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Conservative Talk Pioneer, Bob Grant, Passes Away At 84

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 3RD, 2014 –– Bob Grant, often credited with popularizing the conservative talk format, has died at the age of 84. As first reported by newsmax.com, Grant began his talk career in 1970, when he joined WMCA/New York before leaving 1977 to work for WOR, but was let go in 1979 following controversial remarks. He returned to WMCA in 1980. In 1984, Grant left for WABC, which had switched from Top 40 to talk. Grant once again created an uproar in 1996 over a comment ab out then Commerce Secretary Ron Brown whose plane had crashed in Croatia. He then returned to WOR where his show was syndicated and ended in 2006. In 2007, he returned to WABC, but left after a year and half to host an Internet radio show. He again returned to WABC in Sept. 2009, to host a Sunday talk show, retiring last summer because of poor health.

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Craig Schwalb Named PD of 77 WABC; Tony Mascaro Follows Schwalb In Providence; Charlie Cook Named Op's Mgr. For Cumulus Nashville Cluster; Lenny Diana Takes Over Saga's Springfield Mass. Cluster

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 3RD, 2014 –– Cumulus Media has announced a series of appointments, beginning in New York with the naming of Craig Schwalb to Program Director of 77 WABC and the appointment of Tony Mascaro as Program Director of the company’s Providence News/Talk radio stations. Schwalb joins New York’s 77 WABC from Cumulus/Providence, where he served as Program Director of News/Talk 630 WPRO, 99.7 FM and AM 790. Schwalb has nearly two decades of news, talk and sports programming experience, with roles held in markets including New York City, Detroit, St. Louis and Raleigh. Prior to joining Cumulus, Schwalb was the Senior Director of Talk Programming for SiriusXM. “WABC has inspired countless broadcasters over the years and to now lead WABC into its next phase will be an absolute pleasure. Without a doubt, working alongside Cumulus NYC Market Manager Kim Bryant, COO John Dickey, SVP Programming Mike McVay and Corporate Program Director Randall Bloomquist, will be an honor,” Schwalb said. Mascaro replaces Schwalb in Providence as Program Director of 630 WPRO, 99.7 FM and AM 790. Mascaro most recently held the role of Operations Manager for 77 WABC. Mascaro is a 30-year broadcaster with previous programming positions held in New York City, Providence and Hartford. ––––––––– In yet another announcement by Cumulus, yesterday they named Charlie Cook as Operations Manager for Nashville Cluster & Program Director of 95.5 FM WSM & 103.3 WKDF. Cook’s new role with Cumulus/Nashville marks his return to the company, having served as VP/Programming for Cumulus’s 61 Country format stations from 2006-2008. “I am thrilled to welcome Charlie back to Cumulus at such an exciting time for the company,” said John Dickey, Executive Vice President and Co-COO of Cumulus. “I am confident his vast radio industry experience will contribute greatly to the success of the growing Nashville market.” ––––––––– Saga Communications welcomes Lenny Diana as the newest Brand Manager. Diana will oversee Saga’s rock stations in Springfield, MA, which includes Rock 102 (WAQY) and Lazer 99.3 (WLZX). Diana most recently programmed in Long Island, NY. Steve Goldstein, Saga’s executive vice president, added that “Lenny is a great forward thinking rock programmer – he’s able to think outside the bun.”

MOTION: KXXY/OKC Welcomes Shawn Carey For Mornings; Jeff Roper Takes Over Mornings At WGTR Myrtle Beach; Black Crowe's Steve Gorman To Headline Afternoons On Fox Sports Radio

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 3RD, 2013 –– KXXY-FM/Oklahoma City has named Shawn Carey to co-host mornings with PD/AMD Bill Reed. Carey formerly co-hosted mornings at crosstown KZLS-FM. –––––––––––– Former KCYY/San Antonio morning host Jeff Roper (L) has joined WGTR/Myrtle Beach, SC for PD/morning duties. He'll also air on sister station WYNR/Brunswick GA. Roper's previous stints have included WSOC/Charlotte and WSOC/Columbia, SC. ––––––––– FOX Sports Radio has announced the addition of The Black Crowes drummer and sports radio personality Steve Gorman as its new afternoon drive host. Airing live, weekdays from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET/12 p.m. – 3 p.m. PT, Steve Gorman Sports! His show will debut nationwide on Monday, January 27, 2014 with a week-long broadcast leading up to the Super Bowl, live from New York. As drummer and founding member of legendary rock band The Black Crowes, Gorman has enjoyed over two decades of success. Having sold more than 30 million records since the band’s 1990 debut, The Black Crowes continue to record and perform live, with their most recent world tour concluding in December 2013. Gorman has worked with Bob Dylan, Jimmy Page, and Warren Zevon among others. “Steve Gorman Sports! is the perfect combination of sports, passion, pop culture, music and entertainment,” stated Bruce Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Sports Operations for Clear Channel Media & Entertainment.

Cumulus Gets Live & Local On 77 WABC

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 3RD, 2013 –– Beginning this week, 77 WABC will begin rolling out six new hours of exclusive live and local programming. Curtis Sliwa and Ron Kuby (R&L) make their triumphant return to 77 WABC with "Curtis & Kuby" airing noon-3pm. The popular duo last hosted their show on the station from 2000-2007. Beginning Monday, Jan. 6th, NY1 anchor Pat Kiernan (C) joins 77 WABC to co-host an hour of information and opinion with an emphasis on the New York area. Also beginning Monday, as previously announced, New York native Geraldo Rivera's "Geraldo" will turn its focus exclusively to New York area issues from 10a-noon. "We're delivering on our pledge to invest in localized content that will entertain, inform and engage listeners while also providing advertisers unique opportunities to reach their customers on a sustained basis," said John Dickey, Executive Vice President and Co-COO of Cumulus. Sliwa said: "Ever since I've left 77 WABC, everywhere I go people have asked me if and when I would ever reunite with Ron Kuby, because that was a great show! At a time when New Yorkers are starved for information and entertainment, I'm thrilled that we'll be able to offer it to them on the greatest news/talk station this country has ever seen." Kuby said: "I am thrilled to be back at legendary 77 WABC radio with the Curtis & Kuby show -- it is a new day for New York City and a new afternoon for New York radio!"

Kerri Kasem To Take Family's Plight To Brian, Ben & Elisha Show On Monday

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 3RD, 2013 –– It was one of last year's most difficult and saddest stories. The plight of radio icon, Casey Kasem's oldest children to see their dad who suffers from Parkinson's Disease. Following protests and court appearances, the older children were finally able to have one meeting with their ailing father over the holidays, but their battle continues. On Monday, Brian Whitman, host of the Brian, Ben & Elisha Show on Salem's 'Morning Answer' in LA post on his FB page that "his old pal Kerri Kasem will join me, Ben & Elisha on Monday at 7:35AM to talk about a deeply personal situation that she and her adult siblings are dealing with. Her Dad, the iconic broadcaster Casey Kasem (married to Jean Kasem) suffers with Parkinson's Disease. Kerri claims that it's been devastating facing resistance when asking to meet with her Father. The Kasem children did have one meeting with Casey very recently where they were joined by an armed guard! We will talk about an important issue for adult children of ill parents. What can you do to make sure that you have quality visitation in the unfortunate event that your Mom or Dad becomes ill? Kerri Kasem on The Morning Answer Monday morning @ 7:35AM. Please join us for this unique story. Check out the sibling's foundation HERE

Indy Radio Hosts Grab 3 Of The Top 10 Tweets In 2013

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 3RD, 2013 –– Over the next several days, you'll likely be reading about some of radio's top accomplishments from the last year. In Indianapolis, it was tweets that caught the attention of indystar.com. But who better than radio peeps to not only rule in this category, but WZPL's Davey Smiley Show, topping the list. And what was the winning tweet? "Condom maker breaks down penis size by state, city. congrats #indy!" Dave made the tweet on Aug. 6. (likely enroute to MSBC's 25th event in Chicago) where Smiley referred to a 2010 study that ranked Indianapolis No. 13 in the nation for penis size (wow, who knew there was even a study?). Coming in at #5 was The syndicated 'Bob & Tom' Show who tweeted "Tom doesn't like to eat tongue because he doesn't want his food to kiss back." The tweet was posted on Sept. 9, referring to co-host Tom Griswold's dislike for animal tongue. And squeezing in at #9 was WNOU-FM's Rachel Bogle (shown) who posted "Sooo all y'all people who told me the dudes at Trader Joes are just as quality as the ones @ Whole Foods..u lied. Lol Whole Foods 4 the win." Hey, it may not be a Marconi, but got 'em some press and props.

Trish Biondo & Tom Marker Exit CBS Radio Chicago

THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 31ST, 2013 –– After a 27 yr. run, WUSN FM 99.5's Trish Biondo (L) has parted ways with the station after the midday host's contract wasn't renewed. According to blogger Robert Feder who first broke the story,
reports sources saying Biondo was unable to reach an agreement based on non-economic issues. Last year US99.5 was looking at replace over issues related to her broadcast arrangement. They came close to naming her replacement, however, by December of last year the station re-up'd Biondo for another year. In the iterim, Laura Taylor and other part-timers will fill in Biondo's slot until a permanent midday host is named. Along with Biondo's exit comes word of Tom Marker departure frrom WXRT, whom Feder says was eliminated after 33 years at the adult album alternative station. Both moves come just weeks after CBS Radio Chicago eliminated four sales positions.

Gerry House To Release Book; Forward By Reba McEntire

THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 31ST, 2013 –– Retired Nashville Radio icon, Gerry House, now adds 'author' to his impressive resume. His new book: Country Music Broke My Brain: A Behind-the-Microphone Peek at Nashville’s Famous and Fabulous Stars.' In the book, Gerry tells his stories from the other side of the microphone. He reveals never-aired, never-before published conversations with country music's biggest names such as Johnny Cash, Brad Paisley, and Reba McEntire and many others. At Amazon's website, it says: 'Someone would probably have to be brain-damaged or really damn talented to try to entertain professional entertainers over a decades-long radio show in Music City, USA.' Gerry House & The Foundation, aired on WSIX for more than 25 years. House has also wrote songs for George Strait, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes and Pam Tillis (“The River and the Highway”). If you're looking for a post-Christmas stocking stuffer, CLICK HERE TO PREORDER. It will be available by March 2014.

MOTION: ESPN Gets Tebow'd; Marc James Goes Solo In Afternoon Drive On 610 WFNZ The Fan Charlotte

THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 31ST, 2013 –– Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow has agreed to a multiyear deal to join ESPN as an analyst for the SEC Network, it was announced Monday. Tim Tebow, a two-time national champion at Florida, has joined the SEC Network, which launches in 2014. "I am so excited that ESPN has given me this incredible opportunity," Tebow said in a statement. "When I was 6 years old, I fell in love with the game of football, and while I continue to pursue my dream of playing quarterback in the NFL, this is an amazing opportunity to be part of the unparalleled passion of college football and the SEC." Tebow's primary role with the new network will be as an analyst for "SEC Nation," a traveling football pregame show that will originate from a different SEC campus each week. The show will debut before the Texas A&M-South Carolina game in Columbia, S.C., on Aug. 28. The former Florida quarterback also will contribute to a variety of ESPN platforms, including "SportsCenter," ESPN Radio and the network's Heisman Trophy coverage. Tebow will make his debut as an analyst on Jan. 6 during ESPN's pregame coverage of the Vizio BCS National Championship. ––––––––––– WFNZ The Fan announced that Marc James will take the reins solo in afternoons (weekdays 2:00pm to 7:00pm) with the departure of Taylor Zarzour who will continue to remain a part of the WFNZ family by calling into the show with Marc on a weekly basis. “I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity that (Operations Manager) DJ Stout and (Market Manager) Bill Schoening gave me at WFNZ,” said Zarzour. Zarzour and James have been co-hosting The Drive afternoons on WFNZ since they were paired in January 2011 alongside other the show’s other members The Q.C.B., Hitman, and Jayweezie. Besides co-hosting The Drive, Marc James most recently held down national hosting fill in duties on CBS Sports Radio’s John Feinstein Show (heard locally 9a-12n on CBS Sports Radio 1660) and before joining WFNZ was the afternoon host on ESPN 1040 in Tampa. PHOTO/espn

V-103 Atlanta's Big Tigger Dating 'Cosby Show' Star

THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 31ST, 2013 –– Former 'Cosby Show' star, Keshia Knight Pulliam and V-103 radio personality Big Tigger are apparently an 'item.' " Pulliam posted a Tweet last week where she publicized her love for the Atlanta host, Darian "Big Tigger" Morgan: "Happy Birthday My Love... My partner in life, love & silliness @bigtiggershow !!! According to The AJC's Rodney Ho, Pulliam lives in Atlanta and has posted various photos on Instagram of the couple together in different locations such as the recent screening of the Robert DeNiro/Sly Stallone film "Grudge Match" earlier this month. But what about those marriage rumors? Not so fast, wrote Pulliam. According to Ho, she quashed the rumor quickly.

END OF AN ERA: Farley Bids Farewell To WTOP

THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 30TH, 2013 –– It was a festive send-off to WTOP's legendary Jim Farley last week as broadcasters from all over the country assembled at the Newseum in Wash. DC to pay tribute and following Farley's 17 yr. reign at radio's most successful station. According to wtop.com, Farley is retiring after 17 years. Known for his one-liners that have inadvertently become his legacy. Sayings, such as, "Get it right, then get it first," have become the mantras in the "nerve center' newsroom (including its own special glass cleaner - shown). "It's what I've been preaching: Radio is the medium of the here and now. You've got to reach out through the microphone and grab people by the lapel and say, 'Hey buddy listen to me!' It's storytelling. It's not reporting, it's storytelling," Farley says. Before moving to Washington, Farley spent two decades at ABC- and NBC-owned radio network operations in New York, and started his career as a copyboy at New York City's all-news radio station WINS. Farley officially retires at the end of December, but will remain a consultant for two years after his retirement. WTOP, owned by Hubbard Radio LLC, had $64.6 million in revenue last year, the top-billing radio station in the nation. PHOTOS/wtop

REPORT: Kraddick's Organ Damage From Cancer May Have Contributed To His Heart Failure

THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 30TH, 2013 –– Among the top stories of 2013 will undoubtedly be the unexpected passing of legendary morning host, Kidd Kraddick. Following his death in late July, the final toxicology report stated that he passed from a combination of arteriosclerotic and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, but in a recent D Magazine article, it stated Kraddick's cancer treatments (chemotherapy and radiation) caused organ damage, which might also have contributed to his untimely death. This, despite the fact that he was declared "cancer-free" years before his passing. Kraddick's initial autopsy, released by the Jefferson Parish Coroner's office, declared that Kraddick died from an enlarged heart, blocked arteries and an irregular heartbeat. As Jockline Daily reported earlier this month (JD 12/19) D magazine confirmed the 53-year-old nationally syndicated radio host, was diagnosed with cancer years prior to his death last summer. According to the report, Kraddick, who passed away "unexpectedly" following a charity golf event in New Orleans on July 27, had been suffering from cancer since 2009.

MOTION: Atlanta's Miss Sophia Returns To Streetz 94.5; 'Jagger Mafia' Returns To 102.1 The Edge Dallas; Todd Schnitt Movement In Tampa, Show Added At WNEW San Francisco

THE MOUTH, DECEMBER 30TH, 2013 –– Last heard on V-103 in 2010, Miss Sophia (R) made her (his) return to Atlanta radio last week by joining Rashan Ali's morning show at Streetz 94.5. According to The AJC's Rodney Ho, Miss Sophia, whose real name is Joe Taylor, was also wooed by his former employer V-103 but said in a brief interview he was swayed by the challenge of an up-and-coming station which has far exceeded expectations. "I felt that it was a better fit for my brand at this time," he said. Sophia was the first drag queen to be on air in Atlanta radio as a regular host from 2005 to 2010 on V-103's Frank and Wanda's morning show. Her specialty is reading the celebrity news. Rashan's career began on Ryan Cameron's morning show on Hot 107.9 over 10 year's ago. She later worked with Cameron's afternoon show on V-103 before joining Streetz in October, 2012 as the lead host of "The Streetz Morning Grind." ––––––––– At Chris Jagger's Facebook Page it announced its family: the 'Jagger Mafia' will return to 102.1 The Edge Dallas beginning next Monday, Jan. 6th. - He'll be joined by Mondo Mike, Jasmine Sadry. No word on other lineup changes was announced. ––––––––– Meanwhile, with the addition of Sean Hannity's Show to Tampa's WFLA lineup, came word via it's website that beginning Monday Jan. 6th, he'll take over Todd Schnitt's 3-6 pm slot. Schnitt's show will then move to CCME sister station WNHZ-A/Tampa and be replayed on WFLA-AM from 6-9 pm. He's also set to join KNEW-AM/San Francisco beginning in 2014.

GIG ALERT: 93.1 NASH FM Detroit Seeks PD

THE MOUTH, DECEM BER 30TH, 2013 ––The Newest NASH-FM is 93.1 NASH-FM Detroit. We’re looking for America’s best COUNTRY program director to lead the charge for this major market country station into what will be an epic ratings battle. Please submit your resume, ratings success stories, experience coaching talent and extensive knowledge of research to: Cumulusradio.jobs@cumulus.com – Include in the subject line “Detroit- NASH.” Cumulus Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Robin Roberts Comes Out In Facebook Post - [STARCASM]

Other Stars Who Came Out In 2013 - [THR]

Kanye West Says He's Keeping His Mouth Shut In 2014 - [HOLLYWIRE]

Patrick Swayze's Widow Finds New Love - [SHE KNOWS]