| 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. |
|
|
|
Casanova Calling It A Career
| |
| In less than 90 days, Steve Casanova's remarkable 42-year Texas radio career will formally wind down, as he announced his impending retirement as APD/midday talent at Cox Media Group Classic Hits KONO 101.1 in his hometown of San Antonio.
After starting his career at KDNT/Denton, TX, Casanova (left) was hired at No. 1 rated Country KBUC/San Antonio, where he honed his skills doing overnights and late nights. That ride lasted until 1988, when KBUC flipped formats and Casanova and the entire KBUC staff were fired. In 1992, after a brief stint at KONO-AM, Casanova's career took an unusual turn when he was hired by then PD Scott Huskey to do nights on Country powerhouse KCYY (Y100) -- and thus, the birth of "Johnny Montego," who eventually moved up to middays.
The "Johnny Montego" era at Y100 came to an abrupt halt in 2000 at the same exact time Cox Radio purchased KONO-AM & FM from well known radio broker John Barger. It was at that time Montego saw new KONO Program Director Roger Allen in the hallway and said, "Hey, what are you doing here?" Shortly thereafter, the artist now formerly known as "Johnny Montego" crossed the hall to do nights at KONO-FM, reverting back to his real name of Steve Casanova, and went on to become APD and later, middays, working with Allen for 20 incredible years.
| |
| Casanova credits his long career at CMG to "being in exactly the right place at the right time, and knowing when to shut the hell up." And now, after 24 years of No. 1 ratings and two Marconi Awards, Casanova has decided to go out on his own terms, effective at the end of the year. He thanks Roger Allen, Rob Roberts, RJ Curtis, Scott Huskey, Lee Woods, Gene Kelly and all the remarkable GMs, programmers, jocks and support staff he has worked with for 42 years of unforgettable memories and success.
Now, with Casanova's end date fast approaching, CMG San Antonio Operations Director of Branding and Programming Rob Roberts (above, right, with Casanova) is actively looking for someone who is not afraid to step into some big boots and continue the decades of success at San Antonio's most-listened-to radio station, KONO-FM. Qualified candidates are urged to visit the job posting HERE, and prepare to take on this unique position. Cox Media Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
| |
|
NuVoodoo's marketing guru Mike O'Connor guides a deep dive on ratings likelies who are Country radio fans. Complete details are available in this week's informative "Moneyball for Radio" feature, now posted at RAMP247.com, below Breaking News.
| |
| • Cox Media Group (CMG) Atlanta announced a new, live & local morning show for Urban AC WALR (KISS 104.1) -- Toni & Tony in the Morning launches today, and runs weekdays from 6-10am ET. The station has been without a permanent morning show since Frank Ski exited in January.
"Toni" is Toni Moore, who will lead the show. She has more than 30 years of radio and TV experience and has held various on-air roles with WALR since 2019. Joining Moore as co-host is Tony "Sco" Sculfield, who has been a stand-up comedian 34 years and has worked in major market radio for the past 26 years, most notably hosting mornings at WGCI/Chicago and KBLX/San Francisco.
"The evolution of KISS 104.1 continues with a fresh approach to morning entertainment," said Nate Reed, Director of Operations for CMG Atlanta’s music brands. "Mornings with Toni & Tony will be an authentic, 'infotainment' show created in Atlanta for Atlanta."
"Being local and live helps us to genuinely connect with the community and keep our finger on the pulse and culture of ATL," said Moore, an Atlanta resident and founder of The Moore Help Foundation of Atlanta. "We're your morning drive in, your inspiration, and your source for headlines and trending topics." She added, "Atlanta, prepare to be inspired and entertained -- the laughs will be contagious!"
| |
| • Stand by for the official quote-laden announcement, but RAMP has already learned of more Mile High morning show movement, once again at KSE Media Hot AC KIMN (Mix 100), as Katy Mitchel (center) has been elevated from middays to mornings, teaming up with Jeremy Padgett and Producer Josh Griesemer to create.... wait for it... Jeremy, Katy & Josh In The Morning.
You may recall that earlier this month longtime Mix 100 morning fixture Dom Testa unplugged after 32 years in the seat and crossed the hall to anchor mornings on Classic Hits sister KXKL (Kool 105), alongside market veteran Melissa Moore. At the same time, it was announced that then-Mix 100 PD/afternoon talent Steve Marshall would join Padgett and Griesemer in mornings... however... shortly thereafter, Marshall resigned and crossed the street to Bonneville AC 101.1 KOSI as morning co-host. More details are forthcoming.
| |
| • ACM Lifting Lives® announced the newly elected Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 term. Officer roles for the 2024-2025 term are Chair Shawn McSpadden, Vice-Chair Fletcher Foster, Vice-President John Hickman, Treasurer Paul Barnabee, and Secretary Taylor Wolf.
The ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors is comprised of leaders in non-profit and corporate affairs who are referred to as public directors, and other leaders who also serve as ACM Board members, referred to as representative directors.
This year, there were six public director positions elected, one representative director position elected, and six public director-at-large positions appointed to the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors. Additionally, one director was appointed to an Emeritus Board Seat.
Newly elected PUBLIC directors: Sandi Borchetta, Tiffany Brush, Kathleen Flaherty, Michelle Kammerer, Rondal Richardson, and Sally Williams. • Newly elected REPRESENTATIVE director: Ebie McFarland. • Newly appointed PUBLIC directors-at-large: Scott Adkins, Jackie Campbell, Jeffrey Hasson, Chad Kudelka, Elaina Smith, and Zach Sutton. • Newly appointed EMERITUS director: Rod Essig. The complete board is posted HERE.
| |
| • Former radio programmer and SiriusXM executive Gil Edwards is bringing his decades of experience to bear in his latest venture, Ignite Creator Studios, a new state-of-the-art digital media production facility in Ridgewood, NJ, offering a full suite of audio and video production services. Edwards, along with Ignite co-Founder Joseph Oriente, specializes in providing businesses with comprehensive digital media strategy services rooted in extensive knowledge of the industry.
In addition to his former role as VP of Programming & Operations in the Entertainment and Comedy Division at SiriusXM, Edwards earlier spent a decade as PD of CBS Radio's late 94 WYSP/Philadelphia, and he's also worked with audio and mobile start-ups like Redlasso, Audioburst, and TrafficCarma.
"Our mission is to ignite business and community growth through content," says Edwards. "In today's fast-evolving digital landscape, content is essential to brand awareness, trust, and growth. We provide not only the technical tools but also the strategic guidance creators and businesses need to succeed."
| |
|
Hofstra Inducts '24 Radio HOF Class
| |
| Hundreds of Hofstra University alumni, students, faculty, staff, and administrators gathered on Saturday, Oct. 19 at the Hofstra University Club to celebrate the induction of seven alumni into the University's Radio Hall of Fame.
Over its 65-year history, Hofstra's 88.7 WRHU (previously WHCH and WVHC) has won some of the industry's most coveted awards, including four NAB Marconi Awards for College Radio Station of the Year.
| |
| A member of this year's Class of '24 is Danielle Dellilo (pictured), currently Promotions Director for WLTW/New York and iHeartRadio Broadway, and Artist Relations and Public Relations Director for iHeartMedia New York. Dellilo graduated from Hofstra in 2001 with a bachelor's in communication, and received her master's in journalism from Hofstra in 2021. In her not-so-spare time, Dellilo also teaches Public Relations at Hofstra.
"I am deeply honored by this recognition," Dellilo said. "It's a testament to the incredible support I've received from the faculty, students, community volunteers, and alumni at WRHU. Their guidance has been invaluable, helping me grow professionally in ways I never thought possible. On a personal level, their encouragement and mentorship have been a constant source of inspiration, shaping not only my career but who I am as a person. I couldn't be more grateful!"
| |
| • Another familiar face in Hofstra's HOF Class of '24 is Shawn Novatt ('00), who, while at WRHU, served as Station Manager, News Director, and Jazz Café producer. Novatt went on to work at WBLI (twice) as morning show producer, as well as a stint with Long Island Radio Group as Production Coordinator and Webmaster. In 2006, Novatt joined Buckley Broadcasting as Executive Producer of the morning show on 710 WOR/New York. Since 2016 Novatt has served as the Faculty Director of 90.3 WHPC, "The Voice of Nassau Community College."
Novatt commented, "I am honored to be recognized by the Hofstra Radio Alumni Association. Without my time at WRHU at Hofstra in the '90s, and the mentorship of then-General Manager Bruce Avery, I know that I would not have had the successful 24+ year career in the radio industry since. I am proud to be a WRHU alum!"
| |
|
• The third radio vet in the Hofstra Radio Hall of Fame is Stu Rushfield ('89), who, just two weeks after graduation began his career at WABC/New York, engineering talk shows, New York Yankees baseball, and The Rush Limbaugh Show. After transitioning to sister WPLJ, Rushfield relocated to Washington, DC, where he worked for the Unistar Radio Network and CBS Radio before landing at NPR, where he has spent the better part of the last three decades.
Rushfield commented, "It really is a great honor to be inducted into the Hofstra Radio Hall of Fame. The Hofstra Radio family has truly been my family. I stay in touch with friends of 35-plus years and have made many more among the amazing array of media professionals that WRHU has produced. The Hofstra Radio program is just fantastic. If a student dedicates themselves to the opportunities WRHU provides, there is no limit to what they can achieve in an ever-changing media landscape. Every day, that makes me proud to be a Hofstra Radio alum." The complete list of 2024 Hofstra Radio HOF inductees is posted HERE.
| |
| • New Music Research From Integr8 USA -- RAMP is pleased to be the exclusive media partner of Integr8 USA, a national callout service from Coleman Insights that provides new music research for CHR, Hot AC, Country, and Alternative -- a feature that we believe will be of great value to programmers who have routinely read RAMP for the past 15 years.
| |
|
Watch this space on a regular basis for a list of the Top 3 songs in each format, plus a "1 to Watch" -- songs Integr8 USA is spotlighting as an impactful mover on each chart.
For more information on a Integr8 USA subscription for your radio station or record label, click HERE.
| |
| • Congrats to Gabby Canella, who recently joined SiriusXM as Manager, App Curation.
In her new role, Canella (pictured) will be curating the music vertical across all genres in the SiriusXM app, while also working closely with the programming team to merchandise music content, promote channels and shows, and lead creative campaigns.
Canella's previous industry positions include Music Programmer at YouTube Music and Music Programming Manager at Music Choice.
| |
| • Rare midday opening at Pamal heritage AC 100.7 WHUD/Hudson Valley, NY, as 20-year station veteran Kacey has accepted a full-time position to direct events and retreats with Graymoor in Garrison, NY
WHUD has served the beautiful Hudson Valley for decades by providing local content from a local staff that actually lives there. On the other hand, if you're a fan of those big broadcasters that don't allow you to be you and give you an entire building to yourself because, well... you're the only local talent at the station, this job might not be for you. However, if you have at least three years of full-time experience and can generate content (even in your sleep), then keep reading.
The gig comes with a full benefits package, including medical, dental, FSA, HSA, 401k w/ER match, FREE telemedicine program, supplemental insurance, and paid time off. Sound good? Applicants should send audio, social and any other content examples you'd like to share to jobs@pamal.com.
WHUD is part of family-owned Pamal Broadcasting, Ltd -- Proud to be Live and Local! We are an EOE and participate in E-Verify.
| |
| • Max Media of Hampton Roads is looking for an Assistant Promotions Director to work with its Norfolk-Virginia Beach group of stations (as seen below). You will help execute promotional campaigns, manage station events, and supervise employees. This role will report directly to the Director of Marketing & Promotions and assist with daily, weekly and monthly activities as needed.
| |
| Candidates must be organized, initiative-taking, dependable, punctual, able to work independently, and can also lead as well as follow and execute instructions effectively. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are vital. You must also be able to lift and carry equipment, set up and break down promotional tents, hang banners and other staging elements, etc.
Please submit all resumes to jobs@maxmediava.com. No phone calls, please. Max Media of Hampton Roads is An Equal Opportunity Employer.
| |
|
IBA & RVA Host AI Webinar Tomorrow
| |
| The Radio Vendor Alliance (RVA) is launching a new series of "Lunch and Learn Workshops" in partnership with the Independent Broadcasters Association (IBA). The workshops are free online sessions and will feature industry experts with practical solutions to radio's most pressing problems.
RVA co-founder and member Tom Dobrez says the workshops provide much needed expertise, as he noted, "We conducted an in-depth survey of managers, programmers, and sales executives to identify the challenges they face today. Our goal is for each workshop to provide positive, inspiring solutions from the best minds in radio."
IBA President Ron Stone commented, "We're so proud to continue to innovate with new ways to serve radio through IBA, and this series of workshops with RVA is our latest initiative to provide the tools and resources for all departments in a group, cluster, and station. The early response has been tremendous, and I can't wait for our members and non-members to be a part of it."
The first workshop -- How AI Can Increase Ratings, Save Money, and Generate Revenue -- is scheduled for tomorrow, Oct. 24, at 1pm ET/10am PT. Each session is free, and you don't need to be an IBA member to participate, however, pre-registration is required at radiocontentpro.com/iba.
The presentation will last about 30 minutes, followed by Q&A. It will also be recorded, and a replay link sent to everyone who registers. For more info, contact Tracy Johnson at 858-472-3546 or Tracy@TJohnsonMediaGroup.com.
| |
| Viewpoints Radio, a nationally syndicated public affairs program that highlights a wide range of engaging and informative stories, just reached a significant achievement by surpassing 1,000 radio affiliates across the U.S.
Distributed by The American Urban Radio Networks (AURN), Viewpoints Radio now reaches over 95% of the U.S. population each week. The 30-minute program covers a variety of topics, including education, history, and current social issues such as labor and economic concerns
"Each week, we deliver exceptional content that informs our audience on critical topics that are often overlooked by mainstream outlets," said Amirah Zaveri, Executive Producer of Viewpoints Radio. "Despite the societal tensions brought on by this election year, I'm proud that our show continues to be a welcoming space for all listeners. The continuous growth of the show speaks to the dedication and expertise of our team and reinforces the ongoing need for public affairs-focused journalism in today's fast-changing media landscape."
Lenore Williams, SVP of Program Operations & Affiliations, noted, "A big part of our success lies in the ability of Viewpoints Radio to stay relevant and current. Our team focuses on choosing important stories and asking the right questions. The outstanding writing and high-quality production are just some of the reasons why Viewpoints Radio has become one of the leading public affairs programs in the nation."
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
