Entercom Sports-Talk giant WEEI/Boston is taking the unprecedented step of going jockless tomorrow from 6am-6pm so that its employees can attend mandatory sensitivity training. The action comes on the heels of several recent instances of controversial on-air comments that resulted in approximately five clients (according to The Boston Globe) pulling their advertising,

The issues began several weeks ago when Alex Reimer, a columnist and blogger on WEEI.com found himself suspended indefinitely when he referred to Tom Brady's five-year-old daughter as "an annoying little pissant." The most recent controversies involved WEEI midday co-host (and former New England Patriots tight end) Christian Fauria, who was handed a five-day benching when he imitated Brady's agent Don Yee using a stereotypical Asian accent. FYI: Yee was born in the United States and speaks English without an accent. WEEI characterized Fauria's remarks as an "insensitive and ill-conceived attempt at humor."

A statement posted on WEEI.com reads, "Nothing is more important to WEEI than the close-knit and diverse Boston community we call home, and we are committed to actively contributing to its betterment. WEEI is in the process of closely reevaluating our policies and procedures in an effort to ensure that our programming is never intolerant or harmful to our listeners or our city.

"As part of this effort, WEEI Will be hosting an all day mandatory sensitivity training this Friday, February 16. All live programming will be suspended from 6am until 6pm on Friday to enable WEEI employee participation in this important session."

Interscope Geffen A&M has hired veteran music industry attorney Nicole Wyskoarko as EVP of Urban Operations. In this newly created position, Ms. Wyskoarko (left) will implement processes to streamline communication, workflow, and coordinated efforts across the company's Urban roster. Wyskoarko will report to Interscope Geffen A&M Chairman & CEO John Janick, who remarked, "Nicole brings a tremendous breadth of experience to Interscope, having worked both inside and outside record companies over the course of her career. We are always looking ahead to see what will position us best in a business that's rapidly changing. Nicole joining the company in this new role does exactly that; she's here to help wherever and whenever she's needed."

A Los Angeles native and USC alumnus, Wyskoarko spent the last 17 years in New York City. While attending Brooklyn Law School, she landed an internship at Universal Music Group, working in the Business & Legal Affairs department of the former Island Def Jam Music Group. After graduation she was offered a full-time position and worked at UMG for the next 11 years, rising to SVP of Business & Legal Affairs for Island, Def Jam and Republic. In 2016 Wyskoarko joined the law firm of Carroll, Guido & Groffman, LLP as a partner, where she worked with many notable and emerging clients, including Meek Mill, DJ Mustard, Playboi Carti and H.E.R., to name a few.

Wyskoarko said, "I couldn't be more thrilled to be joining John and the entire team at Interscope Geffen A&M. Interscope is a storied label in hip-hop, with a rich history and a current roster of artists that is second to none. Returning to Los Angeles to join the company during such a dynamic period for the music industry is a dream come true for me."

Our friend and colleague, veteran programmer/personality Sean Demery continues to fight in his recovery from a devastating brain stem stroke. On January 20, the day that Sean and his wife Jennifer closed on their new home in Portland, OR, he collapsed in the middle of the night and was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to remove a blood clot from the base of his brain.

Since his release from the ICU, Sean has continued to meet many milestones in his long road to recovery. His doctors believe that the first 3 to 4 months are crucial in his stabilization and amount to a lot of "wait & see."

We are told that Sean has been making strides in breathing and communicating, but at this point, he is still only able to converse through eye movement. With his will to progress and some amazing technology available, we are very hopeful of more improvement and breakthroughs. 

Needless to say, the financial stress on Sean and his family is considerable, and will continue to be a burden for the foreseeable future. If you have ever known, worked with or listened to Sean, you know his heart, his love for his family, friends and the entire Radio Community. It's our goal to help the industry return that love a thousand-fold. If you would like to contribute to Sean's recovery, please visit Sean & Jennifer's GoFundMe page. (Special thanks to Eric Rhoads for launching this page).

Chad Valentine is eagerly trading in the swaying palms and pounding surf of South Beach for a chance to program Cumulus Media's legendary Top 40 WBHT (97.1/95.7)/Wilkes-Barre-Scranton, PA. The move marks a career homecoming for Valentine (left), who did nights on WBHT from 2001-2004. Valentine is a 22-year radio pro who most recently spent five years as APD/MD of iHeartMedia Top 40 WHYI (Y100)/Miami, FL. Before that he programmed sister WLDI (Wild 95.5)/West Palm Beach.

Chris Kenney, VP/Market Manager of Cumulus Media Wilkes-Barre-Scranton, said, "We are thrilled to have Valentine leading BHT. He is exactly what we need to grow the station and bring our amazing listeners more of what they love. Northeast PA is going to love what he brings to the airwaves... get ready!" Valentine, who will also do the midday show, remarked, "I'm excited to be here and ready to make some great radio for Northeast PA. I'm proud to be part of the next chapter of WBHT's evolution." Effective Tuesday, Feb. 20, Valentine can be reached at Valentine@cumulus.com.

Valentine replaces Randy Savage, who left in December to become OM of Renda Broadcasting AC WEJZ and Country WGNE (99.9 Gator Country)/Jacksonville.

After a remarkable 33-year run as PD of Cumulus Country WKKO (K100)/Toledo, OH, Gary Shores is relinquishing his stripes and will now focus all of his efforts on his morning show. It goes without saying -- but we will say it anyway -- this is an incredible opportunity for the right person! K100 has been No. 1 for nearly 25 years, and Cumulus is now looking for the person who is ready to take the station to another 25!

You'll need to breathe, eat and sleep Country music and Country radio. You will have great support from an airstaff that could compete in ANY market, great promotional support from sales and promotions and great corporate programmers, in a multi-station, multi-format cluster.

If you are focused and have the passion for making great radio, while creating an outstanding listener and user experience, this just might be your future. Mechanical and conceptual understanding of music scheduling and software, imaging, client and audience promotions and digital space is required. The ability to coach talent is a must.

Qualified candidates are invited to email their resume, aircheck and references to Operations Manager Bill Michaels at WKKOPD@gmail.com -- using the subject line "WKKO PD." NO CALLS PLEASE. Cumulus Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer. [Photo credit: The Toledo Blade]

• Anaheim Broadcasting Classic Hits KOLA/Riverside-San Bernardino, CA keeps it in the family and promotes Donna DeCoster (a.k.a. Donna D) from weekends to morning show co-host, joining wake-up vet Jesse Duran starting tomorrow. She succeeds market vet Irma Blanco, who left the station in January.

"Donna D has been doing a great job filling in over the last couple of weeks and it was clear we should make the move to make her a part of Jesse Duran in The Morning!" said PD Gary Springfield. "I'm grateful we had the best talent already in the building. Donna D is going to be a great addition to an already very successful morning show."

Prior to joining KOLA 99, DeCoster worked for KXKL (Kool 105)/Denver and was also an on-air personality for Westwood One. "I've always been thrilled to be a part of the KOLA family!" Donna said. "And the chance to work with such a great talent like Jesse is really a dream come true. I'm really excited about the opportunity."

• Longtime Augusta, GA radio pro John Patrick has been named as morning co-anchor on Beasley News-Talk WGAC (95.1FM/AM 580)/Augusta, joining Steve Smith and Mary Liz Nolan. The commute should be relatively painless, as Patrick (left) most recently worked across the hall on ESPN affiliate WRDW-AM.

Patrick, who is currently celebrating his 41st year in broadcasting, began his radio career at WFIC-AM/Martinsville, VA, and he's been in Augusta in April of 1984. He spent a decade at WZNY (Sunny 105) as PD, morning co-host and midday personality. In 1994, he became the morning guy on WBBQ, and in 2000, Patrick was named OM of the seven-station cluster.

In 2008, Patrick created The Augusta Golf Show with John Patrick, which will now air on WGAC on Saturday afternoons. "To have a guy like John with 40+ years in radio leading the way on the WGAC morning show is quite an honor," said VP/Market Manager Kent Dunn. "We look forward what John brings to WGAC and the Beasley Media Group of Augusta."

Patrick said, "I'm very excited about this wonderful opportunity. I can't say enough about the management and staff of Beasley Media Group of Augusta. Thank you to Brian Beasley, Kent Dunn, Chris O'Kelley & Tee Gentry for believing in me!"

• Hey, Boner's Back! Chattanooga radio pro Randy "Boner" Smith is rejoining Entercom Active Rock WRXR (Rock 105) as the host of the awesomely named Boner in the Afternoon, weekdays from 3-7pm ET. Boner originally joined WRXR (then owned by Clear Channel) in 2001 as PD and morning host, a role he held for over 15 years.

"Boner is a longtime local on-air personality and we are thrilled to reunite him with the Rock 105 listeners," said Nichole Hartman, SVP/Market Manager, Entercom Chattanooga. "Boner has been a part of the fabric of the Rock 105 brand in many roles over the years and we're excited that he will now be hosting afternoon drive." Boner remarked, "I'm thrilled to be back and cannot wait to reconnect with the Chattanooga rock community. I'm looking forward to spending my afternoons entertaining Rock 105's beloved listeners."

Advanced Media Partners Triple A WWCT/Peoria, IL has found its new Program Director -- market vet Noah Sherwood will formally take the reins on Monday, Feb. 19. He replaces Marc Alghini, who left last month. Sherwood will also plug in across from Roxy Baker as co-host of CT's Morning Blend.

Sherwood (left) most recently worked across the street as Asst. Operations Manager for Cumulus Media's WFYR and WZPW. He previously held programming positions with Midwest Family Broadcasting, Townsquare Media, CBS Radio and Zimmer Radio Group. Michael Rea, President/GM of Advanced Media Partners, commented, "I'm extremely excited that Noah is joining our team. He has a strong track record in programming and understands the passion that CT listeners have for the station."

Sherwood commented, "The timing for this opportunity is incredible -- joining Advanced Media Partners and programing WWCT is a huge blessing! My wife and I really enjoy living in Central Illinois, and are very excited to continue raising our family here. A huge love of music has led to a love for radio. It's a perfect fit to become part of the legacy of WWCT. The fact that Advanced Media is a locally owned company solely focused on Central Illinois cements the attraction. It's fitting the announcement comes on Valentine’s Day."

Speaking of his new morning gig, Sherwood added, "Excited is an understatement to be joining Roxy on CT's Morning Blend. She is a phenomenal talent that is uniquely plugged into the local community. The morning show is entirely about the listener, and growing together as music fans." Beginning Monday, Sherwood can be reached at noah@wwctfm.com.

Entertainment marketing agency The Syndicate marks its 20th anniversary this year and is celebrates by handing out a trio of promotions, starting with Graham Rothenberg, who is upped to General Manager. Rothenberg (left), who was most recently VP of Marketing & Business Development, will now oversee all strategy for the company's three pillars of business in marketing, radio promotion and publicity to lead the company into its third decade.

"After 13 years with the organization, I’m thrilled and honored to hold the General Manager position at The Syndicate," said Rothenberg. "With the support of the partnership and the talents of our amazing staff, I’m extremely excited to lead The Syndicate in our mission to develop and execute innovative marketing, radio, and publicity strategies across all areas of pop culture and beyond."

The Syndicate Partner Jon Landman said, "I always admired Graham's passion for music and dedication to his work as music director at WICB/Ithaca College. Hiring him upon graduation was one of the smartest moves of my career. He has grown into a leader well respected by both our clients and staff and always has the best interest of both top of mind. Graham's been a significant force in moving The Syndicate's business and culture to new levels and we're excited for our 20th year and beyond with Graham leading the charge!"

But wait! There's more! Amy Tremmel rises to Sr. Director of Marketing and Chris Lane is promoted to VP of Finance. Tremmel (left) has doubled the team and business of the marketing department since joining the company in July 2015. An NYU graduate, Lane (right) joined The Nordlinger Group in 2008 and transitioned to The Syndicate fulltime in 2013. He was previously Director of Finance. "Chris Lane and Amy Tremmel are invaluable assets to The Syndicate," said Rothenberg. "Their leadership and prowess in the areas of finance and marketing, respectively, are pivotal to the growth and success of the company." To celebrate 20 years of success and evolution, The Syn will be hosting a number of events throughout the year, dubbed SYN20. Be on the lookout for SYN20 event announcements throughout the year. [Photo credit: Mindy Tucker]

Tribune Talk WGN Radio AM 720/Chicago and the Chicago White Sox jointly announced a multiyear agreement naming WGN as the team's new flagship radio station, beautifully complementing the team's existing television partnership with WGN-TV. The White Sox had been carried by Cumulus News-Talk WLS-AM, but that contract was recently voided as part of the company's Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

This new agreement with WGN Radio includes all 162 White Sox regular season and postseason games, as well as select spring training games. The WGN era begins at 2:05pm on Friday, Feb. 23 with the team's first game of the 2018 Cactus League season.

Celebrating their 10th season in the broadcast booth, the on-air duo of former Sox pitcher Ed Farmer and former outfielder Darrin Jackson also return. "What an honor it is to join the White Sox family," said Todd Manley, WGN Station Manager and VP of Content. "Summer starts today on WGN Radio."

The close-knit Lancaster, PA radio community is mourning the unexpected passing of Jerry Murphy, 61, the longtime host of the popular and highly rated Murph & Casey morning show on Cumulus Country WIOV (I-105).

Casey Allyn, Murph's co-host for the past 19 years, said of her partner and friend, "Murph was my morning sunshine. He could make me laugh every day harder than I've ever laughed. After spending five hours each weekday in a small room with someone for 19 years he was definitely my 'work spouse.' And for all the fun and craziness he exhibited, he was one of the most intelligent and caring people I knew. I will miss him so unbelievably much. He and I will always be 'just like that.'"

WIOV PD Rich Creeger commented, "​Murph was not only one of the most charismatic personalities I had the pleasure of working with, but he was also a great friend. I will miss him tremendously." A statement from the station read, "Radio was Murph's life, and he spent his entire working life and career in radio, and he found a home and loved waking up I-105 listeners every morning with Casey Allyn."

The station has set up a nice tribute to Murph at wiov.com where listeners can offer their condolences and share their feelings on his passing.