Untitled Document

[WATCH] Burst Pipe Leaves Worcester Cluster Under Water

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015 –– Quite a day yesterday at Cumulus Worcester, MA cluster. Operations Manager Lance Ballance tells Jockline, 'At about 8:40 yesterday morning, Bruce Palmer (inset) was on air when he heard a thundering crash — a commotion loud enough to penetrate his soundproof studio. He told a local paper, "Someone looked outside the studio and saw ankle-deep water running down the hallway. We grabbed what we could and ran out of the building," Palmer said. Ballance said 'We didn't know what had happened until we heard water beginning to drip from the walls and ceiling. We looked out the studio door, and saw the water rushing down the stairwell. We first thought that our rook had collapsed due to the weight of the snow. We immediately began to evacuate the studios, as I ran upstairs to my office and our engineering area, as that seemed to be where the water was coming from...and saw even more water rushing in, as a 6 inch water main had broken in the stairwell. The first concern was for the rack room, but water was heading for the stairs, which spared that room. As water cascaded down the staircase inside, water began pouring from the ceiling into the WXLO studio, which effectively wiped it out. As I was retrieving some of our staff's personal effects (we got out THAT fast), I was met by the fire department, and let them in. We were ordered to cut all power until the electrical could be evaluated. After a time, we were able to continue to use the WWFX (The Pike), and WORC-FM (Nash Icon) studios. In addition to the damage to the WXLO studio, we also lost two production rooms. However, we were able to restore audio to all 3 stations before 1pm. We will have a makeshift studio for WXLO completed by Monday, as we get set to begin rebuilding. It turns out that the cause was that the water main had frozen completely solid, and finally gave way due to the pressure. WATCH VIDEO HERE

[WATCH] Anthony Cumia Calls Howard Stern 'Greatest On-Air Personality” In History; Doesn't Speak With Opie Much Now

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015 –– Well, we didn't see this one coming. Anthony Cumia, longtime co-host of the Opie And Anthony Show sat down for a chat with Will Cain of The Blaze's Will Cain Show. In speaking about hi current relationship with his former co-host of 20 years, Gregg “Opie” Hughes he said, “We don’t talk much now,” Cumia said. “I think we both needed kind of a break from each other. Twenty years is a long time to spend everyday with somebody.” He also said he once had a lot in common with Hughes because the biggest goal in both of their lives in the beginning of their relationship was to build a wildly successful radio show. But as they got older and achieved success, he said, they “grew into different lives which weren’t that similar.” “He got married, had some kids and stuff and was doing fantastically. And I decided not to do that,” Cumia added. “I like it to be a little off-balance and unpredictable.” But somehow, even through disputes, Cumia said their chemistry inexplicably returned as soon as the microphones went on. In a bit of a shocker, after years of on-air sparring with fellow New York host, Howard Stern, Cumia named Stern as the greatest “on-air personality” in history. “I think you’d be crazy to not say Howard,” Cumia said. “We have butted heads with Howard for 20 years. … You can’t deny that from the mid-80s at NBC, up until he went to Sirius with that giant fanfare that he wasn’t the biggest guy in radio.” WATCH VIDEO HERE

Gregg “Opie” Hughes Upgrades To $6.85 Million Condo At Trump Place

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015 –– In case you're wondering how Gregg ‘Opie’ Hughes has been doing since his well publicized split with Anthony Cumia, you can relax. It appears he's doing just fine. According to the realdeawl.com, he has opted to remain in Donald Trump’s 200 Riverside Boulevard and trade up for a nicer condo, The Real Deal has learned. Hughes purchased the five-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom apartment on the tower’s 43rd floor for $6.85 million, and will live there with his wife and two children. The 4,285-square-foot unit features sweeping views of the Hudson River from the living room, kitchen and dining areas, according to the listing. Douglas Elliman’s Gilad Azaria represented the seller in the transaction. It is unclear who represented Hughes. SiriusXM fired the “Anthony” half of the famous duo last summer following a series of racially-charged tweets about an alleged incident in which he was punched in Times Square. The firing forced the end of “Opie and Anthony,” which had been a radio mainstay since 1995. Hughes resumed the show with comedian Jim Norton as his new partner

NETWORKS: Compass Media 'Gets Cookin' With Paula Deen

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015 –– Paula Deen Ventures announced today an agreement with Compass Media Networks to launch daily radio vignettes called “Get Cooking with Paula Deen” and weekly long-form podcast called “What’s Cooking with Paula Deen.” Both shows will debut on May 1, 2015. Paula Deen comments - “I am so thrilled to partner with Compass Media Networks on my new radio shows. Get Cooking with Paula Deen will be a one minute daily tip to help you in both the kitchen and life. What’s Cooking with Paula Deen will be a live thirty minute weekly show with myself and my Creative Director Brandon Branch. And one thing is for sure the two of us together can cook up a mess of fun! Can't wait to be back in your homes daily and weekly!” “Get Cooking with Paula Deen” will be offered to country music and news-talk radio stations. These daily vignettes will offer recipes, cooking tips, and good-living-tips. “What’s Cooking with Paula Deen” will air weekly on-demand via PaulaDeen.com, iTunes, and other leading digital platforms.

The Bobby Bones Show To Bring 'Ask Anything' To Fans Nationwide

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015 –– Premiere Networks and The Bobby Bones Show announced a partnership with Ask Anything, the first chat platform created to maximize an artist's social media fanbase, that will bring exclusive interviews to Country music fans across the country. In addition, www.BobbyBones.com will now host these exclusive, candid conversations featuring fan-submitted questions. Bobby Bones will host the inaugural video chat with UMG Nashville artist Dierks Bentley on Tuesday, March 3 at 9 a.m. EST. Following the release of Dierks Bentley’s seventh studio album “Riser” on February 28, Country music fans can tune in to the video chat on www.BobbyBones.com to see if their questions get answered. UMG Nashville “Sounds of Summer” tour opening acts Kip Moore and Canaan Smith are also scheduled to participate in the video chat on March 3. “We love any opportunity to get our listeners closer to the artists, and Ask Anything is another great opportunity,” shared Bobby Bones. “Thanks to Bobby Bones, Premiere Networks, Jennifer Leimgruber, Justin Cole, and Michael Bryan for allowing Ask Anything to be a part of their growing Nashville family, and for supporting a platform that gives fans the unique opportunity to connect with their favorite artists,” stated Dave Reynolds, founder of Ask Anything.

MOTION: Tyler Frye Takes Nights At KRBE/Houston; Todd Michaels On The Rise At The Coyote/Las Vegas; Dave Akerly Takes Over Mornings At WILS-AM/Lansing; Ginny Harmon Exits KKGO/LA

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015 Cumulus announced that Tyler Frye has been named host of the night show at 104.1 KRBE. Frye comes to Houston from Raleigh, North Carolina, where he spent three years hosting nights WDCG/G105. Tyler began his radio career at WFLZ in Tampa, eventually serving as full-time swing talent and also hosted nights on Hot 107.1 in Denver. "Frye said: “I am extremely honored and excited to join the fantastic team at KRBE. The history behind those call letters means something really special and I look forward to being part of this team. I would like to thank Leslie Whittle, Alex Cadelago and Jan Jeffries for this amazing opportunity. I’d also like to thank Zac Davis for his guidance and mentoring these past years. Lastly, J.J. Watt for MVP. Go Texans!” ########### Beasley Media Group Las Vegas and The Coyote 102.7 KCYE-FM Vegas’ New Country 102.7 KCYE-FM announce the promotion of night host Todd Michaels (above left) to afternoon drive. Todd Michaels joined the station last December after ten years of hosting, producing and writing syndicated shows for Westwood One, Radio Express, Premiere Networks and TeshMedia. He fills the vacancy recently left by Cadillac Jack, who relocated at the end of the year to Beasley Media Group’s WQYK/Tampa-St. Petersburg. ########### Dave Akerly will take over the weekday morning on Lansing talker WILS-AM. Akerly, is best known as a news anchor at WLNS-TV, also has served as director of communications in the state Department of Human Services. ########### laradio.com reported yesterday that Ginny Harman (L) was let go from KKGO Go Country. Since 2008, Ginny has worked virtually every shift on the Country station. Most recently she had been teamed with Larry Morgan in afternoon drive. Reach her at: ginnyharmanvo@gmail.com.

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Shari Gonzalez Named VP/Sale iHM Miami

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015 –– iHeartMedia Miami/Ft. Lauderdale announced that Shari Gonzalez has been named Vice President of Sales, effective immediately. Gonzalez started her local career in sales at WJZE and WGAY/WWRC in Washington, D.C., before going to WMAL News/Talk 630 as a Senior Account Executive. Her management career also started at WMAL as National Sales Manager, and then Local Sales Manager. She later moved to CBS Radio Washington, D.C., where she held positions as General Sales Manager and Director of Sales for the five-station cluster. Gonzalez most recently served as General Sales Manager for WPOW, previously owned by Beasley Broadcast Group.

Mancow Readies For Chicago's Loop

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 20TH, 2015 –– As we reported last month, Chicago's 97.9 The Loop is conducting a morning show search where candidates take over the show for a week and listeners are then asked to vote online. So far Abe Kanan, Shadoe Steves And Liz Wilde (shown) have competed, but next week all eyes and ears will be on longtime Chicago morning vet Erich 'Mancow' Muller's Morning Madhouse." After an extended run in talk radio, he's returning for week long stint next week on The Loop. Mancow was last heard on a music outlet at Emmis' Alternative WKQX/Chicago in Spring of 2006 leaving behind a history of impressive ratings. He had first joined WKQX-FM/Q-101 in 1998. And is Mancow nervious about next week's appearance? He tells Jockline "There' no galloping megalomaina her - I'm nervous as all get out." - As for his show, most of his old crew will be back for the occasion.

'Parks & Recreation' Executive Producer Found Dead At 30; Jay Z Facing Paternity Suit

UH OH:Farrow & Reid Out AT MSNBC - [BREITBART]

'Parks And Recreation's Executive Producer Found Dead At 30 - [CNN]

[WATCH] Allison William Opens Up About Her Father, Brian William's, Suspension - [TIME]

[WATCH] It Was Ashton Kutcher HUGE Prosthetic Penis That Saved '2 1/2 Men' - [ET]

[WATCH] Will Smith Not To Old To 'Get Jiggy With It' - [SALON]

[WATCH] Eddie Murphy Took A Pass On Cosby Impression - [NBC]

Shelly Smith Shaves Her Head Following Breast Cancer Diagnosis - [E ONLINE]

UH OH: Jay Z Facing Paternity Suit From Man Claiming To Be Love Child - [NYDN]

Instagram And Vanity Fair Partner For Oscar Portrait Studio - [THE WRAP]

'Fashion Week' Creator Not Impressed With Kanye West - [NY POST]

UH OH: '50 Shade Author Demands Control Over Sequel Script - [VARIETY]

Former Cleveland PD To Launch oWOW Radio

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2015 –– After two years in the making, legendary WMMS/Cleveland, PD John Gorman is set to launch oWOW radio this Friday, a locally-based live and local internet radio station. He tells freshwatercleveland.com, "We're on the air right now, testing," says the chief content officer. On-air staff members include Ravenna Micelim Steve Pappas (R), Susie Frazier and Charlotte DiFranco (L), all of whom have lengthy radio experience. "What used to get people interested in radio was that it was exciting," says oWOW director of sales and marketing Jim Marchyshyn. "You looked in. You saw the DJ and you thought: this is cool. We are in show business. That's been forgotten." Gorman says of traditional radio today, "Studios are all empty. They don't have an air staff. Most of them are disembodied voices coming from another city. We're real live people. We're based in Cleveland. We can do all the things that radio can no longer do." Two sponsors are already lined up, including Budweiser who will join for the launch this weekend. And if the logo seems familiar, David Helton, who created WMMS's legendary buzzard, was its designer. According to the report, oWOW was funded by a host of private investors, a local bank and a loan and grant from the City of Cleveland. "We had the odds so far against us at one point that it looked like it would never happen," says Gorman. "It made us fight even harder. We refused to give up."

Mark Cuban Says Net Neutrality Will F--k Everything Up

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2015 –– Not one to mince his words, Shark Tank's Mark Cuban is not happy about net neutrality. Speaking at the Code/Media conference on Wednesday, Cuban plans to change how the FCC classifies the internet will "f--- everything up." He said there is little evidence that giant tech companies have ever "throttled" the internet to reduce speeds, so he doesn't see them as a threat. Cuban added, "net neutrality is just a demonization of big companies." According to businessinsider.com, The FCC wants to introduce laws that keep big internet companies from being able to pay internet service providers for priority web traffic. To do that, the FCC is planning to reclassify the internet as a utility. Cuban previously spoke to Business Insider about his concerns over net neutrality. He told us he did not want the government to have too much control over the internet: You may not like the depth of competition wireless currently provides, but wireless networks are getting better by the day and standards are being set for 5G that will compete with wired broadband. PHOTO/ABC SHARK TANK

What Apple's Hire Of Radio Star Means For Talent

Plus, Five More Things They Should Steal From Broadcast Radio

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2015 –– As the media world continues to ponder Apple’s latest decision to hire a top radio star from the BBC, on the surface it may just look snatching a great talent for its radio arm, iTunes. But is there more to this move than meets the eye? Jockline reached out to a few of radio's top creative thinkers for their take, and how it could translate for broadcast talent in the future. Walter Sabo (above left), an influential International consultant and content expert says, "Hiring a radio star from a BBC popular music station is part of a historical progression. 40 years ago AM's top stars like B.Mitchel Reed, Don Bleu, Tom Donahue, Dan Daniels, Dick Summer, and others made the risky move to an uncertain future on FM. 20 years later, I recruited FM stars to digital Satellite radio. Now a number of celebrities like Adam Corolla and Tom Leykus are moving to podcasts. Today new digital stages like TuneIn, iTunes, iHeart, Pandora, Spotify and others offer an exciting, pristine stage for radio stars. Execs who embrace the power of radio stars, like Kevin Straley at Tunein, will thrive. Other digital audio execs will discover how important radio stars are to the future of their businesses or their product will become just a box of records. There has always been a box of records…right next to the radio." --- Mark Ramsey (above center) commented: 'I can't speak to why (Zane Lowe - right) stood out. My understanding is that he was one of the best the Brits have to offer. He has talent, musical cred, knowledge, and a national profile. National profiles are easier to find in the UK because more audio brands are NATIONAL. But the main reason talent should pay attention is because somebody will pay for talent. Assuming they are able to SHOW that talent on the radio station of their choice today. Did you see that a Hollywood agency just signed up a slew of YouTube stars? You have to be at that level to make a difference in this transmedia world. Apple and others will look for talent that can connect with millennial audiences, and that means it's likely that they will look beyond radio. In this case, after all, they looked beyond the US. The world is now their oyster assuming the platform is worldwide. ----- Valerie Geller of Geller Media International Broadcast Consultants says, "In truth, real talent is rare. And since talent is always a magnet for audiences, its a risk, but it's a calculated risk. While Apple has not exactly shown all their cards on this, like everything they do, they have a plan. This decision, which seems to have rocked the music radio world, is based on creativity, originality, success track with young consumers and hiring someone who they believe has great ears." - Meanwhile, Geller shared a link to a story from Chris Price which was posted as a guest blogger on Matt deagons blog, and James Cridland's post as well. It offers 'Five More Things Internet Radio Should Steal - Interesting read - SEE ARTICLE HERE

NAB Crystal Radio Awards Finalists Announced

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2015 –– The National Association of Broadcasters announced the 50 finalists for the 28th Annual Crystal Radio Awards. Since 1987, the NAB Crystal Radio Awards have recognized radio stations for their outstanding year-round commitment to community service. Winners will be announced and the finalists will be honored at the NAB Radio Luncheon. The Luncheon, sponsored by ASCAP, will be held Tuesday, April 14 during the 2015 NAB Show in Las Vegas. The Crystal Radio Award finalists were chosen by a panel of judges representing broadcasting, community service organizations and public relations firms. Finalists will be honored and winners announced at the Radio Luncheon, where Golden Globe nominee, New York Times best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio personality Marilu Henner will present a keynote address. Radio hosts of Southern California's longest-running a.m. drive show, the "Kevin & Bean Morning Show (shown) ," Kevin Ryder and Gene "Bean" Baxter, will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame. SEE ALL FINALISTS HERE

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Charlie Ochs Returns To Lead Beasley's MoneyTalk 1010 Tampa; Ralph Renzi Joins CMG As DOS For Miami

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2015 –– Beasley Media Group Tampa Bay announced MoneyTalk 1010 AM has hired market veteran Charlie Ochs (pronounced OAKS) as the General Manager of MoneyTalk 1010. Most recently, Mr. Ochs served as a financial professional for Prudential Financial in Tampa. Prior to that, Ochs was a senior executive in the broadcasting industry, including serving as Senior Vice President and Market Manager with CBS Radio. Ochs’ radio career included cities such as Indianapolis, Phoenix, and Houston. He managed clusters of radio stations in San Diego, Washington D.C., and most recently the six CBS Radio stations in the Tampa Bay Area from 2000 through 2008.

Cox Media Group (CMG) Miami has named Ralph Renzi as its new Director of Sales, overseein WEDR, WHQT, WFLC and WFEZ. Prior to joining CMG Miami, Renzi was a member of the sales management team at WTOP in Washington D.C., which has been the country’s No.1 billing radio station for four consecutive years. "I am honored and excited to join the CMG Miami team,” said Renzi. “Cox Media Group's unique combination of innovative resources, the proven leadership of Rob Babin, and the talented team of professionals create a dynamic recipe to serve south Florida and provide appreciable results for our clients.” Renzi studied Mass Communications at Northeastern University in Boston, Mass. and was a member of the National Association of Broadcasters’ 2013 class of Broadcast Leadership Training in Washington D.C.

NETWORKS: 60 Second Rewind's Paul Shaffer Talks SNL's 40th; Phantom Producer Unveils Imaging App

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2015 –– Before Paul Shaffer was David Letterman’s musical director and sidekick, he was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1975-1980. This past Sunday Shaffer joined a slew of other former cast members for Saturday Night Live’s 40th Anniversary Special. “Seeing a conglomeration of 40 years’ worth of casts and writers was a unique experience to say the least. ‘Twas an honor to be a part of it,” Shaffer said. Shaffer appeared on the special providing accompaniment to Bill Murray who returned to his role as lounge singer Nick Ocean. Together the duo performed the “love theme” from Jaws. As his tenure on the Late Show with David Letterman approaches its end on May 20, Shaffer will continue to host Paul Shaffer’s Day in Rock and Paul Shaffer’s 60-Second Rewind on radio stations across the country. Visit paulshaffersdayinrock.com and 60SecondRewind.com or contact Valerie Brooks at 216-831-3761.

United Stations Radio Networks, Inc., has unveiled the latest tech development from Phantom Producer, THE PHANTOM APP. This newly conceived iOS application gives full functionality of the Phantom Producer imaging services to your iPhone or iPad – and the ability to send the mixed files directly to your on-air studio. The concept opens the door to the idea of out-of-the-studio production, where imaging content can be auditioned and automatically customized from anywhere. The announcement comes from USRN’s EVP/Programming, Andy Denemark along with Phantom Producer’s creator and Executive Producer, Jeff Thomas. Phantom Producer’s founder, Jeff Thomas commented, “In an industry full of time-poor, multi-tasking content creators, we’ve developed a product that is truly mobile. If you’d like to do production on your bus ride, just click a button, and you can have a mixed file in your studio before you arrive."

REPORT: Vanilla Ice Arrested For Burglary & Grand Theft

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 19TH, 2015 –– Remember Vanilla Ice? Back in the '90's he was a popular rapper, but more recently he' been renovating homes in Florida for the DIY Network on its 'The Vanilla ICE Project. That was as of yesterday being that, according to truthrevolt.com, he arrested for burglary and grand theft. Allegedly, police found items in his home that had been taken from a house next door to one he was fixing up. Items included a pool heater and some furniture. Ice, real name Robert Van Winkle, says he thought the home had been abandoned. The property is in the midst of foreclosure, however, and the owners identified the items as their own. The property has since been returned to its owner. ICE voluntarily metwith detectives and was then taken into custody. The question now is will HGTV keep the show?