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| Adele To Play Grammys, Emmis & Big Boy Settle
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The first round of artists scheduled to perform at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards® telecast has been announced, and it sure looks like we are off to a strong start indeed -- please welcome 10-time Grammy winner Adele, current seven-time nominee The Weeknd, two-time Grammy® winner and current 11-time nominee Kendrick Lamar and current two-time nominees Little Big Town! A whole bunch of additional performers will be announced shortly.
A special tribute to 2016 MusiCares® Person of the Year Lionel Richie will also highlight the Grammy winner's wide-ranging career. LL Cool J is set to host Music's Biggest Night® for the fifth consecutive year. The 58th Annual Grammy Awards take place at Staples Center in Los Angeles and, as we gleefully reported yesterday, will broadcast live on CBS (including CBS-owned stations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento & Denver!) on Monday, Feb. 15, 2016, at 8pm ET/5pm PT.
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Emmis Communications and former longtime employee Kurt "Big Boy" Alexander have reached a settlement, thus, ending the yearlong legal battle over Alexander's highly publicized (and highly contested) move after 20 years with Emmis Rhythmic KPWR (Power 106)/Los Angeles across the street to new iHeartMedia Urban rival KRRL (Real 92.3) last year. News of the settlement initially appeared yesterday, to the surprise of pretty much no one, on TMZ.com.
As we reported last year, Emmis had filed suit ("Emmis Radio, LLC v. Kurt Alexander, a/k/a "Big Boy") on Feb. 3, 2015, alleging breach of contract, claiming that the company had matched the $3.5 million offer Alexander had received from iHeartMedia, and under the terms of his existing Emmis deal was legally bound to accept the Emmis counter-offer. Emmis had been seeking millions of dollars in damages. Emmis spokesperson Kate Snedeker confirmed the settlement, issuing a statement that read, simply, "The matter has been resolved; the terms are confidential."
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| Reimagined iHeart Seattle Comes Into Focus
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Yesterday we brought you the epic saga of the massive four-station format realignment at iHeartMedia Seattle. To briefly recap: KBKS (106.1 Kiss FM) transitions from Top 40 to Hot AC; Rhythmic KUBE evolves to Mainstream Top 40 as Power 93.3; the KUBE brand relocates to former Active Rock KKBW (104.9 The Brew) and is now KUBE 104.9, and KYNW (102.9 Now) flips from Hot AC to Alternative as ALT 102.9.
Seattle SVP of Programming Rich Davis was nice enough to draw us a handy map of the humans (some new, some existing) who now populate these four stations, with more folks needed -- KBKS retains current morning team Bender and Molly; middays is currently open, but in the interim, Deanna from the JJ Kincaid Show at KPTT/Denver is filling in. The new Kiss APD/MD/afternoon drive talent is Hunter Quinn (pictured, above), formerly of KZZO/Sacramento, followed by Dave Styles from KBIG (104.3 MYfm)/Los Angeles in nights and the syndicated Mario Lopez in late nights.
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And as we first reported yesterday, the new Power 93.3 morning team is Carla Marie and Anthony from Elvis Duran & The Morning Show, followed by KBKS veteran Kat Fisher (background, left) in middays, leading into new Power 93.3 APD/MD/afternoon delight Kwame "KD" Dankwa (left), inbound from WZRT/Rutland, VT. Over on ALT 102.9, Doug Deuce (ex-104.9 The Brew) is doing mornings; Harms from ALT 98.7/Los Angeles is handling afternoons, followed by Jake Dill in nights and the syndicated Nikki Sixx in late nights.
KUBE 104.9 now features market vets DJ Supa Sam in mornings and Tiffany Warner in afternoon drive. Nina Chantelle is tracking middays from Los Angeles and Deuce is tracking nights from Denver.
Mr. Davis is now in need of a bunch of other talented professionals: 1) a new PD for ALT 102.9; 2) a new night show for Power 93.3 -- a fresh, new, social media monster to host a live and local night show, good phones, active on the streets; 3) a new producer for Carla Marie and Anthony; 4) a new producer for Bender and Molly; 5) a Digital PD and 6) a Digital Content Director. Amazing candidates for these EOE positions are urged to make their existence known ASAP via the magic of email at RichDavis@iHeartMedia.com.
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• Josh Rahmani continues his ascension up the corporate ladder of success at Radio One -- Rahmani (left) has been promoted from Director of Sales for Reach Media to VP of National and Corporate Sales for the local radio group of Radio One. Not bad for a guy who started his career with Radio One in 2005 as a Corporate Sales Assistant and has steadily worked his way up through the ranks.
David Kantor, CEO of Reach Media and the Radio Group of Radio One said, "Josh literally grew up at Radio One. I've watched him develop into a savvy salesman and leader who has earned the respect of his peers and superiors. I have every confidence that he will meet our expectations and continue to develop our team and grow revenue." A very excited Rahmani said, "I am very excited to continue my career here at Radio One where I have learned the business from the ground up for the past 11 years. I look forward to working more closely with the outstanding group of national sales managers Radio One already has in place to bring the massive reach and cultural influence of Radio One to our valued advertisers. I'd like to thank Cathy Hughes and Alfred Liggins for their continued support and for providing me with this great opportunity."
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• Cumulus Media Washington has promoted Jake McCann to VP/Market Manager and Beth Cohen to VP of Sales for WRQX (Mix 107.3) and WMAL. McCann (above, left) was most recently VP of Sales for Cumulus Washington. Prior to that, he was Director of Sales for Greater Media Detroit. Cohen (below, left) was most recently Director of Sales for Cumulus Media's D.C. stations. Prior to joining Cumulus, she was GSM for iHeartMedia in Washington for many years.
Cumulus has not had a permanent DC Market Manager since Mark O'Brien left last year. Since then, Cumulus SVP Gary Pizzati has been overseeing the market. Pizzati remarked, "Jake McCann and Beth Cohen are the leadership team needed to achieve our goals in D.C. In the past year, they've accomplished that and more. Both promotions are well deserved. We look forward to their continued contributions as they advance the growth trajectory of Cumulus D.C." McCann commented, "I'm inspired and motivated by Mary Berner's leadership and vision for the future of Cumulus. Thank you to Gary Pizzati for his coaching, support and belief as Beth Cohen and I continue to be the 'FORCE' in Washington, D.C., leading WMAL and WRQX, two powerful stations in one of the most influential markets in the country."
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More Dave, Lengthier Freak
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Greater Media has sweet-talked WRIF/Detroit morning personalities Dave & Chuck the Freak into sticking around for a few more years, as the six-person show, which includes longtime co-host Lisa Way has applied multiple Sharpies to a loose collection of cocktail napkins, which, in the state of Michigan constitutes a legally binding multi-year contract extension. The guys have held down the wake-up fort at WRIF since May of 2013. Dave Hunter and Chuck "The Freak" Urquhart first teamed up in 2001 and went on to spend nearly 15 years at crosstown CIMX (89X)/Windsor-Detroit until late 2012. "We are thrilled to be continuing our journey here at the legendary WRIF," said Hunter. "With an incredible team and support staff, it has been unbelievable to watch the show grow so much since we've started here." Greater Media Detroit VP/Market Manager Steve Chessare said, "The continued consistent success of the Dave & Chuck the Freak morning show is truly phenomenal. Their dedication and commitment to our listeners, advertisers and community is a shining example of the power of live and local radio. We are honored to have them in the Greater Media family." Fun Fact: WRIF recently marked 44 years in the rock radio format in Detroit. Pictured, during their post-signing party, standing, (l-r): Dave Hunter, Chuck Urquhart, Lisa Way, Andy Green. Foreground: Jason Watson and James Campbell.
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| Setlock All Set At ERG/Multi Music Group
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Radio/DJ supply industry vet Mike Setlock has been named VP of Programming of ERG/Multi Music Group. The Buffalo, NY-based Setlock (left) most notably headed up programming for ERG Music for the past 18 years prior to the company being acquired by Multi Music Group late last year. In his newly expanded role Setlock will continue to oversee Top 40, Urban, Rock, Country and Dance formats.
In making the big announcement, ERG/Multi Music Group President Scott MacMillan said, "Mike Setlock has been the heart and soul of ERG Music for many years. Mike is a dedicated perfectionist with the enthusiasm, knowledge and desire to provide only the best programming. We feel very fortunate and are extremely excited to welcome Mike to the ERG/Multi Music Group team." Setlock readily returned the compliment, commenting, "Scott MacMillan has been a tremendous role model in DJ programming over the decades. He's one of the most professional and genuine people in the business. I'm thrilled to work with Scott and the hard working team here at ERG/Multi Music Group and look forward to great innovative ideas moving forward. I'm truly excited for this opportunity." Setlock is currently preparing for an incoming snow storm (or "Thursday," as they say in Buffalo) and can be easily reached at 716-634-6167 or mikes@ergmusic.com.
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Dan Mason To Address Conclave 41
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Veteran broadcaster Dan Mason, who most recently served as President and CEO of CBS Radio has graciously offered to share his decades of knowledge and valuable insight as he is set to address a special luncheon on July 14 during Conclave 41 in Minneapolis. Conclave Board Chair Lori Lewis said, "Dan Mason is radio royalty. He is and will always be an important legacy to our storied industry. While the growth Dan created for CBS Radio is well documented and admired, it's Dan’s reputation as a respected leader that people think of most. Dan Mason is one of the most beloved members of the broadcast community and it’s an honor to have him share his wisdom at Conclave 41.”
Conclave 41 is scheduled for July 13-15 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel MSP Airport / Mall of America in Minneapolis. The early bird registration rate of $249 expires on Jan. 31 and will increase to a still reasonable $299. Registration and hotel information is posted for the Conclave Learning Conference is available online at theconclave.com.
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• Conservative talk show host Kevin Jackson just upped his profile in a major way, as he's been inked as a Fox News contributor. Jackson is already a known presence on Fox, thanks to previous appearances on The Kelly File, Sean Hannity, Fox & Friends, etc. Jackson said, "I am grateful and proud that [Fox News Pres./CEO] Roger Ailes appreciates my talent enough to have added me to the Fox News family. What a great honor to have Fox News as part of my distribution platform. My message has been leaking through for some time, and this should help me to extend that message a lot further."
The Kevin Jackson Radio Show, heard weekdays from noon-3pm ET, recently left USA Radio Networks for independent syndication. Affiliation is now being handled by Beth Maranville of The Show Must Go On! Interested stations or groups should call 770-843-2009 for affiliation and delivery details.
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| • Cox Media Group (CMG) Jacksonville has named Nichole Hartman as its new General Sales Manager for the seven-station cluster. Hartman (left) will also serve as Brand Manager (or "Brand Champion") for Top 40 WAPE, Classic Hits WJGL (Eagle 96.9) and Urban AC Hot 99.5 (W258CN). Hartman began her CMG career as Local Sales Manager for CMG Jacksonville. Before joining CMG, she was Account Manager for Entercom Communications in Greenville, SC. "Nichole's hard work, willingness to take on all challenges and dedication to her team and our clients has developed her into not only a great Manager for us but a shining star in our company," said Bob DeBlois, CMG Jacksonville Radio Director of Sales. "Her passion and enthusiasm for success is contagious."
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| Current Opens Duluth Branch
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Cementing its strong relationship with the region's music scene and its countless fans from Duluth to points north and east, Minnesota Public Radio outlet KCMP (89.3 The Current)/Minneapolis is expanding its footprint by launching a Current outlet in Duluth on 90.9 FM and 100.5 WSCN HD-2, beginning Monday, February 1. "The Current has always had a special relationship with Duluth -- its vibrant music scene and the community of music-loving fans,” said PD Jim McGuinn. "Duluth is at the center of northern Minnesota's burgeoning music scene, and we want to support what makes the music community thrive -- whether it means giving a band their first spin on the radio, promoting their first gig, or helping spread the word for their first tour." Patty Mester, MPR's Duluth Regional Manager said, "Our listeners have told us for years they wanted The Current in Duluth. We are thrilled that we are finally able to provide The Current to our Twin Ports audiences."
To solidify its increased commitment to the Duluth area, The Current will also hire a Duluth-based radio personality to host a weekly Duluth Local Music show with the opportunity to create additional programming specific to the region. Interested individuals can apply at americanpublicmedia.org/careers. The deadline to apply is Sunday, February 14. Plans for a large-scale community event to celebrate the new station will be announced in March.
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| Making A Murderer's Mom On WAAF
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If, like us, you are completely caught up in the addictive Netflix series, Making A Murderer, then you are already familiar with the story of Steven Avery, the subject of the series, who in 2005 was convicted of the murder of 25-year-old Teresa Halbach. Last week, The Hill-Man Morning Show on Entercom's WAAF/Boston welcomed a very special phone guest -- Steven Avery's mother Dolores Avery, who has not only maintained her son's innocence, but took the proceedings one giant step further, shocking everyone when she offered up her own theory -- she believes Halbach is still alive somewhere. "When asked who she believed killed Halbach, Dolores answered, "I don't know, but I wish the person could come forward. I don't think she's even dead. I don't think so." Hill pointed out that Halbach's bones were found in Steven Avery's backyard. "How do you know if them were her bones?" Dolores replied. Hill responded that forensic testing had indicated they were Halbach's remains. "[Then] somebody planted them," Dolores said. "They planted the key." WAAF PD Ron Valeri filled in some backstory details, telling RAMP, "Hill-Man and his morning gang love the Netflix show. They asked, begged and bribed (Ok, they really didn't bribe) Steven Avery's mom to come on the air to talk about it. She consented and then she proceeded to surprise WAAF's audience with her theory." The Hill-Man Show's conversation with Mrs. Avery proved to be so compelling, it was immediately picked up by several major media outlets, including TMZ and People. The interview is posted on the WAAF website.
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| Broadcasters Foundation To Honor Pittman
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The Broadcasters Foundation of America recently announced that Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia, Inc. will be the recipient of the coveted 2016 Golden Mike Award to be presented during the Foundation's annual gala on Monday, February 29 at the Plaza Hotel in New York. This annual event raises funds to benefit the Foundation's ongoing mission of providing aid to broadcasters in need. "Bob is an extraordinary broadcaster," said Dan Mason, another extraordinary broadcaster who is also Vice Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation. "As an architect of today's iHeartMedia, Bob's focus on innovation and his deep belief in broadcast radio has expanded radio into new areas and platforms, and we are proud to recognize his contributions to broadcasting." Pittman's philanthropic accomplishments including serving as Chairman of New York’s Public Theater and Chairman of the Robin Hood Foundation, where he is still on the board. He's also on the boards of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Alliance for Lupus Research. "Radio reaches more Americans than any other medium, the best friend in the seat next to them and their trusted companion and information source across multiple platforms," Pittman remarked. "I feel extremely fortunate to be in broadcasting during the most exciting time in our industry's history. I'm grateful to the Broadcasters Foundation for this honor, and I thank them for their deep commitment to supporting our broadcast colleagues in their times of need." To learn more about the great work being done daily by the Broadcasters Foundation or to make a donation, please call 212-373-8250 or email info@thebfoa.org.
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