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Study Reveals Continued Dominance Of AM/FM In Cars

Over 9 In 10 Want How They Operate Their Car Radio to Remain Unchanged

THE MOUTH, MARCH 2ND, 2015 –– A research study conducted by Ipsos Research makes it clear that AM/FM radio remains the overwhelmingly preferred audio entertainment option in the car. While consumers use new streaming services, virtually all consumers 99% -- are comfortable with the current AM/FM in-car radio operation. And 91% of consumers say they prefer physical AM/FM radio buttons and controls built into the car dashboard, rather than AM/FM being an app that appears in the car's electronic interface (with only 9% saying they would want it changed into a dashboard app).

An additional eye-opening finding was that while AM/FM radio remains paramount in the car, consumers use their in-car CD player three and a half times as much as they use any digital music service. The survey also detailed other facts highlighting the unparalleled importance to consumers of AM/FM radio in the car; the demand for digital services is increasing, but they are still behind AM/FM radio, the CD player and satellite radio:

AM/FM radio still dominates in-car listening as the top platform used, with 84% of consumers using it in the car, followed by CD players at 64% -- but radio still maintains a huge leadership position over the next closest service choice, Sirius/XM which had 22%. Pandora was 18%; iHeartRadio was 8%; HD Radio 7%; and Spotify was 7%. · 80% of consumers chose AM/FM car radio as the top option for their car's entertainment system, followed by the CD player at 68%, satellite radio at 45%, and a streaming music service at 34%. The study, conducted by Ipsos for iHeartMedia in January 2015, surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1036 adults 18+.

FORMATICS: Memphis' WKIM-FM Has A New Vibe; Dayton’s Fly Flips To Soft Rock 92.9

THE MOUTH, MARCH 2ND, 2015 –– WKIM-FM in Memphis is now its newest Classic Hip Hop station, 98.9 The Vibe. The station formerly known as News Talk 98.9 moved from a News Talk format to Classic Hip Hop. The Vibe launched with wall-to-wall music, and comes on the heels of a number one ratings sweep at Cumulus’ Classic Hip Hop station 93.9 The Beat in Indianapolis. The Vibe has a totally unique take on Hip Hop, and gives Memphis Hip Hop fans big old school Hip Hop hits, mixed with some R&B “throwbacks” from the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s. The newly branded station also launched its new website, www.989thevibe.com, today. Mike McVay, Senior Vice President, Programming for Cumulus said: “The Vibe is designed to capture the spirit and complexity of Memphis. This city has birthed many music types of which this format is one more. 98.9 The Vibe IS classic hip hop."

Alpha Media Dayton, OH announced the rebranding of Miami Valley radio fixture WGTZ - FM from “Fly 92.9” to “Soft Rock 92.9.” Soft Rock 92.9 will continue to play many artists from Fly 92.9’s decades spanning library, fr om the 70’s and 80’s through today. Current on - air hosts Dan Edwards and Danielle will be joined by Dayton radio veteran, Paul Ellis, starting Monday, March 2nd. According to Soft Rock 92.9 Program Director, Brad Waldo (R), Soft Rock 92.9 is WGTZ - FM’s natural evolution. “We have wanted to rebrand our station for a while to reflect the direction our mu sic has been moving in.

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Jon Lurie Named PD of 99.5 Magic FM Albuquerque

CUMULUS TAPS JON LURIE AS PD OF HERITAGE AC 99.5 MAGIC FM/KMGA ALBUQUERQUE, March 2, 2015— Cumulus announces that Jon Lurie has been named Program Director of heritage AC 99.5 Magic FM (KMGA). This marks a return to the Southwest for Lurie, who previously programmed Cumulus’ Tucson stations for more than 10 years. Prior to that, he had stops at KMLE in Phoenix and WQIK in Jacksonville. Lurie said: "I'm very happy and excited to be joining Cumulus in Albuquerque and working with Mike McVay, Emily Boldon, Jeff Berry, Kris Abrams and the rest of the team. We're gonna make some "Magic" in the Duke City!" Lurie’s first day with KMGA will be March 16th. In addition to programming the station, he will be on the air daily using the name “Jon Allen”.

Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo Goes National With Alliance

THE MOUTH, MARCH 2ND, 2015 – Alliance Radio Networks announces that Hispanic radio host Eddie Sotelo— known to millions as “Piolin”--- has launched a new morning show, El Show de Piolin, across 40 radio station affiliates in the U.S, including Entravision’s 14 stations. The show marks a welcomed return to broadcast radio for Piolin, the most widely recognized personality in Hispanic radio. Piolin, best known for empowering his Latino audience to reach great heights, has a growing, passionate and loyal following from listeners of all ages, with huge social media engagement across Facebook at more than 2.1 Million total “Likes”, which places El Show de Piolin in its first month on air as one of the most-liked shows in all of U.S. radio and as the #1 most-liked show in Hispanic radio. El Show de Piolin is a fun, family-friendly program interwoven with the best Regional Mexican music, the latest news and information of interest to Latinos, and a wide range of guests sharing insights and opinions on current issues and trending topics relevant to the Hispanic community.

Former Cincinnati Host Found Guilty On Lesser Charges

THE MOUTH, MARCH 2ND, 2015 –– Blake Seylhouwer, a former host of 'Compact mall Business' on WKRC/Cincinnati, was found guilty on two counts of negligent assault. According to WCPO-TV, the jury in the case produced its guilty verdict Friday, according to court documents, and was hung on the remaining count of domestic violence count. Seylhouwer had taken the stand in his personal defense who police say shot his wife in August. At the time, Seylhouwer called 911 and told dispatchers he accidentally shot his wife, 28-year-old Misty Seylhouwer. But police concluded that he took out a rifle from his vehicle and either 'pointed it at his wife to scare her or fired it at her when she turned her back to stroll away.' A report showed that the bullet Seylhouwer fired went into the driveway, blowing out a half-dollar size chunk out of concrete. Shrapnel from the bullet and pieces of concrete hit Misty Seylhouwer in the leg, side and head (shown left). In addition to negligent assault, he also faced a charge of domestic violence for the shooting, but that count was declared a mistrial after the jury of nine women and three men couldn't make a unanimous decision. While on the stand, Seylhouwer said “My finger must have hit the trigger. I didn't – I didn't mean to." Patrick Mulligan asked the judge for Blake to be released immediately for time served. Blake has been locked up since Aug. 28, and may be set free if he posts his original bond. Misty left the courthouse shaking and in tears before the verdict was read. She posted several updates to her Facebook page Friday: "I'm going to have a heart attack." "I appreciate the love and support and the sorrow. Today was truly tragic ... I'm beyond devastated. WATCH HERE

Elvis Duran Moves Into New $8 Million Penthouse

THE MOUTH, MARCH 2ND, 2015 –– Looks like another New York radio host will be getting his own million dollar view of the city's skyline. Make that an '$8 million dollar' view. As reported in January, Premiere syndicated Elvis Duran plopped down a cool $8M to scoop up one of ten Tribeca Penthouses which, according The New York Post, is conveniently within walking distance to Duran's Z100 studios. The nationally syndicated radio host moved in last week, and, according to Page 6, was told the two-story, nearly 4,000-square-foot space was the highest priced unit at the Leonard. It has uptown views, a state-of-the-art sound system , chef’s kitchen and an enormous private roof terrace. Duran has commissioned for all-new custom-made furniture. This follows recent news of his radio colleague, Opie, on SiriusXM, who upgraded his condo in Trump's place for a new, more spacious $6.85 million unit.

ABC'S 'American Crime' Launches Podcast Series On PodcastOne

THE MOUTH, MARCH 2ND, 2015 –– ABC and PodcastOne announced the launch of a new, original podcast series which takes an in-depth look at the groundbreaking new television drama American Crime, premiering Thursday, March 510/9c on ABC. Each week, The American Crime Podcast, hosted by film critic and radio personality Elvis Mitchell, will feature behind-the-scenes insights and discussion about the program’s riveting suspense and powerful character storylines through candid conversations with the show’s creator and Executive Producer, Oscar®-winning screenwriter John Ridley, Executive Producer Michael McDonald and stars, and creative talent from the show. The American Crime Podcast will be available on PodcastOne.com, the PodcastOne app and iTunes. “It would be a classic understatement to simply say we are excited about this new partnership with ABC,” said PodcastOne Chairman and CEO Norm Pattiz.

Studio Think Tank Tackles Knowing Your Worth

THE MOUTH, MARCH 2ND, 2015 –– Wise Brother Media has announced the ninth installment of their interactive video feature – Studio Think Tank's Live Video Chat – where expert panel members come together virtually to discuss radio. This month's Live Video Chat – Knowing Your Worth – will take place Tuesday, March 3rd at 1:00 PM (Eastern Time). Panel members Greg Dwyer from Dwyer and Michaels, Eric Rowe from The Roula and Ryan Show, and Zack Jackson from The Zack and Danny Morning Thang will discuss what it takes to know your worth in radio in a time of layoffs, recession, and an overwhelming amount of competition. Danny Vigil from Wise Brother Media will host. STT Live Video Chats allow radio professionals to engage with expert panelists in real time by typing questions on Studio Think Tank for panelists to answer. Visit www.StudioThinkTank.com or Contact Danny Vigil at danny@wisebrother.com for more details.

Dick Purtan's Annual Radiothon Raises $3.1 Million For Salvation Army Drive

THE MOUTH, MARCH 2ND, 2015 –– Dick Purtan's annual salvation army bed and bread drive wrapped up last Friday. It was carried on WJR in Detroit and raised over $3.1 million dollars! It went 16 hours and this was the 28th year that Dick started this thing back on WCZY FM in Detroit. For four years it also ran on his then home WOMC-FM. Tim Allen called in and made a very generous donation and overall it was a smashing hit. The venue was the Star Lanes in the Emagine theaters in suburban Royal Oak Michigan. More information can be seen at WJR. Photo provided by Art Vuolo.

Celeb's Remember Leonard Nimoy; Madonna Says She Suffered Slight Whip Lash From Fall

FOUL SHOT: Le Bron Gets Kicked In The Jewels - [ESPN]

Astronaut's Touching Tweet To Leonard Nimoy - [HUFFPO]

Celeb's React To Nimoy's Death - [ET]

[WATCH] As It Turns Out, Madonna Suffered Whip Lash In Fal - Says It Wasn't A Stunt l - [ACCESS HOLLYWOOD]

Kelly Osbourne Quits 'Fashion Police.' Naturally, There's A Kardashian Being Mentioned to Follow - [US]

Rosie O'Donnell Files For Divorce - [NY POST]

Guess How Much 'Friends Cast' Still Make Each Year From Syndication? $5M? $10M? Keep Going - [USA TODAY]

UH OH: Beyonce Fans Go After Kid Rock Over Dissing Singer's Music And Body - [THE WRAP]

Craig Ferguson To Star In Comedy Pilot - [EW]

Lady Gaga, Taylor Kinney, Vince Vaughn And More Take Polar Plunge - [USA TODAY]

Kanye West Announces New Album 'So Help Me God' - [BILLBOARD]

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Steve McCoy Returning To Mornings In Atlanta

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2015 –– Cumulus announces that longtime Atlanta radio personality and two-time Marconi nominee Steve McCoy will join News Radio 106.7 as host of the morning show. McCoy’s first day on News Radio 106.7 is Monday, March 2. McCoy’s stellar 25-xyear career as an Atlanta radio institution began at Z-93, when he moved from Nashville to Atlanta to take over Mornings for Ross and Wilson. McCoy then spent 18 years on Star 94 with Vikki Locke. He has also hosted successful shows on Power 99, and WSB-FM. “McCoy said: “After months of fishing, and finding myself grabbing the mic at the supermarket checkout, I figured it was time to get back on the air. By the way I still get requests from aisle six. Seriously, I’m thrilled to be back on Atlanta radio and reunited with all those I grew up with. What makes this even more special is joining the team at News Radio 106.7, Atlanta’s home for local news and talk.” Steve replaces John Lisk and Cheryl Castro who will be moving to afternoons with Gregory Tantum as the host of the News Radio 106.7 Afternoon News. Cheryl White, currently co-anchor of the afternoon news, moves into mornings with Steve.

Westwood One Takes Brandmeier National; Kass and Cohn Exit 89WLS; Lauren Cohn To Audition For Mornings, Says Source

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2015 –– Westwood One announced it has signed a partnership and syndication deal with popular Chicago radio personality Jonathon “Johnny B” Brandmeier that will bring his brand of talk radio back to Chicago and to listeners nationwide in March. The Jonathon Brandmeier Show will air live weekdays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm ET on stations around the country, including WLS-AM Chicago, KABC-AM Los Angeles, KLIF-AM Dallas, KKAT-AM, Salt Lake City, WPRV-AM Providence, KTBL-AM Albuquerque, and many more. John Dickey, Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus, said “Jonathon is one of the most versatile performers in radio today, and we know audiences will enjoy his lively humor and take on each day’s topics. His radio career began at age 15 in his hometown of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and before long his on air antics in Milwaukee created a buzz when a national radio talent search named Brandmeier one of the Top 5 Talents in the country alongside Howard Stern. From there Brandmeier went to mornings at KZZP in Phoenix. After quickly becoming a force in the Phoenix radio market, Brandmeier took over morning drive at WLUP/The Loop in Chicago and then dominated Chicago radio for several years until making a move to Afternoon Drive in Los Angeles. In 1998, CBS Radio simulcast Brandmeier in Chicago and Los Angeles. In 2005, Brandmeier returned to Chicago to host mornings on The Loop and, most recently, on WGN-AM.

With the move, marks the end WWO's Dennis Miller Show. “I’m stepping aside from radio at the moment,” Miller said. “It’s been a great run and I’ve had a phenomenal time interacting with my guests and audience. But with so many other commitments right now, it’s hard to maintain a daily talk show ... I wish Johnny B lots of luck.”

Meanwhile, with Brandmeier's move, Chicago blogger Robert Feder reports that Lauren Cohn, half of the midday show with John Kass of Kass And Cohn on WLS which was canceled on Thursday, could be shifting to a new role at WLS AM 890 as a contributor to Big John Howell’s morning show. Feder says sources say Cohn was given the option of trying out for a spot with Howell. Howell, joined WLS in January after nine years at Salem WIND AM 560. At WIND he was teamed with Amy Jacobson.

LARRY ROSIN: Radio Has A Hardware Problem?

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2015 ––According to a special study commissioned by CRS which looked at country listener's wake-up routines, Edison Media Research chief Larry Rosin says radio has a hardware problem. Using video, slides and on-the-street interviews to make their case, Edison's Megan Lazovick revealed results from a survey of 1,540 online respondents showing that most listeners awake by 6:30 am, but then spend an average of 30 minutes in bed, 50% checking their mobile devices from which 40% is spent checking social media. TV came next, with 17%. Only 36% of those who described themselves as frequent country listeners have a radio in their bedroom, compared to 59% who have a TV. Rosin said the technology used in respondents’ bedrooms clearly indicated that radio has a “hardware problem.” The study tracked respondents’ activities throughout the morning. Choosing from a list of over 60 items, the average respondent said he/she did one-third of the activities listed between the hours of 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. Respondent data indicated the peak hour for respondents in the car to be between 7-8 a.m. Rosin suggested programmers might consider adjusting the morning clock. “People are in their cars, yet we do these staccato breaks. We are talking to people at the one place they have the most access to the station-changing button and we create radio that is designed for tuneouts. Then they get to work and go into at-work modality where they are less likely to tune out and we create ‘no tuneout’ clocks.” 'News' topped the list at 88%. SEE MORE RESULTS HERE

MOTION: WCOD/Cape Cod Adds Former Bachelor Contestant, Peyton Lambton To Morning Show

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2015 –– 106 WCOD Cape Cod announced that TV sensation Peyton Lambton will join the station's morning show, effective immediately. The popular ABC reality television personality will join longtime local DJ Dan Mahoney each weekday morning from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. for the launch of the “Dan and Peyton Show.” Lambton is a Season 10 contestant on “The Bachelor,” and Season 1 staple of “The Bachelor Pad,” as well as co-host of HGTV and DIY Network gardening shows “Going Yard”, “Smart Home” and “Dream Home.” Lambton is married to Cape Cod native and TV personality Chris Lambton, a former Season 6 contestant on “The Bachelorette” and current HGTV host. “There is nothing like hearing from people first thing in the morning as they grab that first cup of coffee or after they drop their kids off at school," said Lambton. "They are excited to be a part of the conversation. My goal is to help listeners start their day off in a positive way with a smile on their face.” "Bringing Lambton to WCOD was an easy decision to make," said Allison Makkay Davis, Market President, iHeartMedia Cape Cod. "WCOD already has a hit morning show with Dan Mahoney at the helm.

Mel Karmazin To Be Honored By Broadcasters Foundation

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2015 –– Mel Karmazin has been announced as the 2015 recipient of the Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award that will be presented during The Broadcasters Foundation of America annual breakfast held at 7:00AM on Wednesday, April 15 during the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas. Recognized as an industry leader and innovator, Karmazin was the Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors of SiriusXM when he retired in 2013. He held a similar position at Sirius Satellite Radio and oversaw the merger with XM Satellite Radio. Before moving into satellite radio, Karmazin was President and Chief Operating Officer of Viacom, where he served on the Board of Directors and was responsible for all of Viacom's operations. Previously, he served as President Chief Executive Officer, and member of the Board of Directors of CBS Corp., following a stint as its President and Chief Operating Officer. Karmazin first joined CBS in January 1997 as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS Radio, following the merger of Westinghouse/CBS and Infinity Broadcasting, where he had been President and Chief Executive Officer. The Lowry Mays Excellence in Broadcasting Award is bestowed annually on an individual in broadcasting whose work exemplifies innovation, community service, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. It salutes its namesake Lowry Mays and is underwritten by The Mays Family Foundation.

EXECUTIVE ACTION: CMG Names Rachel Williamson To Head New Revenue Post

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2015 –– Cox Media Group (CMG) has named Rachel Williamson as its new Director of Digital Revenue Development. Before joining CMG, Williamson was the Director of National Sales at Cumulus Radio managing national local spot business for more than 480 radio stations in over 95 markets. Additionally, she oversaw national and network digital sales as the Digital Specialist for the Midwest. Other career highlights include six years with CMG as a Sr. Account Executive and Sales Manager at its previously-owned Louisville stations and as a Sr. Account Executive at Cox Digital Solutions (now known as Gamut) in New York. She also has held positions with Arbitron/Nielsen covering Radio Sales in the Midwest, Hubbard Broadcasting Chicago, and Forever Communications. “I’m truly looking forward to working with the great Cox Media Group Radio brands and being able to be able to utilize a diverse and best-in-class portfolio of Radio and digital assets to drive results for our advertisers,” said Williamson.

Steve Harvey To Host 13th Annual Neighborhood Awards

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2015 –– Steve Harvey, EMMY winning talk show and Family Feud host and star of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, announced the 13th Annual Neighborhood Awards and Neighborhood Awards Weekend, hosted by Steve Harvey. The 2015 Neighborhood Awards Weekend features over 15 events and activities with the return of the Ford Neighborhood Awards and Ford Celebrity Blue Carpet to Philips Arena on Saturday, August 8th, and the State Farm Neighborhood Awards Expo to the Georgia World Congress Center, August 7-9th. Radio Row will feature 30 radio stations from across the country broadcasting live from the expo floor, along with Celebrity Row and 2 shopping zones featuring over 100 vendors. Steve Harvey and television/radio/film producer Rushion McDonald created the one-of-a-kind Neighborhood Awards (formerly the Hoodie Awards) and Neighborhood Awards Weekend to recognize and celebrate men and women from all over the United States who uplift their neighborhoods through their contributions and excellence as entrepreneurs, religious and community leaders, educators and more.

NETWORKS: SpotVO & ExpressVO Now Serving Mapleton Comm. Chico

SpotVO & ExpressVO Now Serving Mapleton Communications Chico Stations Using Envision Networks® Turnkey Spot and Voice Production Services (FEBRUARY 2015) – Envision Networks® is proud to welcome Mapleton Communications’ KFMF-FM, KALF-FM, KQPT-FM and KZAP-FM in Chico, CA as the latest affiliates of SpotVO and ExpressVO, the turnkey spot and voice production service that offers next day, fully-produced radio commercials available on a barter basis. With Mapleton Communications’ Chico Stations now utilizing SpotVO and ExpressVO, they join over 700 affiliates on the Envision Services Network. SpotVO and ExpressVO’s voice talents have been featured collectively in the NBA, NFL, NHL, Discovery Channel, Subway, Comcast, Mazda and more! SpotVO features the best production talent in the industry, ensuring that every commercial is quality produced and customized for your needs. Top-notch spot production options include thousands of library scripts, written by professional copywriters, and a selection of on-demand music beds available in a wide variety of formats. Simply submit a script or pick one from the library, choose one of the industry’s top voices, select a music bed that suits your format and click send. A fully produced spot or voice read will be sent to you the next day ready for broadcast or client approval. SpotVO and ExpressVO are the creation of talent/imaging producer AJ (KDWB/ Minneapolis, KDMX/Dallas, KRBE/Houston, WIAD/Washington DC) and legendary Los Angeles programmer, consultant, and The Rooster and Radio Playbook prep creator Mike Marino (former PD of KHHT-FM and KYSR-FM/Los Angeles), who are also the creative forces behind Imaging Chop Shop. See for yourself how easy spot and voice production can be by visiting www.spotvo.com or www.expressvo.com to hear audio samples. Contact Valerie Brooks at ValerieB@envisionradio.com or 216-831-3761 for more information about SpotVO and ExpressVO.