| If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online. |
|
|
|
|
| Before news breaks, it must bend... and that’s where we come in. |
|
|
|
Taylor's Eras Tour: The Movie
| |
| It's no secret that securing tickets to Taylor Swift's record-breaking "Eras" stadium tour was a tad challenging. Those legions of fortunate fans who did manage to see the show live may have noticed the presence of camera crews strategically stationed throughout the venues. Turns out Taylor was one step ahead of the curve, as usual -- the shows were lovingly filmed and edited into a forthcoming theatrical release -- Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour will hit movie theaters on Friday, October 13 -- Taylor's lucky number. Watch the trailer here.
Taylor broke her big news in a social media post that reads, "The Eras Tour has been the most meaningful, electric experience of my life so far and I'm overjoyed to tell you that it'll be coming to the big screen soon. Starting Oct. 13th you'll be able to experience the concert film in theaters in North America! Tickets are on sale now at amctheatres.com. Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged... 1, 2, 3 LGB!!!! (iykyk)."
As Variety reports, AMC Theatres is promising that the film will play at every one of its U.S. locations at least four times a day on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through its initial engagement, with many of the chain's IMAX and Dolby Cinema locations also locked in to ensure that Taylor remains larger than life on its premium screens. The film will also play on Cinemark and Regal screens in the U.S., with other theaters and chains expected to be added.
• In a nod of respect to the frightening buying power of Taylor's massive fanbase, the producers of Universal/Blumhouse's highly anticipated Exorcist sequel, The Exorcist: Believer announced they were moving off of their original October 13th release date and backing up to Oct. 6. The film's producer Jason Blum cleverly posted to X, "Look what you made me do. The Exorcist: Believer moves to 10/6/23. #TaylorWins."
| |
|
Power 106 Jock Hit By Flying Mic
| |
| Hip Hop star 50 Cent is now a suspect in a criminal felony battery report after he threw a malfunctioning microphone from the stage on Wednesday night, striking an audience member -- who was later identified as Bryhana Monegain, midday personality on Meruelo Media Rhythmic KPWR (Power 106)/Los Angeles.
The story was broken, naturally, by TMZ, which reports that 50 Cent (real name: Curtis Jackson) was performing at Cryptodotcom Arena in Los Angeles on Wednesday night as part of his Final Lap Tour 2023, and during the performance, "he was handed several mics that didn't work, which was clearly triggering."
Law enforcement sources told TMZ that they believe 50 threw the mic at his crew in the production area and instead hit Bryhana, who later told police that 50 looked directly at her before throwing the mic, so at least, according to her, 50 knew she was there. Bryhana was transported to a nearby hospital and treated for a laceration on her head (as seen in these TMZ photos).
On Thursday afternoon, 50 Cent's attorney, Scott Leemon, told TMZ ... "Let's be very clear, as I told LAPD this afternoon, my client Curtis would never intentionally strike anyone with a microphone. Anyone saying something different doesn’t have all the facts and is misinformed."
RAMP has reached out to Meruelo Media management for a comment.
| |
|
Bendixen Joins Corus In Dual Role
| |
| Veteran Canadian News-Talk programmer Mike Bendixen has been appointed as National Director of Talk Radio for Corus Entertainment and as Director of Talk & Talent for CFIQ (640 Toronto)/Toronto, effective Sept. 5.
Bendixen (left) notably programmed Bell Media's CFRB-AM (Newstalk 1010)/Toronto for more than a decade and served as Bell Media's National Format Director, News & Talk Programming, before leaving the company in November 2021. Earlier this year Bendixen and fellow former Bell Media colleagues Rob Basile and Rob Farina launched RMR Media Strategies -- a Toronto-based full-service agency that specializes in talent coaching, content strategy and development, and brand partnerships. And yes, Bendixen will remain in that role.
Bendixen's hire was announced in a staff memo from Ronnie Stanton, VP of Corus Audio, which reads, in part, "Mike's tenure of 25 years of major market news and talk radio experience including 12 years at Newstalk 1010 in Toronto has made him a recognized figure in the radio world. During his time there, he served as Program Director and National Format Director for news and talk programming. His expertise, combined with Corus's commitment to excellence, sets the stage for a promising future for the world of Talk Radio."
News of Bendixen's new gig originally appeared in Broadcast Dialogue, which reports that Bendixen will succeed Larry Gifford as Corus Nat'l Director of Talk Radio and replace Amanda Cupido as Director of Talk and Talent at 640 Toronto. Gifford is leaving in October, part of previously announced realignment in Corus's Audio division. Cupido is also the founder of podcast production house, Lead Podcasting.
| |
|
Paragon Elevates Conrad, Adds Logan
| |
| Paragon has promoted Michelle Conrad to Marketing Director, overseeing Paragon's marketing and communication efforts. The Los Angeles-based Conrad, who also led Paragon's recent rebranding and new website continues as Digital Consultant for Paragon clients, a position she has held since 2016, and Marketing Director for VuHaus Group, which she joined in April.
Paragon CEO Mike Henry remarked, "Michelle was phenomenal in leading the strategy and implementation of Paragon's recent rebranding efforts and the construction of our new website and social media. Her new title acknowledges the integral role within Paragon that she has served for some time."
| |
| Conrad commented, "I'm excited for the opportunity to expand my role within Paragon; it feels like a very organic progression. The recent rebranding has created positive changes, particularly in the way we approach our marketing efforts. I'm pleased to continue my collaboration with Team Paragon and lead these developments!" Conrad can be congratulated at Michelle@TeamParagon.Consulting.
Paragon has also added Jasper Logan as Community Engagement Consultant. In this new role, Logan will focus on supporting Paragon's Urban Alternative radio station clients with their local community engagement efforts. Logan, a Chicago native and hip-hop artist, will remain based in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he continues as Community Engagement Manager at NPR News outlet KUAF-FM.
Speaking of the addition of Logan to Team Paragon, Mike Henry noted, "Paragon's commitment to the new Urban Alternative radio format is fortified by the addition of Jasper Logan. Jasper provides our UA station clients with a heightened focus on serving their local communities, and he's an invigorating addition to the Paragon family." Logan, who began his new duties earlier this year, said, "I'm excited to begin this journey with Paragon and helping stations reach and realize their full potential."
| |
|
Youngblood Joins MCA Nashville
| |
| MCA Nashville has hired promo veteran Megan Youngblood as its West Coast Director of Promotion, effective immediately. Youngblood (left) brings more than two decades of radio experience to the role, including her most recent six-year stint as the West Coast Regional rep for Capitol Records Nashville.
Youngblood joined Capitol Nashville in August 2017, changing format after a five-year stint as Sr. Director Top 40 Promotion for Capitol Records in Los Angeles. She previously spent more than seven years with Sony Music Entertainment.
"Megan is a high-caliber radio and records pro that exudes passion for our artists and their music," said David Friedman, VP of Promotion for MCA Nashville. "She's the perfect fit for our team and I'm very excited to have her join MCA." Youngblood can be contacted at Megan.Youngblood@umusic.com.
MCA Nashville is home to Kassi Ashton, Jordan Davis, Vince Gill, Sam Hunt, Kip Moore, Kacey Musgraves, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Catie Offerman, George Strait, and Josh Turner. [Photo credit: Matt Marcheski]
| |
|
Labor Day Weekend Stuff...
| |
| • Labor Day Weekend is traditionally one of those major holidays where radio stations tend to create extra attention by teasing that "something big" is coming... or by actually doing something big.
This may one of those instances -- Desert Valley Media Group Rhythmic KKFR (Power 98.3/96.1)/Phoenix is teasing that "Something New" is coming later today.
Social media posts are declaring, "It's time to flip the POWER off. 😢 Something new is coming Friday at 5pm...," while the station's Facebook and Instagram feeds have deleted the Power logo, leaving a gaping black circle in its place. Not surprisingly, no one on the inside is willing to reveal any hints just yet... we invited you to stick around and take the ride...
| |
| • Labor Day Weekend is almost upon us, and that means that the classic versions of WLS and WCFL/Chicago will come alive once again for three big days on RewoundRadio.com.
Many of your favorite WLS and WCFL personalities will be featured with playbacks of original recordings from both stations. It all starts Saturday, Sept. 2 at 6am ET and rolls all weekend until 11:59pm Monday, Sept. 4.
For our fellow radio geeks who are interested in the making of WLS/WCFL Rewound, here is a link to a special episode of Rik Anthony's Someone You Should Know podcast featuring special guest radio geek Ted Gorden Smucker. [Thanks to Art Vuolo]
| |
| • iHeartMedia's WWPR (Power 105.1)/New York, home of The Breakfast Club and Angie Martinez, announced the lineup for Powerhouse 2023 produced by Live Nation -- please welcome Lil Uzi Vert, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Lil Durk, Ice Spice, SpinKing & Friends and Lola Brooke, performing Saturday, Oct. 28 at Prudential Center in scenic Newark, NJ.
"We're thrilled to bring back Power 105.1's Powerhouse again this year with performances by some of today's hottest artists," said Thea Mitchem, iHeartMedia EVP of Programming and PD of Power 105.1. "We love giving our listeners the rare opportunity to see some of their favorite artists all on one stage. With this lineup, it's sure to be an amazing show that's full of surprises."
Powerhouse tickets will be available for presale next Thursday, Sept. 7 from 10am-10pm ET and to the general public beginning Friday, Sept. 8 at 10am ET via Ticketmaster or the Prudential Center box office. Fans can also listen to win tickets on Power1051fm.com.
| |
|
For the past 11 years, Research Director, Inc., in conjunction with its partners at XTrends, has written a monthly ratings recap column on the top 15 PPM markets for All Access. With the recent changes to All Access, we are excited to announce that the newly named Radio Ratings Roundup column will now publish as part of Research Director, Inc.'s popular Hot Topics blog!
This is the only ratings recap that goes beyond the Persons 6+ numbers and focuses on the target demos of Adults 25-54, 18-34, and 18-49. It is the most comprehensive look at ratings for these specific markets and we can’t wait to share our insights with you on a regular basis. If you are not already receiving emails for our Hot Topics blog, now is the time to follow and subscribe so that you don’t miss a beat.
| |
| • FOX Sports Radio announced the launch of a new women-led weekend show -- FOX Sports Saturday -- hosted by FOX Sports personality Alex Curry and FOX Sports Radio anchor Monse Bolaños, who will deliver their unique combination of opinions and instant analysis on the games in play, breaking news and the biggest stories in sports, in addition to conversations with insiders and experts.
FOX Sports Saturday debuts tomorrow, Sept. 2 from 4-6pm ET / 1-3pm PT and will air on more than 400 stations as well as FOX Sports Radio's channel on iHeartRadio.
"This is a dream come true to have my own show on FOX Sports Radio and continue to grow with my FOX Sports family," said Curry (left). "So, if you love sports and wanna have a fun time, come hang out with us Saturday afternoons!" Bolaños (right), exclaimed, "This is so wild! I still cannot believe it, but I feel honored, lucky and beyond excited to work with the one and only Alex Curry! I'm incredibly thankful to the team at FOX Sports Radio for this opportunity." For affiliation info, please call Kurt Kretzschmar at 602-374-6351.
| |
| • ABC Audio announced three different specials for the Labor Day holiday -- 1) ABC Audio's Work Hard, Rock Harder, hosted by Scott Goldberg, spotlights the various "real jobs" that legendary rockers like Mick Jagger, Ozzy Osbourne, Sting, Gene Simmons and others had before their music careers skyrocketed and how artists such as Bryan Adams, Queen's Brian May and The Who's Pete Townshend parlayed their fame into new careers.
2) Back to School Labor Day Weekend, hosted by Country star Lainey Wilson, focuses on the school days of country superstars, including Thomas Rhett, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. Darius Rucker, Luke Combs and Kelsea Ballerini also share how their music education inspired them to pursue careers as artists.
3) What's Next? Life & Tech, hosted by ABC News technology reporter Mike Dobuski explores the role of A.I. and the future of technology and the internet. For market availability, please contact Chris Venice at christopher.venice@abc.com.
| |
| • ACM Honors returns to TV as a primetime special, premiering Monday, Sept. 18 on FOX and streaming the next day on Hulu. ACM Honors celebrates some of some of the biggest names in Country music, including Kane Brown, HARDY, Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton, and others, with unforgettable performances and tributes, hosted this year by four-time ACM Award winner Carly Pearce.
As we count down to September 18, the celebration starts a little early with the Official ACM Honors radio special highlighting the honorees and their music with help from special guests Chris Stapleton, Carly Pearce, Jordan Davis, Lady A, Tim McGraw, Hailey Whitters, Bailey Zimmerman, and more.
The special, a FREE hour of programming is hosted by ACM Award winner Brett Young and is available for broadcast from Thursday, Sept. 14 through Sunday, Sept. 17. For more details, reach out to Christa Williams at christa@countrycontent.com or 615-330-6194.
| |
|
Remembering Harold Childs
| |
| We were saddened this week to learn of the passing of yet another beloved industry icon -- promo legend Harold Childs, whose remarkable 50-year career included influential executive positions at A&M, PolyGram, Qwest and Warner Bros. Records, died after a battle with leukemia on Sunday, Aug. 27 at the age of 80. Childs' death comes only 11 days after the passing of his former boss, A&M Records' co-Founder Jerry Moss, who died Aug. 16.
As beautifully chronicled in Billboard by our friend and former colleague Gail Mitchell, Billboard's Executive Director, R&B/Hip-Hop, Childs memorably broke through industry barriers in the '70s as a Black man overseeing pop music promotion at A&M Records. Childs joined A&M in 1969 as National Sales and Promotion Director for its CTI (Creed Taylor International) imprint, based in New York.
Childs relocated to Los Angeles in 1971 and was elevated to VP of Promotion in 1974 and SVP of Promotion and Sales in 1978, playing an integral role in A&M's evolution as one of the industry's leading independent labels in the '70s and '80s. He and his team broke projects from The Carpenters, Cat Stevens, the Captain & Tennille, Peter Frampton, Supertramp, The Brothers Johnson, Styx, Joe Jackson, The Police, Human League and George Harrison's A&M-distributed Dark Horse Records.
One member of Childs' team at A&M was RAMP's Steve Resnik, who fondly recalls his days working for Childs, noting, "Charlie Minor and I were both hired by Harold and joined A&M Records on the same day in June of 1980. We worked for Harold, and he answered to Jerry Moss. I guess it's ironic that we lost our two amazing bosses over the last two weeks. Two fantastic record men, and two all around wonderful guys who were born exactly eight years apart -- they shared May 8th as their birthday."
Childs left A&M in 1984 and joined PolyGram as Senior VP, followed by a stint as President of Quincy Jones' Qwest Records. Childs went on to head the Jazz promotion department at Warner Bros. Records, working with a roster that included Al Jarreau, David Sanborn and George Benson, who began his career with Childs at CTI.
| |
|
Feels like this year has been flying by at supersonic speed, as Labor Day Weekend is already upon us. RAMP will be closed on Monday, Sept. 4 in observance of Labor Day. We will return, somewhat rested and almost ready, on Tuesday, Sept. 5 with a new issue. -- Kevin & Steve
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
