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George Beasley Taking Medical Leave
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Beasley Broadcast Group, Inc. announced last Friday that the company's Founder and CEO, George G. Beasley (left) would be taking a medical leave of absence, effective immediately. No other details were made available. While Mr. Beasley is away, his daughter, Caroline Beasley, the Company's longtime Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Beasley will continue to serve as Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. Caroline Beasley has served as the Company's EVP/CFO, Treasurer and Secretary since 1994 and as a Director since she joined the company in 1983.
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Ms. Beasley (left) commented, "George's passion for radio and entrepreneurial spirit have made a positive and lasting impact on the industry and in the development and long-term success of Beasley Broadcast Group. On behalf of Company employees, family, friends and business associates, our heartfelt thoughts are with George during his medical leave. Out of respect, we will be honoring his request for privacy and will not be commenting further on his condition at this time." She continued, "Given the lifelong participation in the radio industry and at Beasley Broadcast Group of President and Chief Operating Officer, Bruce Beasley; Vice President of Operations, Brian Beasley; myself, and our strong team of corporate and local management and personnel, I am confident that our operations will remain completely on course during George's leave."
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| Hogan Wrestles $115 Mil From Gawker
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A Florida jury has sided with ex-pro wrestler Hulk Hogan, awarding him $115 million in the lawsuit Hogan filed against Gawker Media -- $15 million more than the $100 million he had asked for. As The Huffington Post reports, Hogan, whose real name is Terry Bollea, sued Gawker in 2012 after the online media outlet posted an excerpt of a video showing Bollea having sex with the wife of his then-best friend, radio personality Bubba The Love Sponge Clem. While Hogan and his attorneys contended that posting the video constituted an invasion of his privacy, Gawker argued the clip was newsworthy and protected by the First Amendment.
In addition to Gawker Media, Gawker Founder Nick Denton and A.J. Daulerio, the site's former Editor-in-Chief who posted the video, were also named as defendants in the suit. In closing arguments last Thursday, Kenneth Turkel, an attorney for Bollea told the jury that Gawker's editors "didn't have the common decency" to call his client before posting the piece. "The media has the power to do great good and the power to do great harm," Turkel said. "What's significant in the world of Gawker is a tape of my client in a private bedroom at the lowest point in his life, in a private act."
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Even before the verdict was handed down, Gawker issued a statement saying it was "disappointed the jury was unable to see key evidence and hear testimony from the most important witness," referring to Clem, who originally shot the tape. Last week, the judge had granted Clem's wish not to testify because he might incriminate himself.
Shortly after the verdict was announced, Nick Denton issued his own statement that clearly indicated that this matter isn't over, as he said, "Given key evidence and the most important witness were both improperly withheld from this jury, we all knew the appeals court will need to resolve this case. I want to thank our lawyers for their outstanding work and am confident that we would have prevailed at trial if we had been allowed to present the full case to the jury. That's why we feel very positive about the appeal that we have already begun preparing, as we expect to win this case ultimately."
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Big day around the radio ranch at Cumulus Hot AC WRQX (Mix 107.3)/Washington, as it was announced that midday personality Ashley Nickels (pictured) is the recipient of two well deserved honors -- 1) she's been re-upped for another two years, and 2) she's earned a promotion to Music Director. Mix 107.3 PD Louie Diaz said, "Ashley's on-air sound and work ethic make her a perfect fit for middays and Music Director, as we continue to roll out the return of Mix 107.3 to Washington, DC."
Nickels joined WRQX to do nights in 2014, crossing the country from the night show at Entercom Top 40 KDND (107.9 The End). Ms. Nickels grew up in Las Vegas and began her radio career at her hometown station, KLUC. After graduating from UNLV, Nickels took the gig at KDND. Commenting on her good fortune, Nickels said, "I am beyond excited and honored to be part of this next phase with such a wonderful team at the new Mix 107.3! I would like to thank Louie Diaz, Jake McCann and Mike McVay for giving me the opportunity to continue growing within Cumulus on-air, and allowing me to now branch out off-air into the role of Music Director."
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| Keola Heads Home To Hawaii
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Ohana Broadcast Company Honolulu joyously awaits the homecoming of native son Keola Lui-Kwan to take over the morning show on Rhythmic KDDB (102.7 Da Bomb), effective April 4. Lui-Kwan (left) makes his triumphant return to the islands after 14 years on the mainland -- since 2014 Keola has been APD/MD/afternoon drive personality on CBS Radio Top 40 KKHH (Hot 95.7)/Houston. Before that he spent two years across the hall as APD at Country cousin KILT (100.3 The Bull). Prior to landing in Houston in 2012, Keola spent five months at KYGO/Denver as afternoon talent and interim PD. His resume also includes a stint as PD of Alpha Media Top 40 KBFF (Live 95.5)/Portland, OR, APD/MD at Alpha Media Country KUPL/Portland, MD/afternoons at Entercom Country KBWF (95.7 The Wolf)/San Francisco, nights at KBKS (106.1 Kiss FM)/Seattle and APD/afternoons at KCHZ (95.7 The Vibe)/Kansas City.
Kelsey Yogi, PD of 102.7 Da Bomb said, "I’m proud to announce the addition of a homegrown talent who will bring new energy and excitement to 102.7 Da Bomb and a new level of morning entertainment to this market." The Hawaii-born Lui-Kwan graduated from Kamehameha Schools and received his English Literature degree at the University of Washington. "I always have and will be true to where I come from," said Lui-Kwan. "Hawaii is my home and always in my heart."
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• Meanwhile, back in Houston, CBS Radio VP of Programming Chárésé Frügé has already formally begun the search for a talented new APD/MD/afternoon drive personality for KKHH (Hot 95.7).
With Keola headed out in less than two weeks, it's safe to assume that time is of the essence here. Qualified candidates are urged to apply online today via the CBS Radio Careers Trading Post.
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| Major Movement In The ATL
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• iHeartMedia Top 40 WWPW (Power 96.1)/Atlanta just debuted its new Power Morning Show with PK and Riley -- PK (left) is inbound from Houston, where he spent the past six years anchoring The Hot Show on CBS Radio Top 40 KKHH (Hot 95.7) until December of 2015. He's probably best known as founding member of the successful Playhouse morning show, known and loved for eight years at KXJM (Jammin' 95.5)/Portland, OR. Riley Couture (right) was a cast member of Power 96.1's previous incarnation of the Power Morning Show that also featured Scotty Kay and producer Bret Mega, both of whom departed in February. Also joining the new show as Producer/third mic is PK's wife (and fellow Playhouse vet) Denise (center).
iHeartMedia Atlanta Region SVP of Programming Brian Michel said, "I'm super excited to have PK and Denise added to the Power team. I've known PK for years and have always admired his unmatched work ethic and ability to innovate and entertain."
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• Right across the street, Cumulus Top 40 rival WWWQ (Q100) anxiously awaits the arrival of new midday personality Rachel Jones, effective April 4. Ms. Jones (left), the artist formerly known as "Blondie," most recently co-hosted the "Blondie & Nugget" morning show on Alpha Media Top 40 KTFM (Energy 94.1)/San Antonio until last month. Prior to that, Jones worked in Mobile, AL, doing middays and mornings on Cumulus Top 40 WABD and earlier, middays on the late, legendary WABB.
Rob Roberts, who doubles as PD of Q100 and OM for Cumulus Atlanta commented, "We talked to so many great people about taking over middays on Q100 but Rachel wanted it so much and her talent is undeniable. We're excited to unleash her on Atlanta." Jones stated, "I am beyond excited to work with Rob and the team at Q100! These guys have the most passion and drive in this business and I can't wait to surround myself with that type of vibe and teamwork!" Current Q100 midday host, Kevin Quinn remains aboard on the weekends.
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| NYC & L.A. Pros In Motion
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• New York native Ashok Bhalla has joined iHeartMedia's WKTU/New York for weekends. Bhalla, better known by his air name of "Dylan," most recently did afternoon drive across the street at CBS Radio Hot AC WNEW (Fresh 102.7) from 2008 until late last year. His two decades of NYC market experience also include on-air stints at SiriusXM, the former WXRK (where he worked with Howard Stern) and the late Big 105. WKTU PD Rob Miller said, "KTU's success has been built upon a foundation of having personalities that know New York and live and breathe everything this incredible city has to offer. Ashok's addition to our team further strengthens our position as New York's radio station!"
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• RAMP has learned that Christine Martindale has exited the midday show on Mt. Wilson Broadcasters' KKGO (Go Country 105/Los Angeles after a three-year stretch. Go Country Station Manager/Director of Marketing Michael Levine confirmed to RAMP that PD Tonya Campos is currently handling the midday show; however, he says they have not yet finalized their direction going forward.
Martindale (left) joined KKGO in February of 2013 following a 12-year run across the street with iHeartMedia AC KOST.
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• Entercom Sacramento is bringing Nick Draeger onboard as Creative Imaging Director for Top 40 KDND (107.9 The End) and Hot AC KUDL (Star 106.5). Draeger, (pictured here fueling up on a frosty mug of "creative inspiration"), heads north from Ventura, CA, where he ran his own freelance imaging production company. His previous experience includes stints with Apple, Learfield Sports, GrooveWorx and KDAY/Los Angeles. "What stood out about Nick was he brings a fresh perspective to radio imaging," said Tim "Rayne" Rainey, PD of KDND and KUDL. "He gets the creative, edgy vibe of KDND and the simplicity of KUDL. I'm excited about the new on-air dynamic he can bring to both stations. Plus, he has no baseball team allegiance yet, so it gives [APD/MD] Christopher K and me plenty of time to make him a San Francisco Giants fan. He'll fit right in."
A visibly excited Draeger remarked, "To say I'm excited about this opportunity would be an understatement! The talented people and creativity level at Entercom Sacramento are unlike anything I've seen before. The second I walked into the building, I knew this was the right place for me. Plus, everyone there is a snazzy dresser and smells nice. I can't wait to start shaking things up in Cap City!"
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• Hearst Television's WBAL (Newsradio 1090)/Baltimore announced expanded roles for popular local talk show hosts "C4," a.k.a. Clarence M. Mitchell, IV (left) and Derek Hunter (right) -- effective today, the C4 Show will now air weekdays from 9am-1pm. Hunter will follow from 1-3pm and take on the additional role of WBAL Political Analyst, offering insight and perspective on the key issues, both locally and nationally. Both guys will also be featured prominently on the station beyond their own shows, making appearances in special programming as well as on WBAL News Now, which airs mornings and afternoons. WBAL President/GM Cary Pahigian said, "WBAL is fortunate to knowledgeable and extraordinary hosts C4 and Derek along with our outstanding news team."
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| RAMP Runs Around With Rector
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We had some big fun last week with recording artist Ben Rector, who performed at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood last Thursday night, the latest stop on his sold-out U.S. tour. Despite the fact that it happened to be St. Patrick's Day, we willingly accepted the mission to venture out into public and drink some beer as we enjoyed a great opening set from the talented Gavin James (with whom we enjoyed several post-show beers... but I digress...)
Rector and his talented band hit the stage and were enthusiastically received by the sold-out crowd as he rolled through a 90-minute set that included his Top 20 Hot AC single, "Brand New." Not surprisingly, Ben's "brand new" album, coincidentally titled Brand New, debuted in the Top 10 in Billboard.
Pictured, (l-r): Capitol Records VP of Promotion Patty Morris-Capers, Harvest Records co-GM Piero Giramonti, RAMP's Kevin Carter, a certain Mr. Ben Rector and RAMP's Steve Resnik. [Photo credit: Fares OZ Soudani]
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| Wolf Retired, Moose Hired
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Ohana Broadcast Company Country KXLW/Anchorage, AK, the mammal heretofore known as 96.3 The Wolf, just completed some formatic and rebranding moves, announcing that the station's "Wolf" namesake "has decided to retire and pursue a career as a sled-dog racer." The Wolf's formal retirement happened at noon last Friday. Moments later, the station was rebranded as The Moose @ 96-3.
The format adjustment is described by VP/GM/VP of Programming Tom Oakes as "New-generation Gold-based Country." Oakes told RAMP, "The bulk of the format is the '90s, juicy '80s and classics (think Johnny Cash, Waylon, Willie, George Jones) and early 2K's -- traditional-leaning yet contemporary. The currents and recurrents keep the station relevant to today, and who the hell doesn't want to play Chris Stapleton!" The new Moose @ 96-3 now features the "Three Minute Guarantee" -- three minutes or less of spots in any one of the station's three stopsets an hour, which is nice.
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