Like most people, we try to change our Briefs everyday. Before they go to the laundry, they will appear here, Briefly!

Former Scranton, Pennsylvania, radio station owner Doug Lane has had his prison sentence for child molestation reduced after a plea deal that changed his plea to guilty. Lane had owned three stations – WICK-AM, WYCK-AM and WWDL-FM. He was charged with molesting several teenage boys after befriending them and offering them jobs working at his stations. Under his deal with prosecutors, Lane entered a guilty plea and Judge Michael Barrasse cut the sentence to eight to 16 years, rather than 14 to 30 years. At his trial, Lane had entered a not guilty plea, but was convicted on two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and six counts of possession of child pornography.

The FCC rejects the Minority Media and Telecommunications Council (MMTC) request to change its definition of the term "qualified entity" to permit additional entities to qualify for the leased set-aside channels on SiriusXM Radio. The MMTC had called the Commission's conditions on the set-aside channels "vague and ambiguous" because the definition of "qualified entity" did not make clear whether programmers with limited previous relationships with Sirius or XM could qualify, that it did not include "non-racial categories of programmers" that it said would enhance diversity, and asked the Commission to declare that the definition in this case would not be precedential for other cases. The Commission says that it had been specific about companies with prior relationships with the satellite company and did not wish to expand the definition of "qualified entity" that way, and said that it was not persuaded that explicitly adding non-racial categories was necessary because the present rules direct SiriusXM to consider the issue of offering diverse viewpoints to historically underserved audiences.

The NAB is supporting legislation currently advancing in the U.S. House that would streamline some FCC activities. Says NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith, in a statement, "NAB supports legislative efforts by Chairmen Upton and Walden designed to modernize and reform FCC decision-making. Given the breakneck speed under which broadcasters and other media companies are reshaping the telecommunications landscape, it is entirely appropriate for Congress to update the rulemaking process and find ways to make it work faster and better. NAB respects the leadership of Chairman Genachowski, and we stand ready to help him and FCC staff implement changes resulting from legislation that brings greater clarity and transparency for licensees dealing with the FCC."

FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief Joel Gurin is exiting February 17. Media Bureau Deputy Chief Kris Monteith will serve as Acting CGAB Chief. Gurin has held the position since joining the Commission in late 2009. Says FCC Chairman Julius Genachowsk, "I want to thank Joel for his work to harness technology to empower consumers with the information and tools they need in today's rapidly evolving communications marketplace. We'll miss Joel's dedication as a stalwart advocate for consumers, working to solve real problems in smart ways."

The Alliance for Women in Media Southern California Chapter will honor CBS Radio Hot AC "Sophie@103.7" KSCF-FM, San Diego, Program Director Charese Fruge with the Excellence in Radio Management Award at the 55th Annual Genii Awards April 24 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The gala recognizes outstanding achievements by women in media and benefits AWM SoCal’s Scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to promising college students pursuing careers in the media.

Entercom Indianapolis promotes Hot AC WZPL-FM Program Director JR Ammons to cluster Opeartions Manager. He will now also oversee Adult Variety Hits "My107.9" WNTR-FM and News Talk WXNT-AM. Says Ammons, "I'm really excited about what we have going on at Entercom Indianapolis. GM Jenny Skjodt has done a great job putting this team together and I really look forward to doing my part helping this group achieve the goals we've set. It will be fun continuing to program WZPL and now getting to work alongside the very talented Scott Roddy with My107.9 and News Talk 1430 WXNT." Ammons has previously programmed Atlanta's "Star 94" WSTR-FM, KMXV-FM, Kansas City, and WAPE-FM, Jacksonville, Florida, among others.

Michael Bryan is named to be the new Operations Manager for Clear Channel Nashville, transferring from the company's Orlando cluster. Bryan is currently the Program Director of CHR-Top40 WXXL-FM, Orlando, and Digital PD of the Orlando cluster. Bryan replaces Rich Davis in Nashville, who moved to KDWB-FM, Minneapolis, as PD. The Clear Channel Nashville cluster is comprised of "107.5 The River" WRVW-FM, Urban "101.1 The Beat" WUBT-FM, Classic Rock WNRQ-FM, Country "The Big 98" WSIX-FM and Talk WLAC-AM. Bryan will continue in Orlando until his replacement is named before moving to Nashville.

Centennial Broadcasting Hot AC "B 101.5" WBQB-FM and Adult Standards WFVA-AM, Fredericksburg, Virginia, Production Director Chuck Archer is promoted to Operations Manager of the Fredericksburg cluster. Says General Manager Jim Butler, "Chuck brings years of experience and knowledge to the position and I am very confident he will transcend his experience and leadership strengths into further enhancing our on-air team and operations." Archer tells us, "The last five years have been some of the best and most rewarding of my radio career. This is a tremendous opportunity. The Fredericksburg area, with its proximity to Washington DC, is a thriving, dynamic community. I'm excited to take on this new role with the wealth of talent driving our stations."

Longtime radio talker Dan Fagan will return to the air Monday (Feb. 6) with a new 11am-2pm show on "Fox News Talk 95.5 FM/1020 AM" KOAN-AM and translator K238BE, Anchorage, Akaska. Currently the host of the "Dan Fagan Show" on "Fox 4" KTBY-TV and owner/publisher of the website AlaskaStandard.com, Fagan joins a line-up with Laura Ingraham, Dennis Prager, John Gibson, Shannyn Moore and Tom Anderson. Fagan was last heard at Talk KFQD-AM, Anchorage, as afternoon host until his exit one year ago, after nine years with the station. "We at KOAN are excited about having Dan Fagan on board," says KOAN-AM Program Director Justin McDonald. "For years now, when someone talks about talk radio in Anchorage, they talk about Dan Fagan."

Martz Communications has shut down its two Detroit stations, both of which were on FM translators, based on "financial decisions." Martz has been operating Smooth Jazz "104.7 The Oasis" on W284BQ and Alternative Rock 94.3 The Bone" on W232CA. "All good things must come to an end," posted the stations in identical messages on their respective Facebook pages after they went silent. "We're sorry to say that (The Oasis)(The Bone) has ceased operations today. Thanks for your support Detroit. You're the best." Both translators had faced interference complaints from regular FM stations on their frequencies. Tim Martz says he did his best to make the stations work, but has now accepted that they can't continue, after unsuccessfully seeking alternate fequencies where there'd be no interference issues. Both translators were fed by HD multicast channels of WGPR-FM at 107.5 FM.

Another college is getting rid of its FM radio license, joining a growing list of educational institutions taking that action. Reed Institute, also known as Reed College, files with the FCC to transfer the student-run radio station of Reed College, KRRC-FM, Portland, Oregon, to Common Frequency, a non-profit corporation founded to promote public participation in broadcasting, for no consideration. The college moved its programming to online-only in November.

A Florida radio pirate receives a $25,000 fine from the FCC as a repeat offender. Whisler Fleurinor was caught operating an unlicensed station at 99.5 FM in Fort Lauderdale in March of 2010, and was fined $20,000, but had that reduced to $500 when he proved he couldn't pay more. Now, the FCC says it caught him again broadcasting without a license. The Commission says in an NAL, "The fact that Mr. Fleurinor would again commit the same violation ... demonstrates not only the egregiousness of the violations here, but also his deliberate disregard for the [Communications] Act and Commission’s rules." The usual fine for operating an unlicensed radio station is $10,000.

The death of Don Cornelius at age 75 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound rocked the pop-culture world, and now reports show that the "Soul Train" creator and host had been battling health issues and marital strife for years. Los Angeles police said they arrived at his home Wednesday morning after receiving a call from one of his sons, who became worried after Cornelius called him. "He and his son had a conversation earlier and the son came over and found his father in that state," said Officer Sara Faden. There was no suicide note. Although best known for his television work, Cornelius began in radio, and was a Chicago radio personality when Soul Train debuted in 1970. His early radio career started in late 1966.

Several reports say that Lincoln Financial Media is making cuts at a number of its radio stations, highlighted by pink slips in Miami where up to a dozen staffers may be out. There are also reports of staff cuts in Atlanta and Denver. So far, no confirmation from LFM, but reports from the markets say they are cost-cutting moves affecting both on-air talent and office staffers.

Morning host Garret Lewis is appointed Program Director of Clear Channel's News Talk KNST-AM-FM, Tucson. Lewis has been hosting "The Morning Ritual with Garret Lewis" for the past two years. He also signs a two-year contract extension to continue hosting mornings. "Being able to keep Garret is a big part of the evolution of KNST to FM. His show has become must listen radio and with his direction, I am confident that KNST will soar to new heights in the not so distant future." says Clear Channel Tucson Operations Manager Chris Pickett. Lewis tells us, "I'm honored to be the Program Director of the heritage news talk station in Tucson, KNST, and excited I get to get the chance to program it on the FM. Knowing that Chris Pickett and I share the same vision of what we want KNST to sound like on FM will make this challenge even more fun."

The war of slogans between CBS Radio All News WINS-AM, New York, and crosstown Merlin Media "FM News 101.9" WEMP-FM appears to be over. Following an exchange of cease-and-desist letters, both have moved away from the slogans that spurred the battle. WINS-AM has dropped "New York's One and Only All-News Station" replacing it with "More people get their news from 1010 WINS than any other radio station in the nation." Merlin has stopped using its variations of the WINS-AM trademark slogan "You Give Us 22 Minutes, We'll Give You The World." Is that the end of all battles between the two All News stations? No way, just this one ... for now!

The FCC reports the number of radio and television complaints it received was down for the third quarter of 2011. Complaints were up 10% overall, but radio and TV complaints decreased by more than 3% from 2,164 to 2,083 during Q3 2011. Indecency-related issues accounted for 26% of the broadcast complaints. Programming issues comprised the largest part of the broadcast complaints received.

Radio streaming and hosted services provider Securenet Systems signs a long-term marketing agreement with United Stations Radio Networks. USRN will begin offering Securenet System's streaming services as part of its package of radio-centric products. Under the multi-year partnership, USRN will be able to offer to its existing radio clientele a bundled package of online and mobile streaming solutions and advertising features. The syndicator will handle all the ad sales and Securenet will be handling the affiliation work for bartered inventory. Securenet President and CEO Nick Csakany says, "Our partnership with USRN took some time in putting together, as there are only a handful of true network companies in the market and we wanted to make sure that we aligned ourselves with the best name in the business." USRN President and COO Jim Higgins adds, "We're really pleased to be working with Securenet Systems. This partnership gives us the ability to offer our affiliate stations one of the most flexible and reliable streaming solutions across all listener platforms."

The long drawn-out bankruptcy reorganization of Tribune Corp. has been expensive for the media company, costing more than $230 million so far in legal fees for attorneys and advisors. Crain’s Chicago Business says the costs are reported in recent bankruptcy court filings. The high costs are attributed by observers to the fact that a settlement agreement has been able to be reached after several years with, as one says, being "incredibly contentious." Tribune owns a number of newspapers, TV stations, and one radio property, Chicago's WGN-AM.

Emmis Communications has made the final of its four available draws borrowing from $35 million available from the Zell Credit Opportunities Master Fund, according to an SEC filing. The final $600,000 borrowed from Zell makes a total of $31.9 million drawn from the Note Purchase Agreement between the parties. Emmis has been buying back stock, seeking to controlling two-thirds of the vote of its preferred stock. Emmis most recently reacquired 25,700 shares of its 6.25% Series A Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock at an average of $21.50/share, making a total of 386,850 Preferred shares bought back and retired.

Veteran CBS Radio sales executive Lori Heeren is named General Manager of Americom Broadcasting's six Reno radio stations and VP of Reno Media Group. Heeren's resume includes 14 years as Sales Manager and then Director of Sales for CBS Radio Las Vegas stations. Heeren started in radio sales with Lotus Broadcasting in Las Vegas in 1986 and worked for Americom from 1989-94, before moving to CBS Radio's Seattle and Las Vegas clusters. She joined Beasley Broadcasting last year as Director of New Business Development.

Christal Radio announces the promotions in New York of Michael Blauner to SVP/Director of Sales and Becky Allegra to VP of Sales, and in Chicago of Renee Hartman to Senior Account Executive. Says Christal Radio President Christine Travaglini, "We are pleased to promote Michael to this new level of leadership in our New York office. His years of seasoned experience lend invaluable insight and guidance to our team. We're also excited to see Becky and Renee reach new levels of responsibility. Both have made significant contributions to our company and we're happy to see two such gifted and talented individuals continue to grow in our company."

Radio personality Eddie Fingers is returning to "The Big One" WLW-AM, Cincinnati, to co-host weekday afternoons with Tracy Jones. "We are excited to bring Eddie Fingers back to the Tri-state area on 700 WLW. Eddie has great energy and will prove to be a fantastic success as he is reunited with his dynamic co-host, Tracy Jones, for many highly anticipated, topical and entertaining afternoons," says Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Cincinnati President and Market Manager Chuck Fredrick. Fingers left WLW-AM in October 2010 and Scott Sloan began co-hosting afternoons. Jones and Fingers' show will be on from 3-6pm, and Sloan will move to 9am-noon. "Scott is a long-time on-air personality with an interesting take on news topics that has won him a devoted following, and we look forward to continued success with his new show," says Fredrick. Eddie Fingers is a Cincinnati radio veteran and for more than 20 years co-hosted "The Dawn Patrol" morning show on WEBN-AM. He originally joined WLW-AM in 2009. Although Fredrick doesn't mention it, reports from Cincinnati note that the changes at WLW-AM include the ouster of Doc Thompson who is replaced by Sloan in late mornings.

Compass Media Marketing signs an agreement to represent Norm Pattiz's Courtside Entertainment Group programming as the syndicator's national sales representative, effective March 26. Pattiz, the founder of Westwood One, says Dial Global will continue to "provide all of the back end for us, as they continue to do for Compass." Dial Global, of course, has acquired the former Westwood One and placed it under its own banner. Pattiz says "it's great to be reunited" with Compass CEO Peter Kosann and President of Sales and Marketing Paul Gregrey. We worked together at Westwood One and I’ve known them for years. There’s no doubt that Courtside will receive outstanding sales representation and services from Compass,” says Pattiz. Also, former Westwood Regional Director of Affiliate Sales Rich Rapiti will be coming on board with Courtside, handling East Coast Talk and news programming affiliate clearances.

The syndication of "Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points" moves to Westwood One founder Norm Pattiz's Courtside Entertainment Group. "Talking Points" is a short-form feature that O'Reilly has had syndicated by Westwood One, starting before and continuing after the end of his daily radio talk show. Pattiz says, "There's only one Bill O'Reilly, and he's exactly the kind of superstar personality we want here at Courtside Entertainment Group. We will of course continue to provide stations with Bill O'Reilly specials over the course of the year." Pattiz worked with O'Reilly on the "Radio Town Hall" election special this past November.

Another Chicago broadcaster is joining Steve Dahl’s subscription podcast network. James VanOsdol, the best known for his long run at the former "Q101" WKQX-FM will host a monthly 45-minute interview show for The Steve Dahl Network, the online venture Dahl launched with his own daily podcast last August, reports Robert Feder at Time Out Chicago. VanOsdol follows Kevin Matthews, who came onboard with a weekly podcast in December and now hosts three shows a week for the network. All are included in the $9.95 monthly fee listeners already pay for unlimited access to the daily DahlCast and its archives.

The syndicated Jim Rome show is returning to Alpha Broadcasting Sports Talk "750 The Game" KXTG-AM, Portland. Rome's show was dropped last May when "The Game" was on 95.5 FM. With Rome's return, Brian Berger moves to noon-3pm from 10am-noon. Alpha Broadcasting Director of Programming Scott Mahalick says, "Rome's national perspective is a compliment to our strong, local lineup."

American General Media Albuquerque promotes Classic Hits "Big 98.5" KABG-FM CHR-Top40 "OMG 106.7" KDLW-FM Program Director Jeff Jacot to Operations Manager for the entire cluster there, which also includes Rhythmic CHR "Power 106" KAGM-FM and Classical KHFM-FM. Jacot will continue as KABG-fm and KDLW-FM and as co-host of Jeff and Jamie in mornings on "OMG 106.7". AGM Albuquerque President and Market Manager Rogers Brandon tells us, "Jeff is a trusted, dedicated and energetic leader who has earned the respect of his colleagues and will do an excellent job leading these stations."

Entravision promotes General Sales Manager Donald Daboub to Station Manager overseeing the company's radio, television and interactive media for Denver, Colorado Springs and Aspen. Daboub has been with Entravision since 2006. "With Denver being one of our fastest-growing markets, we are constantly seeking to expand our offerings and strengthen our team to meet the needs of the community, as well as local and national advertisers who recognize the importance of connecting with Hispanic audiences," says SVP of Spanish-Language Television Mario Carrera. "Don is a leader who has proven to be an immense asset to our team and we look forward to seeing him continue to thrive in his new role."

Former Philadelphia Eagles running back Brian Westbrook joins "97.5 The Fanatic" WPEN-FM, Philadelphia, as a regular football contributor, and will be heavily involved with the station's coverage of the NFL draft, training camp and throughout the season starting in September. Says Program Director Matt Nahigian, "We are thrilled to have Brian with the Fanatic. Brian is one of those rare athletes who combined not only on field excellence but also that ability to connect with Philly fans in a very meaningful way. We all know Philadelphia lives and breathes football, so to have Brian with us year-round will enhance our football coverage."

SiriusXM Radio will broadcast Super Bowl XLVI in 10 languages, offering 13 different live broadcasts plus a wide mix of sports and entertainment programming from Indianapolis throughout Super Bowl Week. Starting now, SiriusXM NFL Radio will broadcast live every day from the NFL’s Radio Row in Indianapolis, as well as live from Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium on Tuesday (Jan. 31). Along with English and Spanish, SiriusXM listeners will be able to hear the Super Bowl coverage in Chinese, Japanese, German, Hungarian, Portuguese, Russian, Dutch and French.

News Talk "NewsRadio 98.1/980" KMBZ-FM-AM, Kansas City, selects Jack Landreth as Program Director. Landreth's experience in the format covers more than 16 years including Program Director at CBS Radio Las Vegas stations KXNT-FM and KSFN-AM. Entercom Kansas City VP and Market Manager Dave Alpert tells us, "We are very pleased to welcome Jack to Entercom Kansas City. Jack brings with him a wealth of experience and has a passion for the on air product and a passion for winning." Says Landreth, "KMBZ is the premiere radio station in Kansas City, and I could not be more honored to work with such a great team of local, top notch broadcasters. My sincere gratitude goes out to Pat Paxton, Ken Beck, and of course Dave Alpert. My family and I look forward to coming back to the Midwest, and calling Kansas City our true home."

After a number of reports that Mark Plotkin has been ousted from WTOP-FM, Washington DC, including some that said he was fired for cause, Hubbard Broadcasting has issued an official statement: "We are cancelling the 'Friday Politics Program' effective immediately. WTOP and Mark Plotkin are parting ways. We wish him the best in his future endeavors." Recent reports, citing an item from the Washington Post, have claimed Plotkin has had disputes with others at WTOP that caused disruptions in the workplace. WTOP VP of News Jim Farley says Plotkin has exited the station "without rancor."

Clear Channel debuts "97.9 ESPN" WPKX-FM in the Hartford market, with the full national ESPN Radio lineup, although a local afternoon show is planned for the near future. The station, which moved from the Springfield, Massachusetts, market to the Hartford market, gives ESPN an FM signal audible at its Bristol, Connecticut, headquarters. The station re-licensed from Enfield, Connecticut, to Windsor Locks. "Connecticut is the center of the sports world with ESPN headquartered here in Bristol," says Clear Channel VP and Market Manager Stephen Honeycomb. "For the first time, our listeners now have a full time FM sports station that is as passionate about sports as they are."

Radio vet Tony Banks joins Clear Channel Fresno as Operations Manager for the nine station cluster there. He operates the Tony Banks production company providing voice over and production services. The Fresno cluster includes RhythmicCHR KBOS-FM, Hot AC KALZ-FM, AC KSOF-FM, Rhythmic AC KFBT-FM, Country KHGE-FM, Spanish Adult Hits KFSO-FM, and Sports Talk KCLB-AM. Banks has previously worked in New York, Providence, Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Melbourne and Miami.

WGN-AM, Chicago, morning news anchor Steve Bertrand will receive the Communicator of the Year Award from the J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication at Marquette University. Bertrand is a 1985 graduate of Marquette University with degrees in Journalism and Political Science. He joined WGN Radio in 1985 and has been in the anchor chair since 1992. The Communicator of the Year Award recognizes exceptional professional achievement and is part of the university's annual national awards program honoring distinguished alumni. Bertrand will be honored April 28 during Alumni National Awards weekend on the campus of Marquette University in Milwaukee.

In a digital press conference via Twitter and Facebook, the Academy of Country Music announced the nominees for its 2012 Broadcast Awards. The ACM Awards will be broadcast live from Las Vegas, April 1, on CBS-TV. Some 25 Country radio stations, as well as many local and national on-air personalities have been nominated for the 47th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Winners will receive their trophies at a private event in Las Vegas one day prior to the televised awards show. TPMedia has the full listing of broadcast nominees, available here.

Jonathan "JR" Reed is named Program Director at Clear Channel CHR-Top40 WNOK-FM, Columbia, SC, effective immediately. JR also remains WNOK’s Music Director and afternoon host. "JR has really been driving this boat since he arrived. Since he’s been at WNOK he’s done a terrific job helping to grow ratings," says Clear Channel Columbia Regional Program Manager and Operations Manager LJ Smith. "He understands the audience and has a passion for them. Plus, he has a solid grasp on all the platforms we’re now programming across." JR tells us, "I would like thank LJ Smith and Rod Phillips for believing in me and having the confidence in me to do the job at WNOK. 2011 was a really good year for me and WNOK, and 2012 is looking even better."

Geraldo Rivera will be in Los Angeles Monday (Jan. 30) for the debut of his new talk show there on KABC-AM. Gary Lycan writes for the Orange County Register that Geraldo will arrive in L.A. Sunday, to broadcast his first KABC-AM show "live and local." Rivera's second daily talk show, we're told, will not be a refeed of his new New York show on WABC-AM, but a separate program exclusively for the L.A. station. "There is plenty to do out there. Los Angeles stories tend to be nationalized larger than life," Rivera told Lycan in a recent phone conversation from New York. Geraldo started on WABC-AM on January 3, but delayed committing to a Los Angeles-only program until only two weeks ago. "The conversations we (Cumulus) had were initially, 'Let's wait and see whether this is working, if I am comfortable doing it.' Let's think about it. Did I want to resume my bi-coastal life."

Clear Channel hires Kevin Klein to be Director of Sales for its Birmingham cluster effective February 6. Klein previously has been Market Manager and Director of Sales for stations in Macon (Georgia), Topeka (Kansas) and Kansas City. Most recently he was Director of Sponsorship Development for the NBA Houston Rockets, and has held similar positions with the Portland Trailblazers and the Detroit Pistons. Klein replaces Jackie Rinker, who has been promoted to Market Manager of Clear Channel's Panama City, Florida, cluster. "When I visited Clear Channel Birmingham I could feel the energy, positivity and winning spirit," says Klein. "This cluster has been in quite a growth mode for the past several years, and I am eager to make my contributions."

Premiere Networks will provide radio distribution and exclusive ad sales representation for "The Ronnie Wood Show" in North America. Launching January 29 on Rock "Q104.3" WAXQ-FM, New York, the one-hour, UK-based radio program, which currently airs on Absolute Radio, is available to Rock stations on weekends from 6am to midnight. Produced by Somethin' Else, the show features Ronnie Wood -- who is best known as a member of the Birds, the Jeff Beck Group, the Faces and the Rolling Stones -- playing a variety of music from his favorite new and established artists, while sharing personal stories from his music career. Says Wood, "I'm so excited to have my own radio show in America. I love going down the archives every week playing some of my favorite music of all time, while reminiscing and taking a trip down memory lane. It's more than a music show, it's an education, so sit back and enjoy the ride."

Simon Cowell's next reality competition series will seek the world's best club DJ (but not radio). "DJ’s are the new rock stars, it feels like the right time to make this show," says Cowell, who notes he won't be a judge on the show. The upcoming series, still to be titled, is a co-production from Cowell's Syco Entertainment and Will Smith/Jada Pinkett-Smith's Overbrook Entertainment.

Multicultural Broadcasting signs with the Music of Your Life network to air the satellite-delivered Adult Standards format overnights on 15 stations beginning February 1. Multicultural Broadcasting is best known for Asian language programming. Music of Your Life is initially cleared for overnights in San Francisco, Boston, Miami and Seattle, with more stations to be added. Marc Angell, who runs Music of Your Life, says the deal with Multicultural is the "most significant development for Music of Your Life since I took over the network in 2008."

Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), Chairman of the House Communications Subcommittee, says he plans to go forward with legislation that would overhaul how the FCC operates. The bill reforming FCC processes will be marked up by the full House Energy and Commerce Committee February 7, says Walden, emphasizing that the FCC only has the authority that Congress gives it. "It's beginning to feel like it's another tool of the White House," Walden said at a briefing for reporters. Walden said the legislation would improve transparency and openness at the FCC, but Democrats argue the measures are really about hamstringing the agency's power to adopt new regulations and oversee corporate mergers. When asked whether he thinks the legislation has any chance of passing the Democrat-controlled Senate, Walden said, "I would hope that Senate would be supportive."

Clear Channel Hot AC “Mix 106.1” WISX-FM, Philadelphia, welcomes Wendy Wild as its new midday host. Wild has previously aired in Miami and New York, and has been a guest host for syndicated countdown shows. Says “Mix 106.1” Program Director Brian Check, “Wendy brings a unique enthusiasm to our team. She loves the music, is really in touch with celebrities and music news, and in her free time she is a flying trapeze artist! How fun is that?” A postscript to our original report: we've now been told Wendy Wild will not be in Philly. She will voicetrack the show from New York where she continues as midday host at "KTU 103.5" WKTU-FM.

TV reporters Dan and Anthony Ponce have been named weekend co-hosts at News Talk WLS-AM, Chicago. The real life brothers will host a Sunday 1-3pm show. Dan is a reporter at Tribune's WGN-TV; Anthony is a reporter at NBC's WMAQ-TV. The Ponce brothers, the sons of Chicago news anchor Phil Ponce, have been doing fill-ins together at WLS-AM over the past year. They plan to use the Sunday radio show to "tell the story behind the story" and "give listeners a peek into the world of Chicago journalism." They say they also want to hear listeners "opinions about the week's biggest stories and how they're covered.”

CBS Radio says it has completed the acquisition of 107.9 FM in Washington DC from Family Stations. With that acquisition, CBS Radio now has six stations in the market. Terms of the transaction were not initially disclosed, but as the sale of Family Stations' WSFI-FM, licensed to Annapolis, reached the FCC, we found out CBS Radio was paying $8.5 million in cash, with an LMA that began December 1. CBS Radio moved its Spanish language "El Zol" from 99.1 to 107.9, with 99.1 becoming the new All News WNEW-FM. The former WSFI-FM is now WLZL-FM.

Clear Channel Philadelphia Director of Social Media for Urban "Power 99" WUSL-FM and Urban AC WDAS-FM Tazz Daddy (David Anderson) exits, signing a new partnership deal with Spreaker.com, under which he will be the spokesperson for the podcasting platform. Tazz will broadcast his shows and podcasts exclusively on Spreaker.com. The podcasting platform is said to be compatible with desktops, laptops, tablets and mobile devices. Says Spreaker COO Donald Landwirth, "We are very excited to have Tazz join the Spreaker family. He's a source of inspiration for all of his listeners and we are so pleased he chose Spreaker to help him spread his motivational message around the world. Having Tazz on Spreaker should help us attract other top talent and increase our listener base.

Urban News Talk WVON-AM, Chicago, 9am-noon host Santita Jackson has exited the station. The daughter of Rev. Jesse Jackson, she had hosted a local show at WVON-AM for five years. Her exit was the result of cost cutting by the Midway Broadcasting station. Midway Chairman and WVON-AM General Manager Melody Spann Cooper says, “I have encouraged her to pursue a national platform, which she desires and so deserves. It is my hope that she will rejoin us in a more visible capacity.”

Longtime San Francisco air personality, programmer and music executive "The Duke" Dave Sholin is moving to the Pacific Northwest at Bend Radio Group's Country KSJJ-FM, Bend, Oregon, where he will be assisting Operations Manager and Program Director Ed Lambert in programming KSJJ-FM and Bend Radio Group's five-station cluster, starting February 13. Sholin will continue his voiceover/imaging work, and the operation of his marketing firm and the online Americana music format "The Train" heard on AccuRadio. "Bend is number one in the USA for outdoor recreation and Today's Country, KSJJ 102.9 is the number one radio station in Central Oregon," says Sholin. "It's going to be fun to hit the trail early in the morning and then hit the post late in the afternoon! My thanks to owner Jim Gross and my longtime pal 'Mister Ed' Lambert for welcoming my wife Debbie and me to their family."

Jackie Rinker is named Market Manager for Clear Channel's Panama City, Florida, cluster effective February 1. Rinker has served as Director of Sales for Clear Channel Birmingham since February 2008. "We are very fortunate to find someone like Jackie to take over the Market Manager duties in Panama City," says Clear Channel Regional Market Manager David Coppock. "Her extensive background in sales, and early career experience with this type of market will pay dividends for both our advertisers and team members in Panama City."

LBI Media parent Liberman Broadcasting appoints Frederic Boyer as SVP and Chief Financial Officer of LBI and each of its subsidiaries. He succeeds Wisdom Lu, who resigned as CFO to pursue other opportunities. Boyer, age 67, was most recently the CFO at DataDirect Networks, a data storage infrastructure provider. Previously, he was SVP/CFO of Optical Communication Products. "We are very thankful for the many contributions Wisdom has made at LBI, and wish her the utmost success in her new ventures," says President/CEO and Secretary Lenard Liberman. "Moreover, we're excited about the appointment of Fred as our Chief Financial Officer. Fred has the right mix of experience and will add significant value to the company based on his finance and operational skills and past experience as the Chief Financial Officer of both publicly traded and privately held companies."

Cox Media Group Ohio names two senior managers to new positions. James Cosby is tapped for the new position VP of Media Sales, Dayton region. Cosby, who has been the VP of Broadcast Sales for television and radio, adds additional responsibility for publishing and digital sales. He'll be responsible for Dayton and Springfield sales teams representing all CMG Ohio media platforms, reporting to SVP of Sales Rob Rohr. Andy Blizzard is now Cox Media Group Ohio VP of Audience Value, responsible for Ohio circulation and consumer product sales, community engagement and event management, as well as publication of CMG Ohio's specialty print products. Blizzard will also be responsible for strengthening CMG Ohio's relationship with the Wright Patterson Air Force Base business community.

CHR-Top 40 "93.3 FLZ" WFLZ-FM, Tampa, announces a replacement for the MJ Morning Show, when MJ Kelli (Todd Schnitt) exits to concentrate on his nationally syndicated afternoon talk "Schnitt Show," which originates at WFLZ-FM sister WFLA-AM. The Kane Show will take over "93.3 FLZ" mornings, while continuing on "Hot 99.5" WIHT-FM, Washington DC, starting February 20. Kane has been on-air at FLZ since 1998, first starting with his evening show, and for the past eight years on WFLZ-FM in afternoons via voicetracking since based in DC. Clear Channel Tampa Operations Manager Doug Hamand says, "It's a fantastic move for the Kane Show, the audience already knows and loves him. I can't think of anyone else to fill the big shoes that MJ is leaving." WFLZ-FM Program Director Tommy Chuck adds, "I am excited to have Kane as the foundation for WFLZ's next decade of dominance. The Kane Show will make it a lot of fun to wake up in Tampa Bay with a lot of laughs and all of today's biggest hit music."

United Stations Radio Network has confirmed that Lou Dobbs will be ending his three-hour radio show February 24. Earlier we reported that word had "emerged from inside sources at United Stations Radio Networks that the syndicator has sent letters to the affiliates of the Lou Dobbs Show informing them that the four-year-old program is coming to an end in February," reports Talkers.com. Their "sources close to the program" cited a decision reached with Dobbs by “mutual agreement.” Talkers' sources say Dobbs wants to devote more of his busy schedule to his nightly TV program on the Fox Business Network. USRN will also cease production and distribution of Dobbs’ syndicated short-form features "but sources close to Dobbs indicate that the former CNN icon might continue that enterprise independently."

Michele Tafoya says this is the final week for her afternoon talk show on WCCO-AM, Minneapolis, so that she can concentrate on her sports reporting duties for NBC television, including as a sideline reporter for Sunday Night Football. Tafoya tweets: “Have just loved the past four years on @WCCORadio and will miss PM drive a lot.” CBS Radio Market Manager Mick Anselmo says Tafoya has worked seven days a week for 20 consecutive weeks and "runs out of gas." WCCO-AM midday host John Williams will move to afternoons. Evening host John Hines will cover middays, at least temporarily.

Clear Channel's "Mix 102.9" KDMX-FM, Dallas, announces that Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian Odom will be the newest member of the on-air staff, starting Monday (Jan. 30). "Mix 102.9" announces the new show on its website: "We're proud to announce the latest addition to our staff, Khloe Kardashian Odom! The Mix Up with Khloe takes over DFW noon-1pm starting Monday from our studios in Dallas. This daily, one-hour, commercial-free show will have Khloe talking to you, taking requests and chatting with her celeb friends and more." Operations Manager Patrick Davis tells us, "Khloe has the perfect mix of personality and sincerity that will fit right in on Mix 102.9." And yes, that's the same Khloe Kardashian from "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" and "Khloe & Lamar."

Alternative Rock "Radio 104.5" WRFF-FM, Philadelphia, Program Director John Allers tells TPMedia that Kade is joining the station as the new evening air personality from 6-11pm. Says Allers, “Kade has impressed me as one of the premiere Alt-Rock DJ’s in the country and adds a very fresh new sound to Radio 104.5 evenings where he will also host our nightly feature 'Majority Rules.'" Kade tells us, “Kade Show is all about connecting with the nerdy and artistic side of the Alternative audience...You know, the rock & roll misfits! I've been on the air in Las Vegas, Dallas and Los Angeles, now excited to add Philly to the list. Many thanks to John Allers and Wendy Rollins for the opportunity to be on Radio 104.5, a station with great taste and excellent cred in the Indie Music and Alternative world.”

A plea deal results in a guilty plea from a man, who armed with a gun, walked into the offices of Tulsa radio stations KBEZ-FM and KHTT-FM, demanding to speak with a morning radio personality, one year ago. Barry Emery Styles pleads guilty to charges of using a gun to threaten employees at the stations. Styles waived his right to a trial and pleaded guilty to five felony counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. His plea agreement calls for a 15-year sentence. The case had been delayed while mental health issues were evaluated. The Department of Corrections will now prepare a sentencing background report.

Merlin Media "FM News 101.1" WIQI-FM, Chicago, and NBC's WMAQ-TV are reportedly "testing" a news partnership arrangement. Chicago media reporter Robert Feder at Time Out Chicago reports "FM News 101.1" VP of Programming Andy Friedman told staffers "the partnership could entail the use of NBC 5 audio on his station’s newscasts, the appearance of FM News 101.1 personnel on NBC 5 newscasts, and the sharing of assignments and online content between the two stations." WMAQ-TV officials told Feder that the alliance is "very informal" and "more of a test to see if we can both benefit." Says WMAQ-TV VP of Research, Programming and Press Toni Falvo, "We're letting them use some actualities with credit to NBC 5. If it makes sense, our reporters may talk with their anchors about the stories they are covering." The two stations' assignment desks also may share tips. Feder starts his report with what may be the bottom line on this: "Nobody knows where it’s headed."

Denver-based Liquid Compass bolsters its management team, adding five new team members including new COO Stephen Guillot, following a months-long, nationwide search to fill the position. Guillot is expected to have an immediate positive impact on Liquid Compass’s reach to new business verticals and overall financial performance. Also joining Liquid Compass as SVP of Sales is Thomas Callahan, who brings extensive experience from CBS Radio, Metro Networks, Standard News Radio Networks and as GM at several radio stations. Also new at Liquid Compass are Jaxon Repp as Director of Development, and two new account managers, Dean Licata and Tyler Brookfield. Liquid Compass provides streaming services for more than one thousand U.S. radio stations.

Pandora is again on top of Triton Digital's Internet audio ranker for December 2011. ,Triton Digital uses Average Active Sessions (AAS) to rank online broadcasters, and Pandora topped the December Domestic Ranker for the work week (M-F, 6a-8p) with 1,143,060 AAS and over 455 million Session Starts. In November, Pandora crossed one million AAS for the first time. In December Pandora's numbers increased even further. Clear Channel was again ranked second, CBS Radio third, Slacker up to fourth, followed by Cumulus in the fifth position. Rounding out the top ten are ESPN Radio, EMF Corporate, Entercom, Cox Radio and Digitally Imported.

Triton Digital announces that Hubbard Radio has signed for Triton’s end-to-end streaming services. Under the new contract, Triton will provide streaming, ad injection and measurement for Hubbard’s 17 stations across five major markets. "The simplicity and efficiency of having our streaming services managed by a single source was very appealing to us as we looked to evolve our digital strategy," says Hubbard Radio VP of Digital Media Mark Preston. "Triton provides top-notch services across the board, and we hope that having all the services we need centralized on one platform will help us better serve our online listeners."

Clear Channel's Total Traffic Network names Marv Nyren Regional Director of Affiliate Development for the Midwest, based in Chicago. Nyren joins Total Traffic from many years at Emmis Communications, most recently as SVP and Regional Manager for Phoenix, Indianapolis and Chicago. In his new position, Nyren will work with radio and television affiliates developing new business opportunities, as well as managing and growing existing station distribution. The TTN Midwest region includes Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Minneapolis, Kentucky, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Dave Wingert joins 80s-90s Adult Variety Hits "Big O 101.9" KOOO-FM, Omaha, Nebraska, as morning host. He previously was the morning host at crosstown Classic Hits "Superhits 99.9" KGOR-FM. "Dave is an exceptional talent with an uncanny ability to connect with listeners of all generations," says Market Manager Andy Ruback. "To have him back on the air in Omaha is essential to continue to raise the bar in the radio market and offer listeners throughout the community a mass appeal morning show that will make people wake up and feel good." Program Directpr Ethan Stone adds, "Dave Wingert is a critical addition to our team to evolve the station overall." And Wingert tells us, "It is a thrill to return to the airwaves and help take Big O to new heights in the Omaha metro. I love everything about Omaha, especially the listeners. Big O is all about Omaha – the community, its people, its activities and especially the music that fits Omaha. This is a station developed by and for Omahans and I am ecstatic to be part of the Big O team."

Onetime broadcasting executive James Delmonico, the former Chairman of the Broadcasters Foundation of America, who is credited with the resurrection of the Broadcast Pioneers and changing the organization’s name to the Broadcasters Foundation, has died in Syracuse, NY, at the age of 91. Assuming the chairmanship of what was then The Broadcast Pioneers in late 1991, Delmonico instituted what became the new age for the organization under the new name as the Broadcasters Foundation. Among his many accomplishments was the elevation of Ward L. Quaal to the chairmanship when he stepped down from the chairmanship in 1994. Commenting on his passing, Broadcasters Foundation Chairman Philip Lombardo praised Delmonico’s leadership and guidance. “Jim was a tireless leader for the organization, inspiring the appointment of many notables to the board of directors with new focus, determination, and purpose. Jim was known for challenging his fellow board members to be supportive both financially and by encouraging others to do so. Under his chairmanship, Jim brought new strengths to the organization in those early and important bedrock years. He will be missed.”

CBS Radio's postponed launch of All News WNEW-FM, Washington DC, quietly began Sunday afternoon (Jan. 22), with the full scale launch set for Monday morning. The new station had originally been set to launch January 19, but last minute engineering issues caused the delay. A "soft launch" of the new All News FM station started at noon, Sunday.

Cumulus Oldies WLS-FM, Chicago, brings back John "Records" Landecker for 6-11pm, starting Monday (Jan. 23). That moves Dick Biondi to an 11pm-2am shift. Biondi will also host a weekend special. Says Cumulus SVP of Programming Jan Jeffries, "Landecker and Biondi back-to-back personifies the heritage and expectation of WLS and will bring a new excitement to night radio in Chicago"

Great Plains Media Hot AC "Lazer 105.9" KLZR-FM, Lawrence, Kansas, serving the Topeka and Kansas City areas, flips to CHR-Top40 "105.9 Kiss FM" with the slogan "Nothin' but the hits." The launch of the new format followed stunting with continuous Lady Gaga recordings. Kidd Kraddick's syndicated show continues in mornings, with other personalties from co-owned stations voicing other dayparts. The new "Kiss" website is online here.

Following a period of stunting, the former "Channel 106.7" launches its new format as "Z Country 106.7" on WMHX-FM, Hershey-Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The former format had featured 90s pop hits. Now the Cumulus station will compete directly with Clear Channel’s Country "Bob 94.9" WRBT-FM. The format flip represents a return to Country for 106.7, which was once "Z107" and later "Cat Country" before a series of pop music formats. "Z Country" launches with 10,000 songs, commercial free.

Mark Nolan will join Classic Hits "Majic 105.7" WMJI-FM, Cleveland, February 6. "I'm looking forward to sharing Cleveland's Greatest Hits with Northeast Ohio on a daily basis," says Nolan. "I have a passion for radio and I am honored to join such a great heritage station in my hometown."

Shotgun Taylor and Kat Jackson will join Country WGAR-FM, Cleveland, February 6. Nolan, a market TV personality, will host 10am-2pm. He has been guest hosting on the station since 1995 and for nearly seven years Nolan's weather forecasts aired during the Lanigan and Malone Morning Show. Taylor joins WGAR as weekday afternoon drive host (2-7pm). Taylor, a veteran Country radio personality, previously hosted evenings on WGAR-FM.

Dial Global, in partnership with CBS "NewsRadio 1120" KMOX-AM, St. Louis, is launching "Overnight America with Jon Grayson" into syndication. The show will be available to radio stations January 30. The show started at KMOX-AM a little over three years ago and currently airs 1-6am with simulcasting on CBS Radio's WCCO-AM, Minneapolis, and KDKA-AM, Pittsburgh. "Programmers across the country know that a solid overnight show is critical to strong morning drive ratings," says SVP of News Talk Amy Bolton. "Overnight America brings strong audiences to daybreak."

Clear Channel is facing an FCC Notice of Apparent Liability in the amount of $22,000 for contest violations in Los Angeles. The contest, which was conducted on the websites of radio stations in the cluster in 2008, brought complaints to the FCC, which ultimately resulted in the NAL. Contestants were invited to create their own video commercials for Chevrolet autos and post them on Clear Channel websites. The winner would receive a car. Clear Channel failed an attempt to get the matter thrown out because it was conducted online and not over the air. The Commission says the contest was promoted on all of the Los Angeles cluster radio stations making it an FCC matter. The stations involved in the contest were KFI-AM, KOST-FM, KHHT-FM, KBIG-FM, KYSR-FM and KIIS-FM. Complaints included an accusation that the contest was rigged in favor of a person with a connection to a Clear Channel employee, although the FCC found Clear Channel not liable on that. The problems cited in the NAL include insufficient broadcast announcements about contest rules and ambiguity about the duration of the contest.

Cox Media Group SVP of Digital and Strategy Gregg Lindahl will exit at the end of January, about a year after he was promoted to that position. Lindahl says he and Cox are parting on good terms. He has been a digital strategist for Cox for more than a decade, previously as Cox Radio’s VP of Interactive and New Technologies. Cox will divide his duties between VP of IT Mark Beck and VP of Digital Strategy Leon Levitt. Lindahl previously was President and COO at mp3radio.com, and has held executive positions at Eagle Research and ABC Radio.

Television personality and actor Mario Lopez will join Hot AC "104.3 MYfm" KBIG-FM, Los Angeles, January 23, for a 7-11pm show. The music-intensive show will include Lopez sharing entertainment stories, celebrity interviews and listener interaction. "This opportunity to have my own radio show is particularly meaningful because it allows me to expand on yet another platform to showcase another side of my personality," says Lopez. "Plus, it's going to be a blast on MYfm here in Los Angeles. Great music, hot topics and lots of laughs!" KBIG-FM Program Director Andrew Jeffries tells us, "The addition of Mario Lopez is the final puzzle piece to our new Los Angeles lineup. We've been working on this partnership for quite some time and it sends a clear message of our commitment to success."

Clear Channel announces that two public radio stations are being added to iHeartRadio. Santa Monica College KCRW-FM, Los Angeles and University of Southern California KUSC-FM, Los Angeles, will begin streaming next month. "We're thrilled to add KCRW and KUSC to iHeartRadio and make public radio stations available for our listeners," says Clear Channel Digital President Brian Lakamp. "We want to be everywhere our listeners are with a variety of programming options to appeal to the widest possible audience, and adding these public radio stations to iHeartRadio offers listeners an even more interesting and diverse listening experience." KCRW features an eclectic mix of independent music, news, talk and arts programming. KUSC is a Classical station.

San Diego TV news anchor Lynda Martin joins News Talk KOGO-AM-FM, San Diego, as the news anchor on the "Chip Franklin Morning Show." Martin previously was the morning anchor for "San Diego 6" XETV-TV, and more recently a fill-in anchor. She also has anchored at San Diego's KSWB-TV and at TV stations in Santa Barbara, California, and Springfield, Massachusetts.

Scott Paulsen and Bill Crawford join Rock WDVE-FM, Pittsburgh. Paulsen re-joins WDVE as an Executive Contributor for the station and morning show. He will also join the morning show on a weekly basis and guest host across WDVE programs. Comedian Crawford will join the DVE morning show's Randy Baumann, Val Porter and Mike Prisuta on a regular basis. "The return of Scott Paulsen and the addition of Bill Crawford to WDVE will round out an all-star staff for WDVE and Pittsburgh listeners," says President and Market Manager Dennis Lamme. "We are excited about the creative spark these two personalities will bring to the station." Paulsen was previously on the WDVE Morning Show for 13 years. Crawford is a Pittsburgh comedian and has been performing stand-up comedy on a local and national level for the past eight years, and has been a frequent guest of the morning show.

Suzy Rufail is appointed Director of Sales for American General Media's eight radio station cluster in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. Rufail joins AGM from General Manager of the Telemundo and ME-TV affiliates in Albuquerque. She previously was an account executive and subsequently Local Sales Manager for AGM's stations. "We are delighted to have Suzy rejoin our company in a senior management position," says AGM Albuquerque and Santa Fe President and General Manager Rogers Brandon. "She brings a tremendous skill set of leadership and strategic planning to our group of highly motivated and dynamic account executives. while many of our fellow broadcasters have faced difficult corporate challenges, AGM is fortunate to be in a position of dynamic growth and we are pleased to have Suzy join our management team."

Clear Channel St. Louis appoints Matt Saunders, Director of Sales. "We are thrilled to add Matt to our Sales Management Team," says President and Market Manager Beth Davis. "Matt is a seasoned radio marketing veteran with invaluable knowledge of the local business landscape. As Clear Channel continues to grow, he will bring his extensive experience and unique ideas to the local advertising community." Saunders' background includes time as a Local and National Sales Manager with CBS Radio, the St. Louis Cardinals Radio Network, Bonneville International, Heritage Media and Emmis Communications.

Merlin Media CEO Randy Michaels has received another "stop infringing" letter from CBS intellectual property and litigation attorneys. CBS claims Merlin's "FM News 101.9" WEMP-FM, New York, is infringing on their trademarks: "You Give Us 22 Minutes. We'll Give You the World" and "Traffic And Weather Together." CBS is demanding Michaels stop the station from using similar slogans on the air claiming the WEMP-FM phrases – including "Give us 10 minutes, we'll give you the world" – and others being used "intentionally are confusingly similar" to the well-known CBS Radio slogans. Ironically, CBS-TV in New York is airing commercials for WEMP-FM's "FM News" programming.

Sports Talk "97.5 the Fanatic" WPEN-FM, Philadelphia, parent company Greater Media has issued an apology on behalf of night host Tom Byrne. The sports talker was arrested after allegedly assaulting a cab driver whom he had first refused to pay a $5 fare, according to a police report. "Tom deeply regrets his behavior and realizes that it was inexcusable," says Greater Media spokeswoman Heidi Raphael. "He also extends his sincere apology to the cab driver and would like to make amends if possible. Tom will be taking a leave of absence from the station while he works through these issues, and we support him in those efforts.” Byrne was charged with aggravated assault, robbery and related charges after he was arrested one block from where a taxi driver told police that Byrne had punched him repeatedly and dragged him on the ground after he refused to pay for his cab ride and taunted the driver by saying "I'm a celebrity. This is my neighborhood. What are you gonna do about it?" Byrne has a preliminary hearing February 3, according to Philly.com and Daily News columnist Dan Gross.

The host of a brokered medical advice show on Salem's WMCA-AM, New York, is charged with practicing medicine without a license. Former doctor Alan Lupinacci, 65, is accused of illegally operating a health clinic in Wyckoff, NJ. He admitted to sexually molesting patients more than a decade ago, say authorities, who claim he recently practiced medicine without a license and used an alias to illegally operate the health clinic. Lupinacci is charged with financial facilitation, theft by deception, misconduct by a corporate official, impersonation and practice of medicine by an unlicensed person, according to Bergen County (NJ) Prosecutor John Molinelli. Lupinacci’s medical license was revoked in 1995 after he pleaded guilty to 10 counts of criminal sexual contact with patients at his West Paterson practice, says Molinelli.

With his presidential campaign ended, Herman Cain returns to News Talk WSB-AM/WSBB-FM, Atlanta, as a daily commentator. He isn't, for now, returning to the evening show he hosted before making his run for the Republican presidential nomination. But he will be heard weekdays at 8:45am and 6:45pm, and with Neal Boortz Mondays and Fridays at 10:35am. Cain will also be part of WSB's coverage of the presidential campaign.

Aurora Media's Rock "Jelli 94.5" KXLI-FM, formerly KVBE-FM, Moapa-Las Vegas is listed for sale on eBay, as a "Commercial FM broadcast station" which serves "Las Vegas, Nevada, Clark County, USA." The listing shows the auction starting at $1,000, although so far there have been no bids. The auction ends January 29. A "buy it now" price listed in the description is $8.95 million. The eBay listing notes that "Sale is subject to the final approval by the FCC." The listing also offers "one day shipping" for $25.

A filing with the FCC seeks to move station licenses into a trust, as part of the Peak Broadcasting voluntary Chapter 11 reorganization. The trust, which is to be overseen by Broadcast Management and Technology EVP/CFO Claudia Siegle Horn, will begin oversight of the stations as soon as the FCC approves the license transfers, following the trust's approval by the bankruptcy court in Wilmington, Delaware. Peak Broadcasting filed the voluntary Chapter 11 after reaching a reorganization agreement with a majority of its senior lenders. Peak Broadcasting owns 11 radio stations in Fresno, California, and Boise, Idaho.

Religious broadcaster Relevant Radio has agreed to acquire WBZS-AM, Providence, for $750,000 from Salem Communications. "Through the unbelievable generosity of a supporter, a gift was given with the hope of expanding the foot print of Relevant Radio," says Relevant Radio Executive Director Rev. Francis J. Hoffman. "After much discernment and prayer, plus consultation with His Excellency Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of the Diocese of Providence, the Board of Directors selected WBZS based upon the signal coverage and strength, the size of the Catholic population and the affordable purchase price." Relevant also owns stations in Chicago, Minneapolis, Austin, Eau Claire, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Milwaukee, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids.

Liberman Broadcasting is selling Houston area Spanish KNTE-FM, El Campo, Texas, to KSBJ Educational Foundation for $2.1 million. The KSBJ Educational Foundation currently owns six FMs and has a CP for another.

Genesis Communications has added two more stations as All News in Florida – WAMT-AM, Orlando, and WIXC-AM, Melbourne, simulcasting with its All News WWBA-AM, Tampa Bay, to "create a virtual Central Florida news network" using Talk Radio Network's America's Morning News, America's Radio News Network and it's team of local news anchors. According to Genesis' CEO Bruce Maduri, The move is intended to "provide central Floridians with the ability to access all-news, traffic and weather content anywhere, across the all important I-4 corridor from Tampa Bay through Orlando, to the Space Coast and north and south along the Eastern Seaboard." TRN and America's Radio News Network CEO Mark Masters tells us, "We are proud to provide a complete support system to Bruce as he delivers to Central Florida the most powerful 15 hours per day of syndicated long-form radio news rooms (through America's Morning News and America's Radio News Network), along with heavy news localization for his growing news empire."

America's Radio News Network adds Steve Ray as a news co-anchor to the long-form radio news network. Ray has had stints at the Westwood One Radio Networks, Radio Free Asia, Metro Networks, Associated Press Television, WMAL-AM & FM and at the Bonneville DC outlets. Ray has served as a National Program Director for the English language services in both the Republic of China on Taiwan and Mainland China, reporting from Eastern and Northern Europe, the former Soviet Union, South East Asia, Central America and at legendary radio stations in both Los Angeles and Washington DC. Says Ray, "I am excited to work with such a talented and diverse group of anchors and producers. America's Radio News Network is the programming option I wished for as both a GM and Program Director. I believe whole-heartedly in the vision of CEO Mark Masters to deliver an unbiased news product, with forward momentum and detailed reportage in an age of short sound bites. I believe this is the most important news cycle in decades."

Programming veteran Kevin Vargas is in as Operations Manager for Townsquare Media's El Paso cluster and direct Program Director of Active Rock KLAQ-FM. The cluster also includes Adult Top 40 "93.1 Kiss" KSII-FM and "Sports 600 ESPN" KROD-AM. Vargas fills the vacancy created by the exit of Courtney Nelson. Says VP and General Manager Brad Dubrow, “Kevin is a proven leader with a solid history of success in the Rock format and is a brilliant strategist for events, digital and overall operations. We look forward to his ideas, concepts and future contributions.” Vargas tells us, “I'm honored by having been chosen to lead KLAQ – one of the great Rock stations in America – and maintain its tradition of success while helping guide its evolution through this new digital age."

CHR-Top40 "Wild 95.5" WLDI-FM, West Palm Beach, promotes afternoon host and Assistant PD/Music Director Chad Valentine to Program Director. Valentine will also continue to host his afternoon show. Clear Channel West Palm Beach Operations Director Dave Denver tells us, "Valentine has been a vital key to WLDI's successes over the years. His programming vision, digital and social media skills match our goals and plan for the future. Valentine has excellent relationships with our talent, sales and promotional partners and we're proud to extend this new management role to him."

Former Clear Channel exec Bob Cohen has joined Gow Broadcasting's Board of Directors. Gow Broadcasting launched Yahoo! Sports Radio last year in partnership with Yahoo! Sports. Cohen is President of Bob Cohen Strategies, a consulting firm based in San Antonio, Texas, and is the former President and CEO of the Clear Channel Communications International Radio division. He began his involvement with Gow Broadcasting in March 2011. Says Gow Broadcasting Chairman and CEO David Gow, "We are excited to have Bob Cohen join our board. Bob played a significant role in our strategic search and eventual exciting new partnership with Yahoo! Sports Radio. He has a depth of knowledge and experience in radio, sports radio networks and sports in general and has a track record of adding value and growth to the businesses with which he's been involved. He has been active in our business, as a consultant and will also continue in that role along with the board seat."

Federated Media South Bend General Manager Brad Williams is promoted to COO of Talking Stick Communications, and Fort Wayne, Indiana, General Manager Mark DePrez is named COO of Pathfinder Communications. Talking Stick and Pathfinder both operate under the Indiana-based Federated Media umbrella. Williams will oversee the South Bend, Warsaw and Goshen markets while DePrez will oversee Fort Wayne and Auburn. Both promotions coincide with the departure of Federated Media COO Tony Richards, who is starting his own group, Kensington Digital Media. Says Federated Media CEO Alec Dille, "Both Brad and Mark have risen through the ranks at Federated. Brad started as an account manager at WTRC in 1987, just after graduating from college. Mark came to the company as WOWO GSM in 1994. With tremendous success along the way, they are well prepared to lead our companies toward unprecedented growth." Richards, says Dille, "will continue to work with Federated Media in an advisory capacity and will be assigned to special company projects and initiatives. We will be forever indebted to Tony for his 36 years of service to this company."

Bob "Wojo" Wojnowski is teaming with Jamie Samuelsen for a 6-8pm show on Sports Talk "97.1 The Ticket" WXYT-FM, Detroit, starting next week. "Wojo" is a columnist for the Detroit News and former co-host of the "Stoney & Wojo" show on WDFN-FM, Detroit. Samuelsen is a former WCSX-FM personality. Says Wojnowski, "I enjoy broadcasting, entertaining and occasionally whining, and I am excited about the chance to do it again on a regular basis. In 20-plus years as a Detroit News columnist, and 15 years on Detroit radio, I have deep connections and passions about the teams and the fans." Samuelsen adds, "I'm thrilled to join the team at 97.1 The Ticket. I can't wait to get back on the air to talk sports with the most passionate fans in America. Wojo has been a great friend of mine for a long time, and the chance to work with him every day makes this opportunity even better."

Former Maryland men's basketball coach Gary Williams joins Red Zebra's "ESPN 980" WTEM-AM, Washington DC, as College Basketball Insider, appearing weekly on the midday "Sports Fix with Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro" and the afternoon "Sports Reporters with Andy Pollin and Steve Czaban." Director of Programming Chuck Sapienza tells us, "Adding Gary to our team solidifies our dominance in the area of College Basketball coverage. He is 'must listen to' radio and adding his expertise on the entire sport of college hoops is a big win for ESPN 980's listeners." And says Williams, "ESPN 980 has always been a huge supporter of mine. I'm very excited to be joining their team this year. I am looking forward to a great college basketball season with ESPN 980 as their College Hoops Insider."

ESPN Audio has new positions for Jim Roberts and Patrick Polking. ESPN says the changes to its Audio Division are intended to strengthen and align responsibilities. Roberts will transition from Senior Director of Affiliate Sales to Senior Director Deportes Local Radio Group. He will continue to lead Deportes Dallas as well as responsibility for the relationship with all Deportes Radio affiliates. Senior Director Audio National Accounts Patrick Polking will transition to Senior Director II of Distribution and Business Development, overseeing the development and execution of strategies to further monetize ESPN Audio's products. Polking will also add the management of terrestrial distribution to his responsibilities and continue to oversee digital distribution. Due to the growth in usage of ESPN Audio properties, Senior Director II of Radio Content Scott Masteller will collaborate with Dave Austin, who was recently promoted to Manager of ESPN Digital Audio Group, to ensure ESPN Audio is aligned in the production of its digital audio.

Classical KHFM-FM, Albuquerque, Station Manager, Program Director and midday host Sarah Colmark is appointed General Manager of "Classical 101.1 FM" WRR-FM, Dallas, starting in early February. KHFM-FM says it's "fully committed" to continue the Classical music format. "We are confident that we will continue to grow the station's commitment to classical music, our community involvement, and our website and, with the help of khfm community partners, the music stream and its features on the Internet." KHFM-FM is launching an outreach to find a new Program Director.

SoundExchange says that for the fourth quarter of 2011, it distributed $89.5 million with more than 18,000 payments, bringing total 2011 estimated royalty payments to $292 million, up 17% from 2010. The royalties are paid by Internet radio, satellite radio and cable TV music-only channels for their use of sound recordings, and are distributed by SoundExchange to recording artists, record labels, and a non-featured artist fund. "Our growth is encouraging news for the industry, and for the performers who put their heart and soul into the music we enjoy every day," says SoundExchange President Michael Huppe. "This past year, we’ve taken stock of our strengths, and the challenges and opportunities ahead, and have looked for even more ways to improve how we serve the music community. We’re optimistic about the industry’s future, and about the tremendous value SoundExchange promises to deliver in the years to come."

Nick Cannon returned to the air Tuesday (Jan. 17), hosting his morning show on CBS Radio CHR-Top40 "92.3 Now" WXRK-FM, New York, for the first time since his recent hospitalization for kidney problems. Cannon's special guest, in a telephone hookup, was Howard Stern who had been heard on 92.3 in its prior incarnation. Stern's last show on 92.3 was December 16, 2005. Cannon said his doctors originally thought he had gotten acute mountain sickness while in Aspen over the holidays with wife Mariah Carey. Stern and Cannon have now settled their former feud. Cannon was mad at Stern after he felt Stern had insulted Carey and questioned Cannon's radio skills. But they will soon be colleagues on America's Got Talent. And Cannon said he's happy Stern got AGT moved to New York, his home.

Davidson Media Group brokered WOLT-FM, Greenville, SC, debuts a new Top 40-targeted all mix format called "Spin-FM," a service of Jamtraxx Media in Chicago. "Spin-FM" will be aired during a large portion of the broadcast week, but is not a fulltime format. WOLT Operations Manager Craig Debolt is overseeing the station, but Jamtraxx VP of Operations Rob Austin is programming the "Spin-FM" segments, airing: Monday–Friday 6pm–6am; Wednesday-Friday 1-2pm; Saturday 12m-9am and 2p-9p; and, Sunday midnight-6am and 7pm-midnight. Austin says the primary target is 18-24 females and secondarily 18-34 females. They will be competing with Entercom CHR-Top 40 "B93.7" WFBC-FM.

KATP-FM, Amarillo, is now New Country "101.9 Blake FM" replacing "Kat Country" with a more traditional Country format. KATP-FM is a former Gap Broadcasting station that was acquired by Townsquare Media. Folger Media President Joel Folger, who is consulting, says "101.9 Blake FM" is "another in a long line of top performing products that Folger Media has created. We're excited about what the station is going to do, not only in Amarillo but in other markets soon." He says the new "Blake" comes two years after Folger Media debuted "Oklahoma's New Country Jake FM" at KJKE-FM, Oklahoma City. Joining Folger on KATP-FM's launch is "Jake" programmer Kevin Christopher.

More Americans than ever believe the FCC should be allowed to regulate objectionable content on television and radio, as the U.S. Supreme Court debates whether the government should retain that power. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults shows that 64% support the FCC regulating profanity, violence and sexual content on TV and radio. Twenty-four percent (24%) do not think the FCC should have this power, while another 11% are undecided. The survey of 1,000 American Adults nationwide was conducted on January 10-11, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.

Former Louisville, Kentucky, radio host Bill "Duke of Louisville" Bailey has died at 81. His real name was William Boahn, and he died at a Louisville hospital Saturday (Jan. 14). He was a popular radio host in the 1960s and '70s airing on Louisville's WAKY-AM and WKLO-AM, then spent a short stint in Chicago radio, and later worked at WVLK-AM, Lexington until April 1994 when he retired. In all, he was an on-air personality for more than 30 years at radio stations in Kentucky. His daughter Faith Chapman said he had a stroke about 13 years ago, which required him to use a wheelchair, but "he never lost his personality." As a resident of a nursing home, she said he did morning announcements over the public address system and had frequent visits from fans.

Clear Channel Radio Los Angeles launches a new live and local 3-6pm program, the "David Cruz Show" on News Talk KTLK-AM, January 16. Cruz's broadcast journalism background spans more than three decades, and includes stints in major market network television news, radio and online media, including NBC-TV Los Angeles where he anchored a daily news program. Says Clear Channel Los Angeles President and Market Manager Greg Ashlock, "This is a fresh new look at Southern California through the eyes of a well-known, veteran network television and radio journalist very familiar with the Latino community in the nation's second-largest market." Cruz tells us, "To me, Los Angeles is the place to be on the air. To have this opportunity to join the KTLK family, to speak my mind and hear the thoughts of my fellow Angelenos in this world class, multicultural city is incredibly exciting and energizing."

Dave Nourie joins Talk Radio Network as a National Affiliate Consultant. He will assist the team in growing existing shows such as Michael Savage, Laura Ingraham, Rusty Humphries, Jerry Doyle Show, Phil Hendrie, Mancow and TRN's news blocks from America's Radio News Network. "We are all very happy to have Dave join the Talk Radio Network family of companies, with the incredible growth of the news network, we needed someone with his skills and expertise to help serve our ever-growing list of affiliated stations," says TRN/ARNN CEO Mark Masters.

Dale Daniels joins Cumulus Media as Market Manager for its 11 Fayetteville and Ft. Smith, Arkansas, stations, overseeing operations, community relations, advertising and management. Daniels was most recently Market Manager for Citadel in Birmingham, Alabama. Previously, he managed Clear Channel.stations in Fayetteville and Little Rock.

Jeff Delgado joins Spanish Broadcasting System's "107.9 La Ley" WLEY-FM, Chicago, as Local Sales Manager, starting January 19. Delgado comes to SBS from WGN-TV, but has over 13 years in radio marketing and sales, including Chicago's Clear Channel radio cluster, WLS-AM and WKQX-FM.

After 14 years, CBS Radio Hot AC "Star 100.7" WBZZ-FM, Pittsburgh, morning host JR Randall exits. The station and JR reportedly "came to a mutual decision" not to renew his contract, according to reports from the market quoting SVP and Market Manager Michael Young. "He's leaving as a friend of the radio station. We've left the door open and could be using him [elsewhere]." JR is quoted as saying, "Clearly, after 14 years with CBS, I have totally enjoyed it. They obviously have to do what's right with Star, and I have to do what is right for me. The bottom line is, 14 years at any one place is an unbelievable length of time in this business. I have made some wonderful friends at CBS."

Jonathan Butler, 28, is in police custody accused of setting his father's company, Butler Broadcasting in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on fire. Police say Butler, who works for Butler Broadcasting and lives on the property, had an altercation with another employee before the fire started. The building houses several radio stations. Police say after igniting the fire in his adjacent apartment Butler locked himself inside the station causing a brief stand off with authorities. The building that houses the radio stations didn't suffer much damage, but fire officials say the two-story apartment next door, where Butler lives, had extensive damage. Fayetteville Police Sgt. Craig Stout says, “He came outside, made some threats to employees inside. He proceeded to go outside, poured some type of flammable liquid on top of a vehicle, and trailed it off into one of the neighboring buildings and then ignited that substance.” Butler is charged with felony arson.

Emmis Communications reports record earnings of $2.90 per share for its latest fiscal quarter, but domestic radio revenues dropped 4% while overall revenues were flat. Emmis reports same-station revenue fell 5% in the quarter, although it’s still pacing up 1% for the year. The earnings boost is largely the result of the sale of three stations to Merlin Media, and a series of transactions by which Emmis repurchased about 65% of its preferred stock at prices well below the face value. Emmis says more advertisers targeted adults than younger demos during its fiscal quarter that ended November 30. With a portfolio of stations that mostly targets 18-34 year olds, the company’s bottom line was negatively affected. Despite the company’s struggles, Emmis CEO Jeff Smulyan says he's upbeat about its prospects. “It’s been disappointing in terms of our revenue, but I think we’re poised to see 2012 as a breakout year for this company.”

CBS Radio appoints Peter Bowen Director of Sales in Los Angeles, and Mark Day Director of Sales in Chicago. Bowen has been DOS in Chicago and moves to Los Angeles, while Day who has been General Sales Manager of WBBM-AM takes over as DOS in the Windy City. Says President of Sales Michael Weiss, "The director of sales position has proven to be a key differentiator for CBS Radio. Our stations are working more efficiently for advertisers who are taking advantage of the collective creative resources and programming choices across a wide portfolio of properties. Under Peter's direction our Chicago stations have consistently performed at a superior level, and Mark has demonstrated he has the qualifications to take on a more senior level position with the company. These moves are well deserved for two employees who have taken on positions of increasing responsibility their entire careers with CBS Radio. This is a win-win for Peter and Mark."

Richard Sutton is named the Global Head of Sales for CBS Interactive Music Group, overseeing the worldwide sales efforts for a portfolio of properties that includes Last.fm, metrolyrics.com, MP3.com and Radio.com. Sutton joins CBS Interactive from WebMD where he was SVP of Consumer Markets. "Having known Rich for more than 15 years I can personally attest to his exceptional understanding of digital sales, and considerable passion for music," says CBS Interactive President David Goodman. "As the leader of our sales network that spans a diverse range of online and mobile properties both nationally and globally Rich will work closely with his worldwide team to create high value, and performance driven programs for advertisers."

Dave Nourie joins Talk Radio Network as a National Affiliate Consultant. He will assist the team in growing existing shows such as Michael Savage, Laura Ingraham, Rusty Humphries, Jerry Doyle Show, Phil Hendrie, Mancow and TRN's news blocks from America's Radio News Network. "We are all very happy to have Dave join the Talk Radio Network family of companies, with the incredible growth of the news network, we needed someone with his skills and expertise to help serve our ever-growing list of affiliated stations," says TRN/ARNN CEO Mark Masters.

Ford's Internet-connected car, unveiled at CES in Las Vegas, features Clear Channel's iHeartRadio. Ford is the first to launch the iHeartRadio app with voice control using the SYNC AppLink, making iHeartRadio the sixth app for SYNC AppLink that Ford is launching at CES. Clear Channel Digital President Brian Lakamp says their "strategy is to be wherever our listeners want us to be -- no matter the device -- with the programming and services they expect, and our relationship with Ford is an important piece of that strategy." He adds, "Now Ford drivers will be able to create their own custom stations, tune in to the leading radio stations from 150 cities and stay connected to their favorite on-air personalities. Through Ford SYNC AppLink, iHeartRadio will offer drivers the ultimate voice-controlled, personal listening experience."

Miss Jones is out again. Major Trendz Entertainment has pulled the “Jonesy in the Morning Show” from its syndication lineup. Tarsha "Jonesy" Jones had been hoping to take her show national in syndication after Clear Channel Urban "Power 99" WUSL-FM, Philadelphia, ousted her following the filing of a second lawsuit against Miss Jones and the station. Her departure from "Power 99" came a week after a defamation lawsuit filed by a local businesswoman, who claimed that her day care business suffered from a tarnished reputation and resulted in death threats due to Jones' repeated defamation, misidentifying the businesswoman during a segment of "Jonesy in the Morning." Now, Major Trendz says her "style of radio is just too risky." They also cut all online ties with Jones.

Clear Channel CEO Bob Pittman is announced as the recipient of the 2012 Spirit of Life Award from the City of Hope's Music and Entertainment Industry group. The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope's most prestigious philanthropic honor, presented annually to an entertainment industry leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and altruistic achievement. The award will be presented to Pittman in May at a music-infused gala in California which will also act as a fund raiser for City of Hope. In celebration of his selection, City of Hope has launched a six-month fundraising initiative that will leverage Clear Channel's broad reach to showcase the power that radio has in communities across the country by engaging local listeners to action. The premise of the drive is to use music to incite emotion and evoke hope for the millions of people suffering from cancer and other critical diseases. Says City of Hope Senior Director of Development Britta Bucholz, "Bob Pittman embodies all that The Spirit of Life Award represents, and Clear Channel has been a longtime supporter of our initiatives, including Pink Channel, Play for Life, Taste of Hope and a variety of online auctions. From Live Aid to the recent iHeartRadio Music Festival, Bob has continually shaped American pop culture."

Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, is moving up to the 7th floor of Tribune Tower to accommodate a new restaurant moving into its existing first floor space. The station will keep its plaza-level showcase studio, but everything else will move up. Reports from Chicago say sales, programming and administrative personnel will relocate to a new state-of-the-art 7th floor facility by summer. The showcase studio is used by morning host Jonathan Brandmeier. WGN-AM General Manager Tom Langmyer tells the station's staff in a memo, “Our new location in the building will include a fresher and brighter workspace (as the relocated offices, sales area, news department and studios will have windows as well) and the technical operation and new studios will be fully digital, replacing the current analog equipment, much of which has been in service since WGN moved to the Tower 25 years ago."

CBS Radio’s new “All News 99.1” WNEW-FM, Washington DC, announces more hires ahead of the station's January 19 launch. Jill Schlesinger, Editor-at-Large of CBS MoneyWatch, joins the morning team to provide business news every thirty minutes at :15 and :45 and traffic reporter Lisa Baden will handle traffic reports for the new station's morning show. The morning team is anchored by the previously announced team of Bill Rehkopf and Amy Morris. WNEW-FM Program Director Rob Sanchez says Schlesinger "has a refreshing, lively, no nonsense approach to reporting business news" and Baden's "knowledge and passion are unparalleled in DC traffic reporting." CBS Radio Washington DC SVP and Market Manager Steve Swenson tells us, "We've assembled an impeccable roster of anchors, reporters and production personnel to create all-news 99.1 WNEW, with Lisa and Jill adding strength to an already deep group. From the moment we launch, listeners will hold our talented staff in the same high regard we do, and concur that their background, expertise and delivery is as good, if not better, than any else who broadcasts this format."

The syndicated late-night sports talk "Nick and Artie Show" adds several markets with new affiliates including KHTK-AM, Sacramento; KTCT-AM, San Francisco; KILT-AM, Houston; and WMTI-FM in New Orleans. Produced by DirecTV, the Premiere Networks show airs live Monday through Friday from 10pm-1am ET, and is streamed on the show’s website at www.NickandArtie.com. The show features Artie Lange, a former regular on Howard Stern's show, and Nick DiPaolo, who has made frequent appearances on Stern's show and Comedy Central.

America's Radio News Network adds Rachel Crowson as a news co-anchor. Crowson has worked at the Voice of America and ABC News Radio, and spent a number of years as a reporter and anchor at Metro Networks in Washington, where she also was News Director. Says ARNN CEO Mark Masters, "We welcome Rachel into our exclusive news organization. Her background and demeanor are a perfect match for our non-partisan long-form news programming." Crowson tells us, "I'm thrilled to join the talented broadcasters at America's Radio News Network. When I was a kid, my family used to sit around the dinner table and talk about the news of the day. For me, being in the news business is like being at home. I look forward to sitting down with listeners every day to bring them the news and information that matters to them most."

The NAB is now accepting entries for the 2012 Crystal Radio Awards, recognizing outstanding community service. The newly streamlined entry process is now available online, and entries are due by January 31. To qualify, a station must submit an entry describing their community service efforts for the past calendar year. "NAB is proud to recognize the hard work and commitment to community that is demonstrated by local stations," says NAB EVP of Radio John David. Crystal Radio Awards finalists and winners are chosen by judges with broadcast and community service backgrounds. Entry information is available on NAB's website.

Research In Motion announces that two models of their BlackBerry phones will offer the ability to listen to FM radio. BlackBerry parent company RIM announced its new 7.1 OS at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas Monday (Jan. 9). The upgrade includes the launch of FM radio capabilities on two of its BlackBerry Curve models, 9360 and 9380. Users who update their OS to 7.1 will now have access to FM radio circuitry, which was already built in to their smartphones. The new software simply activates the FM chip, and includes a new app allowing users to receive local FM stations. RIM says that "listening to the FM radio does not require a data plan or use data services."

Tias Schuster is named Operations Manager and Program Director of Entercom CHR-Top40 "B 93.7" WFBC-FM and AC "Magic 98.9" WSPA-FM, Greenville, SC. Schuster was previously at Entercom Norfolk as Digital Content Director and PD of Rhythmic CHR "Z104 - The 757 Party Station" WNVZ-FM. It is a return to WFBC for Schuster, who was previously afternoon drive host there. He will host an on-air shift to be announced. Schuster started at Entercom Greenville in 1997 as WFBC's station mascot and an intern. Says Schuster, "This is an incredible story to tell any intern. I started my radio career as WFBC’s Buzzy the Bee and to return home as PD for such great group of stations is a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to taking Entercom Greenville to the next level of domination in the market I call home. I will miss the 757 Party crew at WNVZ. They taught me a lot and I look forward to watching the continued growth and success of that legendary brand." Entercom Greenville GM Randy Cable tells us, "Today the strongest cluster in the market got even stronger. Entercom Greenville delivers the biggest and the best audience in the market and Tias Schuster brings with him the experience, strong local knowledge and tremendous passion to help us deliver even better results."

Former KGO-AM, San Francisco, talk host Dr. Bill Wattenburg will begin a weekly syndicated show via TRN, starting January 22. "The Bill Wattenburg Show" will be available for three hours on Sunday nights. "We are ecstatic to have a person of Dr. Bill Wattenburg's caliber to join our network," says TRN Entertainment CEO Mark Masters. "His vast knowledge of Science and Physics will enlighten all of his listeners. We believe he will quickly develop legions of dedicated fans that want to improve their personal knowledge and way of life." Wattenburg was among the casualties of KGO-AM's recent programming changes as a number of talk shows were eliminated after Cumulus acquired the former Citadel station.

Entercom Norfolk welcomes Timothy Robisch as cluster Director of Sales. He transfers from Entercom Kansas City, where he was Director of National Sales and GSM of "106.5 The Wolf" WDAF-FM. The Norfolk cluster includes WPTE-FM, WWDE-FM, WNVZ-FM and WVKL-FM. "I'm excited to have Tim lead Norfolk's sales' effort," says Entercom Norfolk VP and Market Manager Bennett Zier. "Tim's track record is very impressive and I'm certain that his depth of experience will be a great asset as we look forward to a year of growth in 2012. Tim is an outstanding addition to the Entercom Norfolk team."

Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell regrets his 2004 vote in favor of changing agency policy to fine radio and TV stations for fleeting expletives. “If I were voting again, I would have dissented,” says Powell, who is now President of the National Cable and Telecommunications Association. In an interview with Bloomberg, in advance of the U.S. Supreme Court case on broadcast indecency, Powell says, “I’ve always been deeply troubled by the way the First Amendment changes when you change channels.” His current position puts him on the side of Fox Networks Group as well as cable operators. Fox is one of the broadcast companies fighting the fleeting expletives policy before the Supreme Court.

A former XM employee has been convicted of embezzling almost $1 million from the satcaster before it merged with Sirius. According to the Washington Examiner, 46-year-old Brenda Jones pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in the theft of more than $900,000. Prosecutors say Jones was an administrator in XM's accounts payable office in 2005 and 2006, and embezzled "large payments" that were supposed to go to XM vendors, but instead went into her personal bank account. Jones had an accomplice, a co-worker who received a portion of the stolen funds. The scheme was discovered in 2010 when vendors called complaining they had not been paid. Jones will have to pay back the money and spend about two years in prison.

Cool Broadcasting is launching a new two hour weekly acoustic Country program. "Cool Country Live From Ocean Way Nashville" begins March 3. A celebrity host for the show will be named soon. Each week's show will feature Country music stars in an acoustic setting recorded live at Ocean Way Nashville in the heart of Music Row with a live audience. The new show will also include a "Songwriters Corner," spotlighting hit songwriters and songs that have risen to the top of the charts and a segment dedicated to "Cool New Faces," a new act that is charting. "Cool Country Live from Ocean Way Nashville" will be available on a market exclusive, barter basis.

This could be Ryan Seacrest's last year hosting "American Idol." According to the Hollywood Reporter, the radio and TV host is in the homestretch of a 2009 contract extension that pays him $15 million a year and is not likely to be renewed for that price. According to an unnamed "Idol" insider quoted in the story, Seacrest can be replaced for $2 to 3 million a year. In addition, says the report, Seacrest's biggest ally, "Idol" creator Simon Fuller, is no longer associated with the show. And the speculation is that Seacrest, who has hosted the show for all 11 of its seasons, is not likely to accept a pay cut. That's especially so if the Wall Street Journal is correct that NBCUniversal is grooming Seacrest to take over co-hosting "The Today Show" for Matt Lauer, whose contract also expires this year.

SiriusXM CEO Mel Karmazin says the satcaster is preparing a Pandora-like personalized streaming audio service. Karmazin speaking a short time after Pandora CEO Joe Kennedy at the Citi Entertainment, Media and Telecommunications Conference in San Francisco, said, "I can assure you that if our subscribers would like to have personalization we're going to give it to them. So, you should assume, you know, that the idea of personalization is something that Pandora, Spotify and iHeartRadio and Slacker and all of these companies are doing – there is satellite radio and it will expand and make that personalization available, probably this year." But Karmazin, no fan of Pandora, noted, “I don’t think it’s a big deal. We’re not going into it as a business. We, again, like our business model. But we’re going into it saying, you know what, if our subscribers like that feature and they want to be able to customize content, we’re going to give them the ability to do that.”

There's a CHR-Top40 battle brewing in Richmond, Virginia, as Cox Media Group Rhythmic CHR WHTI-FM segues to Mainstream "Hot 100.9 - Today's Hottest Hits." That puts WHTI-FM in direct competition with Clear Channel's "Q94" WRVQ-FM. Afternoon host Eric Sean and middayer Angie will remain with the station. Announcements about mornings and evenings will be coming soon. Says Hot 100.9 Program Director Melissa Chase, "We asked Richmond listeners what they wanted, and they said they want a radio station that plays fewer commercials, more music and less boring talk in the morning. The New Hot 100.9 plays today's hottest hits." General Manager Bob Willoughby adds, "We are excited to add a mainstream Top 40 into our cluster. This is one of the biggest formats in radio, and it's a perfect fit for Richmond."

KTFW-FM, in the Fort Worth market, is now Country Variety Hits "92.1 Hank FM" with the slogan "plays everything country." The relaunch follows the ouster of the station's entire airstaff. KTFW Operations Director Andy Meadows says he's been working with Howard Kroeger of Kroeger Media who created the jockless format. "There are a couple of other Hank FMs across the country, but ours is unique," says Meadows. "We're doing a different twist on the database in ours. It's a very wide variety. It's country all the way back to the '70s, with your Waylon and Willie and Merle, all the way to new country. The emphasis is on variety. Where your average country station has a 350-song playlist, we have well over 1,000, so it's three times the size of your average country station, and it's delivered with a fun attitude."

Emmis Rock KSHE-FM, St. Louis, will drop the syndicated Bob and Tom show, in favor of a new music-intensive local show, January 17. John Ulett will host the new show with Lauren "Lern" Colvin, who will provide news and traffic reports. In a note to listeners on the "KSHE 95" website, the station says: "KSHE 95 continues to return to its roots with the announcement that starting Tuesday, January 17th, 35-year veteran KSHE air personality John Ulett will take over and host the morning show from 6-10 a.m. each weekday. Alongside him will be current Sunday afternoon air personality, Lern. John & Lern replace Bob & Tom whose last show will be on Monday, January 16th." A banner promoting the change proclaims: "KSHE, Now Rocking Your Mornings … starting January 17th!"

Former WRXP-FM, New York, morning host Matt Pinfield is picked to host the "Flashback" show for Cumulus Media Networks, replacing Bill St. James, who we're told "steps aside." Pinfield, who currently hosts MTV2's "120 Minutes," takes over as host of "Flashback" January 21. The show features songs from the 60s through the 80s, mixing in content from the same era, including newscasts, classic TV and movie clips, commercial and comedy clips.

Fox Sports Radio adds longtime Seattle radio personality Rob Tepper to "Fox Sports Tonight." Tepper, known as "T-Man," will partner with former MLB pitcher and Fox Sports Radio personality Rob Dibble starting January 9. "Fox Sports Tonight" airs weeknights from 10pm-1am ET. "Being on the air in more than 200 cities across the country on 'Fox Sports Tonight' is very exciting," says Tepper. "I'm hoping my crazy personality can add to what Rob Dibble is starting to build. I can't wait to get started." Tepper hosted mornings on KUBE-FM, Seattle, for 14 years. He's recently been a fill-in host on Fox Sports Radio.

ESPN Radio will present "Hill and Schlereth," a new prime time show debuting January 10. Co-hosts Mark Schlereth, a three-time Super Bowl champion, and SportsCenter anchor Mike Hill will host the new show 7-10pm ET Monday-Thursday for the remainder of the NFL season, adding Friday nights after the Super Bowl. ESPN Radio says "Hill and Schlereth" will be an entertainment, information and personality-driven show, featuring an interactive listener format. ESPN Audio SVP Mo Davenport tells us, "Mike Hill and Mark Schlereth are already fan favorites. Their ability to expand on their friendship, their experiences, and their knowledge of sports, combined with our listeners' passion, equals great content that can be enjoyed on multiple platforms."

Longtime Phoenix radio personality Bill Heywood and his wife Susan, were found dead January 4 in a Scottsdale hotel room. Scottsdale police say the two were found shot to death. According to reports from Arizona, hotel staff found a suicide note in one of the rooms at the Homewood Suites and called police. Police, so far, have not released further details. Bill Heywood was best known as the former longtime morning host at KTAR-AM. He had also worked at a number of other Phoenix stations until he left radio for a real estate job in October 2005. His wife was an advertising and marketing executive.

Univision Radio appoints Felix Perez General Manager of its New York cluster -- Spanish Contemporary WXNY-FM, Regional Mexican WQBU-FM and Spanish News Talk WADO-AM. A 25-year media veteran, he joins Univision Radio from Davidson Media where he was CEO for the past four years. "Felix's rich media background, leadership skills and management experience are important assets for Univision Radio as we continue to gain positive momentum in terms of ratings and sales," says Univision Radio President Jose Valle. "We are thrilled to have his experience, creativity and vision as we work to serve our diverse New York listeners with the content they crave." Perez tells us, "As a native New Yorker and a person familiar with WXNY, WADO and WQBU, as well as the competitive New York radio landscape, I am thrilled to be working with an excellent group of professionals as we continue to grow Univision Radio's properties."

Spanish Broadcasting System promotes Zev Levy to Los Angeles Director of Sales, overseeing sales efforts for KLAX-FM and KXOL-FM, plus SBS Interactive and SBS Entertainment in the marklet. Levy has been with SBS L.A. for three years. "We are thrilled to have Zev Levy as part of SBS' management team," says SBS CRO Albert Rodriguez. "His experience and reputation in the industry is a valuable asset to the stations. Zev's commitment to SBS' Los Angeles market highlights the growing importance of the Hispanic community that we serve. We are confident that he will be a valuable contributor to the future success of SBS LA for years to come."

Radio One’s new "News 92 FM" KROI-FM, Houston, hires Mark Shecterle as General Sales Manager. Shecterle formerly was VP and General Manager of crosstown KRBE-FM, and most recently was the Director of Sales for Metro Networks in the Southwest, based in Houston. "I've been anxious to get back into local radio for many years, and I've always admired Radio One and the class and caliber of people they employ," says Shecterle. "While selling traffic for the last five years, I've seen the power of News formats across the country, and I applaud Radio One's courage to diversify and establish a beachhead in the news world."

Cox Media Group Hawaii names Patti Milburn as its new Market Manager, succeeding Mike Kelly, who retired from the company at the end of 2011. Before joining CMG, Milburn was the General Sales Manager of Clear Channel's Honolulu AC KSSK-FM and News Talk KHVH-AM. "We're thrilled to welcome Patti to the Cox Media Group team as our new Market Manager in Honolulu," says CMG Group VP Jay O'Connor. "She brings great leadership and people skills, as well as great passion for radio and the community we serve in Hawaii." Milburn adds, "I'm very excited to lead this group of wonderful people and great radio stations representing the COX team in Hawaii."

United Stations Radio Networks announces a partnership with Tom Kent, under which USRN will take over the distribution and ad sales for programming from the Tom Kent Radio Network. The multi-year agreement calls for United Stations to serve as TKRN’s advertising sales arm throughout the domestic U.S. as well as provide all satellite channels, commercial traffic, affiliate compliance and related technologies. The partnership goes into effect February 1. Based in Cleveland, Tom Kent has been supplying radio stations with Classic Hits programming since 2002. The network, which was re-launched in March 2008 as the Tom Kent Radio Network, began by offering a weeknight block of programming hosted by Kent and quickly grew by adding specialized blocks of programming for both weekdays and weekends. By early 2011, Kent was able to introduce the "24/7 Fun" network providing radio stations with a round-the-clock programming option. TKRN is moving to USRN from Cumulus Media.

Bubba the Love Sponge signs a new, multi-year contract with Cox Classic Rock "102.5 The Bone" WHPT-FM, Tampa Bay, Florida. The longtime morning host was without a contract at the end of 2011 and was rumored to be moving to another station. Bubba says, "This is the first time in my radio career that I was a true free agent. It's nice going to market and getting a ton of great offers, and a big thank you to those that were interested. But in the end I needed to come back to the company that stepped up and hired me when I was black balled from terrestrial radio. I have a great relationship with local management, and The Bone will remain my home in Tampa Bay."

Alpha Broadcasting Portland signs KUPL-FM night host B-Dub to a multi-year deal with an opportunity for syndication of his "Northwest Nights With B-Dub" show. Director of Programming Scott Mahalick tells us, "Dub is a true talent overflowing with passion and special emotion that sparks up the Northwest Nights." Says B-Dub, "I'm excited to continue my career here at KUPL and look forward to expanding the show into other markets." His eight-year radio career includes stops at WYOK-FM, Mobile; WXSS-FM, Milwaukee, and both WIOQ-FM and WRDW-FM in Philadelphia. B-Dub has been with Alpha since May 2010.

Compass Media Networks launches Compass Media Marketing, an advertising representation firm for audio industry. "Three years ago, we saw an opportunity to launch Compass Media Networks as a programming and distribution company," says Compass Media Networks CEO/Founder Peter Kosann. "We now see a similar opportunity to launch an advertising sales firm leveraging on our brand, relationships, and expertise." Compass Media Marketing will announce a full roster of programs and networks shortly and has signed an agreement with Dial Global under which Dial Global will provide Compass Media Marketing with support systems and marketing services. Dial Global has entered into a long-term extension to continue to exclusively represent Compass Media Networks programming and services.

Melanie Morgan returns to News Talk KSFO-AM, San Francisco, this time as part of the Brian Sussman morning show. For almost 15 years, she was co-host of the Lee Rodgers and Melanie Morgan show and also was a reporter for KGO-TV in San Francisco, until Talk Radio Network hired her as co-anchor of "America's Morning News." KSFO-AM News Director and Program Director Paul Hosley tells us, "We're thrilled to have Melanie back on KSFO. She's very popular with listeners, and we're looking forward to her many contributions on the revamped morning show."

Former Congressman and Phoenix radio talker JD Hayworth also joins the lineup at News Talk KSFO-AM, San Francisco. Hayworth gets a 9am-noon show. "As a 'recovering' Congressman, I'll 'pull back the curtains' and explain why politicians do the things they do. With the help of KSFO listeners, we'll endeavor to provide common sense and clarity in these challenging and confusing times," says Hayworth.

Former Alternative "Q101" WKQX-FM, Chicago, morning co-host Steve Tingle is headed for Philadelphia to join morning hosts Chio and Shila at Rhythmic CHR "Wired 96.5" WRDW-FM. Tingle and his former on-air partner Brian Sherman had been seeking a new opportunity together since being ousted when "Q101" was sold to Merlin Media and changed formats. But now they say they "have exhausted all of" their "connections, agents and places to find work as a team," and are each going for new separate positions. So far, no word of a new gig for Sherman.

Veteran Country radio programmer Becky Brenner is named VP and Consulting Partner with Jaye Albright and Michael O'Malley's Albright and O'Malley, working out of their west coast offices. Brenner was most recently Program Director for KMPS-FM, Seattle, and Digital Web Manager for the CBS Radio cluster there. Brenner is also a CMA and CRB Board Member, digital media manager and consultant. Says Albright, "I brought Becky into consulting in 1992 when I was General Manager of Seattle-based BP Consulting Group. I can name several hundred broadcasters we worked with back then who immediately missed her when Infinity hired her to return to their Seattle cluster, including KMPS-FM, as its General Program Manager two decades ago. They will be delighted to hear she's come back to take on consulting clients."

Cumulus flips “True Oldies 106.1” WMTI-FM, New Orleans, to Sports Talk “106.1 The Ticket“ affiliated with Fox Sports Radio. WMTI-FM was already named the flagship station for the NBA New Orleans Hornets. Team analyst Gerry Vaillancourt will host afternoons from 4-7pm on the new sports talker, which will also air the syndicated shows of Dan Patrick and Jim Rome.

Clear Channel’s KTWI-FM, Bennington-Omaha, Nebraska, replaces New Country “Twister 93.3” with Classic Country "93.3 The Wolf" after a couple of weeks of stunting. This marks a return of Classic Country to the frequency of the onetime “US 93.3” which ended in 2008.

Another change-of-year change-of-format flip is in Baton Rouge where Clear Channel Sports Talk "1210 AM The Score" WSKR-AM flips to Gospel "Hallelujah 1210." Baton Rouge CBS TV affiliate WAFB-TV reports, "Just one week before LSU tries for the National Championship, many of Baton Rouge's most recognized sports radio personalities have lost their voices," and after explaining the WSKR-AM flip adds: "Former show host Buddy Songy told 9News he got a call around 10:30 Sunday morning notifying him of the switch. He said rumors of a change had been swirling in recent weeks, but the timing of the change caught everyone off guard. Jordy Hultberg, Jimmy Ott, Tommy Krysan and Richard Condin also had popular shows on The Score. Long-time radio personalities Clarence Buggs and Scott Innes lost their Clear Channel positions last October." The 1210 AM signal was originally a Christian Talk station as WBIU-AM until 1997 when it was acquired by Clear Channel and it switched to a Sports Talk format. It was an ESPN Radio affiliate until February 2007, when it switched to affiliation with Fox Sports Radio.

The FCC fines radio stations in two markets a total of $22,000 for EEO violations. Specifically, the Commission says the stations failed "to comply with the recruitment and self-assessment requirements" of the Commission's EEO policy. Max Media's Norfolk cluster was hit with $8,000 in fines, while Clear Channel's Greenville, SC, cluster is assessed a total of $14,000. The FCC doesn't accuse the stations of disciminating, only insufficient advertising of available jobs. The Norfolk stations, says the FCC, filled five of 14 full-time vacancies by relying "solely on Internet websites and word-of-mouth referrals and vacancy postings on the employee board to fill those vacancies" during a two-year period. In South Carolina, eight of 13 full-time vacancies were filled only using "Internet websites and word-of-mouth referrals" in violation of the FCC's recruitment requirements. "These failures reveal a continuing lack of self-assessment," says the Commission's Notices of Apparent Liability for Forefeiture.

Spanish Broadcasting System appoints Andrew Polsky as VP of Digital Sales of SBS Interactive, responsible for driving the overall growth of SBS's Digital Media business including www.lamusica.com, www.mega.tv and the 21 SBS radio station websites. Polsky will also ensure that SBS's Digital Media programs are integrated into the network's "Original Content Strategy." Prior to joining SBS, Polsky served as Digital Sales Manager for CBS Corp. where he was responsible for digital sales on television, radio and interactive division sites for five years. "Andrew is a great addition to our strong Digital Media team," commented SBS Consolidated Operations CRO Albert Rodriguez. "His extensive experience and knowledge of the U.S. Hispanic market will help generate additional growth for SBS's online community and deliver the best applications, services and programs for our valued audience."

Arbitron says that Clear Channel's Seattle Sports KJR-AM and KNBQ-FM simulcasted all programming, including commercials, during the December 2011 report period, and report users may appropriately combine AQH estimates for the two stations. Total Line Reporting is available in the December Radio Market Report for stations simulcasting for the entire Fall quarter. Although KJR-AM and KNBQ-FM simulcasted throughout the December 2011 report period, audience estimates for the two stations are reported individually in the December report because the stations began simulcasting after the start of the Fall quarter. Arbitron will report audience estimates with combined listening under KJR-AM effective with the January 2012 report period.

"SportsRadio 610" KILT-AM, Houston, is dropping the syndicated Jim Rome in favor of a new local show in the midday slot (11am-2pm) that Rome has recently occupied. The syndicated sports talker has been a fixture at KILT-AM for more than a dozen years, but declining ratings are blamed for ending that relationship. Rome’s syndicated show will be replaced by a new local show hosted by Mike Meltser and Brad Davies called "MAD Radio" set to start next week with the new year. The new show will take a 10am-2pm slot. Meltser currently hosts a 10am-11am show. KILT-AM Program Director Gavin Spittle says Rome’s ratings "have slid to the point where a change is necessary." He notes that radio "is a performance-based business, and we have exhausted our options.” Spittle adds, “We like Jim and thank him for all he has done for the station. He has been a huge fan of SportsRadio 610, and we have been huge fans of Jim Rome.

WVKO-AM, Columbus, Ohio, will flip to progressive Talk, starting Monday (Jan. 2). An LMA that provided religious programming ends, and a new LMA for the Talk format is beginning. The new lineup features Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz, Thom Hartmann, Mike Malloy, Bill Press and Leslie Marshall, according to the station's website, which is promoting: "Central Ohio welcomes Progressive Talkers."

As previously reported by TPMedia, Geraldo Rivera's new daily talk show is still expected to join the lineup at KABC-AM, Los Angeles, although it is not starting there January 3 when it debuts on WABC-AM, New York. Several reports are now speculating that Geraldo hits L.A. radio January 30. Most of the published reports cite the Orange County Register's Gary Lycan, who believes he's found something to confirm that date: "Phillips emailed, without naming names, that 'I'll be on from 9 a.m.-noon Jan. 3-27th, 9 to 10 a.m. from Jan. 30th on, and pinch-hitting for other KABC hosts whenever they get a raging case of the gout.'" Lycan, of course, had expected Geraldo to start on both WABC-AM, where he will be based, and KABC-AM, January 3, until Cumulus announced the new KABC schedule, with no mention of Rivera. But, as we reported, when the new KABC lineup was officially announced, Silver indicated (when asked), there may still be an announcement of Geraldo at KABC-AM, and urged: "Stand by for news on that."

Cumulus is moving the longtime Classic Rock KGGO-FM, Des Moines, morning team Lou Sipolt and Heather Burnside to News Talk clustermate "98.3 Wow FM" KWQW-FM, while installing the syndicated Bob and Tom on KGGO-FM. The changes are set for January 2. Says Cumulus SVP of Programming Mike McVay, "We’re excited to be able to bring 20-plus years of morning success to our News Talk station and can completely eliminate the music on their show in favor of more of why Des Moines area listeners want to listen to Lou and Heather. It’s for them and what they have to say. Bob and Tom’s show is better suited for the Classic Rock that is played on KGGO and will better position both stations for the future. There is no better time than the week that starts with the Iowa caucus to launch these new morning shows."

Cumulus names Matt Spaulding VP and Market Manager for WMIM-FM, Monroe, Michigan, and the Cumulus cluster in Toledo, Ohio. Spaulding has been with Cumulus at their Ann Arbor cluster since August 2009, when he joined as General Sales Manager, and later was named Market Manager. "Entering a top 100 market that is rich with heritage, leadership, and a top performing team of broadcasters and sales representatives will be a long celebrated milestone," says Spaulding.

Julie Pappas joins Genesis Communications Orlando as Sales Manager. The cluster includes WHOO-AM, WAMT-AM and WIXC-AM. Says VP of Sales Michael Monroe, "Julie's extensive background in sales and marketing brings strong leadership with credibility, success and innovation. Her eagerness and ambition has made her an exciting addition for the company. I look forward to working with her in Orlando."

In Bonita Springs, Florida, an engineering contractor died Dec. 26 at least 600 feet above ground on a communications tower used by several Ft. Meyers area radio and TV stations The tower worker has been identified as 61-year-old Nick Rouskey of Cape Coral. Reports from Florida now say it's believed an exposed wire caused the electrocution death of Rouskey. Authorities responded to the tower just before 5pm Monday in reference to man who appeared to be stuck in the tower. An aviation unit was sent to assist and determined that the man was deceased.

Talk WGN-AM, Chicago, plans to air weekend “best of” shows featuring weekday hosts. Robert Feder at Time Out Chicago writes, "Fans of Jonathon Brandmeier, Garry Meier and the other weekday stars of WGN-AM (720) soon will be able to hear their favorites on weekends, too." Feder reports that the "New Year will bring a realignment of WGN’s Saturday and Sunday afternoon, late-night and overnight schedules," including the “best of” shows.'' WGN Program Director Bill White tells the veteran Chicago media reporter, “We think it will be a great alternative to the infomercials and paid programs that air on Chicago's other talk stations. Of course we continue to provide live and local news, weather and traffic reports 24/7.”

Townsquare Media Sports Talk "104.5 The Team" WTMM-FM, Albany, afternoon host Bruce Jacobs is under fire for on-air anti-gay comments he made while discussing women's professional basketball, despite an apology he later issued. Jacobs called two WNBA pro women's basketball teams the "Los Angeles Lesbians" and the "Phoenix Dyke-ury" referring to the Los Angeles Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury. The next day Jacobs told listeners, "My comments yesterday were ridiculous, stupid and amateurish. I apologize for even uttering the comments, whether you heard them or not, whether you were offended or not." His apology came after a Facebook page was created -- "Get ESPN Radio's Bruce Jacobs Off the Air for Gay Slurs" -- spreading news of the slurs. Jacobs also does weekends on Fox Sports Radio, in addition to his local weekday show on the Albany ESPN Radio affiliate.

Legendary ESPN Radio Sportscenter update reporter Dan "The Duke" Davis retires. His broadcast career includes covering college football and basketball, more than 50 PGA Tour events, including The Masters, U.S. Open and PGA Championship and hundreds of NFL, NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball games. In addition Davis has covered marquee events like the Kentucky Derby, Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, World Series, NBA Finals, Stanley Cup Finals and the Olympics. Davis joined ESPN Radio in January 1992 when the network launched. He was selected to co-host Brent Musburger’s SportsBeat in 1993 and has been ESPN Radio’s best known SportsCenter update reporter since 1999.

The syndicated "Dave Ramsey Show” will begin airing on WOR-AM, New York City, in 2012. Ramsey's show will nab the 8-10pm slot says WOR-AM VP and General Manager Jerry Crowley. “In these rocky economic times, New Yorkers need a voice they can trust to guide them in their money decisions,” says Crowley. “We are proud to welcome the country’s top name in financial talk radio, Dave Ramsey, to our award-winning lineup in 2012.” Ramsey is heard on over 500 stations across America.

Rep. Maxine Waters has introduced a bill in the House to impose new FCC ethics rules, and prohibit FCC officials from accepting employment at a company within one year of an FCC proceeding involving that company. The Merging Entities Regulatory Guidance and Ethical Reform (MERGER) Act would also require groups that submit comments to the FCC to disclose political contributions they've received. The prohibition of FCC officials accepting employment at a company after an FCC proceeding involving that company was spurred by former Commissioner Meredith Attwell Baker's acceptamce of a government affairs position with Comcast/NBCUniversal only four months after Baker voted on the merger of the two companies. "The American public must have confidence that agency officials are at all times acting in the public trust and not in anticipation of an employment opportunity," says Waters, who opposed the Comcast-NBCUniversal merger. Interestingly, Waters herself has been dealing with charges of ethical misconduct. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating charges that she helped secure federal funding for a bank in which her husband owned stock. Waters denies she did anything improper.

After completing the merger with Westwood One two months ago, Dial Global signs new employment contracts with its three Co-CEOs -- Spencer Brown, David Landau and Kenneth Williams. Each begins with a four-year deal, renewable in two-year increments, with a $600,000 base salary and a $250,000 bonus on December 31 of this year. The new employment agreements also provide discretionary bonuses in the following years of at least 50% of their current base salary. There are also options to buy 1,637,125 shares of the stock that now trades as “DIAL” under the new 2011 Stock Option Plan that the company has filed with the SEC.

Spanish Broadcasting System Los Angeles Director of Marketing and Promotions Richard Salgado exits after nine years. Salgado oversaw the marketing and promotions department of both SBS L.A. radio stations -- "La Raza" 97.9" KLAX-FM and "Latino 96.3" KXOL-FM. Salgado says he is now seeking new career opportunities. His exit follows the arrival of Eric Osuna as VP of Sales for the stations.

Border Media hires John Hiatt as Director of Sales for its five-station Austin cluster, reporting to SVP and Market Manager Bob Proud. Most recently Hiatt oversaw the 4R Broadcasting San Angelo group. Says Proud, "We are thrilled to be able to attract a broadcaster with the experience and reputation that John brings. To so substantially upgrade our DOS position speaks volumes about Border's commitment to the Austin market." Previously Hiatt worked in the Austin market for more than a decade, including including CBS/Infinity and Hiatt Marketing Group. "I feel incredibly blessed to be given the opportunity to come home to Austin; and getting to work for Bob Proud just makes a good thing even better," says Hiatt. "Bob has assembled a strong team, many of whom I already know and have worked with in the past."

People who listen to pro basketball on the radio spend more time online, according to a Scarborough Sports Marketing study on the NBA's "Avid Fans" – American adults 18+ who say they are "very interested" in the NBA. According to the study that analyzed radio listening habits: 9% (22 million) of all American adults are Avid NBA Fans, with an additional 5% of American adults who attended an NBA game in the past 12 months. Among the results of the survey: 18.7% of the 9.2 million persons 18+ who listen to NBA games on the radio use a wireless phone for social networking vs. 7.9% of the overall market; 20.3% who listen to NBA games on the radio spend 20+ hours a week online versus 14.1% for the overall market; and, 60.2% who listen to NBA games on the radio are employed full-time versus 43.9% of the overall market.

NAVTEQ will use HD Radio to deliver traffic updates for the new Garmin Digital Traffic service. NAVTEQ says it "can now deliver Traffic updates approximately every 30 seconds over 270,000 miles of the HD Radio broadcasting system across the United States. The ultra-rich transmission is 4 to 10 times faster than other traffic services making this the world's most extensive and fastest traffic service a consumer can find. The enabled technology is given that NAVTEQ Traffic is now transmitted over a wider radio frequency spectrum broadcasted over 3,400 HD Radio towers."

Way Media’s WWPW-FM, Louisville (licensed to Charlestown, Indiana), is now silent. Radio Multimedia Inc -- which had been leasing the station and operating it as Urban “104.3 The Beat” -- has filed for bankruptcy and stopped operating the station. Way Media has applied to the FCC for an STA to take the station silent, saying it will take several weeks to be able to provide a programming feed to WWPW-FM's transmitter site. Way Media also operates Christian Rock "Way FM" WAYI-FM and Christian AC "Shine 105.9" WSYI-FM in the Louisville market. Radio Multimedia Inc is a private company established in 2010 and incorporated in Kentucky.

Qantum Communications agrees to sell its four radio stations serving the Ft. Walton Beach-Destin market to Dean Pearce’s Apex Broadcasting. The stations are WHWY-FM, WWAV-FM, WFFY-FM and WMXZ-FM. Says Qantum CEO Frank Osborn, “It is with regret that we exit this growing market after finally completing the cluster. The deal, however, permits us to continue to improve our balance sheet. I have known Dean for many years and believe him to be an excellent broadcaster who I believe will lead the newly consolidated properties to very significant positions in the market.” Qantum Communications was formed by Osborn with Michael Mangan and Frank Washington to acquire and operate radio stations in medium and smaller sized markets throughout the United States. Qantum currently owns 33 radio stations serving markets in Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

Former Operations Manager and Program Director Phil Tower returns to News Talk WOOD-AM-FM and "Talk Radio 1230" WTKG-AM, Grand Rapids, as Program Director. Tower left the stations after almost 10 years to become General Manager of the syndicated "Alan Hunt Show" in 2008. Says VP and Market Manager Tim Feagan, "I am pleased to announce that Phil Tower has returned to Clear Channel West Michigan as Program Director of WOOD-AM-FM and WTKG-AM. Most of you know Phil and you know what a great asset it is to have his leadership and programming skills back at Clear Channel."

Veteran WBAL-AM, Baltimore, morning host Ron Smith has died at the age of 70, after losing his battle with pancreatic cancer. In October Smith announced on the air that he had stage four pancreatic cancer. He said at the time he planned to remain on the air while he battled the cancer, but last month he said the treatment wasn't working and he would continue to do the show as often as he could. Not long after that he said he could no longer continue doing his radio show. Smith died Monday night (Dec. 19) under Hospice care with his wife by his side. The family plans to hold a private funeral with a public memorial service to be announced later.

The FCC appoints Henning Schulzrinne Chief Technology Officer. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski tells us, "I'm delighted that Henning will be joining us. The communications technology revolution is key to our economy and broad opportunity. With the appointment of Henning – a world-class technologist – we extend our commitment to technology excellence at the FCC and to strong engagement with outside technology experts." As CTO, Schulzrinne will guide the FCC's work on technology and engineering issues, together with the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology, and will advise on matters across the agency to ensure that FCC policies are driving technological innovation, including serving as a resource to FCC Commissioners. He will also help the FCC engage with technology experts outside the agency and promote technical excellence among agency staff. He will be based in the FCC's Office of Strategic Planning and Policy Analysis.

"ESPN 980" WTEM-AM, Washington DC, afternoon host Coach John Thompson says he will end his 2-4pm show at the end of February, to explore other opportunities. Thompson began the show in March 1999. Red Zebra Washington Director of Programming and the Executive Producer of the Thompson show Chuck Sapienza says, "While a sad day for the station, we fully support Coach Thompson's decision to move onto other projects. As Coach and I discussed at the time of his decision, this is not a retirement. His fans will still hear Coach Thompson on ESPN 980 from time to time as this will forever be his radio home." Red Zebra CEO Rick Carmean adds, "We are planning to have a special day to celebrate what has become a radio institution. It has truly been a honor to work along side a living legend and his final program will be a spectacular day in the history of Washington radio."

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