IT'S OFFICIAL: Scott Shannon Returns To New York's Airwaves On WCBS-FM

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2014 –– WCBS-FM New York's website apparently jumped the gun last night by posting on their website the announcement that iconic New York host Scott Shannon would be taking over mornings. While the official announcement came this morning, Jockline Daily confirmed late yesterday that the longtime co-host of WPLJ New York's Big Show with Todd Pettigill, would indeed be taking over the show beginning March 3rd. Joining Shannon will be Mr. G with weather and Joe Nolan with traffic. Meanwhile, look for current morning host Dan Taylor to shift to middays. Broadway Bill Lee in afternoons, Joe Causi from 7-midnight and Dave Stewart in overnights. In the release, Don Bouloukos, SVP/Market Manager for CBS Radio New York, commented "Not often does a legendary morning drive personality become available with the experience of waking up New Yorkers for more than 25 years. CBS-FM is a heritage station, and the perfect place for Hall-Of-Famer Scott Shannon. We are thrilled to welcome Scott and his award-winning personality to CBS-FM and the CBS Radio family."

Atlanta's Regular Guys Pull Off Mother of All Hoaxes; Draws Praise From Neal Boortz [AUDIO]

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2014 –– By now you're aware that the infamous coalition by local neighbors in the posh community of Buckhead in Atlanta who protested Justin Bieber's potential residency was nothing more that a brilliant hoax created by Rock 100.5's Regular Guys. No sooner was the fake neighborhood group called the 'Buckhead Neighborhood Coalition" created before numerous sources such as CNN, TMZ, Gawker, NY Time, Huffpo, Time and even the BBC jumped on it. The Regular Guy's Larry Wachs (shown upper right) claims over 45,000 news stories have resulted from the hoax, so far. Adding to the authenticity, The Regular Guys Tim White played the role of Harold White in interviews with outlets such as BBC, pretending to head the protest. And the whole event was staged in front of a mansion currently on the market (below). On yesterday's show, host Larry Wachs admitted that the whole scheme had been a hoax and called the prank “a big win.” Following the reveal, longtime Atlanta host, Neal Boortz called it "Brilliant! You've gotta hand it to the Regular Guys, it was Brilliant!," said Boortz. But did Bieber weigh in on the hoax? Larry Wachs told Jockline Daily that the pint star tweeted stonily and vaguely in response to the "hate." LISTEN TO BOORTZ AUDIO HERE PHOTO/Wachs

Jeopardy "Villain" Story Draws Quick Shot Of WMMS's Rover [VIDEO]

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY, 25TH, 2014 –– it's a story that's driving some "Jeopardy" fans crazy, but producers of the show must be in heaven given the publicity and likely rating's boost. This is the story surrounding controversial contestant, Arthur Chu (R) who has been shaking up the news lately with his unconventional strategy for winning which includes jumping from category to category. In an CNN report yesterday, Chu noted that the show is about winning "actual money," Point taken. And then CNN's Brooke Baldwin goes on to include comments from various people who have branded Chu a villain on social media, and among them, yup, WMMS Cleveland's Rover (above), of Rover's Morning Glory. Not sure how the piece came about, or how Rover's pic and comment was included, but it was nice to see a radio peep get some love in the middle of high trendiing story. Meanwhile, Chu will be back today for more "actual money." PHOTO/Screen grab - WATCH VIDEO HERE

Did Howard Stern Call Piers Morgan Demise On Second Show

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2014 –– Lost in all the news flashes of Piers Morgan canceled show on CNN was a prescient Howard Stern who joined Morgan on his second show after taking over for Larry King. According to kpopStarz.com, Howard wasn't too optimistic from the starting saying to the new host: ""I want to congratulate you on unseating a 95-year-old man. Poor Larry King is sitting home right now pulling what few hairs he had in his head out right now." He added "I like you. ... But who the hell knows what you're going to do on here. They tell me you're a journalist." Morgan retorted that he had been a journalist for 25 years in England, to which Stern said "OK. But people in America don't know that. What is your background? ... As I said to your people, Piers was in England. To be successful in England -- very nice. But England's the size of Philadelphia. To conquer England it takes about two days." Stern later predicted that Morgan wouldn't last, saying "I heard a rumor that you were going to challenge me today. You wanted to be confrontational. You were going to say YOU are the best interviewer in the world. I'm glad you're confident. My friend, you have a lot to prove here. Here's my prediction: In three months you'll have fired your talent booker... I said, the first week is great. You have Oprah, you have me. What's going to happen three months from now when you're interviewing Scott Baio? Who's gonna care?" Afar as we know, Scott Baio was never booked, but the numbers never quite delivered a knockout punch. In an official statement this week, CNN confirmed that 'Piers Morgan Live' is ending. The date of the final program is still to be determined." Reportedly, Morgan may be used elsewhere at CNN.

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Bill Cahill Joins Premiere Networks As VP/Prog.; CMG's Appoints AJ Punjabi Atlanta Digital SM; L&L Portland Cluster Names Tim "TC" Michaels PD

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2014 –– Bill Cahill is joining Premiere Networks as Vice President of Programming. Bill has been Program Director at WASH and WBIG in Washington since 2008 and also serves CCM+E as a Brand Manager and Premium Choice expert. Beginning April 1, Bill will give up his WASH/WBIG duties and begin his new Premiere role (and he’ll retain his PC and Brand Manager work for CCM+E). Bill will report to Jennifer Leimgruber, Premiere Networks EVP of Programming, and partner closely with her in managing and enhancing the programming and operations of Premiere’s programs and services. ––––––––– Cox Media Group’s (CMG) Atlanta Radio has named AJ Punjab (R)i Digital Sales Manager for Atlanta Area Radio, which now includes the Athens market. Punjabi, who currently serves as CMG’s Atlanta Radio Digital Sales Manager, will now work along-side Athens Digital Sales Specialist Kate Pelon to deliver digital sales solutions to valued clients in the Atlanta and Athens markets. “AJ Punjabi has a done a tremendous job for CMG Atlanta Radio sales team and their customers,” said CMG Atlanta Director of Sales Walt Phillips. “With his leadership, we’re maximizing all digital revenue opportunities while delivering solid digital marketing solutions to Atlanta area businesses. I couldn’t think of a better person to also help lead the already successful Athens market. His focus will be continuing to build on Athens success in the digital space while driving new business development initiatives.” ––––––––– L & L Broadcasting of Portland, Oregon announced today Tim “TC” Michaels has been promoted to PD of WUBB-FM, BOB 106.9 and WGCO-FM, Hank 98.3 in Savannah, GA/Hilton Head, SC. Before working for WUBB Bob 106.9 in Savannah, Michaels hosted Middays on WUBL 94.9, The Bull in Atlanta. Prior to WUBL, TC hosted Afternoons on WKHX Kicks 101.5 in Atlanta. “I’m very excited to continue working with WUBB and WGCO’s incredibly talented team as Program Director!"

MARK RAMSEY: 'Liking' And 'Listening To Them,' Two Different Things When It Comes To Choosing A Morning Show

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2014 –– Popular media strategist and researcher Mark Ramsey compiled a list of "6 reasons why listeners may not listen to your morning show. Topping the list:"Because they’re just not that good." Citing managers not being known for spotting and nurturing talent, he says there’s a reason why Howard Stern was fired all the way to the top. He adds "Radio fans know what they like and what they don’t like and everything else is likely to fall in the vast, bland, vanilla middle. And while that vast, bland, vanilla middle can be tweaked with a bit of coaching or a new producer, there’s an old saying: “You can’t polish a turd.” Ramsey's second reason was "Because they’re not meaningfully different in a crowded field." "The problem with formulas for what makes a great morning show is that every station has access to the same formulas. And when every radio station is playing the same morning show game for the same audience at the same time using versions of the same bits, the audience will default to the show they’ve listened to longest, even if it’s not necessarily the best – because it takes a lot of time and effort to find the “best” and no time or effort at all to succumb to habit. Moving to the bottom of the list, Ramsey says “liking them” and “listening to them” are two different things." "Your new morning host may be a great guy and a model citizen, but if I’ve got twenty minutes of drive-time I intend to spend it with the most compelling, entertaining, or informative morning show I can find, not with an audio Boy Scout," says Ramsey. READ ENTIRE POST HERE

Bob Rivers Listeners Sponsor 349 Children In Zambia

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2014 –– Bob Rivers Show co-host Spike O’Neill and Executive Director Arik Korman (shown above R & L) from KJR FM Seattle’s The Bob Rivers Show traveled to Zambia with World Vision in December to visit children in need. Spike and Arik, along with Spike’s 24-year-old Brooklyn-based daughter Riann, visited families living in Zambia’s drought-affected countryside to assess their living situations and report on how listeners can help. After returning to Seattle, Rivers held a Radiothon to ask listeners to sponsor 335 children for about a dollar a day. “The opportunity to work with World Vision has given me a chance to see what the world outside my day to day life is really like for most of the planet,” says Spike O’Neill. “Seeing the benefits of the incredible work World Vision does has been truly life changing for me." “The social fabric of Zambia is the strongest I have seen anywhere in the world,” says Arik Korman, who embarked on his eighth trip with World Vision. “Villagers always help their neighbors if they are able. And they don’t keep track of how many times they are asked. Also, being in southern Africa when Nelson Mandela passed away was powerful.” This year’s World Vision trip to the Amazon is the eighth-consecutive year that The Bob Rivers Show has worked with World Vision to encourage child sponsorship. To date, Bob Rivers Show listeners have sponsored more than 4750 children in more than 8 countries, resulting in annual contributions of over $2 million to support needy children and their families. Bob Rivers Show listeners have also helped build a school in Ethiopia to benefit more than 2000 students. See photos and video from Zambia HERE

KISS Cancels Rock HOF Performance Following Dispute

KISS Cancels Rock HOF Performance Following Dispute - [ROLLING STONE]

Judy Garland's Kids Reunite For 'Oz' Tribute - [THR]

Harold Ramis Of 'Ghostbuster's' Fame, Passes Away At 69 - [VARIETY]

Robin Thicke & Paul Patton Separate After Eight Years - [US]

Amanda Seyfried Set For Female Lead In 'Ted' Sequel - [DEADLINE]

Jason Collins Signs With The Nets; Becomes Leagues First Openly Gay Player - [MASHABLE]

Tamron Hall Joins 'Today' Cast - [TODAY]

AND THIS TIME HE MEANS IT? Alec Baldwin Calls Public Life Quits - [USA TODAY]

Ann Margaret To Join 'Ray Donovan' In Recurring Role - [THE WRAP]

NBC'S 'Heroes' Gets 13 Week Extension - [NY DAILY NEWS]

Male Passenger Killed In Sports Car Driven By Selma Hayek's Brother Following Crash On Sunset Blvd. - [DAILY MAIL]

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Dramatic Rescue Captured On Radio Draws National Attention [VIDEO]

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2014 –– A dramatic rescue by a Miami woman during a Friday traffic jam prompted listeners to contact a radio station who in turn took the story live. The woman, Pamela Rauseo, whose nephew appeared to have quit breathing, pulled the infant from the car and administered CPR. Traveling in a car behind Rauseo was Miami Herald photographer Al Diaz who quickly reached out for help and later captured startling photos of the rescue (which have since gone viral). Within minutes, numerous authorities arrived on the scene. During NBC's Nightly News, Lester Holt (above) reported the story on his evening news and shared audio from WFTL. Unnamed in the report was WFTL host Rich Stevens who departed his regular programming to carry the dramatic story live on the air. He told Jockline Daily: "This was on the Dolphin Expressway. We saw on our traffic cams it was at a complete standstill." He says on today's show he'll interview Rauseo, the woman who saved the child. WATCH VIDEO HERE

NEW ERA: The Todd Show Debuts On 95.5 WPLJ New York

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2014 –– The Todd Show debuted this morning on 95.5 WPLJ in New York City, marking the start of a new era following the historic 23-year run of “The Big Show” ­– with Pettengill now the sole host of the 6a-10a timeslot. The Todd Show’ is the natural progression for WPLJ and Pettengill. He is one of the most talented people that I have met in this business and I am proud to be working with him as a part of PLJ’s re-birth,” said Kim Bryant, Cumulus New York Vice President/Market Manager. “I’m beyond excited to anchor a live and local morning show in the number one radio market in the world,” said Pettengill. “Thank you to Governor Chris Christie for giving me my own lane on my commute in from New Jersey and to Mayor Bill de Blasio for allowing me to follow his caravan to get me to the studio quickly.” Before Pettengill became a part of New York radio history, he honed his skills in the Albany, New York combo WPTR/WFLY where he hosted the morning show and held the titles of Program Director, Operations Manager and Vice President of Programming. In August 1991, Pettengill joined the air staff of WPLJ-FM as morning show co-host. Since then, he has won five New York “AIR AWARDS” and was also awarded an Emmy for his work on the NBC TV show, TV NATION. The Todd Show follows the recent announcement that longtime co-host Scott Shannon was retiring from the show. Pettengill will be joined on-air by long time Executive Producer/Spiritual Adviser Joe “Monk” Pardavila, Cooper Lawrence, Anne Marie Leamy, Sheila Cichon Watko, Bill Fitzpatrick and Meatballs.

Jennifer Lopez And Ryan Seacrest Team For NBC Drama Series

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2014 –– NBC has ordered 13 episodes of 'Shades Of Blue,' a drama starring by Jennifer Lopez, which she will executive produce with her American Idol co-star Ryan Seacrest. According to deadline.com, they'll begin working on scripts in June, aiming for a 2015 production start Shades of Blue centers around Harlee McCord (Lopez), a single mother and detective recruited to work undercover for the FBI’s anti-corruption task force. Lopez and Seacrest executive produce with Nina Wass, Hasak, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas and Benny Medina for Universal Television, Lopez’s Nuyorican Prods., Ryan Seacrest Prods. “Nina Wass loved the script from the moment she read it,” Seacrest said. “The script is so powerful and ambitious, we can’t wait to see Jennifer take on this remarkable role,” said Seacrest, who I hear was key in getting his friend Lopez to board the show and whose relationship with NBC helped get the project a series order at the network. This marks a return to acting for Lopez, who after a couple of brief TV series stints in the early 1990s, she transitioned to starring roles in 1997′s 'Selena' and 1998′s Out of Sight. For the past two decades. Since then, other than 'American Idol,' she's limited her TV appearances to guest role.

CCME Names Clay Hunnicutt EVP/GM of National Programming Platforms; Other Changes/Promotions Announced

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2014 –– Clear Channel Media and Entertainment announced today that Clay Hunnicutt has been named Executive Vice President and General Manager of National Programming Platforms, effective immediately. He will be based out of New York City and report to Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms. Hunnicutt most recently served as Executive Vice President of Programming for Clear Channel's largest markets. He began his 23-year career at US-101 FM in Chattanooga and moved through the ranks, formerlly programming CMA Radio Station of the Year, WUSY-FM; held the position of Director of Programming for Clear Channel Nashville and Atlanta; Vice President of Programming for the Southeast markets; and Senior Vice President of Programming for the Eastern Region. The company also announced the realignment and promotion of key executive programming leadership. Thea Mitchem, Vice President of Programming for New York City, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Programming for the New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C./Baltimore markets; Andrew Jeffries, Vice President of Programming in Los Angeles, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Programming for the Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego markets; Brad Hardin, Senior Vice President of Programming for the West Major markets, has been named Executive Vice President of Programming and adds Houston and Dallas to his responsibilities. In addition, Gene Romano, Executive Vice President of Programming, has added Chicago to the markets he oversees.

Cumulus Announces New Maternity Leave Policy

ATLANTA, February 24, 2014 – Cumulus announces the implementation of an industry-leading maternity leave policy providing new mothers with six weeks of fully-paid time off in addition to the paid time off and disability benefits currently provided to employees. The policy takes effect immediately and is available to all full-time, non-commission employees with at least one year of service."Cumulus continues to grow and innovate thanks to the dedication of our colleagues across the country. We are committed to providing benefits that recognize employees' health and family needs, and providing fully-paid leave to new mothers after they give birth is the right thing to do," said Lew Dickey, chairman and CEO of Cumulus.

Entercom Greenville Debuts ESPN UPSTATE; CRN Goes 'Wall to Wald Sports

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2014 –– Entercom Communications announced that today they will launch their 6th brand, ESPN UPSTATE. It will air on 950 WORD-AM, 1330 WYRD-AM, 97.1 FM, WFBC-FM HD-3 and will stream 24/7 at www.ESPNUpstate.com. “ESPN is the biggest name in sports and adding the most powerful brand in sports makes our dominant cluster of radio stations even stronger,” said Entercom VP/Market Manager Steve Sinicropi. “This past year we have had tremendous success in the sports arena with Clemson football play by play, Greg McKinney anchoring our College Football Today pregame show, and Carolina Panthers football with our Carolina Kick Off pre-game show hosted by The Rise Guys. Adding ESPN is another major step as Entercom Upstate becomes THE place for sports radio in the market.” “Our sports coverage in terms of talent, teams and signal coverage is unmatched in this market and joining forces with ESPN provides our clients with an additional and valuable touch point to connect with a highly sought after consumer,” added Sinicropi. “We are especially excited to add local talent Greg McKinney to our afternoon lineup with a live and local show that will be fast paced and entertaining.” He currently anchors College Football Today, on 93.3 The Planet, prior to each Clemson football game. Beginning today the lineup will be: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. “Mike & Mike in the Morning” 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. “Scott Van Pelt and Ryen Russillo” 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. “Afternoon Huddle” with Greg McKinney 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. “Hill and Schlereth” / ESPN Play-by-Play 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. “SportsCenter Tonight” 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. “SportsCenter All Night” ––––––– CRN Digital Talk Radio has announced the launch of "Wall to Wald Sports," a program that is a hybrid of sports and politics. Hosted by radio veterans Ronnie Wald and Fred Wallin, the show airs Fridays at 1pm ET on the network's CRN 1 channel. Wald and Wallin discuss sports in what they term their own "novel" way before shifting to politics -- an area in which they differ significantly. For example, the duo says that "to Wald, Ronald Reagan is a hero -- but to Wallin, he was a bad actor."

Stars Turn Out For 3rd Annual FAST4Kids Event Hosted By Dr. Daliah

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2014 –– This past weekend, syndicated host, Dr. Daliah, hosted the third Annual FAST4Kids Gala at the LVH hotel (formerly Las Vegas Hilton). FAST4Kids raises money for the educational needs of autistic children. Among the star studded entertainment line up was Pia Zadora (shown right with Dr. Daliah, legendary comedian Steve Rossi and to everyone's excitement, a surprise performance by Rich Little. In quick order, over $10K was quickly raised and money is still pouring in.

Piers Morgan Show Coming To An End; Andrews Takes Over For Burke On DWTS

Erin Andrews Joins DWTS As Brooke Burke-Charvet Exits - [USA TODAY]

Coalition Formed To Keep The Bieb' Out Of Posh Atlanta Neighborhood - [FACEBOOK]

Piers Morgan Show Coming To An End - [NY TIMES]

Eminem & Rihanna Team For 'Monster Tour' - [NY DAILY NEWS]

Miley Cyrus & Katy Perry Smash Lips During Bangerz Concert - [E ONLINE]

Steve Jobs, Michael Jackson Set for Stamp Series - [NJ.COM]

Hulk Hogan Returning To WWE - [EW]

Snooki Expecting Another Baby - [PAGE SIX]

Jared Leto Covers 'Confidential' Magazine - [GLOBAL GRIND]

The Ebersols To Produce 'Space Jam 2' - LeBron James Starring Vehicle - [DEADLINE]

Russel Crowe Breaks Down Over News Of Lifelong Friend's Passing - [DAILY MAIL]

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