Howard Stern Pays Respect To Bob Grant: 'The Best Broadcaster I Ever Heard Is Gone'

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– In his first day back on the air following the holiday break, Howard Stern opened his show by praising the late Bob Grant. “Bob was really a powerful guy." He later lamented not reaching out to Bob more:
“The best broadcaster I have ever heard is gone. Rest in peace, Bob. I’m such an a--hole...there was a couple of times over the years that Bob reached out to me...I’d write back and there was never a response...and it was so frustrating to me. I always considered him a mentor, even though I never worked with him...just from listening to him.” Howard mentioned how important Grant was to his father. "He took me to see Bob Grant. He was actually speaking at this temple...he started breaking into Yiddish...he knew to throw in these words...it was impressive to me. He knew how to play to a crowd.” LISTEN TO STERN CALLING INTO BOB GRANT'S WOR SHOW IN 2006

Toronto's Dean Blundell Show Officially Unplugged Following Homophobic Comments

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– The highly popular Dean Blundell Show heard on Toronto's 102.1 was branded as unplugged. Beginning yesterday, it became officially unplugged by Corus Entertainment. According to metronews.ca, the show had been indefinitely suspended in early December after a Torstar News Service article exposed the program’s homophobic commentary about a sexual assault trial for which the show’s producer and co-host served as jury foreman. “With the start of the new year, Corus Radio will be taking 102.1 the Edge in a new direction in 2014. The station will return to a more music-based format showcasing the best in modern rock,” Dave Farough, the general manager of Corus Radio, said in a statement posted on 102.1 the Edge’s website. As Jockline Daily first reported last month, the show’s co-host and program producer Derek Welsman served as foreman of a jury that convicted a man for sexually assaulting three men he met at a bathhouse. Welsman had swore on a Bible and told a court he had no bias against homosexuals. On air, he and the other radio personalities mocked gay men who visit bathhouses and the intelligence of the assault victims. They snickered as they imagined the perpetrator’s excitement about prison showers.

John DePetro Returns To The Air Following Uproar Over Comments

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– After being off the air since November WPRO-AM host, John DePetro returned to his show yesterday following an uproar over comments about protesters. According to boston.com, In spite of a boycott by public officials who vowed to stay off the station’s shows until he is gone, He told listeners the boycott by public officials was ‘‘nothing more than politicians and unions trying to interfere and silence public opinion.’’ DePetro came under fire in November for criticizing female protesters outside a fundraiser for General Treasurer Gina M. Raimondo.
Talking about the protesters on his show, DePetro said: “What a disgrace. You are an embarrassment. …You are parasites. You are cockroaches. You lie. You are union hags. There’s another word I’d like to use … it begins with a W. And then continued to spell out the word one letter at a time. He described his absence on Monday as a vacation.

MOTION: Major Moves At Cumulus; Phil Hunt Joins McVay/Cook & Associates; Steve Czaban Extends With Red Zebra

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– i93/Dallas PD and Cumulus Urban Corporate PD Maurice Devoe (L) will be returning to Cumulus’ Kansas City cluster as Program Director and will continue to serve as Corporate PD for the Urban and Rhythmic formats. PD Jeff Andrews will move from KCHZ/Kansas City to WZRR/Birmingham and will serve as PD there as well as have regional programming responsibility. Ken Johnson continues as Operations Manager in Birmingham and PD of Urban formatted WUHT. Effective immediately Cumulus is looking for a program director for i-93.3 in Dallas. Interested applicants should send their resumes to Cumulusradio.jobs@cumulus.com Cumulus is an equal opportunity employer. ––––––––– Phil Hunt joins the consulting firm of McVay/Cook & Associates as President, taking over the position previously held by Charlie Cook. Hunt was formerly CCME SVP and SVP at Rusty Walker programming. Hunt said “My expertise and my passion are start-ups and turnarounds. I read situations quickly; develop understandable and easy to implement strategies and then guide the local team toward reaching our goals. With Clear Channel, and with Rusty, regardless of the market size, our focus was always on gaining audience share. The same holds true on the digital side with my recent local and national responsibilities.” The consulting firm offers programming advice in the Country, AC, Rock, Classic Hits, CHR and News/Talk/Sports format arenas. ––––––––– Red Zebra announces a contract extension with afternoon drive host Steve Czaban that will keep him with ESPN980 through 2016. Czaban has co-hosted the afternoon drive time slot for WTEM for the last 13 years. Steve Czaban co-hosts The Drive with Cooley & Czabe The Drive with Cooley & Czabe, weekdays from 4-7pm as well as hosts the golf program Sunday Tee Time, 8am Sunday mornings during golf season.

Nash FM Invades The Big Easy

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– Cumulus has launched NASH FM 92.3 in New Orleans New Orleans 6, 2014 marking their Country entrance into New Orleans. NASH FM 92.3 joins the growing list of NASH-branded Country stations. Cumulus will eventually have more than 60 owned-and-operated Country stations operating under the NASH brand. Cumulus launched the NASH entertainment brand based on the Country music lifestyle in January 2013 with the flagship NASH FM 94.7 in New York City. In addition to country radio stations, the NASH brand will include a NASH magazine, concerts/events, online content and television programming. This new entry into the format falls on the heels of WDRQ/Detroit that became NASH FM 93.1 in December. Stations "Powered by NASH" feature exclusive programming content including Kix Brooks “Kickin’ It with Kix”, Nash Nights Live with Shawn Parr and the American Country Countdown. Meanwhile, Cumulus is looking for an experienced country format program director and air-talent. Apply to mike.mcvay@cumulus.com. Cumulus is an Equal opportunity employer. Of note, the first song played by Nash New Orleans was Darius Rucker's 'Radio.'

The Blaze Radio News Officially Debuts On Terrestrial Radio

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– The hourly updates from the news, information and entertainment network started a few months ago on SiriusXM Patriot and are now available on radio stations across the country including affiliates in Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Denver, Las Vegas and Birmingham, Alabama. The updates come from anchors and reporters around the nation providing news and information specifically targeted to talk radio listeners and draw on the reporting from TheBlaze television network and its website TheBlaze.com which generates over 20 million unique visitors per month and is one of the 100 most trafficked websites in America. TheBlaze Radio News builds on the success of TheBlaze Radio Network which features exclusive talk programs from Jay Severin, Doc Thompson, and Buck Sexton, as well as The Glenn Beck Program and The Pat & Stu Show. PHOTO/L-R Doc Thompson, Jay Severin, Pat Gray, Glenn Beck, Stu Burguiere, Buck Sexton

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Debuts in Memphis

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– Beginning this week, the syndicated Rickey Smiley Show debuted on Memphis’ HOT 107.1. Gary Bernstein, SVP Programming, REACH Media, says, “2013 was an amazing year for the program. Rickey continued his amazing growth blazing to over 60 radio stations. He not only has been a ratings leader in the majority of his markets, but he has taken the extra time to visit his affiliates and help those that are less fortunate. I clearly remember the impact behind his delivering turkey's to cancer patient's homes in Miami as well as bailing an 80 year old female out of jail in Dallas. Truth be said, there is only one Rickey Smiley. That is why we intend to do big things in Memphis and beyond in 2014.”

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Paul Caine To Exit WestwoodOne; Raul Hun Joins Comrex For Latin America Sales Post; Stephanie Sabota Named LSM For CMG Tampa Cluster

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– With the sale of WestwoodOne now complete, CEO Paul Caine will be transitioning out this month as WestwoodOne becomes a fully integrated division of Cumulus Media. "Paul is an extremely talented media executive and did an excellent job of guiding WestwoodOne during a period of change. He positioned the company for future growth and played an instrumental role in driving a constructive transaction which delivered value for his shareholders. We look forward to working with Paul in the next chapter of his impressive career," said Lew Dickey, CEO of Cumulus. ––––––––– The Comrex Corporation has announced the appointment of Raul Hun to manage Latin America Sales for the company. Hun, a native of Panama, brings over 15 years of experience in providing studio and transmission solutions to broadcasters throughout Central and South America most recently for the Telos Alliance and Broadcast Electronics. “Raul is one of the most well-liked gentlemen in our industry and we are thrilled to have him on our team,” says Director of Sales, Chris Crump. “The great work that Jim Godfrey has done for us in the region will certainly be strengthened by the strong dealer and customer relationships that Raul has developed over the years in Latin America.” ––––––––– CMG Tampa has promoted Stephanie Sabota to Local Sales Manager for its six station cluster. Sabota has been with CMG Tampa as an Account Manager for the last four years. “Stephanie is a natural when it comes to developing business and people,” said CMG Tampa VP and Market Manager Keith Lawless. “She has been a valuable part of our sales team, and I’m confident she will be a valuable member our sales management team.”

MANGIA, MANGIA: Paul & Young Ron's 'Meatballs & Martinis' Event Raises $50,000

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– The regionally syndicated Paul & Young Ron Show, Paul Castronovo and “Young” Ron Brewer, led an effort that raised more than $50,000 for cancer research, money that will be contributed to the Miami Dolphins Ride DCC and earmarked for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. The duo, along with their on-air sidekicks and many friends of the show, enjoyed unlimited food and drinks, comedy, and live/silent auctions at the event, which was held at Anthony’s Runway 84. All the proceeds were raised for the Dolphins charity and the Sylvester Center under the banner of “Team Gina,” named in honor of Castronovo’s wife, a breast cancer survivor. The people in the photos are identified left to right in the name on the files (), but please don’t hesitate to be in touch if further assistance is needed or if I might arrange interviews to assist your coverage of this news in any way. Shown above, Stu Opperman, Anthony Bruno & Paul Castronovo PHOTOS/Stu Opperman - Impact Players. Check out all the photos HERE

GIG ALERT: Ace & TJ Looking For Show Producer

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 7TH, 2014 –– The New Year brings expansion for The Ace & TJ Show. The show has a full time (with benefits) opportunity for the position of SHOW PRODUCER. Is this you? · An idea machine · The go to guy/gal of pop culture and today’s hottest topics · Organization freak & lives on iPhone/Droid · Able to connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime
· Relentless! We’re looking for resumes and cover letters to AceTJ@AceTJ.com. The Ace & TJ Show now syndicating to 15 markets in the formats CHR, Hot AC, Classic Hits and Country. Syndication information is available at www.acetjnetwork.com or by emailing AGoodman@AceTJ.com.

Director Michael Bay Bolts From Stage At CES Following Teleprompter Fail

NBC Launches New Promos For Fallon & Meyers - [TODAY]

LADY GAGA: 'I've Been Betrayed' Statement - [GOSSIP COP]

Director Michael Bay Bolts From Stage At CES Following Teleprompter Fail - [PAGE 6]

ABC Orders Tori Spelling, Ashley Tisdale Comedies Series - [THR]

SNL Adds Sasheer Zamata To Cast - [DEADLINE]

UH OH: Emma Watson Splits With Boyfriend Following Holiday Photo Post - [EXTRA TV]

SNEAK PEEK: Ringo Starr 'The Powerpuff Girls' Video - [TV GUIDE]

Eurythmics Reunite At Beatle's Tribute - [DAILY STAR]

Jay Z Invites 12 Yr. Old On Stage During Concert To Rap - [E]

TRAILERS WE LOVE: Samuel Jackson In 'Kite' - [RED CARPET CRASH]

Ryan Seacrest Slapped With Lawsuit By Blackberry Over Keyboard Adapter

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 6TH, 2014 –– BlackBerry has filed a patent infringement suit against radio and tv mogul, Ryan Seacrest, involving 'Typo,' a keyboard adapter. Steve Zipperstein, BlackBerry's general counsel, called Typo an infringement against BlackBerry's keyboard saying the $99 keyboard bears a great resemblance to the keyboards found on BlackBerry devices. "We are flattered by the desire to graft our keyboard onto other smartphones, but we will not tolerate such activity without fair compensation for using our intellectual property and our technological innovations," Mr Zipperstein told Daily Mail. Pre-orders for Typo began in December with shipments set to begin this month. As Jockline Daily first reported last month, Seacrest invested $1 million into the start-up along with marketing executive Laurence Hallier.

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Brian Long Named PD of KOGO/KLSD San Diego; Doug Ingold Joins Compass As Senior Director Of Affiliate Sales

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 6TH, 2014 –– CCME San Diego announced That Brian Long has been named Program Director for AM 600 KOGO and XTRA Sports 1360 AM (KLSD), effective January 21, 2014. His career in spoken word formats began in his hometown of Kansas City, MO at the heritage KMBZ. In 1998 Long headed to California for stints in Palm Spring, Bakersfield and Los Angeles. During his time at ESPN in Los Angeles, Long was part of the programming management team and also hosted a variety of on-air programs. In 2007, 2008 and 2009 L.A. Daily News recognized him as one of their "Top Ten Sports Radio Personalities." In late 2010, Long became Program Director at ESPN in Seattle and was later promoted to Senior Director of Programming for Bonneville Seattle. ––––––– Compass Media Networks has announced the addition of Doug Ingold as Senior Director of Affiliate Sales for Entertainment & Music Programming beginning January 20th. Mr. Ingold will be based in Los Angeles and focus on the expansion of Compass’ long-form entertainment and music shows including Big D & Bubba, Free Beer & Hot Wings, Off The Record, Out of Order, Rick Dees and Skratch N Sniff. Ingold background includes senior positions at Dial Global, Westwood One, and a variety of record labels. During his career, Mr. Ingold has managed the day-to-day affiliations of leading radio shows such as Adam Corolla, The Billy Bush Show, Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton, Kevin & Bean, Loveline, and the MTV Radio Networks.

MOTION: KISS 104.1 Atlanta Launches Monica Pearson Show; McMurray Show Expands To Four Hours On WGN Chicago

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 6TH, 2014 –– Cox Media Group’s (CMG) WALR KISS 104.1 FM is launching The Monica Pearson Show, featuring Atlanta broadcast legend and award-winning journalist Monica Pearson, beginning Jan. 12, 2014. Pearson’s new show will air Sunday’s noon to 2 p.m. and feature talk and smooth R&B classics. "I am extremely excited about working for KISS 104.1, Atlanta's best R&B,” said Pearson. “It allows me to return to my first love, radio, working with great music, great people and to remain in the Cox Media Group family. Pearson is the first woman and first minority to anchor the daily evening news in Atlanta, where she worked for 37 years at leading station WSB-TV. She has won over 33 Southern Regional and local Emmy Awards for reporting, anchoring and her “Closeups” celebrity interview show. ––––– Starting today, longtime Chicago host Pete McMurray will give Chicagoans one more hour of daily antics on WGN-AM. According to blogger Robert Feder, McMurray who’s been hosting from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. weeknights since September, will now hit the air at 10 p.m. He takes over the extra hour from David Kaplan’s sports show on the Tribune Broadcasting news/talk station. He tells Feder: “I’ll work eight days a week for these guys. I love them, love WGN Radio, and it’s without a doubt the most fun I’ve ever had doing radio. I believe in [general manager] Jimmy deCastro. If he wants me to scrub toilets? No problem. I’ll grab my bucket. Just tell me where to go!” McMurray got his start at WWCT in his Peoria before heading to WCKG/Chicago in 1998. Over the last 16 years in addition to WCKG, he handled two stints on WLUP FM 97.9, two on WIQI/WKQX FM 101.1, and an ongoing role as co-host of the NBC 5 magazine show “24/7: City Secrets.” –––––––––– Meanwhile, WRKN-FM/Rock 92.3 and Sports WMTI-FM/106.1 The Ticket - New Orleans Program Director Jason Ginty has parted ways with the outlets. He first joined them in 2008, as PD of then Hot AC WDVW-FM/Mix 92.3.

BUSINESS: SFX & CCME Ink Marketing And Content Partnership; Emmis, Salem, Media Tracks & Univision Adding Content To Aha Radio Platform

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 6TH, 2013 –– SFX Entertainment, Inc. and CCME announced today an innovative marketing and content partnership centered on the fast-growing electronic music category. The partnership, which combines the largest player globally in EMC with the world's largest radio and digital broadcaster, contains three key initiatives: a national DJ/Producer contest in partnership with Beatport; a weekly Beatport Countdown show; and an original live event series. Specific plans for 2014, include: The creation of a national DJ talent contest airing live on select Clear Channel stations nationwide, as well as on Evolution, iHeartRadio’s dance music hub, with parts of the competition taking place at iHeartRadio Theaters in New York and Los Angeles. The winner will appear at Mysteryland, SFX’s newest U.S. festival taking place on Memorial Day 2014 weekend on the hallowed grounds of Woodstock in New York, and also receive a recording contract with Beatport and a major record label. PLUS, Tthe creation of a weekly Top 20 Countdown from Beatport, to air on Clear Channel stations nationwide. ––––––––– HARMAN announced today that it is working with Emmis Communications, Salem Communications and MediaTracks Communications, integrating top radio stations and digital content into its Aha Radio platform. The arrangements further expand Aha Radio content offerings to its global user base, delivering an extensive and diverse mix of terrestrial and digital radio content. Drivers outside major U.S. cities can now tune in to these top radio stations and digital content in their car through the Aha app. "At CES, HARMAN is showcasing a number of new solutions that upgrade, connect, or improve both the infotainment and audio experience for vehicles on the road today," said David Slump, president, HARMAN Automotive Services. "Our arrangement with Emmis, Salem and MediaTracks further supports our goal of delivering the most diverse content available through Aha Radio. The arrangement with Emmis Communications, Salem and MediaTracks Communications will result to integrating over a hundred new radio stations and digital content to the Aha Radio service. In a separate release, Aha also announced they've partnered with Univision Radio, the leading Hispanic radio group that owns and operates 69 broadcast radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. markets, to integrate more 65 radio stations from the Uforia digital music service into Aha-enabled vehicles and mobile apps.

KJR Seattle Launches Fan Centered Show

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 6TH, 2014 –– Sports Radio 950 KJR-AM, Seattle’s live and local sports station, announced that it will produce and air a local football fan centered show, 12th MANia, to celebrate the Seattle Seahawks successful season and now playoff run. 12th MANia will broadcast each weeknight at 6:30 p.m. PST, which began last Friday, January 3, 2014. 12th MANia will be an interactive fan based show for the Seattle Seahawks fans moderated by KJR-AM's programming and on-air staff. The show will take an “out of the box” approach and feature daily topics, previous game breakdown and discussion, as well as stories and news around the team and playoffs. 12th MANia will also include special fan features to motivate the passionate Seahawks fan. “The Seattle Seahawks are truly the heart and soul of the city right now,” said Rich Moore, Sports Radio 950 KJR's Program Director. “Being Seattle’s Sports Radio station, we are excited to give fans more time and another place to share their passion for the Hawks during this exciting time for Seattle.”

GIG ALERT: Rock 107/WEZX Needs Morning Co-Host

THE MOUTH, JANUARY 6TH, 2014 –– Rock 107, (WEZX) Northeast PA’s Classic Rock station needs a co-host for the
next great local morning show in the Northeast Pa. . The right person will have a lot, if not all, of these characteristics:
• The ability to conduct a show making sure things run on time. • An understanding of when to let a bit go on and when to cut one off. • An interest in pop culture; especially the stuff that matters to a Classic Rock audience. • A glass-half-full worldview to offset your curmudgeonly, occasionally cranky partner. • A willingness to stand your ground, call BS and have an intelligent
discussion on a topic to create the conflict and character definition that drives great morning radio. • News reading skills: the ability to relate the top stories conversationally. • An understanding of local culture and market nuances is ideal. To be considered send your package to: James M. Rising Program Director - Shamrock Communications Rock 107 WEZX
149 Penn. Ave. Scranton, Pa 18503 jrising@shamrocknepa.com Shamrock Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Mitt Romney Accepts Melissa Harris-Perry's Apology - [ZAP 2 IT]

Scott Disick's Father Dies Just 3 Months After Losing Mom - [PEOPLE]

Ke$ha Checks Herself Into Rehab - [THE GUARDIAN]

Jenny McCarthy Sets Record Straight On Son's Autism Diagnosis - [E]

SHEEN REP: Charlie DID NOT Get Married To Brett Rossi - [GOSSIP COP]

CES Show To Showcase 20,000 New Products - [THR]

2013 Mug Shots Of The Year - [SMOKING GUN]

Eva Longoria Is Maxim's Woman of The Year - [MAXIM]

Lucus Films Teams With Marvel For 'Star Wars' Comic Series - [EW]

Steven Seagal Mulling Running For Governor In Arizona - [BITTEN AND BOUND]

EVANDER HOLYFIELD: Gays Can Be Fixed By Doctor - [THE HOLLYWOOD GOSSIP]

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