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BLOG: 'Radio Ads Leave Much To Be Desired'

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– Not surprisingly, the quantity of ads continues to be radio's Achilles' heel. In Fred Jacobs latest blog, "Radio's Commercial Conundrum,' he points to his latest Tech Survey13 where once again it shows 'too many commercials' among listeners top complaints. "Too many commercials Repetitive music Both are mentioned by four in ten of those who have decreased their time spent listening to radio in the past year," Jacobs writes.

Jacobs also asks 'what role does 'quality of radio advertising play' in the bigger scheme of things. A recent Kantar Media study asked 5,200+ connected adults from Brazil, China, France, the UK, and the US to rate advertising from a variety of sources from digital to traditional. While online TV and video are often criticized, ads in movie theaters, magazines, and newspapers have strong consumer ratings. But the bad news is that 'radio ads leave much to be desired.' In fact, consumers are more likely to negatively rate commercials on the radio compared to those who generally like them. 'And these responses help crystallize the responses we saw in TS13," says Jacobs. "Commercials are part of the overall radio experience. As most consumers know, they are the price one pays in exchange for radio being free. But when they become a reason for both meter migration in the ratings, and advertiser malaise, it's a problem. A quantity problem and a quality problem.' READ BLOG HERE

Saga 'Returns To Its Roots In Radio' With Pickup Of Five Stations In Charleston

Sells TV Stations In Missouri, Kansas & Texas

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– Saga Communications, Inc. (NYSE MKT -SGA) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Evening Telegram Company d/b/a Morgan Murphy Media to sell the Company's television stations in the Joplin, MO – Pittsburgh, KS and the Victoria, TX television markets for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $66.6 million. The Company also assigned to Sagamorel Hill Midwest, LLC its options to acquire the assets owned by Surtsey Media, LLC and used in the operation of KVCT in the Victoria, TX market and KFJX in the Pittsburgh, KS market. Edward K. Christian (L), President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company said, "We've had the great pleasure of owning KOAM in Joplin since 1994 and KAVU in Victoria since 1999. It has been a great experience for us to serve both communities with terrific television stations that focused heavily on the local markets. We made a very difficult decision that with all the changes taking place in the television industry that it was time for us to return to our roots in radio."

The Company also announced the purchase the assets of WCKN(FM), WMXZ(FM), WXST(FM), WAVF(FM), WSPO(AM), W261DG and W257BQ, serving the Charleston, SC radio market, and WVSC(FM), WLHH(FM), WALI(FM), W256CB and W293BZ, serving the Hilton Head and Beaufort, SC radio markets, from Apex Media Corporation for $23.0 million. Saga intends to continue building its business in radio by continuing to identify and acquire middle market stations." Saga expects to close both transactions, subject to the approval of the Federal Communications Commission, in September, 2017.

PROGRAMMING: JoJo Turnbeaugh Named SVPP For Denver Region

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– iHeartMedia announced that JoJo Turnbeaugh has been named Regional Senior Vice President of Programming for Denver. In his new post, he'll oversee News Radio KOA, 103.5 The Fox, Channel 93.3 and KBCO in Denver, as well as Springs Y96.9 and My 99.9 in Colorado Springs and KISS 96.1 in Fort Collins.

Turnbeaugh has more than 20 years of experience in radio and most recently worked as the Regional Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Nevada/Central California Region. He also served as Senior Vice President of Programming for iHeartMedia Las Vegas, a Program Director for 95.5 The Bull in Las Vegas, a Sports Talk personality for Front Range Sports Network, a Morning Personality for KYGO-FM and the Program Director and mo rning personality for Y96.9.

“I am thrilled to return home and work with iHeartMedia’s iconic brands in Denver ,” said Turnbeaugh. “I am very excited to work with the great team of leaders already in the region and give back to the listeners and community of my hometown.” iHeartMedia Nevada/Central California Region will begin its search for a Regional Senior Vice President of Programming immediately. Interested candidates can apply HERE

EXECUTIVE ACTION: iHeart Denver Taps Kelly Ransford For Event Marketing Post

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– In a separate announcement, iHeart has appointed Kelly Ransford as its Director of Event Marketing for its Denver market effective. Ransford arrives from WXRT - FM in Chicago , Illinois, where she was the station’s music director. Her extensive marketing and event planning experience also includes positions at KMTT - FM and KNDD - FM in Seattle , Washington and KFOG - FM in San Francisco , California.

Sansford began her career in Denver at iHeart Media’s KOA-AM/FM and KBCO - FM. “ I’m beyond thrilled to be returning to Denver and iHeartMedia,” said Ransford.“ The incredible team and environment is why the market is considered one of the country’s elite. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to work with eight premiere radio brands and the immensely talented and passionate teams driving their success."

MOTION: Beloved Bay Area Host Steven Seaweed Set To Retire Following 44 Years On Air

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– Cumulus Media announced that Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame DJ and The Bone 107.7/KSAN-FM midday personality, Steven Seaweed, will retire after 44 years on-air. Seaweed’s farewell broadcast will be on June 30, 2017, from 10am-3pm on The Bone 107.7.

Seaweed has been a staple of Bay Area Rock radio since his debut on KLRB-FM in Carmel, CA, on New Year’s Eve, 1972. After six years with the station, Seaweed joined KSAN-FM (then known as “The Jive 95”), where he did weekends on the freeform progressive rock station through its format change to Country in November 1980. He moved on to on-air positions at Bay Area stations including: KFAT-FM (“The Wide Spot On the Dial”), KWSS-FM, KRQR-FM (The Rocker”) and KLLC-FM (“Alice@97.3), before rejoining KSAN in 1997, his station home for the last 20 years. Seaweed will be feted by his station colleagues, listeners, and Rock royalty, who will celebrate Seaweed’s significant contributions to the Bay Area’s rich Rock history with special on-air guests and farewell stops through June 30.

The Bud And Manchild Show Returning To The Score Syracuse

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– The independently-owned sports talk radio show will return to the CNY airwaves on Tuesday, May 30, 2017. The show has aired on WTLA-AM and FM for the last year and a half. Bud and the Manchild has been off the air for the past few weeks. “A change was needed to get the show back on track in terms of our core values,” Jim Lerch, co-host of the show said. “Cumulus Media and the Score 1260 were great partners in the past and we are very excited to join forces with them again.It was very tough leaving The Score 1260 in 2015, and we consider that decision a mistake. We are thrilled to be working with Cumulus Media once again.”

The live sports talk radio show will be broadcast on Cumulus Media’s 1260 AM (WSKO, Syracuse) from 10am-12 noon weekdays, the same time slot the show has occupied for the past five and a half years. Bud and the Manchild is co-hosted by Jim “The Manchild” Lerch, a veteran Central New York TV and radio personality and Bud Poliquin, the now-retired sports columnist of Syracuse.com and the Post Standard newspaper. The two started the show back in 2002, which makes it the longest running sports talk show in Syracuse.

SYNDICATION: Murphy, Sam & Jodi Show Adds Three Stations

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– Murphy, Sam & Jodi are growing with the addition of three new affiliates including, IHeart Media Soft AC (Sunny 99.9) KTSM/El Paso, TX., Little Engine Broadcasting, Montgomery’s Greatest Hit’s WRBZ 95.5/Montgomery, AL. and Withers Radio Soft Rock 104.7 KREZ/Cape Girardeau, MO. The show is now heard in 44 markets.

A blend of pop culture and listener participation create an emotional connection with listeners. Every day is an unexpected mix of entertainment, real life, and laughter. Stations interested in more information can contact June Colbert at june@colbertmediagroup.com (615) 202-5900 or visit www.murphysamandjodi.com.

NETWORKS: Westwood One Celebrates U2's 30th Anniversary With Bono Interview By Matt Pinfield

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– Westwood One is celebrating the 30th anniversary of U2’s timeless fifth album, The Joshua Tree, by presenting U2: The Joshua Tree Special, a two-hour program airing this weekend, May 13 and 14, on more than 100 radio stations. This special will air on legendary stations like KLOS-FM/Los Angeles, WLUP-FM/Chicago, KFOG-FM/San Francisco, WROR-FM/Boston, KSHE-FM/St. Louis, WIYY-FM/Baltimore, and KQRS/Milwaukee.

This exclusive musical event is presented by Farmers Insurance®. Matt Pinfield, renowned KFOG/San Francisco morning man and host of the nationally-syndicated 2Hours with Matt Pinfield, interviewed U2’s Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen, Jr. for the special. The inspirations and stories behind these classic songs and the band's first experiences playing them live are among many intimate and exclusive insights from the band that fans will hear regarding the writing, recording, and reissue of this landmark album and the upcoming Joshua Tree Tour. Radio stations interested in airing this exclusive broadcast should contact Neal Bird at nbird@westwoodone.com or (310) 840-4207.

CONDOLENCES: 1010 WINS NYC Anchor Gene Michaels Dies After Long Battle With Cancer

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– Beloved 1010 WINS reporter and anchor Gene Michaels has passed away after a long battle with cancer reports CBS. He was 60. Gene started his career in 1978 at WEJL in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and in his own words, “Since then I’ve done just about everything you can do in radio…except for engineering.” For 10 straight years he helped Long Island’s WALK-FM find a spot at the top of the ratings books. Gene joined 1010 WINS as a reporter in August 2012 and shortly thereafter began anchoring.

“I can’t think of a single person who crossed paths with Gene over his long and incredibly successful career who didn’t find him to be among the kindest, smartest, and gentlest of human beings,” said Ben Mevorach, Director of News & Programming for 1010 WINS. “Everything he touched, everyone he met, everything he did was better because of him. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and daughter and to his entire family.” Gene leaves behind his wife Stephanie, daughter Samantha and his WINS family.

EVENTS: iHeart Albany Combo Raises $265,000 For Children's Hospital

THE MOUTH, MAY 11TH, 2017 –– Members of the Capital Region community pledged their support to help sick and injured children at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center, the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, by donating over $265,000 during the 19th annual News Radio 810 & 103.1 WGY and 99.5 the River Cares for Kids Radiothon. The 25-hour live radio broadcast took place at the Albany Medical Center on May 4 and 5, where on-air personalities Chuck & Kelly from News Radio 810 & 103.1 WGY, and Kevin & Shanna from 99.5 The River

The Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center is a 125-bed facility devoted exclusively to the medical needs of infants, children and adolescents, and is the referral center for all seriously ill and injured children from 25 counties in upstate New York and western New England. PHOTO/Kevin and Shanna with Dr. Clark

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PROGRAMMING: WYCD Detroit Adds MD Stripes To Afternoon Drive Co-Host, Holly Hutton

THE MOUTH, MAY 10TH, 2017 –– Holly Hutton, 20-year veteran of Detroit Radio, was the Midday Host on CIMX for 10 years before becoming Afternoon Drive host on WGPR “The Bone,” as well as Program Director of WGPR HD3 and The Oasis HD2. She joined CBS Detroit in 2012, co-hosting afternoon drive on WOMC. In August 2016, Hutton succeeded the late Linda Lee in afternoon drive as co-host with Rob Stone.

Tim Roberts, Vice President of Country Programming, CBS RADIO Detroit said, “Holly’s in-depth experience dealing with the music industry, as well as her understanding of programming has been evident from the beginning. She lives, eats and breathes the country lifestyle. Holly will be a great asset to the music and programming efforts of WYCD.” “I am thrilled to broaden my responsibilities and continue to work alongside Tim Roberts, Rob Stone and the WYCD family. It is an honor to be a part of a station with such an incredible, longstanding reputation in country music,” said Hutton.

ON-AIR: Tyler Frye Inks Multi-Year Extension With 104.1 KRBE Houston

THE MOUTH, MAY 10TH, 2017 –– Cumulus Media announced that 104.1 KRBE Night Host, Tyler Frye, has signed a multi-year extension with the company. Frye joined the KRBE on-air lineup in April 2015. Leslie Whittle, KRBE Program Director, said: “Tyler made an immediate impact when we launched H-Town Live with Tyler Frye on KRBE two years ago. He understands there's more to being a great personality than JUST doing an amazing show."

Frye said: "When a city feels like home and your co-workers are like family, it is an easy decision. I am truly excited to be part of the winning tradition at KRBE for years to come. Thanks to Leslie Whittle, Alex Cadelago, Dan Bennett, Cat Thomas, Doug Hamand, and Mike McVay for this opportunity."

EXECUTIVE ACTION: CMG Names Ashley Peterson, Sr. Director of Human Resources; Harve Alan To Lead Tom Kent Radio Network's Social Media

THE MOUTH, MAY 10TH, 2017 –– Ashley Peterson is Cox Media Group’s (CMG) new Sr. Director of Human Resources at the company’s headquarters in Atlanta, Ga. Peterson’s professional expertise includes organizational performance and succession, leadership development, recruitment and retention, large-scale change management, employee relations, driving creative output within an organization, and executive-level business partnerships. “Ashley’s extensive background is comprised of full portfolio HR support, including HR centers of excellence (COE) and Business Partner teams,” said CMG’s Chief Human Resources Officer Karen Bennett. Most recently, Peterson served in international HR leadership roles based in London, U.K. and Milan, Italy.

--The Tom Kent Radio Network announced the appointment of Harve Alan to oversee all elements of TKRN's digital initiative. He is a successful media and broadcast professional with more than 37 years of experience including Director of Programming at ABC Networks; Senior VP Programming with AMFM, Inc. and Clear Channel Radio among others. He is currently President and founder of Harve Alan Media based in L.A.

Debbie Allen Honored At Gracies With Lifetime Achievement Award; Jeannie Mai Set To Host

THE MOUTH, MAY 10TH, 2017 –– Golden Globe and three-time Emmy Award-winner Debbie Allen will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 42nd Annual Gracie Awards Gala. The event, hosted by The Real’s Jeannie Mai (BL), will take place on June 6 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA. Ms. Allen’s daughter, Vivian Nixon, and Grey’s Anatomy co-star, Jesse Williams, who plays the role of her son, will make the presentation. The Gracie Awards will continue in its tradition of honoring outstanding individual achievements and programming by, for and about women in television, radio and interactive media. “Debbie Allen’s vision to follow her passion in the face of adversity mirrors everything we stand for at the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation,” said Sarah Foss, chair of AWMF and Chief Product Officer, Advertising Management Systems, for Imagine Communications." Allen is known for being the first African-American woman to win a Golden Globe for “Best TV Actress in a Musical Comedy or Series” in 1983 for her role in FAME. In 2001,

“This award isn’t just for me. This award is for every woman who’s had the courage to stand up for what she believes in and have her voice heard. Thank you to the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation for continuing to celebrate us and pushing women to be at the forefront of our industry," said Allen. The Real’s Jeannie Mai will host the gala. As a multi Emmy award nominee and Executive Producer of countless shows, Jeannie is a leader and crusader for women, encouraging them to stay true to themselves,” said Foss. - The Gracie Awards Luncheon, June 27, 2017 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City. To apply for media credentials, click HERE

[WATCH] Arizona Station Under Investigation For Child (P)orn PSA; Five Years Later, Murder of New Jersey Host Remains A Mystery

THE MOUTH, MAY 10TH, 2017 –– An Arizona sheriff said he formally opened an investigation after a public service announcement produced by a Benson radio station offered listeners tips on ways to "hide" their child pornography reports TV/CBS 5). The sheriff said he formally opened an investigation after a public service announcement produced by a Benson radio station offered listeners tips on ways to "hide" their child (p)ornography. (Source: 3TV/CBS 5) COCHISE COUNTY, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) - Disgusting, disturbing, and potentially illegal. Sheriff Mark Dannels said he formally opened an investigation Tuesday that includes seeking legal advice from the county attorney on whether charges can be filed in connection with the public service announcement. The message was created and voiced by Cave 97.7 FM manager Paul Lotsof.

"He is enticing people and providing the information that says, 'Hey, if you're going to look at child (p)orn, this is what you need to do so the cop doesn't catch you," Dannels said. "Freedom of speech does not include telling people to commit crimes." The public service announcement was broadcast late at night for nearly two years before a news reporter in Tucson broke the story - WATCH STORY HERE

-- Today, May 10th, marks the five year anniversary of the murder of April Kauffman at the Jersey Shore reports 6ABC TV. While there have been no arrests or suspects in the case of the popular radio host and veterans advocate, law enforcement wants it known that the case file has not been closed. A newly appointed Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner said, "Upon coming into this office, I immediately requested a list of all open homicides since 1970," Tyner said. On May 10, 2012, an employee of Kauffman's discovered her shot to death in the Linwood, Atlantic County home she shared with her husband Dr. Jim Kauffman. Police say her husband told them April was alive when he left that morning. Days after the murder, authorities said it was not a random act of violence, and hoped to make an arrest soon.

April's daughter Kim Peck says, "I have been fighting for this justice that just seems elusive to me, so I welcome any kind of hope or investigation that would help solve this murder." WATCH HERE

John Tesh Thought Radio Stations Would 'Drop His Show' After He Was Diagnosed With Cancer

THE MOUTH, MAY 10TH, 2017 –– Syndicated radio host/musician John Tesh says "If powerful prescription drugs like Ritalin or Adderall had been widely prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD, decades ago, John Tesh probably wouldn’t have had a career," reports Press of Atlantic City. "When I first got the cancer diagnosis almost two years ago, I was afraid the (radio) stations were going to drop me,” Tesh, 64, explains. “Eventually (Connie Sellecca ) his wife) said, ‘Why don’t you be honest about this and (tell them) how you’re using your faith along with the medical treatments to get healed. You could really speak to people.

Despite the cancer treatments, Tesh is still touring with a show that includes many of his music career highlights, like songs from his touchstone 1995 singing’-in-the-rain concert during a downpour at Red Rocks amphitheater in Colorado. “I’m in the middle of my second round of chemotherapy treatment now. They feel like they got it with surgery, and now they’re sort of ‘washing’ my microscopic cells and stuff (with the chemo),” he says candidly about his illness. “But it’s a helluva journey. (I was) touring for six months, then on Monday I had chemo in Houston,” he adds. “And then I’m down for two days being very sick, as people who have been through that know. But it’s also a testimony of how to figure out what’s important in your life. “(I’ve) met a lot of people with cancer, some as young as 6, who are 10 times worse than what I have. I have a head cold compared to some of these kids.”

Tesh posted on his Facebook page, "The healing continues thanks to Connie, my family, MD Anderson, Dr. Chris Logothetis, Andrew Wommack, Jack Hibbs and ALL OF YOU! Your healing prayers are the spiritual meds that keep me on the air and on stage every week. This piece ties it together." Next to the shown photo, he wrote: "Training for my next round of chemo after this week's concerts. Mark 11:23. Speak to the mountain! God wants us healed."

PRODUCTS: Comrex Launches World Tour For Opal And ACCESS NX Showcase

THE MOUTH, MAY 10TH, 2017 –– To celebrate the release of two new products, Comrex is partnering with distributors to showcase the new technology. Comrex sales representatives will visit locations throughout the world to display the recently introduced Opal and ACCESS NX , as well as the LiveShot IP video codec. “While we spend a lot of time at industry events demonstrating our equipment, we recognize that many people aren’t able to attend trade shows,” said Chris Crump, sales director for Comrex. “We want to bring our new technology directly to communities who can do great things with it."

Event dates and locations can be found HERE . The World Tour will highlight ACCESS NX and Opal. ACCESS NX is an innovative IP codec with a hardware platform that is optimized for running CrossLock, Comrex’s custom reliability layer. ACCESS NX improves user experience with faster processors and a five-inch capacitive touch screen. Opal allows remote guests to deliver “studio quality” sound, without the need for any special equipment on their end. Opal is ideal for hosts who need to coordinate call-ins with non-technical remote guests - guests can simply click a link, and connect instantly. Opal establishes the link using the Opus encoder, for excellent fidelity and low delay. Comrex LiveShot will also be on display. For more information on #ComrexWorldTour, write to tour@comrex.com . If you’re interested in bringing the Tour to your town, contact either Comrex or your local dealer - stops may be added depending on level of local interest.

SYNDICATION: Pags Show Hits 95 Station Mark

THE MOUTH, MAY 10TH, 2017 –– Joe Pags, host of The Joe Pags Show, will join KRLD AM 1080 for weeknights. The Joe Pags Show, which is nationally syndicated from his flagship station WOAI AM San Antonio, is now heard on virtually every major market in his home state of Texas.

Joe Pags states “It is an absolute privilege to be a part of a station with so much heritage and a track record for being an industry leader in news and talk. I'm thrilled to be on KRLD!” To request information contact Susan O’Connell soconnell@compassmedianetworks.com or phone 914-708-1450.

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PHOTO/shutterstock

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