific actions that might be taken against the businesses, such as harm to employees, arson or property damage, if they don’t cease advertising. Police are investigating…..Vinnie Penn worked at Clear Channel’s Top 40 WKCI-FM, New Haven in the 1990s with his now-famous co-host Glenn Beck. He returns to the market hosting morning drive at the station’s sister news/talk outlet WELI beginning in January. He’ll replace Citadel Media’s “Imus in the Morning” and, ironically, will lead into Glenn Beck…..Mike O’Meara, former WJFK-FM, Washington, DC and Westwood One syndicated talk host (and former longtime partner with Don Geronimo) begins producing a daily podcast. The show includes former Don & Mike show newsman Buzz Burbank, cast member Robb Spewak and former WJFK-FM talk host Oscar Santana from the “Big O and Dukes” show. O’Meara continued doing the radio show based at WJFK-FM after Don Geronimo retired but the show was dropped when the station went sports in the spring…..WDDQ-FM, Valdosta, Georgia picks up TRN’s “Watchdog on Wall Street Money Minutes” daily feature. Chris Markowski hosts the program in addition to his weekend “Watchdog on Wall Street” talk show…..Former WTKS-FM, Orlando midday talk host Shannon Burke pleads guilty to cruelty to animals and using a firearm while under the influence and will do six months in jail as a result of the April 30 incident at his home in which he shot his wife’s dog and, accidently, his wife as well. Burke could have faced up to 20 years in prison. Burke says he’s sober, attending AA, and is buying time on WORL, Orlando doing a weekend program about addiction and recovery. He begins his sentence on December 31…..Husband and wife talk radio duo Carl and Linda Bott are buying KCNR, Shasta, California from local businessman Mike Quinn. The Bott’s “Free Fire Radio” show aired previously at Mapleton’s crosstown KQMS, Redding before being canceled by the station in September. In addition to the Bott’s show airing in morning drive, TRN’s Michael Savage and Phil Hendrie plus Westwood One’s Dennis Miller will be part of the lineup. The price of the deal has not been disclosed…..Tom Kraeutler reports his “The Money Pit” home improvement radio show came out of the year with 60 new affiliates to his roster. He says the down year for builders turned into a big year for renovations and improving energy efficiency. The show now boasts some 228 affiliate stations…..Embattled Florida talk station owner Doug Wilhite is selling WELE, Ormond Beach to Goliath Radio principal Big John (that’s his real name). Apparently Wilhite owes John $35,000 and the sale includes cancellation of that debt and John’s taking over other financial obligations. Wilhite was recently found not guilty of having sex with a minor but it’s possible prosecutors will bring more charges against him and there could be a civil suit as well…..The story of “extreme right-wing talk host” Hal Turner may just turn out to be the stuff of a made-for-TV movie if what the Bergen County Record reported in November is true. According to the piece, the “white supremacist” talk host Hal Turner actually did work for the FBI and rooting out dangerous domestic terrorists was his game. His shtick was acting like a right-wing “nut” to gain entry into the world of white supremacists. Turner is being tried in Brooklyn, New York on charges of allegedly making threats on his blog against three federal appeals court judges in Chicago. His first trial recently ended in a mistrial but prosecutors will try again in March. Before being bailed last month with one condition that he cease talking to the press, Turner did a series of interviews with the Bergen County Record and told of his frustration with the FBI for not arresting people he provided information on –– especially some that had threatened him and his family. The FBI admitted Turner worked for it but called Turner “ineffective.” The story seems to indicate otherwise as it appears much of what Turner tells the paper is corroborated…..Greater Media names Rick Feinblatt general manager of its Charlotte stations. Feinblatt was serving as temporary market manager for the company’s WBT-AM/FM and WLNK-FM after Rick Jackson left the company to take a market manager position in San Diego and now he’s officially named Jackson’s successor…..WMFR, Winston/Salem/High Point morning show host Max Meeks calls it quits after a radio career that spans seven decades and 12 presidential administrations. Eighty-four year-old Meeks began his position at WMFR in 1947 as a part time job and never left. Meeks intended to become a college professor but abandoned that notion soon after joining the station. “If I was 22 again, starting all over, I wouldn’t change a thing. I really do love the life and career I’ve had and am thankful God has blessed me in such a unique way. I enjoyed the contact that radio gives you with people, the support of good causes and having a unique communication with my listeners. I’ve loved every minute of (the last fifty years).” Meeks does his last show at the Curtis Media station on January 1, 2010…..“The Kathleen Show,” hosted by filmmaker and consumer health advocate Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau, changes its format. Slattery-Moschkau says she’s tweaked the format to give listeners longer and more in-depth interviews during the first hour and she’ll then open the phone lines to callers more during the second hour. Slattery-Moschkau also announced WXXM-FM, Madison picks up the program…..Boston’s WGBH Educational Foundation moves all of its classical music programming to newly acquired WCRB-FM and turns WGBH-FM into a non-commercial news/talk station. The change comes as the deal with Nassau selling WCRB-FM to WGBH for $14 million closes. WGBH-FM continues to air “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” but adds “Fresh Air” and Diane Rehm to the schedule. Beginning in January it will also air a local midday talk show hosted by Emily Rooney and Callie Crossley and audio versions of “NOVA” and “News Hour.” Interestingly, this sets up a rare competition of non-com talk outlets as University of Massachusetts-Boston’s crosstown WUMB-FM also programs a healthy amount of talk content…..The voice of National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition” newscasts is retiring from the news desk after 34 years with NPR. Carl Kasell has been with “Morning Edition” since 1979 and also is the official judge and scorekeeper for the network’s “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me” weekend news game show. In a memo, NPR says, “Carl has raised more than a generation of listeners with his calm and authoritative newscast and has been the first voice many people heard each day. He also has been a teacher and role model for NPR newscasters…not only because of his skill and experience, but also because of his kindness, integrity, and professionalism.” His last newscast will be December 30 but he will remain with “Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me.”…..Lake Tahoe talk-rock hybrid KTHO adds an FM translator. Darrell Wampler –– known as “Insane” Darrell Wayne to Los Angeles rock radio fans – adds FM translator K241BK at 96.1 to his KTHO AM licensed to South Lake Tahoe. KTHO is a unique station featuring tons of classic rock and local talk for the Lake Tahoe community. And of course it includes an evening show featuring “Insane” Darrell Wayne and the Knuckleheads. Wampler has a day job, too. He’s a VP of sales and marketing for International Aerospace Solutions…..Capital Broadcasting’s WGDJ, Albany moves on the approved power boost that allows its daytime signal to jump from 5,000 watts to 10,000 and its nighttime signal to go from 5,000 to 8,000 watts…..TALKERS magazine sends condolences to the family and friends of Ken Ober. The comedian and host of MTV’s “Remote Control,” who co-hosted a midday radio talk show on the old KLSX-FM, Los Angeles with Susan Olsen in the mid-1990s, died on November 15 of unknown causes…..E-mail your news and photos to info@talkers.com.
