John Fleckenstein and Joe Riccitelli have been named co-presidents of RCA Records. In these newly enhanced roles, the two will oversee the day-to-day operations of the label, excluding A&R. Fleckenstein (left) previously held the role of EVP, RCA Records while Riccitelli (right) served as GM/EVP Promotion, RCA Records. Both gentlemen will remain in the company's New York headquarters and report to Chairman and CEO Peter Edge, who said, "I'm excited for this next chapter in RCA's history and I couldn't be more thrilled to elevate John and Joe into these enhanced roles. Their knowledge in their respective areas and relationships with the artists themselves have helped turn RCA into the thriving community it has become over the last couple of years. We're so fortunate to have an incredibly experienced, strong senior management team driving the company toward further success."

Fleckenstein commented, "I'm endlessly impressed by the talent of our RCA team and come to work each day energized by the creative collective being built around our unique and visionary artists. I'm very grateful to Peter and Rob Stringer for their belief and humbled by the opportunity to help lead RCA's next chapter together with Joe."

Riccitelli remarked, "Thanks to both Peter and Rob for the opportunity to be a leader of the most legendary and prestigious record company in the business. Our roster speaks for itself and our ability to break new artists is unmatched. I'm really looking forward to working even closer with John and the rest of the leadership team. They are incredibly talented and passionate in their fields of expertise."

• Prior to joining RCA, Fleckenstein served as EVP of International for Sony Music. He also held various roles at Arista Records, Jive Records and abroad, including Sydney, Australia, where he led marketing and promotion for the Asian-Pacific Region. He began his career as an intern at Columbia Records.

• Riccitelli began his label career at PolyGram back in 1985. From 1995-1999 he served as SVP of Promotion at Island Label Group. In 1999 Riccitelli joined Jive Records as SVP of Promotion, and was upped to EVP in 2007. Riccitelli joined the re-launched RCA Records in 2011 as EVP of Promotion and was awarded GM stripes in late 2012.

On Friday iHeartMedia formally announced Alternative programming pro Lisa Worden as the new Program Director of ALT 98.7. Worden joined iHeartMedia in November 2017 in the dual role of VP of Programming for ALT 98.7 and Alternative Rock Brand Manager for iHeartMedia's National Programming Group. Worden notably spent over two decades with the World Famous KROQ/Los Angeles, rising to APD/MD. Her lengthy tenure was briefly interrupted from 2003-2005, when she programmed the late WHFS/Washington before returning to KROQ.

In making the announcement of Worden's elevation, Andrew Jeffries, EVP, West Division for iHeartMedia commented, "Having Lisa's wealth of programming experience now available to us as a resource, it made logical sense for her to take a much more active role in the day-to-day as the PD of ALT 98.7 and we look forward to tapping into her skills. Her relationships within the industry, combined with her knowledge of the format, specifically Los Angeles, will help accelerate the growth, of an already very successful station, into 2018."

Swanson was most recently EVP, Media & Strategic Development at Epic Records, a post she had held since 2014. She previously spent a decade at Island Def Jam in New York as EVP, Publicity & Artist Relations. Swanson began her music industry career at A&M Records, rising to VP of Publicity, followed by a stint as VP of Publicity at Interscope/Geffen/A&M before joining Arista Records, where she rose to SVP of Publicity & Artist Relations.

Swanson starts her new WBR adventure on Monday, January 22, based at the label's Burbank headquarters and reporting to Corson, who commented, "Laura is one of the most admired and experienced communications execs in our business, with outstanding relationships throughout the artistic and media communities. As our industry continues its rapid evolution, the media landscape is constantly shifting, and Laura has always taken the lead in placing her artists and her labels at the forefront of the most innovative avenues of exposure and development. Our working paths have crossed twice during our careers -- at A&M and later, at Arista, so I'm especially happy to welcome her to the Warner Bros. team at this exciting time in the label's history."

Swanson said, "I'm thrilled to join Tom Corson and the amazing Warner Bros. Records' team in this new adventure. With Tom's leadership, expertise, creative genius and proven track record, combined with the label's new artistic vision and all the amazing artists who call Warner Bros. home, I predict magic is on the horizon. I truly appreciate Tom for bringing me on board and look forward to next week's electrifying Grammy celebration and many successful years at Warner Bros. Records."

Cumulus Media, which is currently working through Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, has filed to get out of 14 of its current contracts, not the least of which is its three-year-old "LMA-to-buy" deal with Merlin Media to acquire Alternative WKQX and Classic Rock WLUP/Chicago. In the court filings, Cumulus argues that these contracts -- which also include broadcast contracts with the Chicago White Sox and Buffalo Bills -- are money-losing propositions -- pretty much the exact opposite of what a company in bankruptcy needs at this time.

The section that refers specifically to the Merlin Media LMA reads, in part, "In calendar year 2014, the Merlin Stations lost approximately $1.5 million net of the LMA Fee (estimated to be about $600,000 per month). Losses were $0.8 million in 2015, $1.1 million in 2016, and then increased to $5.1 million in 2017. The Merlin Stations' cumulative losses have totaled approximately $8.4 million to date. Chicago FM has realized these losses because the monthly LMA Fees payable to Merlin, together with the operating costs associated with the Merlin Stations, which include expenses related to employees, as well as selling, general, and administrative expenses, exceed the revenue generated by the Merlin Stations.

"Accordingly, the Debtors have determined that it is in the best interest of their estates to reject the Merlin Agreements pursuant to section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code." [Special thanks to Tom Taylor for the assist!]

After 21 years with iHeartMedia and Clear Channel, we were deeply surprised to learn that renowned production magician "KellyKellyKelly" Doherty has left the company as her position as VP of Imaging has been eliminated.

Doherty got her first radio break at KRQQ/Tucson in 1994, and she officially joined the former Clear Channel at KDWB/Minneapolis. In a 2008 profile of Doherty I did for R&R, she told me that she is completely at home within the confines of her production studio. It's where she does her best work, and on her terms. She also shared the deceptively simple philosophy that drew her into an award-winning production career, as she said, "I started my career on the air, and I didn't like it. But if I sat in a production room and screwed up, I could do it over again."

On Friday, RAMP spoke to Doherty, who told us, "It's hard to account exactly for how much growth and experience one receives over two decades of voicing, producing and writing for the biggest brands and moments that radio has to offer. I'm so very grateful for that time and for the family I created along the way."

With a note of confident optimism, Doherty (fully channeling noted scientist Doc Brown) said, "I'm looking forward to what the future holds... 'cuz once this thing reaches 88mph, you're gonna see some serious shit!" Ms. Kelly can be easily reached at 323-369-8964 or k3copy@gmail.com.

Moments after the paperwork was signed and filed, SVP/Market Manager Dan Kearney commented, "Mercedes in the Morning is an integral part of the Las Vegas community's mornings and we are proud to continue our partnership with the iconic Mercedes and JC for the years to come." He added, "Both bring an exciting energy to Mix 94.1 and we are looking forward to seeing them take the show to new heights."

Mercedes remarked, "I'm thrilled to continue waking up Las Vegas on Mix 94.1. When you love what you do, it doesn't feel like a job. It truly has been the honor of a lifetime and I'm so grateful to continue working with a great company, station and my incredible co-host, JC."

She then handed the mic to Fernandez, who exclaimed, "I'm beyond excited to be able to continue to work at the radio station I love and in the city I call home. I have the best job in the world! I get to work with my best friend every day and talk to listeners I consider family."

• Jenny Rose Gonzalez has been elevated to General Sales Manager of Broadcast Company of The Americas in San Diego -- Classic Hits XHPRS (105.7 MAX-FM), Sports-Talk XEPRS-AM (The Mighty 1090) and XEPE-AM (ESPN 1700). She had served as Local Sales Manager since joining the company in 2014.

President and Market Manager Mike Glickenhaus said, "It's always great when you can promote from within your organization. This promotion reflects the dedication, creativity, passion, leadership and great work ethic that Jenny Rose has demonstrated day in and day out since she walked in the door."

Gonzalez commented, "BCA Radio might be one of the smaller groups in town -- but we've got grit. We're scrappy, fast, and determined -- producing real results for clients every day. I'm thrilled to be leading the sales team for the Mighty 1090, 105.7 MAX FM and ESPN 1700 as we continue to not only be relevant in the San Diego radio space -- but essential and exceptional."

Stewart said, "Entercom is a great company who believes in the power of local radio and it feels good to be back and rocking! This role is a huge opportunity and I’m excited to bring new life into Chattanooga's best rock brand."

Stewart is a longtime market vet who previously spent 10 years across the street as MD/night jock at Bahakel Top 40 WDOD (Hits 96) until December 2016.

In honor of Music's Biggest Night®, Westwood One celebrates its partnership with the Recording Academy and the 60th Annual Grammy Awards® with a week-long series of live musical performances and interviews leading up to next Sunday's Grammy Awards show. All this week, Cumulus Media's WPLJ and WNSH (NASH FM 94.7)/New York will present 13 intimate live performances from the Hackensack Meridian Health Stage 17, overlooking Square Garden. Two of the performances -- Bleachers and Kelly Clarkson -- will originate from The Cutting Room at 44 East 32nd St.

The action begins today at 1pm with Troye Sivan (fresh off his SNL appearance), followed by Lauv at 5pm. • Tomorrow, Jan. 23, it's Bleachers at 1pm (at The Cutting Room); 4pm ET: Cody Simpson. • Wed, January 24: 1pm: Logan Henderson; 4pm: Shane Owens. • Thu, Jan. 25: 1pm: Max; 5pm: Marshmello. •  Fri, Jan. 26: 1pm: Jessie Chris; 4pm: Lauren Alaina; 9:30pm: PJ Morton. • Sat, Jan. 27: 1pm: Midland; 4pm: Kelly Clarkson (The Cutting Room).

Armand Carr, the host of The Quiet Storm on Bonneville Urban AC KBLX/San Francisco was recently presented with the 2017 Jefferson Award as "Person of The Year" for his work as the Founder & CEO of "All Tied Up" -- a non-profit organization that prepares young men between the ages of 13-21 for success through workshops structured around the significance of a necktie.

The Jefferson Awards Foundation is the nation's most prestigious and longest-standing organization dedicated to powering and celebrating public service, and the Jefferson Award has been dubbed "the Nobel Prize for public service and volunteerism." Since 1972, many famous Americans, including Oprah Winfrey and Harry Belafonte have been honored with this significant recognition.

Carr commented, "I am pleased, honored and humbled to receive this award and to join past recipients who I have long admired and respected." Elroy Smith, OM/PD of KBLX remarked, "We are ecstatic and so happy for Armand at Bonneville International/SF. His passion to help young men in the Bay Area become successful is commendable and this recognition is well deserved." 

We were saddened to learn that Edward F. McLaughlin, the man who founded EFM Media Management and launched Rush Limbaugh into national syndication, died Friday, Jan. 19 in Palm Beach, FL at the age of 91 after a long illness. Just last week it was announced that McLaughlin -- the former Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation who currently held the title of Chairman Emeritus -- as the recipient of the 2018 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Mike Award dinner on Monday, March 5. To honor McLaughlin's legacy, The Broadcasters Foundation of America has now established the Edward F. McLaughlin Memorial Fund to honor this iconic broadcaster.

"The Board of Directors and I are saddened at this tremendous loss to our industry and grateful for Ed's years of service to the Broadcasters Foundation," stated Dan Mason, Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America. "Ed believed in giving back to the profession that he loved and helping those among us who need it the most." William O'Shaughnessy, Chairman of Whitney Global Media and a Board member of the Broadcasters Foundation, noted, "Ed was a great raconteur who often held court at the '21' bar, where he did a lot of business entertaining out-of-town affiliates."

McLaughlin founded EFM Media Management in 1987 and syndicated The Dr. Dean Edell Show. Shortly thereafter, he launched the national syndication of Sacramento radio host Rush Limbaugh. During his 14-year tenure at the helm of ABC Radio Networks, McLaughlin acquired American Top 40 with Casey Kasem, launched American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley, and championed Paul Harvey's program to 1,000 affiliates. To donate to the Edward F. McLaughlin Memorial Fund, please visit broadcastersfoundation.org, call 212-373-8250, or email info@thebfoa.org.