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| Before news breaks, it must bend... and that’s where we come in. |
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Put You Money Where Your Mall Is
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| iHeartMedia Los Angeles has partnered with Westfield shopping centers to create the iHeartRadio Southern California Fire Relief Project, a vitally important fundraising campaign with the mission to collect much-needed funds for the victims of the devastating Southern California wildfires. As you read this, over 260,170 acres have collectively burned, and over 1,200 structures have been destroyed in the Creek, Rye, Lilac and Skirball fires, while the monster -- the Thomas Fire -- remains only 20% contained. Fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and bone-dry conditions, these fires continue to threaten communities throughout Southern California.
The iHeartRadio So Cal Fire Relief Project officially launches at 6am this morning when personalities from seven iHeartMedia Los Angeles radio stations fan out and broadcast live from four key Westfield locations from 6-9am PT -- Sisanie from KIIS-FM and Ellen K from KOST 103.5 will broadcast live from Westfield Century City; DJ A-OH from KRRL (Real 92.3) and Valentine in the Morning from KBIG (104.3 MYFM) will be live from Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park; Andy Harms from KYSR (ALT 98.7) and Vic "The Brick" Jacobs from KLAC-AM 570 will be on location at Westfield Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks and Gary Hoffman and Shannon Farren from KFI-AM 640 will be live from Westfield Valencia Town Center in Valencia.
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The mission of these live remotes is to encourage listeners to make donations at one of the four participating Westfield Mall locations. All funds raised will be distributed through three local organizations, including the American Red Cross, The Humane Society of Ventura County and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation. You can also donate to the iHeartRadio SoCal Fire Relief Project online, and participate in an auction for items donated by some of today's hottest artists and athletes to raise money for the fire victims, by visiting iheartsocal.com. Bidding will remain open until Saturday, December 30. "Our radio stations truly embrace our commitment to serve the communities in which we live and work," said Kevin LeGrett, Division President for iHeartMedia Southern California Market. "iHeartMedia Los Angeles will remain dedicated to helping the families affected by this natural disaster."
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| Pandora announced that Aimée Lapic has joined the company as Chief Marketing Officer, effective today. Lapic will bring Pandora’s next chapter to life through cutting-edge digital, social and mobile marketing initiatives and will lead consumer brand strategy, market positioning, performance-based and partnership marketing for the company. Lapic comes to Pandora following a 13-year run at Gap Inc., where she most recently served as Chief Marketing Officer for Banana Republic and GM of BananaRepublic.com. Prior to that, Lapic was SVP/GM of International Gap Outlet.
"Aimée brings to Pandora a deep customer focus and long track record of driving significant growth for consumer brands," said Roger Lynch, President and CEO of Pandora. "She has the exact performance and partner marketing experience we need to take Pandora to... the next level™ and expand our audience across all tiers of service." Lapic remarked, "I'm incredibly excited to join Pandora at such a pivotal time in the company's history. Pandora wrote the playbook on personalized music. I can't wait to help shape the next chapter by attracting and engaging listeners in innovative new ways." [Photo: Business Wire]
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| | Elizabethany Upped At Hot 99.5
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| iHeartMedia Top 40 WIHT (Hot 99.5)/Washington has rewarded station vet Elizabethany with a promotion to APD and afternoon personality, effective immediately. Elizabethany will retain her current MD stripes and moves up from the night show, where she has reigned since 2013. She succeeds Hot 99.5 legend Toby Knapp, who last week earned a transfer across the hall to co-host the morning show on AC sibling WASH-FM. She will report to incoming PD Rob Kruz, who is transferring from sister WFLZ/Tampa. "I couldn't be more excited to have Elizabethany in this new role at iHeartMedia Washington DC," said Kruz. "Her energy and creativity, both in and out of the studio, combined with a track record of ratings success, makes her the perfect choice to take over afternoons on Hot 99.5!"
Elizabethany began her radio career at Hot 99.5 as an intern on The Kane Show back in 2008. She later honed her craft at KNDE/Bryan-College Station, TX and did nights on Max Media's WVHT (Hot 100.5)/Norfolk, VA before returning to Hot 99.5 in September of 2013. "I thought I had my dream job when I got the night show, working among the legends that are Toby Knapp and Kane," said Elizabethany. "There aren't words to describe how it feels to take over the legendary afternoon shift on Hot 99.5, my hometown station I grew up listening to!" Elizabethany will be enjoyed weekdays from 4-7pm through December 31 and then in her new 2-7pm timeslot beginning in January.
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| | Saga Programming Opportunities
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| • Are you ready to step up to a legendary radio market? Saga's Milwaukee Radio Group is actively seeking a strategic leader to take the reins of WNRG (Energy 106.9)/Milwaukee as Cousin Ed steps back to focus on his afternoon drive show. First, a few important questions: 1) Do you have edge, attitude, competitive spirit and the ability to think strategically? 2) Are you a great talent coach? Do you eat, sleep and breathe Top 40? 3) Do you understand the importance of social media as an extension of the brand? 4) Are you a personality that knows how to make connections with listeners? If so, we're interested in talking with you.
Candidates are invited to send resume, cover letter and aircheck to sjung@mkeradiogrp.com. Saga Communications, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing competitive wages and great benefits. Only experienced individuals need apply.
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| • Cascade Radio Group News-Talk KGMI (96.5/790) in beautiful Bellingham, Washington is in search of its next PD/News Director. Do you have experience leading a team of NewsTalk pros? Are you able to make social media work for this fast-paced format? If you can write well, and build/coach local shows with local content, then step up to the front of this line.
Saga Communications' Cascade Radio Group is just 90 minutes from downtown Seattle. Sound like a plan? Qualified candidates for this EOE position should send their airchecks, resume and writing samples to Saga VP of Programming Bob Lawrence at blawrence@sagacom.com.
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| • Entercom Communications announced some familiar new call letters have been assigned its recently launched Seattle Soft AC outlet, The New 94.1 The Sound -- former CBS Radio Country outlet KMPS is now sporting the more "Soundy-sounding" KSWD calls that had been long attached to the company's now defunct Classic Rock station, 100.3 The Sound/Los Angeles.
But fear not for the KMPS calls -- they have safely been shipped south to California's High Desert, where they will replace the KRAK calls on CBS Sports 910/Victor Valley.
• But wait! There's more! Effective at midnight on Wednesday, iHeartMedia Urban KMJM (100.3 The Beat)/St. Louis returned to its heritage call letters, KATZ-FM. Please make a note of it.
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Unearthly Haul For Chet's Toy Drive
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| We want to send our love and undying respect to our pal Chet Buchanan, who recently returned to Planet Earth after setting yet another incredible collection record with his 19th annual Chet Buchanan Show Toy Drive, brought to you by his longtime radio home, Entercom Top 40 KLUC/Las Vegas. Over the course of Chet's annual 12-day labor of love, he lived 30 feet in the air on a 30X40-foot scaffolding unit for 24 hours a day, without every coming down, all in an effort to raise awareness for families that may need a little extra help this holiday season, by providing one more toy, one more bike and one more gift card. We are pleased, to say the least, and astounded, to say the most, to report that Chet's 2017 Toy Drive, which ran from Nov. 30-Dec. 11, filled (32) 50-foot Coca-Cola trailers with new toys, along with 8,109 bikes and $455,550 in cash and gift cards! Take a moment and ponder those astronomical numbers... Toy Drive benefits HELP of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit organization that is now making sure that over 3,000 less fortunate families have gifts to unwrap this holiday season. "It's nearly impossible to wrap my head around what just took place over the last 12 days," said Buchanan, still trying to get re-acclimated to earth's gravity at ground level. "From some of the most miserable weather we've experienced, to the most unbelievable totals beyond what I might have ever imagined. It's truly a dream that just keeps getting better! Spence, Kayla, Davey The Showkiller, Lasso and I are incredibly humbled, grateful, and absolutely honored to join our incredible 98.5 KLUC teammates and sponsors to serve the greatest, most passionate listeners in the most amazing city and community in the world!"
JB King, OM of Entercom Las Vegas said, "What Chet does each year for children in the Las Vegas community is truly incredible. This year, after battling 30 mile-an-hour winds and near-freezing overnight temperatures, we still managed to have our biggest Toy Drive year ever." Pictured, (l-r): Lasso, Davey, Spence, Chet and Kayla pose for their traditional post-Toy Drive photo.
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| • Jen Sullivan is joining Entertainment One (eOne) as VP of Promotion, Music, effective January 1. Sullivan most recently ran her own successful indie promotion outfit, The Spin Project. Prior to that she worked in the Promotions department at RCA Records, and she began her career at the late WXRK (92.3 K-Rock)/New York. The New York-based, Sullivan (pictured) will head up promotion efforts in the Alternative format in the U.S. and across all formats in Canada. She will report to Meg Symsyk, VP of International Marketing & Management, who also oversees marketing for Alternative imprint Last Gang across the U.S. Last Gang's active roster includes Arkells, Death From Above, Emily Haines, Ryan Hemsworth, Sango, Stars and The Bloody Beetroots.
"Jen is an absolute firecracker," said Symsyk. "She is going to bring fierce promo skills, great relationships and amazing energy to the team and our growing roster. She's already part of the extended eOne family and has played an integral part in promotion campaigns of both Arkells and Death From Above, so we're looking forward to officially welcoming her in the New Year."
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• Marty Lenz has been named as the new morning co-host at iHeartMedia News-Talk KOA (NewsRadio 850 AM & 94.1 FM)/Denver, effective January 8, 2018. Lenz (left) will plug in across the console from co-host April Zesbaugh to create Colorado's Morning News with April Zesbaugh & Marty Lenz, weekdays from 5-10am MT. The move is a homecoming for Denver native Lenz, who spent the past seven years in San Francisco as a news anchor with KCBS-AM and a TV personality in the Bay Area. Prior to moving out west, Lenz spent many years with iHeartMedia, including on-air positions for its Denver brands.
"Following an exhaustive nationwide search, it was clear that Marty Lenz is uniquely-qualified to join KOA NewsRadio," said Tim Hager, Region President of iHeartMedia Denver. "Marty's news prowess, engaging personality and Denver roots are sure to fuel the growth for Colorado's Morning News in 2018 and beyond." Zesbaugh said, "Part of what makes our morning show unique is our collaboration and teamwork, and Marty is a quintessential broadcaster at the top of this game -- and a returning Coloradoan to boot. I'm thrilled to have him start his mornings at the mic next to mine."
Lenz remarked, "It's a true professional and personal thrill to return to my hometown of Denver and be afforded the opportunity to work for KOA NewsRadio, a station I grew up revering. I cannot be more humbled, excited and honored to work with the talented and committed pros at iHeartMedia Denver -- especially side-by-side with April Zesbaugh and the entire team at KOA NewsRadio."
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| | Art Vuolo: National Treasure
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| Industry icon Art Vuolo's longtime title as "Radio's Best Friend" was lovingly reinforced last Saturday in New York during the annual star-studded holiday party sponsored by his friends of over 40 years -- voiceover royalty Steve Kamer (center) and Kevin Gershan (left), longtime Producer/Director of Entertainment Tonight. The room was packed with such industry luminaries as Elvis Duran, Gillette from WPLJ/New York, Jerry Padden from WLEV/Allentown, PA; Mary Walter from WMAL/Washington, Ben Mevorach and Ivan Lee from 1010 WINS/New York, Maria Garcia from WCBS-AM/New York, Nina Hajian and Astra, formerly of 92.3 AMP Radio/New York, Rick Joyce from Tribune Media, Rich Cervini from CBS Television Distribution and many others.
As Art (right) explains the evening, he thought he was there only in his usual capacity to videotape the proceedings, but was shocked when he was suddenly introduced as the guest of honor! According to alert eyewitnesses, Art nearly dropped his camera when he was summoned to the stage and presented with the awesome microphone award and a delicious commemorative cake.
As Gershan tells RAMP, "This annual award recognizes those individuals who have made an impact, not just on our lives, but the overall broadcast industry. They have been and continue to be unique in their talent, community involvement and passion for the entertainment business." Clearly overcome with emotion, Art said, "It's truly special to be so appreciated." Yes you are, Art!!
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| Dammit... As we were putting RAMP to bed last night we received the sad news of the passing of Pat DiNizio, lead singer/songwriter of one of our favorite bands, New Jersey's own The Smithereens, who gave us such hooky hits as "A Girl Like You," "Blood and Roses," "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "House We Used To Live In" and "Only A Memory," to name a few.
According to Deadline.com, DiNizio had been recovering from injuries sustained during a fall. Tragically, he passed away just days after indicating via Facebook that he was looking forward to returning to the road.
A Facebook post from Smithereens bandmate Dennis Diken read, "Today we mourn the loss of our friend, brother and bandmate Pat DiNizio. Pat had the magic touch. He channeled the essence of joy and heartbreak into hook-laden three-minute pop songs infused with a lifelong passion for rock & roll. Our journey with Pat was long, storied and a hell of a lot of fun. We grew up together. Little did we know that we wouldn't grow old together. Goodbye Pat. Seems like yesterday." DiNizio was 62 years old.
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