Radio News

CBS Radio Makes Management Moves in Los Angeles and Tampa.

Former Cox Media Group Miami market manager Dan Kearney is named senior vice president and market manager for the company’s Los Angeles cluster that includes all news KNX, CHR KAMP-FM “97.1 AMP Radio,” adult hits KCBS-FM “93.1 Jack FM,” alternative KROQ, classic hits KRTH “K-Earth,” and AC KTWV “94.7 The Wave.” As explained by CBScarversteve Radio EVP of operations Scott Herman, the change allows current LA market manager Steve Carver to move back East as desired where he’ll head up the Tampa cluster. Kearney managed the Miami cluster for CMG from 2012-2013 after moving down from news/talk WSB, Atlanta. He first joined Cox at news/talk KFI, Los Angeles in 1998 as local sales manager when that company owned the station. CBS Radio president and CEO Dan Mason says of Kearney, “Dan is an accomplished broadcaster and exactly the right executive to shape a new future for our iconic radio stations in Los Angeles. He has an impressive record of experience managing the operations of a multitude of different radio formats, producing noteworthy growth across all key measures. Dan’s a fabulous addition to our organization.” Steve Carver will replace Ben Hill whom the company says agreed more than a year ago to work across the state from his home in the West Palm Beach area. He will work through the transition until October 11 and be available to the company through the end of the year. CBS Radio operates six stations in Tampa including: sports talk WHFS-AM “CBS Sports Radio 1010” and WHFS-FM “98.7 The Fan,” rhythmic CHR WLLD “Wild 94.1,” country WQYK, classic hits WRBQ “My Q105,” and Spanish WYUU “92.5 Maxima.”

Rob Babin to Lead CMG’s Miami Cluster.

Cox Media Group promotes Rob Babin to vice president and market manager for its Miami station group that includes hot AC WFLC “97.3 The Coast,” urban contemporary WHQT “Hot 105 FM,” hip hop WEDR “99 Jamz,” and soft AC WFEZ “Easy 93.1.” Cox EVP of Radio Kim Guthrie states, “We are delighted to tap into our amazing, internal leadership talent pool and have Rob step into this new executive role, overseeing our Miami operation. He has been an outstanding leader in his 12 years with CMG, both in our Orlando and Atlanta radio markets. His strategic vision, incredible performance track record and desire to be the best make him a great fit for this opportunity.” Babin most recently was vice president of sales for the Atlanta stations, including news/talk WSB, one of the top 10 billing stations in the country. Babin comments, “I have been blessed with the opportunity to work with so many great people at CMG Atlanta, and I know their tradition of success will continue. Now I am thrilled to work with the phenomenal group of radio stations and talented team that make up CMG Miami!”

DUANE DOOBIE: The Infinitesimally Small Quantity Yet Infinitely Large Quality Between Number One and Number Two.

RadioInfo music editor/director Duane Doobie writes, “Understanding the difference between quantitative and qualitative data is the level of abstract reasoning that separates the real pros from the slugs in this business. Whether it is applied to audience measurement metrics to determine the value of advertising or to the raw numbers applied to the decision making behind what to play and what not to play in terms of music…it comes down to knowing how these things create cause and effect in the real world of navigating the radio terrain.” In a new column posted today (8/19), Doobs goes on to say, “So when it comes to pure stats, there really is no difference between a number one smash hit and a number two smash hit. We all instinctively know that…especially when they are superstar core artists who are absolute proven winners within a specific radio format. And considering the fact that we have to play MORE than one song and ONE artist – a concept that thankfully proves the law of diminishing returns protects us from research extremism – it is good for radio when you have a couple of heavyweight divas duking it out for number one on the RadioInfo Pop Songs Chart, as is the case this glorious week.” Find out WHY Lady Gaga takes the top spot this week along with a bunch of Doobie-picks from the many gardens of today’s popular music by clicking here.

Lincoln Financial Media Launches ‘Easy 98.1 FM’ in San Diego.

The company debuts its new adult contemporary outlet that is says “will feature easy hits from the 1970s to the new millennium.” LFM San Diego VP and general manager Rick Jackson, Sr. says, “We certainly believe San Diego is ready for a full-fledged adult contemporary station. Some of the music you’ll hear hasn’t been played on radio in years. ‘Easy 98.1 FM’ will definitely have that ‘wow’ factor. We’re looking forward to the fun and excitement!” The station is aiming to capture the audience seeking a softer AC sound. Program director Mike Vasquez states, “There hasn’t been a spot for relaxing, refreshing music in San Diego for a long time now. We will be the station you’ll turn to when you’re in the mood to take it easy. Our playlist features some of the biggest, easy hits from artists like Elton John, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Billy Joel, Air Supply, Norah Jones and Lionel Richie.” Air personalities include: Greg Cook in AM drive, Vasquez hosting middays, Dawne Davis in PM drive and Maria Lopez hosting evenings.

Jesse and Amanda with Pike Land at New Hot AC ‘Big 98.7’ in Fargo.

The flip of Radio FM Media’s former rock KQWB, Fargo to hot AC as “Big 98.7” has happened after some stunting and the new morning program is former crosstown country KVOX “Froggy 99.9” team Jesse and Amanda with Pike. The trio had announced that they would return to the air in the market after exiting “Froggy 99.9” but did not state where. A change in call letters for the reformatted station is on the horizon.

Rick Baumgartner Upped to National Director of Promotions at HitShop Records.

Music industry pro Rick Baumgartner is promoted to national director of promotion at the HitShop label. The company says that in this new post, he’ll be responsible for focusing on the department’s overall strategy to optimally serve radio clients on a national level. HitShop vice president of promotion Diane Monk Harrison says, “From day one, Rick has proven he is here to win and make a difference in our unique environment. He brings tremendous drive coupled with a creative and strategic approach to the job every day.” Baumgartner’s resume includes key roles at Warner Bros., Decca Records, Atlantic Records, Radio and Records, Broken Bow Records, Equity Music Group, and Black River Entertainment, and he’s worked an impressive 41 chart-topping singles in his extensive career. He can be reached at rick@hitshoprecords.com and 615-491-0935.

MEDIA BROKER SPOTLIGHT: Doyle Hadden of Hadden and Associates Media Brokers.

v In this week’s installment of Media Broker Spotlight, Sandi Bergman of RadioTVDeals.com interviews media broker Doyle Hadden of Hadden and Associates Media Brokers located in the Orlando area of Florida. Hadden went into being a broker after years of being in radio and television sales, management and ownership. He says he wasn’t “good enough” to be an on-air talent so he found a way to make money “behind the scenes.” He says, “Based on the past five or six years, things are on the rise in buyers’ interest in getting back into the game, now that the economy has shown signs of improving. Look at Larry Wilson, who sold Citadel for more than $2 billion and now he is back in the hunt, along with many other great players in the business.” He adds, “There are some very attractive deals out there but the prices seem to be going up across the board, especially in the larger and top 20 markets.” Per the custom of this feature, Hadden offers several opportunities for displaced station managers and first-time entrants looking to roll up their sleeves and take on an ownership project. To read the entire installment of Media Broker Spotlight, please click here.

CBS Radio Elevates Chris Oliviero to Executive Vice President, Programming

Sports is the clear cut format winner for today’s headlines. Not only is there the anticipated transition in Detroit that sees former adult contemporary WMGC now taking aim at sports WXYT-FM but there is also word that effective immediately, CBS Radio (WXYT-FM, Detroit’s parent company) is upping four-year senior vice president, programming Chris Oliviero to executive vice president, programming. As part of his new responsibilities, Oliviero will lead programming development and operations for the company’s 126 news, sports, talk and music stations; manage talent relations; explore new business partnerships/acquisitions; and maintain his role overseeing CBS Sports Radio, which debuted the first of this year. According to CBS Radio president/CEO Dan Mason, “Chris has demonstrated a profound understanding of collaboration across our local station management, sales and digital teams to drive growth, and brings a contemporary perspective into the ever changing media landscape. Chris is a true industry leader and a respected colleague to everyone at CBS Radio.” Instrumental in the company’s expansion of sports radio on FM, Oliviero comments, “CBS Radio has afforded me the chance to work with an amazingly talented group of professionals. We have assembled an outstanding line-up of multi-platform assets that not only showcase our unmatched collection of exclusive content, but also provide additional opportunities to introduce our industry leading brands to new audiences. I look forward to continuing these efforts by partnering with senior VP of Programming Greg Strassell along with all our program directors in the years to come.” Oliviero’s CBS Radio career began 17 years ago when the New York University graduate was a “Howard Stern Show” intern. He joined WFAN, New York as producer in 1998. From July 2004 – July 2005, he served as director, Original Programming for CBS Radio before being named VP of Programming.

Greater Media Transitions WMGC, Detroit to Sports.

Confirming it was the “worst kept” radio secret in Detroit history, Greater Media, Detroit market manager Steve Chessare unveiled “Detroit Sports 105.1? at an 11:00 am press conference this morning (8/12). The new identity, which officially launches later today at 3:00 pm with former 22-year (rock) WRIF, Detroit morning man Drew Lane – replaces adult contemporary WMGC. “Magic” had been in-place in the Motor City in two different incarnations, the first from 1976-1987 and most recently since June 2001. “Detroit Sports 105.1 will target cross-town CBS Radio-owned WXYT-FM “The Ticket.” According to Chessare, planning the format flip has been in the works “for some time” and he stresses his team “has worked long and hard” to get it right. Detroit, he maintains, is one of America’s five greatest sports cities and the new entity’s approach will be, “entertaining, hip, and smart.” Regarding the station’s 3:00 – 7:00pm personality Drew Lane, Chessare comments, “He is a phenomenal talent and the most creative person in radio today.” Conceding there is “a lot of ground to make up” in terms of catching “The Ticket,” Lane remarks, “The best thing is to do a great show. I’m usually not nervous being in front of a microphone, but I’m excited as hell.” Affiliated with ESPN Radio, “Detroit Sports 105.1? will air “Mike and Mike in the Morning” (6:00 am – 10:00 am) and Colin Cowherd (10:00 am – noon). Among persons 6+ in the last 10 Arbitron PPM monthlies, “The Ticket” has ranged from a high of 7.9 in November to a low of 4.2 (“Holiday”). Its average share in that time (November 2012 – July 2013) is 5.55, which includes July’s 6.1; it typically has ranked sixth, but was #1 in November. By comparison, the (6+) extremes over that period for “Magic” were 2.7 (November) and 6.4 (“Holiday”). It usually produced a 3.8 and finishes with its fourth successive down trend (3.8 – 3.6 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.0, #16). Its strongest ranking in the past 10 monthlies was #3 (“Holiday”), but it generally placed 12.5 (6+). Clear Channel’s WNIC will now have the AC field to itself. Other Detroit sports stations that typically appear in the book are WDFN and WXYT-AM – each with a .3 in July. There was no word regarding a call letter change for WMGC.

Remembering Eydie Gorme.

Diligently scan music charts for any format and as thoroughly as you look, you still will (unfortunately) not find the name Eydie Gorme anywhere, as not one of her songs has reached print on any chart in the last 25 years. Most likely, the only radio format where she can be found today is adult standards. That point notwithstanding, The Bronx-born Gorme was as talented a vocalist as one could hope to hear. The always-effervescent singer passed away over the weekend in Las Vegas from an undisclosed illness; she was 84. For 55 years, Gorme was married to another highly exceptional talent, Steve Lawrence. The two were constantly seen on television – especially on the original “Tonight Show,” which the legendary Steve Allen originated from New York. “Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme (Steve and Eydie)” became Las Vegas headliners and, in addition to their tremendous simpatico, both had tremendous comedic timing. “Blame it on the Bossa Nova” is the title 99 out of 100 people familiar with Eydie Gorme will list as her signature song. In all likelihood it is, however, she gave phenomenal treatment to standards such as “Too Close for Comfort,” and “If He Walked Into My Life.” Particularly outstanding was the golden-voiced Gorme with “What Did I Have That I Don’t Have,” “Softly As I Leave You,” and “Tonight I’ll Say a Prayer.” She recorded several Latin-flavored albums and in 1973 released a version of “Touch the Wind (Eres Tu),” a major mainstream hit that year for Mocedades. One of Gorme’s albums was titled “Showstoppers” and she absolutely was one, whether belting out a song or doing it ever so gently. Her last LP was “Silver Screen” (1996). Eydie Gorme is survived by Steve Lawrence, six years her junior.

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