Chris Balfe Departs, Betsy Morgan New CEO For Beck

Betsy Morgan

Glenn Beck's news website and TV network TheBlaze has promoted president and chief strategy officer Betsy Morgan to the role of C.E.O., according to CapitalNewYork.com.

As chief executive, Morgan will replace Chris Balfe, who is leaving the company after 12 years of working with Beck. Balfe also served as president of Beck's Mercury Radio Arts.

Morgan joined TheBlaze as president in early 2011. Before that, she spent two years as C.E.O. of the then-fledgling Huffington Post, from 2007 to 2009.

Morgan has also held high-level positions at CBS, including a run as S.V.P. for CBS Interactive, leading the broadcaster's digital business.

"Betsy has helped me evolve, pushed me out of my comfort zone and has helped define the thinking of where this company needs to go," Beck wrote in a note to staff announcing Morgan's appointment. "Unbeknownst to many, Betsy has already moved our place in the world forward."

Under Balfe, the company expanded its footprint by building out an online TV operation, called TheBlaze TV, eventually making the move to a more traditional business model by partnering with pay-TV providers as well.

Beck stated, "Chris Balfe has been my friend and the CEO of Mercury Radio Arts for 12 years. He has helped me launch every product line and every new crazy adventure and we have done well together. Twelve best-selling books, a leading website, a top radio channel, and a cable channel – a cable channel, are you kidding me?

"I know it is going to be a hard act to follow; under Chris’ watchful eye we have done things that no group of people our size have ever done, things that people thought were impossible. We proved them wrong. And I think that under the leadership of our new CEO, Betsy, we will continue to prove that there is another way and we'll confound the skeptics again."

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Bowling Green KY Radio: AM Host Tony Rose Moving To D93

Tony Rose

One of Bowling Green's most well-known radio personalities is headed to a new job.

Listeners will soon hear radio anchor and DJ Tony Rose on over at Classic Rock WDNS 93.3 FM D93.

Rose is best known for his entertaining morning shows on AdultHits WKLX 100.7 FM and helping all over the community with programs like Stuff the Bus which helps children get school supplies.

Rose said this new job is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"When an opportunity like this comes along at a place where one of my mentors in the business works, and a place that is doing great local radio, which is what I'm about. They want to be involved in the community. They want to be a part of the community, which is truly what my show and what I am about," said radio personality Tony Rose.

WDNS 93.3 FM (12Kw) 60dBu Coverage

He starts at D93 January 5th.

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Mediabase Says Republic Top Music Label In 2014

Mediabase has issued it's year-end music charts and has declared Republic as the #1 overall music label in Mediabase chart share.

The results are base based on the time period of November 17, 2013 through November 15, 2014. Republic scored a 15.3% chart share, which allowed the New York-based company to move up from their 12.2% third place finish in 2013.

Among the label’s accomplishments for 2014 are:

• #1 at Rhythmic, and #2 at an unprecedented seven formats: Top 40, Urban, AC, Hot AC, Active Rock, Alternative, and Triple A.
• A diverse roster of acts helped Republic achieve their accomplishment this year.
• Lorde ranked among the most played artists of 2014 at Triple A (#1), Top 40 and Hot AC (#3), Alternative (#6), and was top 10 at AC.
• Drake was the #2 artist at Urban and #3 at Rhythmic.
• American Authors had the #1 song of the year at Hot AC with “Best Day Of My Life,” and ranked as the #4 artist.
• Volbeat was #3 most played artist at Active Rock and top 10 at Rock.
• Republic also finished 2014 with a flurry of hits.
• Taylor Swift garnered a #1 hit at Top 40 and Hot AC for multiple weeks with “Shake It Off.”
• Jessie J teamed up with Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj for the #1 smash “Bang Bang” at Top 40, while newcomer Tove Lo was #1 for one week in November with “Habits (Stay High)” – a song which also charted at a number of other formats.
• Ariana Grande had multiple hits at Top 40 including “Problem,” featuring Iggy Azalea, “Break Free,” featuring Zedd, and ended the year climbing multiple charts with “Love Me Harder,” featuring The Weeknd.
• Newcomer Milky Chance spent the last 10 weeks of the chart year at #1 in Alternative with “Stolen Dance,” a song that also topped the Triple A chart. “Stolen Dance” is also currently climbing the Hot AC and Top 40 charts.

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Consultant Gary Berkowitz Issues '7 Wishes For AC'

Gary Berkowitz

Longtime radio program consultant Gary Berkowitz has issued "7 Wishes of Christmas" for AC Radio.  He calls them programming points to focus on as radio heads into the new year:

•  AC is NOT in trouble. Don't believe the noise. Does AC need to evolve? Yes. But its still a strong vibrant format. Key to winning in AC? Out perform 8a-3p (at work) and you'll get the win. 

• If you believe that digital is the future we must work on the spot set content. For a majority of the radio stations that stream, the stop set content makes the stream un-listenable. Example: You want younger demos but your stream plays 3-4 spots an hour for old age homes and retirement villas. Not kidding. I hear it all the time.  

• Fact: TSL is in a decline. Before you fire the PD, take a look at your log. Sure, you may only be playing 12 minutes of spots, but when those 12 minues equate to 22 units, we have a problem. Just sayin.

• Lets agree to remove "Hi, who's this" from all contesting. There is a better way. Maybe its time to say so long to call in contesting in general. Is there an alternative? Yes. Call or email me and I'll tell you what it is.

• We need to get back to product testing. My highest rated AC's have one thing in common. They test the product (music and non music) elements consistently. Imagine what would happen if Apple or any of the car companies stopped research and development. I think we all know the answer. 

• Make 2015 the year that we start to work on building relationships with our listeners. From email databases to our websites and Facebook-Twitter accounts, we have a gold mine sitting there if we take advantage of them. Hint: Even if you post a lot, and nobody comments or reacts, what does it tell you? 

• And finally (somewhat tongue in cheek)....Celebrate Me Home and My Favorite Things are not Christmas songs. Can we agree to remove these from Christmas libraries?

Reach out to Gary. For a confidential discussion of your station and how to improve ratings in the new year, call 248.737.3727 or email gary@garyberk.com. 

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FCC Issues Warning To Stephanie Miller Show Producers

Stephanie Miller

The FCC has issued a Citation and Order (Citation) to Stephanie Miller's SM Radio Productions that it violated the Commission's rules by transmitting or causing the transmission of the EAS codes or Attention Signal.

The agency directed SM Radio to take immediate steps to comply with FCC rules and statutory requirements that prohibit misuse of EAS Tones. The Commission said that if SM Radio fails to comply, it may be liable for significant fines.

To ensure that the EAS Attention Signal remains uniquely associated with actual emergency announcements, and thus retains its ability to instantly command the public's attention, the Commission prohibits misuse of the EAS Tones by any person. The agency says that frivolous, casual or other uses of EAS Tones for reasons other than their defined purpose can desensitize listeners to the warning tones and undermine the effectiveness of the system in the event of an actual emergency.

SM Radio produces Stephanie Miller's program and provides it to SiriusXM for broadcast to its subscribers. SM Radio, however, did not produce the promotion but acquired it from an independent contractor. An SM Radio employee reviewed the promotion before inserting it into the program, acting under the mistaken belief that the EAS Tone in the promotion was an outdated tone associated with the precursor to the EAS, and too brief to be of concern. This transmission aired six times between December 4, 2013, and January 28, 2014.

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NBC 'Nightly News' Delivers Demo Win Over ABC

Brian Williams

“NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” was America’s #1 newscast across the board for the week of December 1-5, 2014, according to Nielsen Media Research data.

During the week that marked Brian Williams’ tenth anniversary as anchor and managing editor, the NBC broadcast posted its biggest wins over ABC in months -- delivering the best demo viewer lead since March and widest total viewer advantage since August. Nightly was #1 in all total viewer, A25-54, and A18-49 demos each night of the week.

Growth:

• Nightly widened its total viewer lead over ABC for the second straight week and by +40% week-to-week.
• Nightly posted the biggest evening news gains versus 4Q’14/STD levels in total viewers (+7%, or +658,000), A18-49 viewers (+11%, or +174,000), and A25-54 viewers (+10%, or +216,000)
• Versus the same week last season, Nightly was up +1% (+77,000) in total viewers.
• Nightly is currently delivering +2% total viewer growth this season-to-date and is having its best start to a season (9.052 million) in 9 years.

Weekly Highlights:

• Nightly averaged 9.649 million total viewers, +9% (+809,000) ahead of ABC World News Tonight and +29% (+2.169 million) more than CBS Evening News.

This marks the NBC broadcast’s biggest  total viewer win over ABC since the week of 8/18/2014.
Nightly has been #1 in total viewers for 273 consecutive weeks and 320 of the last 321 weeks.

• Nightly averaged 2.313 million A25-54 viewers, leading ABC by +8% (+173,000) and CBS by +23% (436,000).

This marks Nightly’s biggest demo viewer win over ABC since the week of 3/17/2014.
Nightly averaged a 1.9 A25-54 rating, topping ABC by +1 tenth and CBS by +3 tenths.

• Nightly averaged 1.700 million A18-49 viewers, topping ABC by +19% (+272,000) and CBS by +31% (+402,000).

This marks Nightly’s biggest A18-49 viewer win over ABC since the Sochi Olympics (week of 2/17/2014).

• Nightly delivered a 1.3 A18-49 rating, topping ABC by +2 tenths and CBS by +3 tenths.

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FCC Call Sign Activity For November

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R.I.P.: Flint, MI Radio News Dean Les Root Has Died

Les Root

Les Root, who spent more than a half century broadcasting news in the Flint area with a signature tenor and rhythm, died Monday five years after signing off the air for the final time.

Root was 75 years of age, according to MLive.com.

"He was like the local version of Walter Cronkite," said Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton, who was hired as a news reporter by Root in 1977 and worked with him for approximately six years, including while he was attending law school, at AM station WFDF.

"We used to call him the dean of Mid-Michigan newsmen -- a real pro," Leyton said. "He was a throwback news guy who would make all the calls to police and fire departments in the morning, write his own news, edit the wire, and put together a newscast on the hour and the half-hour."

Root started broadcasting as a student at Flint Central High School, working as an engineer-announcer at FM station WFBE. He graduated in 1957, and found part-time jobs in Flint radio, first at a station owned by the Methodist Radio Parish and then at WBBC, which later became WTRX.

Root was a member of the Jones Boys, a marketing concept that the station owner set up for his on-air personalities: "John Paul Jones, " Tom Jones, " "Casey Jones," and "Lonesome Jones."

Root told The Journal in 2002 that each name went with a particular shift, and the announcers behind the names where almost interchangeable.

"I was Lonesome Jones from midnights to 5 a.m. and then I was Les Root, news anchor, from 5 till 9 (a.m.), " he said. "And for a brief time, I was Tom Jones."

In 1970, he became news director of WFDF and left the airwaves only after his job at Cumulus Media was eliminated and he was laid off in 2009.

He was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame in 2006.

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December 10 In Radio History

DeFord Bailey, the Opry's First Star

In 1927...the The Grand Old Opry originated its first radio broadcast from Nashville, Tennessee.


In 1955...Johnny Cash met his future wife June Carter while in Shreveport for his first appearance on the KWKH's "Louisiana Hayride" radio show.


In 1961...One week after first meeting with Brian Epstein to discuss his taking over as the Beatles' manager, John, Paul, George and Pete Best were back in Epstein's office for a second interview. The band was now eager to listen to Epstein's proposal following a booking the night before where they played to only 18 people. After being assured that they were not expected to change their musical style, John spoke for the others, saying, "Right then, Brian, manage us!"



Beatles' Manager Brian Epstein is interviewed in New York City by Murray the K for WOR-FM Radio in March 1967.


‌
In 1963..."The CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite" featured a story about the new British pop music sensations, the Beatles. The report originally had been scheduled to air November 22 but was delayed because of extended news coverage of the presidential assassination.




In 1963...Donny Osmond made his debut with the Osmonds on The Andy Williams Show on NBC.


In 1967...26-year-old Otis Redding and four members of his band, the Bar-Kays, are killed when their tour plane crashes into a frozen near Madison, WI. Three days earlier, Redding had recorded what was to be his breakthough pop hit, "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay.


In 1980...The body of John Lennon was cremated at the Ferncliff Mortuary in Hartsdale, New York and his ashes were given to his widow Yoko Ono, who reportedly took them back to her Dakota apartment.

Gosden and Correll

In 1982...Freeman Gosden, the U.S. radio actor who portrayed "Amos" in the radio hit, "Amos 'n' Andy", died at age 83.

Gosden was born in Richmond, Virginia. During World War I he served in the United States Navy as a wireless operator, which prompted his great interest in the young medium of radio.

Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll

In 1921, Gosden first teamed up with Charles Correll to do radio work, presenting comedy acts, sketches, and hosting variety shows. They met in Durham, North Carolina, both working for the Joe Bren Producing Company. Their first regular show came in 1925 with their WEBH Chicago show Correll and Gosden, the Life of the Party. On this show the two told jokes, sang, and played music.

In 1926, Gosden and Correll had a hit with their radio show Sam & Henry on Chicago radio station WGN. Sam & Henry is considered by some historians to have been the first situation comedy.

From 1928 to 1960, Gosden and Correll broadcast their Amos 'n' Andy show, which was one of the most famous and popular shows on radio in the 1930s. Gosden voiced the characters "Amos", "George 'Kingfish' Stevens", "Lightning", "Brother Crawford", and some dozen other characters.

In 1969, Gosden was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in radio.

In 2004...One of three RCA microphones, used during 50 mid-1950s performances by Elvis Presley for the "Louisiana Hayride" radio show on KWKH in Shreveport, was sold for $37,500.

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D/FW: KSCS Morning CoHost Terry Dorsey To Retire

Terry Dorsey, a fixture in DFW radio since 1981 and the longest-running current host on local FM radio, announced Tuesday morning on Country KSCS 96.3 FM’s Hawkeye and Dorsey show that he is retiring, effective Dec. 17.

Listen to The Audio: Click Here.

“After 47 years in the broadcasting business ... I’ve decided with a little sadness that it’s time to step down,” Dorsey said, adding that he’ll be glad to sleep in and hand the reins to his co-host Mark “Hawkeye”.

Dorsey started his radio career in the late 60's at WFKY in Frankfort, Kentucky. He then made stops in Richmond, Indiana; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Dayton, Ohio before arriving in Dallas in 1980 to do mornings on KPLX. Dorsey moved across town to KSCS in July, 1988 and has been a fixture on KSCS ever since.

Dorsey is a Vietnam War veteran, serving as a Combat Engineer in the Army. He was inducted into the Country Radio DJ Hall of Fame in 2006, and into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame in 2007. He has also won the CMA, AMA, and Billboard Major Market Personality of the Year Awards.

In 2010, Dorsey gained worldwide recognition when an April Fool's prank got the attention of almost all the major news outlets and organizations including ESPN and CNN. Eddie Gossage, general manager of Texas Motor Speedway, offered Terry $100,000 if he would "legally change his name" to TexasMotorSpeedway.com!

Terry Dorsey

Mark “Hawkeye” Louis, KSCS Morning Co-Host said: "There are people in the metroplex that have never heard Dallas radio without Terry Dorsey, and I've worked with him almost all of my career. I'm in shock along with everyone else. I wish him a wonderful retirement!"

J.R. Schumann, Operations Manager for KSCS/KPLX said: "What an honor it's been to work with a broadcast giant like Terry Dorsey. This has been a milestone in my career, and I'm fortunate for having been able to attach my name to part of his legendary career. I think I can speak for most people when I say Dallas radio won't be the same without Terry's voice in the morning! I wish him nothing but the absolute best in his retirement!"

Dan Bennett, Regional Vice President/Market Manager for Cumulus Dallas/Houston said: "Terry's contribution to Dallas/Fort Worth radio is monumental. He is an Iconic figure in our industry and we are all better because Terry Dorsey was in it.” ouis and producer “Trapper” John Morris.

KSCS 96.3 FM (99Kw) 60dBu Coverage

The departure will breaks up a duo that has been together for more than 25 years, since 1988 when Dorsey, Mark “Hawkeye” Louis and others made up what was became known as The Dorsey Gang.

Dorsey thanked his most loyal listeners, several former Dorsey Gang members, and especially Louis.

“I saw him mature from his Barney Fife mode,” Dorsey said, “To the mature morning-show host he is now. ... I’ve spent more time with him that I have with my wife!”

Dorsey says that his post-radio plan is to hook a trailer to the back of his truck and move to Illinois, where his wife has relatives.

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Nielsen Confirms Network Radio's Reach

Nielsen today reported in its December 2014 RADAR® Radio Network Ratings that more than 177 million Americans age 12 or older listened to a network radio commercial during an average week. The 46 networks measured by Nielsen RADAR reach 66.6% of the U.S. population each week.

Nielsen RADAR reports estimated audiences to network commercials broadcast by affiliates of the subscribing networks. RADAR audience estimates do not account for listening to all network radio programming.

Selected Audience Results From December 2014 Report

The RADAR December 2014 report demonstrates network radio’s appeal across a wide range of ages and markets. Commercials aired on the 46 measured radio networks reached:

• 66.6% of persons aged 12+ (177.5 million listeners)
• 69.5% of persons aged 18-49 (93.6 million listeners)
• 70.3% of persons aged 25-54 (88.1 million listeners)
• 61.5% of Hispanics aged 12+ (26.3 million listeners)
• 73.8% of African-Americans aged 12+ (25.1 million listeners)

The RADAR December 2014 report also demonstrates network radio’s extensive reach in the Top 25 DMAs® (designated market areas):

• 68.8% of persons aged 12+ (92.6 million listeners)
• 72.4% of persons aged 18-49 (50.0 million listeners)
• 73.1% of persons aged 25-54 (47.7 million listeners)
• 65.4% of Hispanics aged 12+ (17.7 million listeners)
• 74.5% of African-Americans aged 12+ (13.6 million listeners)

Editor’s Note: The number of networks and their affiliates vary over time as the networks adjust to meet marketplace needs. These fluctuations affect the audience estimates for a particular RADAR report but are not indicative of a change in network radio as a whole because not all network radio is reported in RADAR.

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L-A Radio: Mark Thompson Signs For AM Drive At KSWD

Mark Thompson

Bonneville International Corporation’s radio station KSWD 100.3 FM / The Sound has signed legendary Los Angeles morning radio personality Mark Thompson to host an all-new morning show for the top-rated Rock station in the market, it was announced jointly Monday by Peter W. Burton, Vice President and General Manager, and Dave Beasing, Program Director.

This marks not only Thompson’s return to Los Angeles following his departure from KLOS-FM in August of 2012, but also his return to broadcast radio.

“For me to return to mornings on LA’s white-hot radio station, The Sound, is beyond exciting,” said Thompson. “I want to thank Peter Burton and Dave Beasing for their unbridled passion in making this happen. To all my old and new listening friends in LA: You should brace yourself, my people, because there is an entertainment storm coming and an umbrella won’t help you.”

“Mark’s return is probably the biggest thing to happen to LA radio since his departure. There’s been a huge void in local morning radio,” said Burton. Added Beasing, “The Sound will continue to be all about the music, and Mark will create a daily shared experience that Classic Rock fans won’t want to miss.”

The new morning show comes at a time when 100.3 The Sound is posting its best ratings since it appeared on the scene in 2008. So far in 2014, the station’s audience has increased a remarkable 77% (6A-Mid Mon-Sun 6+ Average Quarter Hour, Nielsen Audio).

About the team he’ll be working with at The Sound, Thompson said, “I will once again embrace my dear friends Joe Benson, Rita Wilde, and Cynthia Fox from my KLOS days.” Thompson is the latest of several iconic Rock DJs to join The Sound staff, including Uncle Joe Benson (formerly of KLOS and KCBS), Cynthia Fox (KMET, KLSX) and Rita Wilde (KLOS, KEZY).

Starting in February, Joe will segue to middays on The Sound, beginning each program at 10 AM with The Sound’s “10 at 10,” featuring “10 great songs from 1 great year.” Middays on The Sound are currently hosted by Andy Chanley, who will join the cast of “Mark in the Morning” working with Thompson. Julie Slater will continue to host afternoon drive on The Sound.

KSWD 100.3 FM (5.4Kw) 54dBu Coverage

About Mark Thompson: Mark has been working in radio for 45 years and been doing morning radio for 35 years, 25 of which were spent here in Los Angeles. Mark received the Marconi award, considered to be the Academy Award of the radio business, and was named “Air Personality of the Year” by Billboard Magazine on two different occasions. He won an Emmy Award for co-hosting the Andy Griffith Christmas Special for Fox, and he received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located directly in front of the Hollywood Wax Museum.

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Entravision Brings Back Eddie Sotelo For Syndication

Eddie Sotelo

Entravision Communications Corporation today announced that legendary radio personality, Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo, will launch a morning show, "El Show de Piolin," on 16 of the company's radio stations beginning on January 5, 2015, as part of a programming and network advertising sales agreement.

Considered one of the most successful radio hosts in the history of Spanish-language radio, Piolin previously hosted a successful morning program, "Piolin por la Manana," on select Entravision radio stations between 2006 and January 2012.

"Piolin's return to network radio is nothing short of monumental and we're eager to bring his incredibly popular program to our twelve Tricolor stations, La Nueva in the Rio Grande Valley and Super Estrella in Los Angeles," said Jeffery Liberman, Chief Operating Officer of Entravision.

"Building on the success of our wildly popular afternoon program, 'El Show de Erazno y La Chokolata', Piolin is a perfect complement to our current programming lineup. Further, the addition of Piolin will significantly strengthen Entravision Solutions as the premier advertising sales organization for syndicated Spanish-language content nationally. When combined with our fast-growing digital assets and big data resources, we are ideally positioned to maximize the incredible star power that Piolin brings to our multimedia organization."

Entravision Solutions, the company's national sales and marketing arm, will retain the exclusive rights to handle network advertising sales for "El Show de Piolin", which will be syndicated across the country. Entravision Solutions will also have the exclusive right to sell national advertising for all of Entravision stations including those that will broadcast "El Show de Piolin".

By adding "El Show de Piolin" to the company's current network syndicated sales lineup of "El Show de Erazno y La Chokolata", "Alex 'El Genio' Lucas", "El Pajarete con Armida y La Flaka", "La Super 20 de State Farm", "De Farra con Lupillo Rivera" and "Super Gol", Entravision Solutions will continue to represent the best in Spanish-language national content.

"I am so excited to be launching 'El Show De Piolin' through my syndication company, Alliance Radio Network. I am also thrilled to be working with Entravision again, not only as the major affiliate group, but also as the sales organization representing all network sales for the program," said Piolin. "The move to air the program on Entravision stations in fourteen markets is the natural next step for me and I can't wait to bring the show to their incredible and dynamic audience. I can't wait to get back in front of my wonderful fans!"

Airing from 6:00 to 10:00 a.m. PST on weekday mornings, "El Show de Piolin" will broadcast in the following Entravision radio markets:

• Arizona – KLNZ La Tricolor 103.5 FM in Phoenix
• California – KMXX La Tricolor 99.3 FM in El Centro-Yuma, KSSC Superestrella 107.1 FM / KSSD Superestrella 107.1 FM / KSSE Superestrella 107.1 FM in Los Angeles-Ventura, KLOK La Tricolor 99.5 FM in Monterey, KPST La Tricolor 103.5 FM in Palm Springs, KRCX La Tricolor 99.9 FM in Sacramento and KMIX La Tricolor 100.9 FM in Stockton
• Colorado – KPVW La Tricolor 107.1 FM in Aspen and KXPK La Tricolor 96.5 FM in Denver
• Nevada – KQRT La Tricolor 105.1 FM in Las Vegas and KRNV La Tricolor 102.1 FM in Reno
• Texas – KYSE La Tricolor 94.7 FM in El Paso, KAIQ La Tricolor 95.5 FM in Lubbock and KKPS La Nueva 99.5 FM in McAllen- Brownsville-Harlingen.

Sotelo previously hosted a popular morning show, “Piolín por la Mañana” (Tweetie Bird in the Morning), which aired in over 50 big Hispanic markets across the U.S. on Univision stations and via syndication. It won an audience of around 3.5 million listeners with Sotelo’s mix of zany humor, satirical sketches and Mexican regional music.

Univision unexpectedly canceled the show in July 2013, amid allegations of sexual harassment brought against Sotelo by some of his colleagues at KCSA-FM in Los Angeles. Sotelo responded with a lawsuit accusing six Univision employees of attempting to extort him, but the suit was dismissed in March 2014.

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Huntsville Radio: WVNN's Dale Jackson Protests In Street

WVNN 770 AM / 92.5 FM personality Dale Jackson took to the streets Monday evening, protesting the protests by Oakwood University students last week.

Jackson says the students blocked traffic without a permit, and if they were allowed, he should be able to as well.

As he marched, he carried a sign reading "the truth matters, police lives matter."

Jackson feels many truths have been looked over, as national protests concerning two high-profile cases involving police continue on.

Seven police cruisers escorted him from Wynn Drive across University.

Jackson was even allowed to lie on the street for two minutes while police held traffic at bay.

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NC Radio: Arrest Made In Theft At WCIS

Copper Theft Suspect

A suspect has been charged with several felonies in regards to the vandalism of WCIS 760 AM in Morganton, NC last week (See original posting: Click Here)

The vandalism included the theft of copper wiring that knocked WCIS off-air.

Steve Woody was charged with felony breaking and entering, larceny after breaking and entering, and possession of stolen goods, according to the Burke County Sheriff’s Office. He also was charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle in regards to an incident Monday, which lead to his capture.

A Ford F250 truck was reported stolen from property near the radio station on Monday, according to the Burke County Magistrate Office.

Evidence in the back of the truck connected him to the radio station theft, BCSO said. Property damage during that theft came to $50,000, according to the magistrate office.

Investigation is ongoing in the copper theft, BCSO said, and more arrests are pending.

Woody was transported to Burke-Catawba jail and placed under a $15,000 secured bond for the stolen vehicle and $25,000 secured bond for the station-related charges, for a total bond of $40,000 secured, according to the magistrate office.

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Report: Pure Play TSL To Exceed Terrestrial Webcasting

Dave Van Dyke of Bridge Ratings Media Research has published some recent data about pureplay listening in a LinkedIn post. “Something interesting is happening on the internet streaming front,” Van Dyke writes. “Satisfaction and time-spent with broadcast radio streaming is slipping, soon to be overtaken by on-demand pure play streaming sources (Pandora, Spotify, iTunes, etc).

RAIN reportsVan Dyke is presenting a chart that projects listening hours for online pureplay tovertaking online AM/FM simulcasts in 2015. He found levels for both listening styles were about 2.4 hours a day in 2014, as daily time spent listening to simulcasts has declined 9.4% since 2012, according to Bridge Ratings.

According to Bridge’s survey, the inability to personalize their listening was the reason why 85% of respondents said they listened less to terrestrial radio broadcasting online.

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Report: Webcast Listening Grew In September

Month-over-month webcast listening moved upward in September, according to Triton Digital’s monthly Webcast Metrics Top 20 Ranker. The upward movement was nearly unanimous among the top-20 entities measured by Triton. Year-over-year and year-to-date gains were also apparent in September.

Analysis of Triton numbers from the RAIN Newsletter looks at U.S. domestic streaming through the Monday-Sunday lens, 6:00am to midnight, using the key metric of Average Active Sessions (AAS).

The biggest percentage monthly gain was accomplished by ESPN Radio, whose streams spiked upward by 17%. CBS streams surged by 15%, and EMF showed a 13% rise.

Pandora, ever the leader in number of sessions, gained two percent over its August metrics (45,000 average sessions, nominally).

Across the entire top-20 cohort, webcasting rose three percent in September. The group’s year-over-year gain was 17%, and there has been an eight percent rise of streaming year-to-date.

While Pandora’s historic trendline is meteoric (see chart below), the market-leading Internet radio company does not own the best year-over-year performance in percentage (22%). That leader is Townsquare Media (44%), followed by New York Public Radio (40%) and NPR (31%).

The strongest year-do-date performer in percentage growth has been AccuRadio (23%).

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Clear Channel Outdoor Courts A Suitor

JCDecaux SA, the world's biggest outdoor advertising group, is exploring a bid for the European advertising assets of U.S. rival Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings Inc (CCO.N), according to Reuters.

The deal would combine the European assets of the two largest outdoor advertising agencies, helping JCDecaux weather an economic downturn on the continent. It could also attract scrutiny from regulators over antitrust concerns.

JCDecaux met with investment banks in recent weeks to appoint a financial advisor that will help put together an offer for Clear Channel Outdoor's European assets, which could be valued at more than $2.5 billion, the people said on Monday.

Clear Channel's parent company has been struggling to trim $20.5 billion of debt. It unloaded assets such as a 50 percent stake in Australia Radio Network, which it sold earlier this year to APN News and Media Ltd (APN.AX).

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Report: Howard Stern Returning To AGT

Howard Stern

Howard Stern is heading back to competition series America's Got Talent, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The SiriusXM radio host is rejoining the series as it enters its 10th season on NBC. Stern was announced to have joined the reality series in December 2011 as a judge.

"I decided that a life without AGT is not worth living," said Stern in a statement posted on the show's Facebook page. "America needs a caring, compassionate and wise judge, and who am I to deny the people what they want? It would be selfish of me to walk away."

On his radio show on Monday, Stern elaborated, saying there was some "soul-searching" involved in the decision to return this year, that plans for the 10-year anniversary convinced him.

"Howard's wit and character bring an incomparable humor and insight to America's Got Talent," said NBC's Paul Telegdy, president, alternative and late-night programming, in a statement.

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iHM To Light Up Empire State Building

Empire State Realty Trust, Inc. and iHeartMedia have announced that they will be teaming up once again to present one-of-a-kind music-to-light shows this holiday season.

To kick off the festivities, ESRT and iHeartMedia will put on a music-to-light show on December 12, 2014, preceding iHeartRadio and WHTZ 100.3 FM / Z100′s annual holiday concert, Jingle Ball. The iconic landmark will synchronize its world-famous LED tower lights, choreographed by internationally-acclaimed lighting designer Marc Brickman, to global superstar and Z100 Jingle Ball performer Taylor Swift’s new hit, “Welcome to New York.” Those fans wishing to watch the light show live can look skyward and tune in to Z100 at 7 p.m.

December also brings the return of the Empire State Building (ESB) Holiday LED tower music-to-light show series. Four one-of-a-kind music-to-light shows, synchronized to timeless holiday songs on iHeartMedia’s  WLTW 106.7 FM LiteFM and via the iHeartRadio mobile app, will play each night at 7 p.m. beginning Saturday, December 20, through Tuesday, December 23, 2014. Fans across the globe will have the unique opportunity to help select the grand finale light show that will be replayed on Christmas Eve at 7 p.m. by voting for their favorite video on www.empirestatebuilding.com. Music for the winning show will be played on iHeartMedia’s powerhouse radio stations 106.7 Lite fm, Z100, and 103.5 KTU.

For those unable to view the shows live, ESB will post a video of each show immediately after on its YouTube page.

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NYC Radio: Emmis To Host Annual Coat Drive

Emmis New York stations WBLS 107.5 FM , WQHT 971. FM HOT 97 and WLIB 1190 AM , have partnered with Geico and Fidelis Health Care to host the 3rd annual “Spread the Warmth” Coat Drive on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream, Long Island.

The stations will be collecting new and gently worn coats from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in support of New York Cares, New York City’s largest volunteer management organization that runs programs for 1,300 nonprofits, public schools, and city agencies to help people in need throughout the five boroughs.

The first 100 participants to donate will receive a $10 gift card courtesy of Green Acres Mall! WBLS, HOT 97 and WLIB Street Teams will also be on-site giving away prizes and entertaining holiday shoppers with music and games.

For additional information, head to WBLS.com and stop by Green Acres Mall on December 13th to help spread the warmth back into our communities.

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'Time' Names Eight Finalists for 2014 'Person of the Year'

Taylor Swift

Time magazine named its eight finalists yesterday (December 8th) for 2014's Person of the Year, with their final choice for the annual selection to be revealed on Wednesday.

• The Ferguson protesters -- Who took to the streets after Michael Brown's killing in August, and after the grand jury declined to indict police officer Darren Wilson in November
• The Ebola caregivers in West Africa
• Russian President Vladimir Putin -- Has been in the headlines all year, from his country's hosting of the Sochi Olympics, to its annexation of Crimea, to its role in the separatist unrest in eastern Ukraine.
• Taylor Swift -- One of the world's top-selling pop artists who shook up the music business by pulling her music from Spotify.
• Jack Ma -- Founder and CEO of Alibaba, China's e-commerce giant, which debuted with a $25 billion IPO.
• Tim Cook -- Apple's CEO, who introduced the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, the Apple Watch and Apple Pay this year, and came out as the first openly gay Fortune 500 CEO
• Masoud Barzani -- "Acting president of the Iraqi Kurdish Region since 2005, who has deftly threaded the region's push for independence with the ongoing fight against" ISIS.
• NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell -- His leadership has been under scrutiny as the league has dealt this year with domestic abuse by players including Ray Rice, as well as other controversies.

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British, Brooklyn Royalty Meet On The Hardwoods

Splash News photo

Kingdoms united at the Barclays Center on Monday night when British and Brooklyn royalty met on the hardwood, according to The NY Daily News.

With typical pomp and circumstance — and a live television audience watching — Brooklyn’s royals, Jay Z and Beyoncé, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge held court courtside at the Nets-Cavaliers game, capping a whirlwind day for Britain’s royal couple.

Prince William and Kate Middleton took their seats next to the home team’s bench midway through the third quarter. The capacity crowd stood up, but the Nets and the Cleveland Cavaliers kept right on playing.

During the stoppage between the third and fourth quarters, Jay and Bey crossed the hardwood to introduce themselves to Wills and Kate. They chatted for about three minutes.

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December 9 In Radio History

In 1940...The Longines Watch Company became the first FM radio advertiser when it signed a contract with W2XOR in New York City, an experimental station.

In 1968...Douglas Engelbart demonstrates the computer mouse

In 1977...Gene Klavan last show at WNEW 1130 AM NYC.

Klavan is most known for his time as half of the morning program "Klavan and Finch." The program ran from 1952 to 1968; prior to 1952, Dee Finch had co-hosted the show with Gene Rayburn. Co-host Finch departed and Klavan continued solo until 1977.



He wrote a biography in 1964, "We Die at Dawn", that largely focused on the morning show. He followed it up in 1972 with "Turn That Damned Thing Off", a book about the news media industry. In 1977 he moved to 710 WOR and left radio in 1980. He later became a commentator at WCBS-TV, a host for the AMC channel, and a columnist for Newsday.

In 2004...Boston radio listeners lost one of that city's most listened to and respected talk show hosts, David Brudnoy, who succumbed to cancer. During his career, he worked at WBZ 1030 AM, WHDH-AM, and WRKO-AM. He was 64.

David Brudnoy

Brudnoy began a career in broadcast commentary in 1971 on Boston's local PBS television station, WGBH-TV.

In 1976, David Brudnoy took over as host of his friend Avi Nelson's radio show on WHDH, in the midst of the city's unrest over forced busing and desegregation in schools. He took to the job with ease, and increasingly gained popularity. From 1981 to 1986, he appeared on former Top 40 WRKO, which was now news and talk, before moving to local stalwart WBZ. The top-rated talk radio host in New England, he appeared in a regular weekday evening slot until his retirement. At the end of his career, Brudnoy was among the most-listened-to evening talk hosts in the United States.

Over the years, Brudnoy also appeared as a news commentator and host on local TV stations besides WGBH, including WCVB-TV (ABC), WNAC-TV, and WBZ-TV (CBS). He also appeared nationally on the CBS Morning News. He wrote movie reviews for Boston magazine and local community newspapers. During the 1970s he wrote articles for the National Review, and befriended its editor William F. Buckley.  He also wrote for The Alternative (later known as The American Prospect) in the early 1970s, but quit because of the editor's unwillingness to adopt a more liberal position on gay rights.   His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The New Republic, and the Saturday Evening Post.

In 1990, his WBZ show was canceled, but a mass public response, including a letter writing campaign sponsored by The Boston Globe, helped lead to his quick return to the station's lineup.

Brudnoy's popularity escalated him into the Boston media elite, and he was the host of numerous social gatherings at his upscale Back Bay apartment, mixing students, media personalities, and politicians. After his bout with AIDS, Brudnoy began broadcasting from his apartment four nights out of five, welcoming his radio guests into his home.

His popularity in Boston was so great that when he returned to the air in early January 1995, after his first battle with HIV/AIDS kept him off the air for ten weeks, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino formally declared January 5 as "David Brudnoy Day."

Brudnoy was awarded the Freedom of Speech Award from the National Association of Radio Talk Show Hosts, and nominated for the "Personality of the Year" Marconi Award, both in 1997.

In 2001, he celebrated his 25th anniversary on the air.

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Entercom To Acquire Lincoln Financial Sations

Entercom Communications Corp. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lincoln Financial Media from Lincoln Financial Group for $105 million plus working capital.

The transaction is subject to FCC and other customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The Company expects that the deal will close in the second quarter of 2015.

The agreement includes fifteen radio stations in the Atlanta, Denver, Miami and San Diego markets, and it will expand Entercom’s station portfolio to more than 130 stations in 26 markets.

David Field

Commenting on the agreement, Entercom President and CEO David J. Field stated: “We are excited toannounce the acquisition of Lincoln Financial Media and welcome the addition of their outstanding brands and talented broadcasters to Entercom. LFM is a great organization that has done an excellent job serving its listeners, customers and communities over many years and we look forward to buildingon that tradition. LFM is a perfect fit for us as it bolsters our position in Denver and expands our footprint into Atlanta, Miami and San Diego with terrific brands that have significant growth potential. Furthermore, it fulfills our disciplined acquisition criteria as it enhances our company’s competitive position and growth and should be accretive to shareholders in 2015 while having a minimal impact on leverage.”

"We are pleased to reach an agreement with Entercom Communications to sell Lincoln Financial Media," added Dennis R. Glass, president and CEO of Lincoln Financial Group. "Not only will this transaction allow Lincoln Financial Media to align itself with a well-respected media organization, but it also enables Lincoln Financial Group to focus on its strategy to grow its core lines of business."

The transaction is structured as an acquisition of the stock of LFM with a tax election that allows Entercom to receive a step-up in the tax basis of the station tangible and intangible assets providing additional future tax shields and enhancing future free cash flow.

The $105 million purchase price will be paid in the form of $77.5 million in cash and $27.5 million in new perpetual cumulative convertible preferred stock that will be issued to Lincoln. Entercom expects to finance the cash portion of the purchase price through a combination of its existing $50 million revolver, cash on hand, and through other financing sources, if necessary.

The convertible preferred stock will not count as debt under the Company’s debt agreements. With the use of convertible preferred stock and adjustments for pro forma cost savings reasonably expected, the transaction will have minimal impact on the Company’s leverage as defined under its credit agreement. Entercom anticipates that it will begin operating the LFM stations under a time brokerage agreement which is expected to commence in late January following the usual Justice Department regulatory review. In order to comply with the FCC’s station ownership limitations, the Company plans to divest one FM station in the Denver market.

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Sun Broadcast Group, Casa Media Form Sales Partnership

Sun Broadcast Group and Casa Media Partners have entered into a sales partnership that will bring CMPs growing owned and operated stations to Sun’s Hispanic lineup on a national network scale.

The two have also signed a long-term agreement to expand the footprint of AccuWeather en Español by offering their listeners local weather updates and breaking weather news. Sun’s Hispanic division Sun Latino, now the largest independent Spanish Language radio network, will handle the ad sales and distribution for both partnerships.

“We are honored that Casa Media Partners has entrusted Sun with their millions of loyal listeners and unique, innovative vision in this ever changing industry.” said Julio Aponte, COO of Sun Broadcast Group. “Adding CMPs stations to our national Hispanic lineups and bringing AccuWeather en Español to their stations is an exciting step in our mission at Sun to bring the best radio experience to our clients, partners and listeners.”

“Casa Media Partners is excited to bring the AccuWeather product to our audiences.” said Joshua Mednick, Executive VP/Sales for Casa Media Partners. “The AccuWeather name represents excellence and trust, attributes we value deeply and emulate within the communities we serve.”

Sun Latino has experienced explosive growth since it’s inception in 2012 with its most recent partnerships including Yahoo Deportes, vCreative Hispanic and the PromoSuite Latino Network. Sun and AccuWeather teamed up in January to begin development and distribution of AccuWeather en Español, the nation’s first and only hyper localized weather service by a major weather provider for the Hispanic market.

Ken Prehl, Director of Radio Service at AccuWeather, Inc. added “As a leader in Spanish and English language weather services, we know the value of forecasts with Superior Accuracy™ for all audiences. Casa Media Partners serves as a vital and expanding audience all over the West Coast and we are proud to welcome them to our growing family of AccuWeather en Español affiliates.”

For more information on AccuWeather en Español or the Sun Latino Network contact Ron Rivlin, SVP of Programming and Affiliate Relations at 212-380-9303 or RRivlin@sunbgi.com.

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L-A Radio: NAB To Induct KROQ's Kevin & Bean Into HOF

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced today that the long-running Kevin & Bean Morning Show, which airs on CBS Radio’s KROQ 106.7 FM in Los Angeles, will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

The induction will occur during the NAB Show Radio Luncheon, held Tuesday, April 14 in Las Vegas.

The “Kevin & Bean Morning Show," hosted by Kevin Ryder and Gene "Bean" Baxter, is the longest-running a.m. drive show on the air in Southern California. The show, which debuted on January 2, 1990, features music and news mixed with comedy, celebrity interviews, listener call-ins and live music performances. Consistent with “The World Famous KROQ” modern rock format, Kevin and Bean’s “Breakfast With…” series features bands like No Doubt, Foo Fighters, Weezer, Nine Inch Nails and U2.

"The talented team of the ‘Kevin & Bean Show’ is a true radio success story,” said NAB Executive Vice President of Radio John David. “The morning show has made a huge impact on Los Angeles with its mix of music, entertainment and humor that has resonated with Southern California listeners for decades.”

Dan Mason, President and CEO, CBS Radio said, "Kevin and Bean have been dedicated entertainers and broadcasters in Los Angeles for more than two decades with their own sense of humor that will never be duplicated. This award is truly a well-deserved recognition of a job well done. I couldn’t be happier for them and the entire team."

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SiriusXM May Have Found A Pre-'72 Hits Lifeboat

SiriusXM recently suffered a series of disastrous courtroom defeats that threaten to harm not just its own digital radio service, but other companies — from YouTube to FM radio — that also play oldies from before 1972. In response, SiriusXM is pinning its hopes on an oldie of its own, in the form of a 1940 copyright case.

According to Gigaom.com, the case in question concerns phonograph records, and SiriusXM is asking a New York judge to use it as a basis to reconsider her finding in November that based on state laws, performers from the band The Turtles deserve an unprecedented copyright payout when companies play their old songs.

SiriusXM believes U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon overlooked the phonograph decision’s significance. A further report, meanwhile, suggests the company scored a point when the judge this week said she hadn’t considered the case and that it “might require her to rethink the ruling.”

Penned by the famous jurist Judge Learned Hand, the 1940 decision concluded that a radio station did not have to pay an orchestra band leader, in addition to the song composer, each time it played a recording of his performance.

Judge Hand

Learned Hand wrote that state law should not let performers, once a phonograph was sold, control how and when it was played:

we think that the “common-law property” in these performances ended with the sale of the records and that the restriction did not save it; and that if it did, the records themselves could not be clogged with a servitude.

Now, 65 years later, the case could prove decisive in the high stakes dispute between SiriusXM and the music industry. If the 1940 rule does not stand, and the Turtles’ position prevails instead, it will mean bring higher music prices for everyone, and yet another expansion of U.S. copyright law.

The Turtles claims are also just the tip of the iceberg, since every other performer (or their heirs) will be in a position to make claims over unpaid per-1972 royalties too. This could represent a major financial blow to radio stations and to music websites like YouTube and Vimeo, and would likely lead them to simply pull most oldies music from their playlist altogether.

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Hartford Radio: Feds Urge Four Year Sentence For WTIC Talker

John Rowland

Describing former CT Governor and former WTIC 1080 AM talk show host John G. Rowland as an ethically challenged politician who has repeatedly broken his trust with voters, federal prosecutors are arguing that he should serve from roughly three to four years in prison for his most recent conviction for political crimes, according to The Hartford Courant.

"As a former congressional representative, governor, and radio talk-show host, Mr. Rowland displayed great political talent alongside a troubling disrespect for the law," federal prosecutors argued in a long document filed Friday with Rowland's sentencing judge. "He has repeatedly shown a willingness to manipulate the political process for his own personal benefit, undermining the fragile trust that binds citizens to each other and to their elected representatives."

Late Thursday, Rowland filed his own long plea for leniency.

The correct sentencing range for Rowland, according to his lawyers, is 18 to 24 months. But the defense lawyers are asking Arterton to scrap the advisory guidelines and sentence Rowland to less.

Rowland's prosecutors argue that Rowland should be sentenced to a stiffer 37 to 46 months in prison, a punishment that recognizes that two of the seven crimes of which he was found guilty by a jury in September involve obstruction of justice, or attempts to block the work of federal investigators.

The prosecution also wrote that it has reserved the right to seek a "further enhancement" of Rowland's sentence based on his use of his political talk show on CBS Radio's WTIC-AM to promote the 2012 congressional candidacy of Lisa Wilson-Foley. Foley and her husband, Brian Foley, have pleaded guilty to conspiring to hide secret payments to Rowland for his political consulting services.

Rowland used the radio station to "harshly criticize" Wilson-Foley's "principal opponent in exchange for pay," the prosecution wrote in its legal filing.

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D/FW Radio: WBAP 's Alan Scaia Seriously Injured In Accident

A WBAP 820 AM reporter and two occupants of a pickup were injured Friday night in a head-on collision in Wise County, according to WFAA-TV8.

Alan Scaia

30-year-old Alan Scaia, morning drive reporter for WBAP, was critically injured, said Tyler Cox, WBAP operations manager and program director.

According to police, rhe pickup was southbound near Springtown, TX when it crossed the center line. The pickup and a northbound Toyota Camry collided, Haschel said.

The Camry had a WBAP logo on the doors. Cox said WBAP is "not sure what [Scaia] was covering."

Cox said Saturday that Scaia, who's been with WBAP for about five years, was in intensive care. His condition was upgraded over the weekend from critical to serious.

"Our news department is obviously shaken by this," said WBAP/KLIF News Director Rick Hadley. "Alan is a good friend and important part of our team and right now our main concern is for him and the others inujured in the wreck to get better."

Hadley, who visited Scaia on Saturday afternoon added, "It was very encouraging to get the word of Alan's improvement. He is certainly badly hurt, but having seen the photos from the accident scene we are relieved this is not much, much worse." Several friends, co-workers and former co-workers visited Scaia on Saturday.

Scaia was recently promoted to morning drive reporter at WBAP/KLIF and had been named a correspondent for a new national news operation. He had previously been a dayside reporter and fill-in anchor with WBAP/KLIF. He is a Ball State University graduate who previously worked at radio stations in Houston and Portland.

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