THE NEXT BEST THING TO BEING AT MSBC 29 - VIDEOS FROM THIS YEAR'S EVENT AVAILABLE SOON

NIELSEN: 37% Of Millennials Listening To Podcasts At Least Once A Day

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 22ND, 2017 –– Millennials are often the most stereotyped, yet coveted, group for marketers. The second-largest generation group in the U.S. has now “grown up,” and its consumers have disposable incomes. This provides a plethora of opportunities for advertisers and marketers who are so eager to reach them, as Millennials are highly engaged, using multiple platforms for many hours on a daily basis. In Volume II of Nielsen’s Millennials on Millenials report series, produced and researched by a team of Nielsen Millennial associates, they compiled data and insights about the lifestyles of their peers—who are often the first to recognize emerging trends, technologies and cultural phenomena.

So what drives Millennial media involvement when it comes to music streaming? Millenials are active listeners of music streaming services and are 21% more likely to frequently choose songs than to let the music play without making changes. They also access digital music more regularly than consumers 35 and older. While Millennials are active listeners, they’re 18% more likely to use multiple music apps on a monthly basis. In fact, nearly 60% of Millennials use two or more apps for streaming, compared with only 39% of consumers aged 35 and up.

Millennials Using Multiple Apps for Streaming Podcasts are also popular, and Millennials are no slouch when it comes to their listening habits. Thirty-seven percent of Millennials reported listening to podcasts at least once a week, which encompasses daily use. Additionally, persons 18-34 are almost three times more likely to listen to podcasts daily. For additional information about our Millennials on Millennials series, click HERE

PROGRAMMING: Gene Sandbloom To Exit KROQ

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 22ND, 2017 –– Following a 25-year run, KROQ OM Gene Sandbloom announced via Facebook that he would soon be leaving his longtime post as OM for an eventual moveto France. "After 25 years at KROQ, I'll be leaving next week. It's been an amazing run, and throw in Music Director at KIIS-FM, A&R Director at MCA Records and Managing Editor of Network 40 Magazine, that's 35 years in the Music Biz in LA. It's time to move on. I'm off to the Sierras to solo backpack the John Muir Trail from Yosemite to Mount Whitney in September. Then a quick stop in Cuba before I head to France. I'll be picking up an off-road motorcycle when I land, and lots and lots of maps. I can't take up French residency until 2019, so next year I'll be traveling the world looking for my next job. Africa, Asia, Europe, or back here in the States - anything and everything is on the table."

In a staff memo, CBS Radio SVP/Programming Kevin Weatherly commented, "Gene's dedication, passion and tremendous work ethic will be sorely missed. He first came to KROQ as Music Director in 1992. He quickly rose to the position of Operations Manager and took on whatever challenge was thrown his way. He's made so many important contributions to the success of KROQ throughout the years and has always done it with a first-class attitude and approach."

Weatherly added, Please join me in thanking him for all his years of service, loyalty and devotion to KROQ. We wish him much success and happiness as he begins this new chapter."

31 Recipients Complete 'Rising Through The Ranks' 10th Training Program

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 22ND, 2017 –– The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in conjunction with Broadcast Music, Inc. ® (BMI) ®, and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group (MIW), announced completion of its tenth annual Rising Through the Ranks Women in Radio Management & Leadership Training Program. Thirty-one scholarship recipients were welcomed at the BMI Offices on August 16-17. Scholarships were courtesy of BMI. Scholarship recipients were selected and awarded by the three organizations. The two-day seminar focused on the specific needs of women in radio management roles and worked to enhance their overall knowledge and skills.

The customized curriculum featured practical and real world applications that participants of the course can put to use in the workplace immediately. The topics included: The Role of Today's Radio Manager, Managing Up and Down, Having Difficult Conversations, Budgeting and Forecasting, Women in the Radio Workplace, Recruiting, Hiring, and Firing, Building Your Personal Brand, and Managing Multiple Generations. “This year’s graduates have left this two-day seminar with a renewed energy, creative management skills and a new found network of peers,” said Erica Farber, president and CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau. “These 31 women now have the necessary tools to lead the business and to inspire others.”

Inc. 5000 Ranks The Mix Group As Fastest Growing Company In Radio

MIAMI, August 22, 2017 – The Mix Group’s three-year revenue growth of 215 percent caught the attention of Inc. 5000, which ranks them the #1 fastest growing company in the radio industry. The radio imaging production and voiceover company ranks #1802 out of 5,000 companies named across all industries. For more information on The Mix Group’s ranking and performance in this year’s Inc. 5000, CLICK HERE.

President of iHeartMedia Networks Group Darren Davis comments, “Our iHeart programmers rave about the quality and consistency that The Mix Group provides; a sound that wins and a team that goes above and beyond to get it done day in and day out. We’re honored to be such close partners with Jason (Garte) and his awesome team.” Founder/President of The Mix Group Jason Garte says, “It has been a tough and painful, yet powerfully rewarding journey growing this dream from a tiny concept back in 2003 into the gold standard for Imaging it has become today. I’m in the deepest of debts and forever thankful to the many personalities, programmers and executives in our stellar radio biz who took a chance in giving us a shot many moons ago and have continued that loyalty and connected bond every sweeper and promo since. Make no mistake, I know how we got here – it’s the duality of my hard working, ultra-talented team, and the love and trust from our treasured clients.”

Inc. Radio featured The Mix Group earlier this year. Host Alan Taylor commented on air, “Radio imaging is so important. The beautiful part is you become a partner with each and every one of these radio stations…this is relationship marketing at its best.” Listen to the full interview at Inc. Radio HERE

Bob Shannon Issues Updated Edition Of Turn It Up! American Radio Tales 1946-1996

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 22ND, 2017 –– Author Bob Shannon radio career has taken him from Tehren to Phoenix, Boston, Dallas, and to the Pacific Northwest. He's been a disc jockey, a programmer, and a nationally known creative/marketing executive.

Turn it Up chronicles the lives of radio’s most notable personalities from 1946 – 1996. Over 50 influential personalities are featured including: Wolfman Jack, Dick Biondi, Larry Lujack, Rick Dees, Casey Kasem, Ruth Meyer, Alan Freed, Tom Joyner, Scott Shannon, Charlie Tuna, Gary Owens, Bill Mack, Art Roberts, Todd Wallace, Lee Abrams, Jack Armstrong, Bill Mack and many more.

Bob chose August 16th as the release date for a special reason. It’s was the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Elvis was special in Bob’s career–Bob was the one entrusted with letting the Dallas radio audience know about Elvis’ passing. Order HERE

NETWORKS: GLR Media Networks Teams With talkSPORT For Exclusive U.S. Hispanic Partnership

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 22ND, 2017 –– GLR Media Networks and international sports radio brand talkSPORT announce that they have launched an exclusive partnership for broadcast radio distribution and ad sales representation of the hugely popular English Premier League (EPL) in Spanish. As a result of the deal, which launched the 2017/18 EPL season with Manchester United hosting West Ham, followed by Tottenham vs. Chelsea this past weekend, the EPL is now available for the first time at scale to U.S. Hispanic radio stations, their listeners and advertisers.

“We’ve had a great response from radio stations that want to drive listener engagement with riveting live EPL action, world class players and dedicated programs,” said Jimmy Perez, Vice President of Affiliate Relations for GLR Media Networks. “EPL is a five-star soccer league and we are excited to bring affiliates and advertisers the opportunity to connect with passionate EPL fans.” “The team at GLR Media Networks is exactly what we wanted in a U.S. radio partner,” noted Jimmy Buckland, Director of International at talkSPORT."

YES HE DID! Watch MIX 94.9 Cincinnati's Sandy McIlree Skydive From 13,000 Feet

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 22ND, 2017 –– Following all the hoopla surrounding yesterday's total eclipse, we thought you'd enjoy this video of MIX 94.9's Skydive with The Sandy Show’s Big Eclipse Trip. Sandy was looking for listeners who wanted to see the eclipse from 13,000 feet aboard a StartSkydiving.com plane.

During yesterday's eclipse, Sandy did indeed take the leap and it's definitely worth watching. From the moment he and his rider jumped from the plane (inset top left), all the way to his safe landing (inset bottom right). And, of course, there's Sandy mid-flight making it look easy in the middle - NICELY DONE! WATCH HERE

Ellen K Posted 'Best Mix For The Eclipse'

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 22ND, 2017 –– While we're at it, here's yet another look at how radio peeps made the most out of this week's eclipse, KOST FM LA's Ellen K was inspired to promote 'The Best Music Mix For Your Eclipse' - Graphic provided courtesy of Ellen K - created by Craig Rogers

Google May Be Building Smart Headphones Says Report

Google May Be Building Smart Headphones Says Report

Taylor Swift Slides Back To Social Media With Cryptic Post

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Pearl Jam’s New Concert Film, Let’s Play Two, To Receive Theatrical And Telecast Releases

Bohemian Rhapsody Casts the Other Members of Queen

Martina McBride Announces 2017 Christmas Tour

Bill Cosby Hires Former Michael Jackson Lawyer Tom Mesereau

[WATCH] Jerry Seinfeld and Jerry Lewis recently filmed an episode of Comedians in Cars

CNN Follows NBC With Launch Of Its Own Daily News For Snapchat

Action Bronson To Host Snapchat Dating Show, Late-Night Show For Vice

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Radio Rev's Up For First Total Solar Eclipse Visible In U.S. In 38 Years

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 –– Looks like a busy day on the radio for both those covering today's solar eclipse and others just making the most from the occasion, the first total solar eclipse in the U.S. in 38 years. Among the numerous eclipse events taking place around the country, here are a few worth noting. iHeart has created it's own 'Eclipse Party Radio.' Included is Channel 955’s Mojo In The Morning Show. Although Detroit will have about an 80% view, they'll mark the occasion by giving listeners a chance to win a brand new Mitsubishi Eclipse. In Chattanooga, TN, KISS FM listeners will hear exclusive interviews from Chattanooga Zoo’s animal caretakers about the animals’ eclipse reactions. Poughkeepsie, NY’s Q92 will hold a contest to see if listeners can guess how many times the station plays "Total Eclipse of the Heart." - Visit HERE for more details.

Over in Milwaukee, It's an Eclipse of 102.9 The Hog! (top center). When the eclipse hits Milwaukee at 11:53am, THE HOG will mark the moment with the reverence, awe, and historic respect it deserves by playing an iconic masterpiece from Milwaukee’s favorite sons – The Violent Femmes’ Blister In The Sun. And then we’ll play it again and again and again until Milwaukee reaches maximum darkness approximately 90 minutes later. The first listener that is able to sit through all of the plays of the song and is able to call in with the correct count of plays will win $1,000. See The Total Eclipse of THE HOG video at http://1029thehog.com/eclipse

Last week, Jockline told you about MIX 94.9's Skydive with The Sandy Show’s Big Eclipse Trip! Sandy has been looking for listeners who want to see the eclipse with us from 13,000 feet aboard a StartSkydiving.com plane. Then when the peak of the eclipse happens, you’ll leap from the plane and enjoy a once in a lifetime view of the solar eclipse while skydiving! No one’s going to have a better view than you!

If you want eye-witness coverage right from the path, ABC News Radio will provide live coverage anchored by ABC News correspondents Aaron Katersky and Cheri Preston from New York. They will be joined by ABC News correspondent Alex Stone in the path of totality in Lincoln City, Oregon, ABC News correspondent Brad Mielke in the path of totality in St. Joseph, Missouri and retired NASA astronaut William McArthur, who is one of the few people to witness a total solar eclipse from space. ABC News Radio will provide live coverage of "The Great American Eclipse" from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET and will offer multiple status reports each hour.

Jimmy Barrett Joins 740 KTRH/Houston As Morning Co-Host; Alan Hahn Takes Over Evenings On ESPN New York's 98.7

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 –– iHeartMedia Houston’s Newsradio 740 KTRH announced that Jimmy Barrett will join Houston’s Morning News as the program’s new co-host effective Monday, September 11, 2017. Barrett will join Shara Fryer, Houston’s Morning News anchor from 5 - 8 a.m. on weekdays. Barrett joins Houston’s Morning News from Richmond, VA where he served as the morning host for iHeartMedia’s News Radio 1140 WRVA for 16 years. He’ll replace former KTRH morning host Matt Patrick who passed away in early July after a lengthy and heroic battle with cancer. “Jimmy has a big voice, a big heart and big shoes to fill,” said Bryan Erickson, Director of AM Programming for iHeartMedia Houston. “It’s impossible for anyone to replace Matt Patrick and we all know that. I think Matt’s audience will embrace Jimmy as we move forward from what has been a very difficult time.”

-- Alan Hahn will begin hosting evenings on ESPN New York 98.7FM starting today, Aug. 21. Dave Rothenberg to Become New Co-Host of Humpty & Canty Beginning Monday, Aug. 21, ESPN New York 98.7FM’s Alan Hahn will host The Alan Hahn Show – weekdays 7- 10 p.m. ET. The re-named Humpty & Canty will continue to be hosted by Rick DiPietro and Chris Canty alongside new co-host Dave Rothenberg. Rothenberg, who has hosted The Dave Rothenberg Show weekday evenings, will join Humpty & Canty Tuesday, Sept. 5. The Saturday edition of The Dave Rothenberg Show will continue from 9 a.m. – noon.

Christie Drops Out Of Contention For NYC WFAN Job; Rude Exits The Fan Atlanta

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 –– Gov. Chris Christie has pulled himself out of contention as a sports radio host on WFAN NYC, he said Sunday. This was in response to a NY Daily News report that he had been informed he was no longer in contention for a job currently held by Mike Francesa who will leave at the end of the year. According to USA Today Christie called the story "completely incorrect." Christie, who leaves office next year, has been a regular fill-in to co-host the morning "Boomer and Carton" show in recent years, but he began to audition this summer in the afternoon slot as one of a handful of candidates known to be in contention to succeed Francesa. Christie said in a statement issued by his spokesman on Sunday that he was approached by WFAN three weeks ago to do additional shows with other potential co-hosts. "After considering the other options that I have been presented with for post-gubernatorial employment, I declined their request to do additional shows. Christie added, he would be happy to continue to fill in for Boomer when asked and when available.

-- Atlanta Sports Talk 680 and 93.7/The Fan has decided to part ways with Christopher Rude after 15 years as the morning host reports The AJC's Rodney Ho. Chris Dimino and Nick Cellini will remain with a new name to be unveiled next month, according to David Dickey, who runs the station. The show for many years was called the Rude Awakening, even after Dimino and Cellini joined the show following their departures from the now defunct 790/The Zone. “I did not renew his contract,” Dickey texted Ho. “Chris [Rude] did a great job for us and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Mary Ellen Marcilliat-Falkner New Head Of HR For CMG

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 –– Cox Media Group (CMG) has named Mary Ellen Marcilliat-Falkner as its new Senior VP & Chief HR Officer, beginning Sept. 11. She succeeds Karen Bennett, who was named as Cox Communications’ new Executive VP & Chief HR Officer last month. “Mary Ellen is a proven Cox leader, with over 20 years in the Automotive business, and she brings with her a strong understanding of our Cox values, most importantly that our employees are truly our most valuable resource,” said CMG President Kim Guthrie. “Cox is a special company that develops its people internally. This fosters an environment where we can promote our most talented leaders from within.”

"I am thrilled to join Cox Media Group and to work alongside Kim Guthrie and the respected CMG leadership team,” Marcilliat-Falkner. “As a long-time Cox employee, I have always admired our award-winning media brands and the unprecedented connection those businesses have with their communities and their customers.” She added, “I look forward to helping the company win with its people in this changing media landscape." At Cox Automotive and Manheim, Marcilliat-Falkner held roles of increasing responsibility in People Strategies and Finance.

Jacobs Media And Public Radio Group Team For Millennial Research Project

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 –– The Public Radio Program Directors Association (PRPD) released the findings of the Millennial Research Project (MRP) at this year’s PRPD Content Conference in Washington, DC. The PRPD conducted the project with Jacobs Media. Fred Jacobs, President of Jacobs Media, noted the MRP is a unique ethnographic look at a key segment of the audience: “We immersed ourselves into the lives of a dozen Millennial public radio listeners. We spent a full day with each of them, from the time they woke up, through their workday, and back at home, observing their media and lifestyle activities. This project speaks volumes about media, journalism, politics, and the perceptions of Millennials. . The MRP was in the field from August 2016-February 2017. The research subjects were spread over ten different markets (St. Louis, Phoenix, Austin, New York City, Ann Arbor, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, Grand Rapids, and Charlotte). The key findings include:

There is no Millennial archetype – As with all groups, facile generalizations are dangerous and the study found that to be no less the case for this massive cohort.

Public radio is loved, but expectations are high – MRP participants are consuming a great deal of public radio and value the current aesthetic, but are also looking for a more direct and incisive style of journalism.

News access declines during the day and they’re OK with bite-sized packages – In the smartphone-dominated lives of these participants, the leading edge of news consumption shifts to social media as the day progresses and, with it, a willingness to track the key stories in smaller packages.

Podcasts are important and will grow in importance – Media choice, variety and control are central themes in these cohort’s lives so it is to be expected that podcasts are a highly attractive option. Public radio that is diverse and locally rooted is highly valued – MRP participants, and Millennials, in general, are an extremely diverse, locally engaged group and expect the same from their public radio station.

STUDY: Who's Really Listening To Your Podcast?

NuVoodoo & Amplifi Media To Co-Present 9,000 Millennial Podcast Study During Anaheim Event

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 –– Steve Goldstein, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Amplifi Media, and Leigh Jacobs (R), Executive Vice President, Research Analysis, NuVoodoo Media Services, will present these new research findings, along with insights and video highlights of dozens of one-on-one interviews of Millennial podcast listeners at the Anaheim Marriott on Thursday, August 24, at 11:00 a.m. during the Podcast Movement annual event.

Amplifi Media and NuVoodoo Media Services will show results from primary quantitative – and video from the qualitative – research and share insights including: What podcasts they listen to; · Which devices they use; · Which apps they use; · Whether they download and listen later or “stream” right away; · Number of podcasts they listen to each week; · Whether they listen all the way through podcasts; · How they find new podcasts; · What they think about the ads in podcasts; · Where they listen to podcasts.

EVENT: Eric & Kathy Kids Event Delivers $1,001,556 For Children's Hospital

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 – 101.9fm THE MIX/WTMX Chicago raised $1,001,556 for the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago during its 18th annual fundraising efforts. In celebration of their eighteenth year of raising money for the children and families at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, MIX Morning Show host Eric Ferguson along with Melissa McGurren and Whip hosted an unprecedented five-day movement, Eric & Kathy’s Kids for Lurie Children’s that aired the week of August 14, 2017. They capped off the week with a live broadcast and check presentation in the Crown Sky Garden on the 11th floor of Lurie Children’s.

Famed Comedian, Actor & Telethon Host Jerry Lewis Passes Away At 91

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 –– Publicist Candi Cazau revealed that Lewis died Sunday morning of natural causes at age 91 in Las Vegas with his family by his side. Lewis dealt with many health issues over the years, including type 1 diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis and a chronic lung disease. “I’ve worked under the most painful conditions any man has ever felt in his life,” he told The Hollywood Reporter in 2014. “But when I walk out on that stage, the pain goes away.” (read more below in Popline).

Known for his slapstick routines, Lewis became an undeniable force after teaming up with Dean Martin in 1946. Lewis later starred in more than 50 films with iconic rolls in “The Nutty Professor,” “The King of Comedy, “The Bellboy” and more. To millions, Lewis was known as the emcee of the “Muscular Dystrophy Telethon” for decades. Through his fundraising efforts, he raised nearly $2.5 billion by the late 2000’s. With 2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, one for TV and another for film, and a lifetime achievement award given by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the comedian will continue to make the world laugh for years to come. Today, we remember Jerry Lewis. (clip)

In his memory, Benztown has created an audio tribute of the legendary comedian and humanitarian free for use - CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO

Radio Great Kevin Fennessy Passes Away

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 21ST, 2017 –– We were saddened to learn of the passing of radio great, Kevin Fennessy, who passed away this weekend. Kevin's brother, Richard P. Fennessy, posted on Facebook earlier in the week, "I was afraid this bad news was coming. Kevin contacted me last weekend after I sent him a card in the hospital and we chatted the day before his final illness. This, a blessing to me. It was a privilege to know and be mentored by Smilin' Irish Kevin Fennessy. A talented and hard working broadcaster with many years of service to his communities. A loss long to be felt."

His friend Jeff Katz wrote: "He was one of the mast naturally gifted and talented broadcasters who ever lived. In fact the Fennessy family has given us some incredible talents including Richard P. Fennessy and Ed Fennessy. I was in awe listening to Kevin when he was on the air in (WFIL) Philadelphia and was amazed when I finally got to work with him years later in Atlantic City - May his memory always be a blessing. Following past stints in Baltimore, Philadelphia & Buffalo, Fennessy most recently lived in Florida where he worked in sales.

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The 'Mooch' Hires 'Fifteen Minutes,' Hollywood PR Firm

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