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Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Ford Trades In Sony For B&O

Ford is turning to Harman's high-end B&O Play brand to succeed its longtime audio partner Sony, ending a relationship that dates back at least 16 years. According to the Detroit Free Press, Ford announced that the B&O Play sound systems would begin appearing in Ford cars and trucks next year. Eventually, B&O Play will be in all Ford vehicles. B&O Play was created in 2012 by high-end Danish audio manufacturer Bang & Olufsen. Stamford, CT-based Harman International acquired Bang & Olufsen's car audio business in 2015, and those systems are already available some Audi, Aston Martin, BMW and Mercedes-Benz models.
Ford believes B&O Play's approach to sound and how its sound systems are designed will put the Dearborn automaker at the forefront of today's audio technology. Ford Sr. Design Strategist Anthony Prozzi said, "B&O play has a wonderful audio heritage that is rooted not only in music but how to take that music and create experiences that foster feelings like freedom, as well as great design that can spark curiosity and creative exploration." He added, "With B&O play... I'm going to be able to take sound and wrap it around you like a warm blanket."
Prozzi did not specify which Ford brands would upgrade to B&O Play first, saying only that they will begin to appear next year and will be rolled out globally. The switch to B&O Play for the Ford brand comes just over a year after Ford launched the Lincoln MKX using Harman's ultra-high-end Revel sound system. Bill Wyman, VP of Global Marketing for car audio at Harman (not the former Rolling Stones bassist), says the deal with Ford is an exclusive, meaning Ford will be the only automaker with sound systems from B&O Play. 
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Mix Group Cooking In Kraig's Kitchin

SoundMind co-President Kraig Kitchin has joined top radio imaging and production company, The Mix Group as a consultant. Based in Los Angeles, Kitchin will collaborate with Miami-based Mix Group President Jason Garte on new initiatives to optimize revenue performance. While The Mix Group currently services more than 1,000 radio stations, Kitchin intends to expand their reach both domestically and abroad while also leveraging topline growth opportunities in other aspects of the business. Kitchin commented, "Once stations discover The Mix Group, there's no turning back. Jason and his team of talented producers create an exceptional sound that differentiates a station from all others in the market. The individual attention to detail for each station client is really remarkable."
Garte remarked, "Kraig's experience and knowledge of both syndication and radio in general makes him the ideal co-pilot to lead this starship into our next generation, and the thing is -- you just couldn't find a nicer guy on the planet!"
In addition to consulting with The Mix Group, Kitchin operates several businesses in partnership with prominent radio personalities. As co-President of the talent management firm SoundMind, Kitchin focuses on managing the businesses of high profile broadcast personalities and companies. He has also served as the Chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame since 2014. Prior to launching SoundMind in 2007, Kitchin spent nine years as President/COO of Premiere Networks, Inc.
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WiLD Midday Opportunity In Tampa

Attention, citizens of Earth -- Beasley Media Group Rhythmic WLLD (WiLD 94-1)/Tampa now has a very rare fulltime midday vacancy on its roster, as the station has parted ways with Allison Gordon, a.k.a. Alli That Girl, who exits after 16 years. She can be contacted at AlliThatGirl@gmail.com.        
"We wish Alli success in her future endeavors," said PD/morning icon Orlando, who leans heavily upon his fantasy career as romance novelist to share his deepest desires in the ideal successor, as he dreamily tells RAMP, "I'm looking for someone to treat middays like a steamy love affair with the Tampa audience. They should be constantly thinking of each other, sending each other special snaps and poking each other in their Facebook..." [Pause for cold shower...]
Aaaand we're back! If you are interested in the WiLD world of radio, complete with sunshine, sandy beaches and one of the biggest stations in the state, and want to apply for this amazing EOE position, please follow the next steps very carefully: 1) Send your resume, 2) social media info and 3) examples of your overall greatness to the top-secret email address: IWannaGetWiLD@bbgi.com. All applicants must have prior fulltime radio experience and females are urged to apply.
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Radio Contests Rigged? Nooooo!!!

NuVoodoo Media Services generated some serious chatter yesterday when the company announced that its recent NuVoodoo Ratings Prospects Study of over 3,500 subjects revealed that a whopping 49% of likely PPM participants believe that most radio station contests are, in fact, rigged -- and over half of those were among 18-44 year olds. And of those who think that most radio contests are rigged, some are aware that stations are trying to extract more listening, while even more complain about their inability to contact the station. A lack of transparency also comes into play; with groups complaining they don't see or hear the prize drawings or they have suspicions most of the prizes aren't actually given away.
Leigh Jacobs, EVP of Research Analysis, NuVoodoo Media Services observes, "Our findings point to a need for greater transparency in radio contests. While these issues are less important to the large numbers of listeners who are not susceptible to contests, they are very important to the smaller group whose listening stations want to influence."
Mike O'Connor, EVP of Marketing, NuVoodoo Media Services remarked, "We know that only about 5% of radio listeners care about contests, but the number goes up tenfold among likely ratings respondents. Yet half that group thinks the game is rigged. When Nielsen runs compliance contests for PPM participants, they announce the results in monthly newsletters -- offering proof that rewards offered are real and attainable. Radio needs to follow the ratings company playbook and put the spotlight on winners!" For more info about the wonderful world of NuVoodoo, please contact company President Carolyn Gilbert at cg@nuvoodoo.com or call 888-986-6366.
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• Dave Mason has exited as APD/midday personality and Imaging Director at Broadcast Company of The America's Classic Hits XHPRS (105.7 MAX FM)/San Diego after a two-year run. No replacement has been named yet by VP of Programming & Operations Mike Shepard. This was actually Mason's second tour of duty with the station -- he previously spent five years as APD/midday jock at XHPRS under its former handle, 105.7 The Walrus until July of 2013, when he was hired as APD/MD at CBS Radio Classic Hits KRTH (K-Earth 101)/Los Angeles
Mason (pictured) served as Acting PD of K-Earth when Rick Thomas transferred to WBMP (92.3 AMP Radio)/New York and he rejoined XHPRS in October of 2014.  Mason is eager to share his years of valuable programming and on-air experience and can be reached at 619-985-5767 or davemason@san.rr.com.
• RAMP has confirmed that John Carucci has exited as PD of Galaxy Communications Classic Hits WZUN (Sunny 102)/Syracuse, NY after six months with the company. Morning co-host Gary Dunes has been tapped as Interim PD, and Brand Manager Mimi Griswold tells RAMP, "We are not conducting a formal search at this time."
You may recall that Carucci, Dunes and Diane Wade had worked at Classic Hits rival WSEN and were hired away by WSUN in March of this year when their station was sold by Leatherstocking Media Group (along with WMCR-AM/Oneida, NY and WFBL-AM/Syracuse) to Family Life Ministries and flipped to Christian programming. Dunes joined Big Mike and Cindy Humble on the morning show, Wade was awarded the noon-3pm shift and Carucci was plugged into afternoon drive with Rick Gary.
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Pros In Motion

• Longtime Denver radio personality Dan Mitchell has joined Westwood One to anchor afternoon drive for the company's 24-hour Classic Rock format, which airs on 129 stations nationwide. Mitchell (left) most recently finished up eight years in afternoon drive with Entercom Classic Rock KQMT (99.5 the Mountain) before stepping down in June. During his 36-year radio career Mitchell also spent a decade at CBS Radio Oldies KXKL (Kool 105)/Denver, and in the early days of satellite-delivered radio formats Mitchell lent his considerable talents to the former Jones Radio Network Classic Rock format.
"Dan's personality, his knowledge of the music, and his love of entertaining will be a great addition to our Classic Rock format," said David Felker, VP of Programming at Westwood One, and PD of the Classic Rock format. "It's a real indication of the quality of personalities that make up our 24-hour formats now."
Mitchell said, "I'm so excited to be on the national stage again. My goal has always been to connect with my listeners on a daily basis, by being real. We have laughed, cried, learned, questioned and celebrated together."
• One Putt Broadcasting Classic Hip Hop KJZN (Rewind 105.5)/Fresno has bolstered its weekend talent pool with the addition of two market vets -- Nick Mata joins to do noon-4pm on the weekends (leading into MC JB of JJ Fad from 4-8pm), and RJ Lopez will host and mix The Saturday Night Mix Tape from 8pm-midnight on Saturday evenings.
"I'm thrilled to add more local voices to Rewind 105.5," said David Caudillo, Director of Programming & Marketing. "Nick is a street promotions kingpin, and you can't be a true Classic Hip Hop radio station without a live mix show -- RJ is a godfather of sorts when it comes to local radio mix shows."
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Tino Cochino On The Beach

OK, relax... we just employed what is known in the business as "a clever tease" to let you know that the recently syndicated Tino Cochino Radio has landed within sight of the beautiful beach in Santa Barbara, CA, as the show is now rolling 4-8pm weekdays on Point Broadcasting Top 40 KFYZ (Z94.5) -- becoming the first air personality to grace the station since its jockless launch.
Point Broadcasting Director of Programming Brian "Big Bear" Davis said of Cochino, "Tino's swag, style and appeal are perfect for our audience here in Santa Barbara. Beyond that he is an incredible talent, and does a solid show. He is our first live show on the radio station, and since he's been on, the response has been great."
For his part, Cochino said, "Santa Barbara is an amazing city, and alongside Bear I'm certain that we can create the engaging content that this phenomenal station and city deserves." TCR Affiliate Manager Mikey Fuentes commented, "Bear and his programming team have a long history of winning and we believe that the multi-platform approach that TCR brings to the table will contribute to that winning streak." TCR is based at Riviera Broadcasting Rhythmic KKFR (Power 98.3 & 101.9)/Phoenix. To learn more about the show, please reach out to Mikey Fuentes at mikey@tinocochinoradio.com.
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Holiday Show-Ho-Ho!

• iHeartMedia Urban KRRL (Real 92.3)/Los Angeles announced its second annual major concert event -- The Real Show will be taking over the Fabulous Forum in picturesque Inglewood, CA on Saturday, November 5 and stars Usher, Bryson Tiller, Kid Ink, Desiigner, Belly and Kap G, with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
The big announcement was made yesterday by morning personality Big Boy, who will host The Real Show with the entire Real 92.3 on-air crew. Tickets for The Real Show go on sale first to members of the station's VIP online club this Thursday, September 22 at 10am and will be made available to the general public on Friday, September 23 at 10am PT via ticketmaster.com
• "It's a show so big we couldn't fit it into one night! We can barely fit it in three!" Those are the stirring words of Brian Kelly, VP of Operations for Entercom Milwaukee, who yesterday announced the ambitious line-up for KISSmas Bash 2016 on WXSS (103.7 Kiss FM), which now spans three nights -- December 13, 14 and 15 at The Rave. Night 1 stars Martin Garrix, Cash Cash, Bebe Rexha and Jay Sean; Night 2 includes Jon Bellion, Hey Violet, Jordan Fisher and We The Kings, and Night 3 stars Panic! At The Disco, Kungs and another surprise guest TBA. 
Kelly added, "I can't thank all the artists, labels and managers enough for their help in making this year's KISSmas Bash our biggest ever!" Tickets go on sale Friday morning at 10am with a special pre-sale for KISS Klub members tomorrow at 10am at TheRave.com.
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• Houston-based SuiteRadio announced the launch of the next generation 24/7 Radio Format Service -- Hot AC The Planet and Alternative Rock The Revolution. SuiteRadio comes from the same creative duo that built RFC Media -- Pat Fant and Cruze. Fant was the VP/GM of the legendary KLOL (Rock 101), KTBZ (94.5 The Buzz) and KRBE/Houston and Cruze's credentials include programming and on-air positions at WFNX/Boston, KTBZ/Houston, DC101/Washington, WMGK/Philadelphia and WKBQ/St. Louis.
The Planet and The Revolution are both hosted by major market personalities, are totally customizable, expertly researched and are offered either branded or unbranded. The Planet and The Revolution are delivered fully produced via Network Digital Decoder. The RFC format service replaces the local automation system rather than interacting with it. National ad sales representation is provided by United Stations Radio Network. For syndication info, please contact June Colbert at 615-202-5900 or june@colbertmediagroup.com.
Westwood One News will provide live, anchored coverage of all three upcoming presidential debates and the vice presidential debate in late September and October, plus provide live special reports on each night the debates are held. Westwood One News will also offer a two-minute wrap-up special on each debate. Coverage of each 90-minute debate will be anchored by Chas Henry, aided by on-scene reporting by correspondents Bob Costantini, Steve Kastenbaum, Jim Roope and Karin Caifa.
The debates are presented by the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates, and are scheduled as follows: Presidential -- Monday, September 26 at 9pm ET from Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY; Sunday, October 9 at 9pm ET from Washington University, St. Louis and Wednesday, October 19 at 9pm ET from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The Vice Presidential debate is scheduled for Tuesday, October 4 at 9pm ET from Longwood University in Farmville, VA.
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Condolences

The RAMP family would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Greg Williams, longtime PD/morning host on Entercom Rhythmic KDGS (Power 93.5)/Wichita, KS, who is currently dealing with the most unimaginable circumstances possible for any parent -- the death of his daughter -- Heather Lynne Williams (right) passed away on Thursday, September 15 at the age of 29.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, September 21 at 11am at Calvary Baptist Church, 2653 N. Hillside Street, Wichita, KS 67219.
Your notes of condolence can be posted on Greg's Facebook page, which is already jammed with incredibly heartfelt messages from his many friends.
 
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Kevin Carter
Senior Editor
661-294-9408
cartermedia@gmail.com
Steve Resnik
Sales Pro
818-951-6700
the45king@aol.com
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