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Grand Rapids Radio Host Identified As Driver Killed In Thursday Car Crash
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 22ND, 2107 –– Kentwood police identified the driver who was killed in a crash in Kentwood, MI on Thursday John David Wiechenthal (inset), 39, of Kentwood. According to WOOD-TV, Wiechenthal was a radio host at B-93 and worked there for more than 19 years. He was also an employee at Ionia County Central Dispatch. The station tweeted, "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of B-93s John 'The Canuck' Wiechenthal. John died in a tragic car accident yesterday in Kentwood. He was on the B-93 team 19 years and will be greatly missed. John was 39 and leaves behind a loving wife and three kids.
Officers say a pickup truck rear-ended a car, but it’s unclear which vehicle belonged to Wiechenthal. The impact of the crash sent both vehicles off the road, hitting multiple utility poles. According to police, both drivers were taken to the hospital, where Wiechenthal died. The other driver’s injuries are not life-threatening.
Longtime WNYC-FM Hosts Lopate & Schwartz Let Go Following Investigation
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 22ND, 2017 –– Two weeks after their abrupt suspensions, longtime WNYC hosts Leonard Lopate and Jonathan Schwartz have been fired reports WNYC. In a statement, spokesperson Jennifer Houlihan Roussel wrote “New York Public Radio has terminated the employment of Leonard Lopate and Jonathan Schwartz following two separate investigations overseen by outside counsel. These investigations found that each individual had violated our standards for providing an inclusive, appropriate, and respectful work environment.”
This investigation by reporters at WNYC News has not determined the specific reasons for the termination of Lopate and Schwartz. However, it has learned of multiple complaints against both hosts over the course of more than a dozen years. In several cases, they involved allegations of inappropriate comments and bullying. Some of these incidents were brought back to the attention of management after news of the behavior by the former host of The Takeaway, John Hockenberry (L), became public (see JL 12/4/17).
The organization has been in crisis since Dec. 1, when New York magazine's The Cut published an article detailing how Hockenberry made sexual advances toward some colleagues and undermined and insulted others, including several women of color who had co-hosted the show. WNYC News followed that story with its own report.
For now, The Leonard Lopate Show will be called WNYC at Midday and feature a variety of hosts interviewing newsmakers, writers and artists. The format of the program will remain similar. WQXR’s Paul Cavolconte will guest-host The Saturday Show and The Sunday Show in place of Jonathan Schwartz. WNCY STUDIO PHOTO/NPR - Eileen Koteras Elibol READ ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE
NETWORKS: Dennis Miller Returns To Radio With New Weekday Feature On WWO
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 22ND, 20127 –– Emmy Award-winning comic, writer, author, and talker Dennis Miller will be rejoining Westwood One to host a new weekday feature for stations nationwide. Dennis will share his idiosyncratic take on topical issues, the culture, and what Americans are talking about in two distinct 60-second programs, Monday through Friday.
This will mark Dennis Miller’s return to radio. He previously hosted a highly successful weekday talk show on the network for eight years which was heard on hundreds of stations across the country. Miller rose to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live and hosted popular talk shows on HBO, CNBC, and in syndication. He is well known for his iconic rants and pop culture references, delivered in a unique verbal style. The Dennis Miller feature will launch on January 22, 2018. For more information about the Dennis Miller contact Stuart Greenblatt at sgreenblatt@westwoodone.com or (212) 419-2946.
PROGRAMMING: Jim Lawson Named PD For KOSI/Denver; KQHN/Shreveport Names Gary Nolan PD & Midday Host
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 22ND, 2017 –– Bonneville AC KOSI-FM Denver has appointed Jim Lawson Program Director. He arrives from iHeart we he most recently served as Senior VP/Programming for the Denver Denver region. Previous stints also included KFMD-FM, KALC-FM and KIMN-FM Denver and various roles at WGN and WBBM-FM/Chicago. "I have known Jim for years and had to compete against him many times," said Bonneville Denver VP/Market Manager Bob Call. "I decided that's enough competing and brought Jim to KOSI 101.1 to lead our legendary AC brand. Jim brings enormous knowledge and experience leading top-rated radio stations, along with the unique perspective of having now worked at all of the markets' AC radio stations."
-- Cumulus Media has appointed veteran radio programming professional Gary Nolan as Program Director and Midday On-Air Host for KQHN-FM/Q97.3, Shreveport’s all-new Hot AC station. Nolan joins Cumulus Media-Shreveport/Bossier City from WMAG-FM in Greensboro, NC. He brings to Cumulus 30 years experience as a Program Director and on-air talent in markets including New York City, Minneapolis, Seattle and Denver. He also previously programmed for Cumulus in Kansas City. Nolan’s appointment is effective January 2, 2018. His Midday show on Q97.3 will air weekdays from 10am-3pm, beginning January 2nd. Nolan said: “I’m thrilled to be back with Cumulus. Great way to start a New Year! Thanks to Cody Welling, Chip Arledge, and Rob Roberts for this exciting opportunity. Also special thanks to Mike McVay.”
Jack Shell Returns To Midwest For Afternoons On Indy’s 95.5 WFMS-FM
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 22ND, 2017 –– Cumulus Media has appointed Jack Shell as Afternoon Drive On-Air Personality for 95.5 WFMS-FM in Indianapolis. Shell hits the WFMS-FM airwaves on Tuesday, December 26, 2017, from 2pm-7pm. He joins Cumulus Media-Indianapolis from Country station WYCD-FM in Detroit, where he was Midday On-Air Personality.
Shell said: “I am beyond grateful to Stephen Giuttari, Doug Hamand, Mike McVay, and most of all my very PATIENT agent, Jim Robinson, for working together to allow this Illini the chance to return home to my beloved Midwest and wave the checkered flag each afternoon for Hoosiers on the great 95.5 WFMS. I have loved Indianapolis all my life, and I look forward to planting roots here, playing here and most of all winning here. Let’s DO this!"
Longtime WSB Atlanta Radio Reporter Jon Lewis Passes Away At 56
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 22ND, 2017 ––Jon Lewis, a 56-year-old reporter for News 95.5 and AM 750 WSB for the past 20 years, passed away on Thursday reports The AJC. This resulted from complications following a brain hemorrhage this summer.
WSB’s Donna Hall, market manager for Cox Media Group’s Atlanta radio division, wrote a note to staff, in part: “I wanted to pass along some very sad news about our Jon Lewis. Most of you may be aware that he had a brain hemorrhage this past August and has been battling his way back but unfortunately, Jon passed away early this morning. We will certainly keep you posted on whether there will be services and I know you will keep Jon’s wife Abbie and their twin sons in your thoughts through this holiday season and beyond.”
[WATCH] Johnjay & Rich Grant Woman Her Ultimate Christmas Wish
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 22ND, 2017 –– The Johnjay and Rich Show marked the 16th anniversary of their Christmas Wish program this year by helping families in need across the U.S. celebrate the holiday season. Seven of the families, who were nominated by friends and family, were featured on-air this week, with wide-ranging prizes, including washers and dryers, beds and mattresses, flat screen televisions, a water heater and a family trip to Disneyland.
The annual Christmas Wish program, funded by the Johnjay and Rich #LoveUp Foundation, concluded today with the biggest gift so far. CeCe, a 19-year-old mother of an 18-month-old daughter, recently took custody of her two nieces (ages 3 and 4) to avoid having them placed in foster care. CeCe has been struggling to make ends meet and was forced to borrow her grandfather’s car since she doesn’t own one. The Johnjay and Rich Show elves surprised her with a 2017 Ford Fusion with three brand-new car seats for the children. Check out the video HERE
HO HO HO And Off We Go
Beginning today, our newsroom will remain 'slightly' open to post special News Alerts or updates, but we won't return with our regularly scheduled Jockline Daily until January 2nd, 2018.
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Cheers!
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Beasley Completes Station Swap With Entercom Boston For 98.5 WBZ-FM
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017– – Beasley has completed the previously announced asset exchange with Entercom for WBZ-FM plus $12 
million cash with WMJX-FM. Caroline Beasley, Chief Executive Officer of Beasley Broadcast Group, commented, “The addition of WBZ-FM to our broadcast portfolio highlights Beasley’s focus on premium local programming and content and is complementary to our five other radio stations and digital operations in the Boston market -- This transaction further diversifies our Boston market content offerings with marquee sports programming and live game broadcasts of several of the most prominent and competitive professional sports teams in the country."
Miss Beasley added, "We look forward to leveraging our knowledge of the Boston market for the benefit of WBZ-FM listeners while creating an even stronger marketing platform for local area advertisers and businesses.”
Sinclair Hit With Massive FCC Fine Over Failure To Disclose Paid Programming Ads
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 22ND, 2017 –– The Federal Communications Commission has proposed to fine the Sinclair Broadcast Group $13.4 million for airing sponsored programming without disclosing its funders — the largest such fine the agency has ever issued reports The Hill. The proposed fine comes more than a year after an anonymous tipster told the FCC that Sinclair-owned stations had been airing segments about the Huntsman Cancer Institute without disclosing that the group had been paying for the programming. The FCC found that the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, which funds the cancer center, had paid Sinclair to produce and distribute segments promoting the research center's work that was "made to look like independently generated news coverage." In a statement, Sinclair said the fine was unreasonable and that it plans to contest it. "Sinclair proudly supports the Cancer Foundation and its educational mission," the statement said. "Any absence of sponsorship identification in these public service segments was unintended and a result of simple human error." Read full response HERE
The fine comes as Sinclair is awaiting FCC approval of its $3.9 billion takeover of Tribune Media, a deal that would give the resulting company access to about 70 percent of the nation's television audience. Republican FCC Chairman Ajit Pai of helping push the merger through, BUT two Democratic FCC commissioners, who suggested Sinclair be fined more than $82 million, on Thursday voted against the proposal, saying it doesn't go far enough."
Longtime ESPN Radio Host Ryen Russillo Leaving Show; Charles Osgood Stepping Down From Radio Show Over Health Issues
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017 –– ESPN SVP Traug Keller said yesterday in a statement via Twitter that longtime ESPN radio host Ryen Russillo will air his last show on Friday, 12/22. Keller says Russillo will host a 
weekly podcast through next summer. "While we extended an attractive offer for Ryen to continue with ESPN, he has decided to pursue other opportunities when his contract expires next year. I respect his decision and we wish him continued success."
"This was a really tough decision," Russillo said in a statement released by ESPN on Wednesday. "ESPN Radio means a lot to me. Even though I won't be sitting in a studio every day like I have for the last eight plus years, I'm looking forward to working on a podcast and still providing content for the company."
-- Following his recent renewal with Westwood One, Charles Osgood told his radio affiliates that due to doctor's orders, he'll be retiring from radio. He wrote, "Thanks to you, my valued affiliates, clients, and friends, I recently reached nearly fifty years of The Osgood File by announcing a renewal with Westwood One. Although I was very much looking forward to continuing to see you on the radio, unfortunately my health and doctors will now not allow it. So I will retire from The Osgood File and radio at the end of the year with great appreciation for all the success we've had together."
https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id=1709152487&key=31EFED2
KQRS Minny's Tom Barnard Show To Air On News/Talk KDAL Duluth
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017 –– National Radio Hall of Fame Inductee and legendary morning host on KQRS-FM Minneapolis, Tom Barnard, will soon be heard later in the day on a Duluth radio station. KDAL, which broadcasts on AM 610 and FM 103.9, will begin carrying "The Tom Barnard Show" on Jan. 2 reports wdio.com. It will air weekdays from 5 to 8 p.m., displacing some of the hours currently occupied by Twin Cities-based host Patrick Reusse.
Barnard said in a release, "I cannot wait to be on the air in one of my favorite places in the great State of Minnesota!" The show that will be heard in Duluth is separate from Barnard's longtime morning show on Twin Cities station KQRS. "The Tom Barnard Show," which includes includes commentary on Minnesota issues and celebrity guest appearances, began as a podcast and is also heard on a Brainerd radio station. News/Talk KDAL is owned by Wisconsin-based Midwest Communications.
PROGRAMMING: Pedro Javier Gonzalez Named SVPP For iHeartLatino
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017 –– iHeartMedia has named Pedro Javier Gonzalez as its Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartLatino. Gonzalez will report to Enrique Santos, Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of iHeartLatino and Brad Hardin, Executive Vice President and General Manager for iHeartMedia’s National Programming Group. He will be based out of Miami. In September 2016, iHeartMedia joined forces with Santos to develop iHeartLatino
Gonzalez previously served as Vice President of Content for Univision Radio, where he was responsible for branding and content strategies across radio and all digital platforms. During his 13-year tenure at Univision, he also managed talent development for all radio brands and worked closely with Santos. His extensive background also includes serving as Vice President of Programming for Uno Radio Group in his native Puerto Rico, where he oversaw the top three stations in the market.
NBC Sports Philadelphia And Beasley Announce Partnership
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017 –– –NBC Sports Philadelphia and the Beasley Media Group announced a partnership which will bring The Fanatic’s popular afternoon show hosted by Mike Missanelli to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s air beginning in 2018. “We are absolutely thrilled to be able to have Mike Missanelli’s show on both 97.5 The Fanatic and NBC Sports Philadelphia,” said Joe Bell, vice president and market manager of Beasley Media Group Philadelphia. “We recently signed a multi-year extension deal with him. This exciting new partnership will be an added bonus for the dedicated Philadelphia fans who are passionate about their sports teams.”
The “Mike Missanelli Show” will air NBC Sports Philadelphia weekdays from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. “Philly Sports Talk” will air at its regularly scheduled time at 5 p.m. Mike Missanelli is a well-known media personality and host of the #1 evening drive show--“The Mike Missanelli Show”—on Philadelphia’s 97.5 The Fanatic. Missanelli has served for the past 20 years as a sports talk host in Philadelphia and New York.
SYNDICATION: The Billy Madison Show Takes Over Mornings On KFMA Tucson
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017 –– Rock102.1 KFMA, an Arizona Lotus Corp. alternative rock radio station in Tucson, Arizona, will debut the Billy Madison Show on Tuesday January 2, 2018, at 6:00am. Madison is joined on the show by Derek (L) and Nard (R), also known as Nathan, a former listener who’d gained access into the show by participating in a stunt, then never left.
Larry Mac, Operations Manager for Rock102.1 KFMA, comments, "Billy and the boys are a great addition to the Rock102.1 KFMA Team." Billy Madison adds, "The Billy Madison Show is extremely excited for the opportunity to be heard in Tucson on Rock102.1 KFMA. We want to thank management and staff for believing in us and giving us this opportunity. Let’s go, Tucson!”
CBS Sports Radio To Debut New Morning Show Taz & The Moose
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017 –– CBS Sports Radio (CSR) has announced the debut of its new morning show, Taz and the Moose, which launches nationwide on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 from 6:00 – 9:00 am ET. The show will be anchored by professional wrestling world heavyweight champion and popular podcast host Taz (Pete Senerchia - top left) and radio talent and TV host Marc “The Moose” Malusis (R). Taz and the Moose replaces Gio and Jones.
“We’re extremely excited for the debut of Taz and the Moose,” said Eric Spitz, Director of Programming for CSR “As the host of an extremely successful podcast, Taz has done an amazing job of transitioning from a successful career as a professional wrestler into sports broadcasting. Moose has hosted two popular weekend shows on CSR since our launch five years ago. I know he is ready for this opportunity." Stations interested in airing Taz and the Moose can contact Jon Wilson at (972) 406-6824 or jwilson@westwoodone.com.
MORE JOY: Magic 98.3 & WCTC-AM New Brunswick, NJ Bring 'Magic Of Christmas'
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017 –– MAGIC 98.3 and 1450 WCTC New Brunswick, NJ partnered with a local bank to present the 2nd Annual “MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS” Toy Drive! The event took place on Tuesday, December 19th at The Children’s Hospital at Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. The on-air staff from both stations, along with Santa and his Elves, delivered toys to help make the holidays brighter for the kids!
“It was amazing to see the smiles on everyone's faces and make a difference in the community during the holiday season,” said 1450 WCTC Program Director and Morning Show Host Bert Baron. PHOTO (L-R): Matthew Burrill (Santa’s Elf) Beasley's NJ Promotions Team Member Jodi Bustillo/Marketing Director – Magic 98.3 & 1450 WCTC Maryann Morgan/Morning Show Co-Host – Magic 98.3 WMGQ
SNAPS: Envision Host Steve Warren In Asia On A Chinese Pop Music Mission
THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 21ST, 2017 –– Steve Warren, host of Envision Networks® The Country Oldies Show, just returned from Taipei, Taiwan, where he travels to work with the Chinese pop internet radio station, Chinamerica Radio. Steve is the executive producer of the station which is dedicated to providing quality Chinese pop music in both Mandarin and Cantonese. Most of Steve’s country music fans probably don’t know that Steve has been a frequent visitor to Asia for the past 10 years. He’s dedicated to his work as an ambassador for global listenership with Chinamerica Radio being an outlet for Chinese Americans and the global Chinese communities. American Country music is also popular in Taiwan and several top country artists have performed at the famous Taipei Arena over the years.
While in Taiwan, Steve met with several music industry representatives. As Steve tells it, he even speaks a little “mauled Mandarin.” He’ll be visiting Taiwan as well as mainland China again in 2018. For information on The Country Oldies Show or other Envision Networks offerings, contact Dave Hintz at 216-831-3761 or daveh@envisionnetworks.com - PHOTO/ Steve atop Elephant Mountain, overlooking Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in Asia.
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2017:
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