Jimmy Kimmel Opens Just Shy Of Leno; Tops Letterman

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 –– While it's way too early to draw any conclusions, you have to be impressed with the one-time radio jock and former producer for KROQ's Kevin & Bean/ turned late-nite TV darling, Jimmy Kimmel. After taking over a late, late night slot on ABC, TV brass were confident enough to move his show up 30 minutes earlier to face off with his childhood idol, David Letterman, and apparent nemesis, Jay Leno. This week the move was put to the test and although coming in second with 3.1 million viewers, he was topped by Leno with a mere 200,000 viewers, the same margin he exceeded the Letterman show. Of course, Leno and Letterman aren't his only competitors. He competes all or partly with Stephen Colbert, Chelsea Handler and Conan O’Brien. As the ad at right suggest, ABC executives are banking on Kimmel's age, hip-factor and social media savvy. At 45, he's 20 years younger than 65-yr old Leno and Letterman, who's 62. This should be fun to watch (the show, too).

Cumulus' Kicks Off The New Year With Cavalcade Of Hires

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 –– Lots of changes announced yesterday at Cumulus Media. Among many they included PD
Ken Johnson rejoining Cumulus from Clear Channel/Philadelphia. He will be Operations Manager/Music Stations for Cumulus/Birmingham and will oversee Urban WUHT and CHR WZZR. Greg Dunkin, formerly of Fresh/Washington, DC, joins Cumulus Topeka as Operations Manager and PD of AC KMAJ and Classic Hits KWIC. PD’s Sue Kelley (shown right) and Dain Craig add Co-Operations Manager to their titles at Cumulus/Salt Lake City. They will share responsibilities for the clusters stations.
Dan Persigehl becomes PD of Classic Hits KCMO-FM and Adult Hits KCJK/Kansas City. Danny Lyons is promoted from PD to become Operations Manager at AC WEBE and N/T. WICC/Bridgeport. Mike Bellamy has been promoted at WICC/Bridgeport from News Director to Program Director of the News/Talk station. Jolana Leigh Smith joins WFAS AM/FM (News/Talk and AC respectively) in West Chester, NY as PD, coming from the APD position at Cox Radio in New Haven, CT. Tom Meredith joins Classic Hits WJEZ/Bloomington, Illinois as PD.
Hillary Gordon leaves the Cumulus properties KRUZ and KRRF in Ventura for the PD post at Cumulus’ Rock KBXR/Columbia, MO. SVP/Programming Corporate, Mike McVay tells Jockline Daily, "We're excited to welcome these brilliant new minds into Cumulus, and to recognize those who've been promoted, as we start 2013."

Maladies Sideline Two Of Salt Lake City's Top Hosts

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 – A couple of Salt Lake City's most popular hosts are getting some extra holiday vacay, but not likely the kind they would prefer. According to The Salt Lake City Tribune, Gina Barberi (shown left), longtime member of X96’s "Radio From Hell," has been sidelined after a weekend ice-skating accident at Salt Lake City’s Gallivan Center that left her with a concussion. She called into co-hosts, Bill Allred and Kerry Jackson and said she hoped to be back on the air Wednesday, but is now hoping she'll be able to rejoin the show today. Meanwhile, over at Cumulus B98.7, Erin Collard (shown r), co-host and wife of Todd (also shown) has been suffering laryngitis since mid-December. Todd Collard posted on Facebook that she can’t speak for the next 10 days or risk damaging her voice permanently. Jockline Daily wishes both of them, who also are regular attendees of Morning Show Boot Camp, a speedy recovery.

The Blaze Radio Network Adds Doc Thompson To Line-Up

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 –– TheBlaze, Glenn Beck’s news, information and entertainment network announced the expansion of TheBlaze Radio Network to thirteen hours of live programming with the additions of Doc Thompson’s (shown) new show during morning drive. The Morning Blaze with Doc Thompson, which will debut on January 21st. Thompson brings years of radio experience to the network including hosting shows in major markets like Detroit and serving as a regular guest host of the Glenn Beck Radio Program since 2008. Thompson said:  "I'm incredibly honored to be part of TheBlaze ... I'm ready to host a national radio show but trust me, the elected elitists in DC are not ready for me!" Meanwhile, Chris Peterson joins TheBlaze Radio Network as Assistant Program Director after over five years at Premiere Radio Networks, most recently as Director of Affiliate Relations. As Assistant Program Director, Peterson will work with Dom Theodore on traditional and digital marketing and management of TheBlaze Radio Network.

MOVES: Fox Exits KKGO-FM/LA; Jimmy Steele Parts Ways With CCME San Diego, KUPL Rebrands; Scott Simon And Jolynn Winter Exit

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 –– According to The OC Register, Go Country KKGO/105.1 FM LA have parted ways with Ryan Fox and are now on the hunt for a new midday host. –––– Jimmy Steele exits after seven years. He also served as PD of and Star 94.1 and 95.7 Kiss FM ––––––– KUPL/Portland, OR re-launches as "98.7 The Bull, morning hosts Scott Simon and Jolynn Winter exit, as does midday host Lola.

Dial Global Sports Present Exclusive Audio Coverage Of Weekend Playoffs

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 –– Dial Global Sports is set to provide exclusive audio play-by-play coverage of all four National Football League Divisional playoff games this weekend. Divisional Playoff Weekend kicks off Saturday, January 12, when the Baltimore Ravens take on the Denver Broncos. Kevin Kugler has the play-by-play, along with analyst Mark Malone and sideline reporter Scott Kaplan. Doubleheader action continues when the Green Bay Packers meet the San Francisco 49ers.  Kevin Harlan serves as play-by-play announcer, along with Hall of Famer Dan Fouts as analyst and Hub Arkush as sideline reporter. On Sunday, January 13, they'll continue with two more matchups. First, the Seattle Seahawks go head-to-head with the Atlanta Falcons.  Dave Sims has the play-by-play, with Hall of Famer James Lofton as analyst and sideline reporter Tony Boselli. Following the conclusion of that game, the Houston Texans face the New England Patriots. Ian Eagle has the play-by-play, along with analyst Trent Green and sideline reporter Lewis Johnson. Scott Graham hosts the pregame, halftime and postgame shows for all four wild card broadcasts.

Momentum & Station Partners Grow At Benztown

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 –– Our friends at Benztown announced that four U.S. major market stations have signed on as Benztown station partners. They include KBFF-FM, Portland, OR (Alpha Broadcasting); WBUZ-FM, Nashville, TN (The Cromwell Group); XHRM-FM, San Diego, CA (Local Media San Diego); WMXJ-FM, Miami, FL (Lincoln Financial Media). Sam Zniber (Program Director, WMXJ-FM/Miami) said, “Benztown is instrumental in the transformation of Magic 102.7 in Miami. The entire Magic team is enjoying Benztown's passion for great radio.” The additions build on the momentum that Benztown has driven since the company came on the U.S. radio scene in 2009, led by L.A. programming veteran, Dave “Chachi” Denes, Benztown President. Established in 2004 in Stuttgart, Germany, by CEO Andreas Sannemann and Oliver Klenk, two of Europe’s hottest programming and production talents, Benztown now has over 1,200 affiliations on six different continents.

TOP NEWS FROM THE UK:

By Graham Mack

Elvis Ex Smashing Mouths With UK Host 27 Yrs Her Junior

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 –– Toby Anstis (shown right) is in the news after being photographed kissing Elvis Presley’s ex-wife Priscilla on what was apparently their 3rd date. Various newspapers, including the Mirror and Daily Mail are reporting 67 year old Priscilla and 40 year old Toby were “tenderly embracing after a romantic dinner at San Lorenzo restaurant in Wimbledon”.

Seacrest Off The Air In The UK - Just 18 months after Ryan Seacrest took over late nights on the Real Radio network, his show is off-air. The syndicated show, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest, started in July 2011 across all five Real Radio stations and was extended in 2012 to a three hour slot each weeknight. The 10pm till 1am slot has now been filled by extending the evening show by two hours and bringing forward the start time for the overnight shift.

Foxy offers Rides for listeners In His Own Private Helicopter - Magic 105.4 breakfast presenter Neil Fox is offering a ride in his own private helicopter as a prize in a new sponsorship deal with Nescafe instant coffee. As well as the sponsorship tags, each morning on Magic 105.4 an additional Nescafé Original tag will play out before Foxy’s Jukebox. Through live reads, Foxy will encourage listeners to go online and enter the Nescafé Original competition to win a weekly family prize by sharing the song that kick starts their day.
From March, the family prize will that trip in Foxy’s very own helicopter across London.

Bath radio stations off-air after Fire
Up to eight FM radio station transmitters have been off-air following a fire and power cut at a site in Bath. BBC Radio Bristol (104.6FM), The Breeze (107.9FM), Heart West County (103FM), Classic FM (100.2FM) and the local relays for the four national BBC FM networks all had their output cut just before 6am. The local DAB digital radio multiplexes, BBC national multiplex and Digital One were also affected (They transmit our version of HD Radio).

Great to see so many of you at TSBC in New Orleans. As I mentioned on the panel, I’m looking for my next gig. If you hear of anyone looking for a multi-award-winning international broadcaster, please call me on +44 7752 416905.
Email: graham@mackmedia.co.uk
Twitter: @GrahamMack

Happy Birthday Charlie!

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 10TH, 2013 –– Veteran Dial Global radio personality Charles Osgood, host of the popular “Osgood File” broadcasts, celebrated his 80th birthday this week. Posing in his newly-revamped studio, Charlie holds a plaque presented by Dial Global executives and featuring a rhyme by his late father, “Early to bed, early to rise. Work like a dog and advertise.” 

Katy Rocks At Peoples Choice Awards - [CBS NEWS]

Beyonce Parades In Her Undies On UK GQ Cover - [DAILY MAIL]

Paula Abdul Covers Runway - [PR NEWSWIRE]

Lance Armstrong Comes Clean On Doping Scandal With Oprah - [THE WRAP]

Full List of Razzie Nominees Unveiled - [OTRC]

COOL: Mark Wahlberg Does Weather & Traffic For Good Day Philly - [NY POST]

Charlie Sheen Wants 'Men' Team For 'Anger Management' - [ABC NEWS RADIO]

Fox Boss Wants Britney Back For X-Factor 3 - [GOSSIP COP]

First Peek At Celebrity Apprentice All-Stars - [REALITY TV]

First Look at 'Hunger Games' Catching Fire - [EW]

LIP SYNC ALERT: Chris Brown Wants To Duet With Rihanna At Grammys - [THE SUN]

Genie Francis Returns To 'General Hospital' - [EW]

Media Still Buzzing Over Alex Jones Rant; Beck & Conan Weigh In [VIDEO]

BECK: "Unsurprisingly, Jones made a fool of himself"

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 9TH, 2013 - The media is still buzzing over talk show/ conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' rant as a guest on this week's Piers Morgan Show. A simple google will quickly show you just how widespread this story was covered. And while many ponder who really came out on top of this debate, not everyone, including some talk radio hosts, were thrilled with the attention. On yesterday's radio show, Glenn Beck asked: "Want to know who the media wants to make the face of the pro-gun argument in America? Look no further than conspiratorial radio host Alex Jones, best known for his 9/11 Truther theories and his love of Charlie Sheen’s hernia. Jones is the man behind the petition to deport CNN host Piers Morgan for his views on gun control, and Morgan invited Jones onto his show to debate the gun issue yesterday. Unsurprisingly, Jones made a fool of himself, giving the left the poster boy for their attempts to paint every logical conservative as an extremist nut job." Beck replayed some of the audio of the confrontation and while he laughed in amazement, he was also concerned that the left and the media would try and push Jones as the face of the pro-gun movement. WATCH BECK VIDEO HERE - Meanwhile, TV's Conan O'Brien had a different take and used the story for some fun satire. WATCH CONAN VIDEO HERE

Sprint Brings FM Chips To Its Smartphones; With An Assist From Emmis' Jeff Smulyan,

SMULYAN: “Today is a remarkable day for our industry."

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 9TH, 2013 –– Sprint announced on Tuesday a preliminary arrangement with representatives of the American radio industry that will enable Sprint customers to listen to local FM radio stations from a broad spectrum of radio companies and aggregators on select Android and Windows smartphones during the next three years. FM radio could be delivered through the NextRadio tuner application or other radio apps or services. This announcement marks the first time a U.S. wireless carrier would offer the ability to access local FM radio on a broad array of its devices. Consumers today can listen to radio on smartphones by streaming over the Internet. As part of this plan, Sprint customers could use their smartphones and the NextRadio tuner to listen to local FM radio stations. Jeff Smulyan, CEO of Emmis Communications, who acted as principal negotiator for the radio industry, added, “Today is a remarkable day for our industry. I am gratified by the unity I have seen in our industry. It seems every broadcaster I know has supported this effort, and I am grateful to the tireless efforts of industry leaders, from the largest companies to the owners of the smallest stations … all of whom have helped us reach this agreement. While there is much work to be done, today is a critical first step.”

Bruce Gilbert Joins CCME In Newly Created SVP Sports Operations

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 9TH, 2013 –– Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced that sports programming executive Bruce Gilbert will join the company in the newly-created role of Senior Vice President of Sports Operations.  Gilbert, who comes to CCM+E from CBS Radio, will report to Carl Anderson, Executive Vice President of News, Talk and Sports Programming for Premiere Networks. In his new position, Gilbert will be responsible for the creation, development and direction of sports programming at CCM+E, including Premiere Networks and the FOX Sports Radio Network. Gilbert has more than 30 years of experience in radio programming and operations. In his most recent role as VP/News, Talk and Sports Programming for CBS Radio Dallas, he was charged with overseeing 105.3 The Fan, NewsRadio 1080 KRLD and the Texas State Network.  Prior to CBS, he headed up Washington, D.C.-based Red Zebra Broadcasting as CEO, where he grew the company from three to 13 stations. Gilbert, In addition to being recognized by Radio Ink in the magazine’s annual list of top programmers, he received the coveted “Andrew Ashwood Award” in 2010 at the annual Talk Show Boot Camp, which honors the broadcaster who has made the most positive impact in the radio business. 

Andrea Tantaros Becomes Only Female Host To Star In Both National TV & Radio Show

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 9TH, 2013 –– Talk Radio Network Entertainment’s and Fox News Channel’s Andrea Tantaros is the only female broadcaster to star in both a top-rated weekday TV show and a daily nationally syndicated radio show. Tantaros is a nationally recognized political commentator and syndicated columnist best known for her role as a co-host of Fox News Channel's hottest hit show, “The Five”. Last week, “The Five” ranked 2nd in audience share (January 2nd) on the Number 1 ranked cable channel, Fox News Channel. “I'm very excited about the success of ‘The Five.’ It's a fresh way for viewers to get the news of the day, unscripted, from a group of people, who, despite some on air heated debates, act more like a family than a group of foes. Most of all, it's fun. I'm thrilled that cable news watchers agree,” says Tantaros. The Andrea Tantaros Radio Show airs Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to Noon EST (6 a.m. to 9 a.m. PST) time slot. Tantaros is joined by Jason Mattera, a two-time New York Times bestselling author, the youngest editor of a national periodical, Human Events, and the host of “The Jason Mattera Show” on weekends at WABC in New York.

USRN Acquires Radio Shows From Garabedian

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 9TH, 2013 –– United Stations Radio Networks, Inc. announced that it has formally closed a deal to acquire the programming assets of national program supplier Radiocraft effective immediately. USRN will now oversee the production, distribution and affiliate relations efforts for Radiocraft’s entire lineup of programming. USRN had been acting as Radiocraft’s marketing partners to the advertising community since March of 2011. Since 1988 the Boston-based Radiocraft has created and produced some of the most popular programs in network radio including John Garabedian’s long-running, signature program, Open House Party. In making the announcement, USRN’s Jim Higgins commented, “At United Stations, we’re all about talent and branding, and John Garabedian has created a fantastic legacy on both of those fronts ... We’re thrilled that Radiocraft’s holdings are now officially and completely part of the USRN family.”

CBS Sports Radio To Provide 75 Hours Of Superbowl Coverage From New Orleans

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 9TH, 2013 –– CBS Sports Radio is going on the road with a wide range of programming originating from New Orleans in anticipation of the CBS Television Network’s exclusive broadcast of Super Bowl XLVII on Sunday, February 3. Beginning on Monday, Jan. 28 (6:00AM, ET) with the morning show featuring Tiki Barber, Brandon Tierney and Dana Jacobson (shown), CBS Sports Radio will present a daily all-access look at the world’s biggest sporting event with expert analysis and commentary. Broadcasts will continue with John Feinstein (9:00AM-12:00Noon, ET), Jim Rome (12:00Noon-3:00PM, ET) and Doug Gottlieb (3:00-6:00PM) live from Radio Row at the Super Bowl XLVII media center. All CBS Sports Radio programs will originate from CBS’s dedicated broadcast position alongside select CBS Sports Network shows, a number of CBS RADIO’s all-sports radio stations including WFAN-AM/FM (New York), WSCR-AM (Chicago), KRLD-FM (Dallas), WBZ-FM (Boston), and WIP-FM (Philadelphia), among other Top 25 outlets. Additionally, a variety of shows will broadcast from New Orleans live on Saturday, Feb. 2 and Sunday, Feb. 3, including programs hosted by CBS Sports Radio hosts Tierney and John Kincade.

LDR Promote Executives And Adds Engineers To Support Team; SparkNet Joins Forces With P1 Research

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 9TH, 2013 –– LDR has promoted two senior executives and added three new engineers to its support team. Victor Caballero, director of programming, has been promoted to vice president of Operations; and Joe Tranchita, who joined the company as a developer and designer, is now lead support engineer. Mr. Caballero and Mr. Tranchita have each been with LDR for two years. The company also announced three new support engineers – James Henline, Jason Robinaugh and Janet Schodowski – have been added to the LDR support team. The new hires collectively bring 40 years of experience in technology and media and join a team of 17 support engineers who are devoted to developing platforms for broadcasters that cultivate ratings, revenue, and web traffic. Prior to joining LDR, Mr. Caballero developed music programming in the CHR, Rhythmic, Urban and Spanish formats in San Antonio, Dallas, San Diego and Los Angeles. A pioneer in bi-lingual programming in the U.S., Mr. Caballero’s experience includes programming and on-air work at KXTN-FM/San Antonio, KRBV-FM/Dallas, KXOL-FM/Los Angeles, and a number of internationally syndicated shows with the Radio Express Network. ––––––––––SparkNet and P1 Research have combined forces to create SparkNet Research & Consulting. “SparkNet is a leader in consulting and has created two of the most innovative and successful radio brands of the past decade with JACK-FM and NOW! Radio," says Ken Benson, President of SparkNet Research & Consulting, "P1 Research has established itself as a worldwide leader in strategy and research, delivering break-through research tools to radio, like ACE and P1 Online. Uniting our two companies assembles an unparalleled group of professionals that will deliver to our clients ratings, revenues and measurable growth.”

J.R. Ewing To Be Killed Off In Special 'Dallas' Episode? [IRISH EXAMINER]

Kristen Stewart Gets Stylish In V - [RED CARPET]

GOOD LUCK: 50's Shades Screenwriter Plans On NC-17 Rating - [THR]

Man Poisoned With Cyanide After Winning $1 Million Dollars - [FITPEREZ]

Miranda Lambert Disses Chris Brown Again Over Rihanna Assault - [GOSSIP COP]

CHARLIE SHEEN: LA Mayor And I Partied For Nearly 2 Hours - [HOLLYSCOOP]

David Bowie To Release New Single & Album For 66th Birthday - [NEWS SKY]

Brad Pitt Interested In Pontius Pilate Film Role - [DEADLINE]

Second Report: Amy Winehouse Died From Alcohol - [NY POST]

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson Returning To The Ring - [ONTD]

70-Year Old Pays Family $20K To Marry 15-Yr Old Girl In Saudi Arabia - [CNN]

Adult Video Pops Up In Background During Newscast - Station Didn't Catch For 10 Minutes (NSFW) - [THE SUN]