Tonight's Going To Be Huuuuuuuge! - In Today's Jockline

HUGE: Media Prepares For Presidential Debate Expected To Draw Largest Audience In History

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2016 –– Beginning tonight at 6:30 pm. ET, experts predict the largest audience ever will gather to hear and watch the first head-to-head encounter between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. According to the NY Times, network executives and political strategists say, it could reach as high as 100 million viewers (not including radio). By comparison, this would rank among television most watched finales such as “MASH” and “Cheers.” Adding to hoopla, The Times reports debate-watching parties and in Paris, many of those there for Fashion Week are setting middle-of-the-night alarms so they can watch the debate live — at 3 a.m. local time.

Broadcast presidential debates have come a long way since their first airing on May 17, 1948 when 40 million people listened to New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey debate former Minnesota Governor Harold Stassen , the first audio-recorded presidential debate to ever take place in the U.S. Some 12 years later, In 1960, Dem. Senator John F. Kennedy debated Rep. Vice-President Richard Nixon in Chicago at the studios of CBS's WBBM-TV.

For tonight's debate at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, as well as, all remaining debates, Westwood One News will also provide live, anchored coverage of all three presidential debates and the vice presidential debate in late September and October, plus provide live special reports on each night the debates are held. Coverage of each 90-minute debate will be anchored by Chas Henry (TR), with on-scene reporting by correspondents Bob Costantini (BL), Steve Kastenbaum (BR) Jim Roope (TL), and Karin Caifa.

ABC News Radio will also provide extensive coverage of the first Presidential debate with a preview program anchored by ABC News Radio correspondent Aaron Katersky. He'll be joined by ABC News’ Brad Mielke, ABC News’ Karen Travers from Washington, D.C. and ABC News Radio political analysts Steve Roberts and Trey Hardin.

The next debate will be held October 9, 2016, 9 pm ET at Washington University, St. Louis, MO THE Tonight's debate will be moderated by NBC' Lester Holt. TRUMP-CLINTON PHOTO/CNN

Futuri To Provide 'Rate The Debate' Voting Feature During Debates

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2016 –– Futuri Media has released a special live voting feature, exclusively for Futuri Mobile and TopicPulse Social Media clients to use tonight during the Presidential debate. The new feature will provide direct viewer and listener sentiment during the debate, providing audiences and analysts with real-time feedback. During all three Presidential debates as well as the Vice Presidential debate, Futuri stations will register live votes from local viewers/listeners on whether they agree or disagree with the politicians on the air. During the debates, viewers and listeners will go to the stations mobile app or website, select their party, identify whether they are registered voter or not, and vote "agree" or "disagree" in real time during the debate. Collective data will be displayed in a website voting window as well as a page in the Futuri Mobile app. At the end of each debate segment, participating Futuri client stations will receive summary data and suggested talking points regarding their local audience's voting metrics.

“Futuri specializes in digital audience engagement. Our goal is to provide Futuri stations with a unique second-screen experience for their audiences, capture real-time audience sentiment, and support our mobile and TopicPulse partners in producing the very best and most relevant coverage for their local audiences,” said Futuri CEO, Daniel Anstandig. With so many undecided voters in contested states, this year’s Presidential and Vice Presidential debates are critical opportunities for the campaigns as well as the media outlets covering them. This year’s debates are anticipating significant audiences, with some predicting that more than 100 million will tune in to view Monday night’s debate. This is especially notable, considering that debates during the last four election cycles have only attracted audiences to the tune of 40-65 million.

'Radio Broadcasters Have A Rough Future Ahead' Writes Lew Dickey In New Book

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2016 –– Lew Dickey has penned a new book, “The New Modern Media,” from publisher Tourbillon International, a unit of Dickey-owned Modern Luxury Media, reports The New York Post. He warns “Radio broadcasters will be unlikely to benefit from subscription revenue for their core service, leaving them highly exposed to the ad markets."

This story follows last Friday's announcement that iHeartMedia is getting into the subscription music business. The New York Post's Claire Atkinson opines, this viewpoint tis bound to spark a lot of static within the business.' ORDER HERE

JACOBS: Keys To Evaluating Top Shows Beyond Ratings Alone

"What is the true value of talent to a station? If a personality’s contract was not renewed or a personality or team left town or moved to a station across the street, what impact would this have?

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2016 –– Has Your Morning Show Earned MVP Status? ask Jacobs Media Fred Jacobs in his latest blog. Comparing how ball players are evaluated beyond just the stats he referecences statistician/fan Bill James and his “sabermetrics” (derived from Society for American Baseball Research}. "Observant fans know these stats frequently fall short,

and are often dependent on more diverse events, ranging from luck, team performance, and other variables that simply don’t show up in the box scores."

Jacob's favorite baseball stat is – WAR – or Wins Above Replacement. WAR has become the all-purpose, single stat that attempts to answer the complicated question about value. Jacobs asks, "What is the true value of talent to a station? If a personality’s contract was not renewed or a personality or team left town or moved to a station across the street, what impact would this have? For this purpose, Jacobs creates PAR – or Performance Above Replacement, and use the following eight variables: Coachability - Sales Friendliness – Community mindedness – Ambassadorial skills – No drama – Current orientation – An understanding of the business of radio - Fun factor. READ COMPLETE BLOG HERE

ON-AIR: Q102. San Francisco Adds Box Kev To Nights

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2016 –– Entercom has named Box Kev to nights on its Throwback Station, Q102 (KRBQ-FM 102.1) in San Francisco. His first shift with KRBQ is scheduled for Monday, October 10th. “It’s an honor to name Box Kev as Q102’s night time personality,” said Elroy Smith, Operations Manager, Entercom San Francisco. “He is extremely talented, creative and entertaining and is going to bring a fresh vibe to nights on Q.”

His 13 year radio career began at KMEL 106.1-FM in San Francisco as a programming and promotions intern to eventually host of his own radio show “The Hot Box”. “I am beyond excited & thankful to be able continue my radio career in The Bay Area where it all started.” said Kev. “It is truly a dream come true and I cannot wait to begin at my new home Q102, with such an amazing & talented staff.”

Q102’s weekday lineup will be: 6:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. Joey V. & Mia Amor In The Morning - 10:00-2:00 p.m. Billy Vidal - 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The Takeover Show with Hoodrat Miguel 7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Box Kev .

Adams Recognizes Its Top Performers

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2016 –– Adams Radio recognized several top performers at their annual meeting in Nashville. Market of the Year – Fort Wayne, Chris Monk VP/GM General Manager of the Year – Aaron Criswell, Las Cruces, NM General Sales Manager of the Year – Kevin Musselman, Fort Wayne, Indiana Program Director of the Year – Robbie Mack, Fort Wayne, Indiana Business Manager of the Year – Joann Fitzhugh, Salisbury – Ocean City, MD.

Ron Stone, CEO of Adams Radio commented: “There is no pleasure greater than recognizing people who go above and beyond to create success. This year’s winners set the standard for excellence within our company. We are all very proud of their accomplishments and the teams they represent!”

[WATCH] Famed Radio & TV Host Vin Scully Paid Tribute As He Calls Last Game For The Dodgers

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2016 –– During this weekend’s Dodger's series against the Rockies marked the last time Vin Scully would call a game from Dodgers stadium. According to The Hollywood Patch, his 67 years with the Dodgers is the longest tenure of a broadcaster in any sport. City Councilman Gil Cedillo declared Friday Vin Scully Day, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti presented Scully with the key to the city. "I try to call a play, shut up, and listen to the crowd, and in that moment, I'm 8 years old,” he said recently.

The Dodgers had distributed a letter from Scully to each fan, in which he wrote about growing up with the fans of Los Angeles. “The transistor radio is what bound us together. “Were you at the Coliseum when we sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to an umpire? Were you among the crowd that groaned at one of my puns? Did you kindly laugh at one of my little jokes? Did I put you to sleep with the transistor radio under your pillow? You were simply always there for me." Scully, who turns 89 in November, grinned as he talked about his retirement plans. “I’m going to try to live,” he said. And, amid all the love and tears, he closed with a laugh line. “I’m looking for a much smaller house and a much larger medicine cabinet,” he said. “Good night, everybody!" Of note, it was only fitting that the Dodgers celebrated their fourth straight National League West title after Charlie Culberson homered with two outs in the 10th inning to beat the Colorado Rockies 4-3 on Sunday. SEE TRIBUTE HERE

Chase Rice To Headline 92.3 WIL’s 2016 JingleFest Concert

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2016 –– It's that time of year again as stations coast to coast begin announcing their Christmas concert lineups. First up, 92.3 WIL, who will be presenting its JingleFest on Friday, December 16th, announced performances by Chase Rice, Granger Smith, Maren Morris, and Kane Brown. As a supporting act in 2014, Chase Rice returns to the JingleFest stage this year as the headliner.

With another jam-packed lineup for 2016, WIL Program Director, Scott Roddy, notes, “From Taylor Swift to Sam Hunt, JingleFest has proven to be THE venue to introduce St. Louis new country followers to the fresh faces of country music! This year’s lineup, curated by Music Director and Midday Host Danny Montana, continues this long standing tradition.” Started in 2003 as a free show to thank the WIL listeners, part of the JingleFest tradition lies within their infamous ticket blasts, where listeners line up for hours to get a pair of general admission tickets to the show.

Gold Legend Arnold Palmer Passes; Jane Pauley To Succeed Osgood

Golf Legend Arnold Palmer Passes Away

Jane Pauley To Succeed Charles Osgood On CBS' 'Sunday Morning'

George W. Bush & Michelle Obama Selfie Goes Viral

Donald Trump 'Tombstone' Makes Gallery Debut In Brooklyn

Matt LeBlanc Extends With 2-Series Deal For 'Top Gear'

Snapchat Changing Name To Snap Inc.

Julia Roberts To Play Disgraced PTA Mom In 'Framed'

[WATCH] Backstreet Boys Join Florida Georgia Line During iHeart Festival

Jared Leto To Appeal TMZ Lawsuit Decision Over Taylor Swift Video

FXX To Air 13-day, 600-episode 'Simpsons' Marathon

'Will & Grace' Cast Reunite

Puff Daddy Donates $1 Million To Howard University

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WINS Takes Home 'Legendary Station' Award; CBS Radio Snags Five At Marconi Awards

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2016 –– Winners of the 2016 National Association of Broadcasters' (NAB) Marconi Radio Awards were announced Thursday night at the 27th annual NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show, held at the Radio Show in Nashville.

This year's NAB Marconi Radio Award recipients are: Legendary Station of the Year WINS-AM (CBS), New York, NY -- Network/Syndicated Personality of the Year Delilah, Premiere Networks CHR -- Major Market Personality of the Year Toucher & Rich, WBZ-FM (CBS), Boston, MA -- Large Market Personality of the Year Brooke & Jubal, KQMV-FM, Seattle, WA -- Medium Market Personality of the Year Chaz & AJ, WPLR-FM, Milford, CT --Small Market Personality of the Year Brent Carl Fleshman, WHUB-FM, Cookeville, TN

Major Market Station of the Year WBEB-FM, Philadelphia, PA -- Large Market Station of the Year WBAL-AM, Baltimore, MD -- -- Medium Market Station of the Year WHKO-FM, Dayton, OH --Small Market Station of the Year WKDZ-FM, Cadiz, KY

Classic Hits Station of the Year KRTH-FM (CBS), Los Angeles, CA -- Country Station of the Year KKBQ-FM, Houston, TX -- AC Station of the Year WLEN-FM, Adrian, MI -- News/Talk Station of the Year WTOP-FM, Washington, D.C. -- CHR Station of the Year KTXY-FM,Columbia, MO -- Rock Station of the Year KCMQ-FM, Columbia, MO -- Sports Station of the Year WXYT-FM (CBS), Detroit, MI -- Urban Station of the Year WHUR-FM, Washington, D.C. -- Spanish Station of the Year KLOL-FM (CBS), Houston, TX -- Religious Station of the Year KLTY-FM, Dallas, TX -- Non-commercial Station of the Year WSOU-FM, South Orange, NJ Major

The NAB Marconi Radio Awards Dinner & Show also featured a performance by Grammy Award-winning singer Jennifer Nettles, courtesy of Big Machine Label Group and hosted by acclaimed WCBS-FM morning personality and host of the nationally syndicated "True Oldies" Scott Shannon - SEE ALL FINALISTS HERE

Attendance Up For This Year's Radio Show; Largest Since NAB/RAB Partnership In 2010

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2016 –– The RAB and NAB announced the total number of registered attendees for the 2016 Radio Show, held this week in Nashville. 2016 Radio Show Attendees: 2,272 This compares to 2,170 attendees at the 2015 Radio Show in Atlanta.

RAB's Erica Farber remarked during the show that this was largest attendance figure since the NAB joined with the RAB in partnering on the event in 2010.

As previously announced, the 2017 Radio Show will be held September 6-8 in Austin, TX.

iHeartMedia 'Reinventing Live Radio' With Launch Of Two New Subscription Services

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2016 –– iHeartMedia announced today that it is reinventing live radio with the launch of its two new subscription services -- iHeartRadio Plus and iHeartRadio All Access -- set to debut in January 2017. While research shows that more than 90 percent of listeners say they listen to both FM radio and music collections, but at different times, for different reasons, this marks the first time ever that on demand functionality will be used to improve the radio experience, unlike current services which can only approach on demand through a music collection offering. Because 73 percent of consumers, which include users of on demand music services, continually cite radio as their primary source of music discovery, iHeartRadio’s new on demand offering will allow listeners to bridge the divide between music discovery and music collecting by seamlessly incorporating true interactivity into the radio listening experience through a variety of new features.

“We’re now making it easier than ever for iHeartRadio users to think of music discovery and collecting in a brand new and easy-to-use way,” said Darren Davis, President of iHeartRadio. “For the first time ever, when listeners hear a new or favorite song on the radio they can instantly replay a song and even save it directly to a playlist. We are reimagining radio -- with the new technologies and offerings powered by our on-demand options, music discovery, music collecting and the power of community and companionship fostered by live radio and influential and trusted personalities.

iHeartRadio is now combining it all for the first time; there’s no other digital music service that can do this.” “For decades radio has remained the No. 1 medium to reach consumers, fostering a sense of community and engaging listeners through entertaining on-air personalities and curated music and content,” said Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. “While other streaming services have taken a music collection approach to digital streaming, no one has yet built a service incorporating on demand technology with real live radio-- and at a scale that only iHeartMedia can, with its reach of over a quarter of a billion people every month --- It’s a monumental shift for the industry as we lead the way into a new era of interactive radio.”

'Contests Are Not Bad' Says Leigh Jacobs

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2016 –– Lots of buzz this week and during radio show in Nashville following NuVoodoo Media's latest blog showing nearly half of likely PPM participants think radio contests are rigged. Following this weeks post in Jockline (9/19) we heard from NuVoodoo's Leigh Jacobs (L) who assured us that reaction has been very positive from those who actually read the press release or blog post. A few, Jacobs says, who read only the headline or skimmed the post, thought we had concluded that contests are bad -- which is NOT the case." The findings came from our eighth Ratings Prospects Study, a study NuVoodoo fields twice a year to deepen its understanding of the consumers radio cares about most. Our questionnaires always include some questions devoted to contests, prizes and promotions. Some of the questions are just about interest/participation in contests in general, more are specific to radio station contests.

As for key takeaways from the study, Jacobs says, "The problem we believe is a need for greater transparency in contests. I suggested a number of ideas in addition to promoting winners on the air and online: · Showing prize drawings on Facebook Live – involving listeners when possible. · Setting up special groups on Social Media and offering email blasts for listeners who want extra chances at station prizes (in exchange for more of their personal information for the station’s database). · Making sure listeners who email or comment on station Social Media channels get thoughtful, timely responses. · Empowering staffers to answer listener phone calls; since the people who do call are disproportionately likely to be the people stations most want to influence.

I think the underlying problem is promotion practices that are long on solicitation and short on follow-through. We hear lots of promos about contests on the air, but rarely hear anything about people actually winning station contests. Part of the issue is entry method. Texting-in-to-win has become a more attractive contest entry method than the time-honored, “be-caller-10,” but texting robs the process of audio from an excited contest winner as proof that the contest is legitimate.

Group/national contests are troublesome as well, since stations don't want to spotlight winners from distant markets. While our guidance wouldn’t be to move away from shared contests, it IS necessary to start with a plan in mind of how to trumpet the news about local winners on-the-air and in external marketing. We think it's worth putting a few dollars behind ads in Social Media to showcase local contest winners. Station communications and websites need to show actual contest winners with Publishers-Clearinghouse style checks.

ON-AIR: Britt Waters Joins 94.7 Fresh FM Wash. For Nights; Charly Kayle Exits Mornings At KOIT San Fran; Ben Rutz To Co-Host With Jessica Green For Mornings At Z92.5 Kokomo;

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2016 –– 94.7 Fresh FM announced that Britt Waters will host nights on 94.7 Fresh FM (WIAD) effective Wednesday, October 5th. Waters started her career on the nationally syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show where she served as on-air talent and producer for three years. Waters is also the host of the weekly TV program, “The Sound”, Friday nights on DCN. Local artists join her as they use performances and interviews to showcase DC’s top talent in every music genre. “I am very excited to have Britt join the Fresh family,” said Steve Davis, Vice President Programming, CBS RADIO Washington, D.C. and Program Director of WPGC. “Britt is an incredible, smart young talent with amazing potential. There is no doubt in my mind, she is a future star!”

Charly Kayle tells Jockline, "What an incredible ride it's been at KOIT and I'm thankful to Entercom for allowing me to work with some of the best in the business. I truly appreciate (former PD) Andy Holt and (current PD) Brian Figula for their talent coaching both on and off air, which greatly improved my skills in all forms of media. Now I'm looking for my next opportunity in radio, video, or digital to connect with listeners, and hopefully make a difference in their lives. Contact me at charlykayle@gmail.com.

Kayle had posted on Facebook, "I truly loved doing that show, and care about the people who gave me their time & attention to listen. I got to work with some of the most wonderful people in radio, and learned more in almost 5 years in San Francisco, than in all my previous decades of the business. So it is with the heaviest of a crushed heart I have to say goodbye to KOIT, and let it be a "Google memory".

--Ben Rutz (bottom right) has joined Jessica Green on the Z92.5 Kokomo Indiana's Morning Show. According to The Kokomo Herald, Rutz arrived in the City of Firsts days ago from his native North Carolina. Of note, Jessica Green was one of this year's ReelWorld/MSBC 'Rising Star Award recipients during MSBC in Atlanta.

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Cumulus Appoints Ray Nelson VP/Market Manager For Huntsville

THE MOUTH, SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2016 –– Cumulus Media has appointed Ray Nelson to Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus Media-Huntsville’s six-station cluster. Nelson was previously Vice President/General Manager/Cluster Director of Sales for Cox Radio in Birmingham, AL. Prior to that, he was Vice President/Market Manager for Clear Channel/iHeartMedia in Ann Arbor, MI. He was also General Manager/General Sales Manager/National Sales Manager for Fritz Broadcasting in Saginaw, MI.

"I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity lead the Cumulus Huntsville cluster, the Huntsville market is a fabulous growth market. I appreciate the confidence that Jeff Brown and the entire Cumulus management team have demonstrated in selecting me to champion Cumulus Huntsville"