REPORT: CBS Urged By Hedge Fund Group To Merge Radio Division With Cumulus

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2015 –– According to The Deal Pipeline, Sandell Asset Management Corp. has 'lobbied CBS to spin out the business and merge it with Cumulus Media Inc.' According to a person familiar with the situation, Sandell suggested that the groups pursue a reverse Morris Trust merger of their radio businesses. By spinning off the radio stations to shareholders, CBS would divest an asset with a low tax basis without incurring a large bill from the IRS. Currently, executive Chairman Sumner Redstone controls 79.6% of the shareholder vote. CBS owns 117 radio stations, with more than three-quarters of them in the top 25 U.S. cities. In December, the company strengthened its holdings in Philadelphia and Miami through a station swap with Beasley Broadcast Group Inc. "Lew (Dickey) has always said that would be his ultimate deal," said Macquarie Capital analyst Amy Yong of a combination of Cumulus and CBS's radio stations. CBS and Cumulus declined to comment on speculation.

NAB Introduces Local Radio Freedom Act

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2015 –– The National Association of Broadcasters expressed its strong support for a bipartisan resolution opposing "any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge" on local broadcast radio stations that has been introduced in the U.S. Senate and will be introduced in the House of Representatives later tonight with more than 90 co-sponsors. The Local Radio Freedom Act (LRFA) signals Members of Congress's opposition to any potential legislation that would impose new performance royalties on broadcast radio stations for music airplay. "For decades, local radio airplay has jumpstarted and sustained the careers of countless musicians and record label moguls," said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. "Local radio's unparalleled promotional value drives increased record and merchandise sales and sells out concert venues. NAB applauds lawmakers for standing with hometown broadcasters in opposing a job-killing performance royalty that would damage the No. 1 platform for exposing new music." Reps. Michael Conaway (R-TX) and Gene Green (D-TX) are the principal sponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act in the House of Representatives, which will have bipartisan co-sponsorship from more than 90 Members of Congress. Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) are the principal sponsors of S. Con. Res. 4, the bipartisan resolution in Senate. "Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charge relating to the public performance of sound recordings on a local radio station for broadcasting sound recordings over-the-air, or on any business for such public performance of sound recordings," reads the Local Radio Freedom Act. Introduction of the LRFA comes as 600 radio and television broadcasters from across the country are visiting Washington for the NAB State Leadership Conference.

SYNDICATION: The Bobby Bones Show Marks Two-Year Anniversary With Joy Week Celebration; Sun Broadcast Group's Dee Jay Silver Announces Las Vegas Residency

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2015 –– The Bobby Bones Show will mark its two-year anniversary on Country radio with its second annual Joy Week celebration. From March 2 - 6, the show will once again encourage listeners to choose joy, spread happiness, and do good things for others with the biggest week of live studio performances by Country music stars. Kicking off with Luke Byran and closing with Garth Brooks, the program will also welcome Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Dierks Bentley, Jake Owen, Eli Young Band, Sam Hunt, Eric Paslay, Dan + Shay, Randy Houser, Lee Ann Womack, Old Dominion, The Swon Brothers, Jerrod Niemann, Kelsea Ballerini and Cam, who will stop by the show to sing their favorite songs and help spread the message of joy to fans. Bones stated, “We just want people to be nicer to each other. It’s that simple.” Garth Brooks, who recently stopped by the show and announced he’d be back to support Joy Week, shared on air, “You can’t spread enough joy, so good for you for doing that. We need good news. We need to believe in ourselves.” Listeners will be encouraged to share their Joy Week efforts via Twitter and Instagram using #PIMPINJOY. Limited edition Pimpin Joy T-shirts will also be made available for purchase for one hour on March 2 at 10:00 a.m. CT, with all proceeds to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Sun Broadcast Group Syndicated host and RCA recording artist Dee Jay Silverjay has been announced a Las Vegas residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s Body English Nightclub and Rehab Pool, according to musicrow.com. The Casino will also host Rascal Flatts during their Rascal Flatts Vegas Riot residency. “I’m really looking forward to these dates at the Hard Rock Hotel,” says Silver. “Las Vegas is my second home and I’m proud to bring the music I love, to a place I love. Between Rascal Flatts and me, I know we can give country music fans an exciting reason to come out to Vegas and let loose!” The report says Sillver will also continue to tour with Jason Aldean on his Burnin’ It Down Tour with Cole Swindell and Tyler Farr.

MOTION: Adam Kaufman Tapped As Morning Sports Anchor For WBZ Boston

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2015 –– Veteran sports reporter Adam Kaufman has been promoted to Morning Sports Anchor for WBZ NewsRadio 1030 effective immediately A multi-platform sports journalist for more than a decade, Kaufman will continue to be a show host at 98.5 The Sports Hub and CBS Sports Radio in addition to being a columnist for Boston.com sports and serve as a regional television anchor on Comcast SportsNet New England. Before being named Sports Anchor for WBZ NewsRadio’s morning newscasts, Kaufman served as a radio talk show host, anchor, and sports reporter at three CBS-owned properties: WBZ-AM NewsRadio 1030, 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM), and CBS Sports Radio. Previously, Kaufman worked for two seasons as the lead play-by-play voice of the Boston College men's hockey team and five years with the Providence Bruins, the top affiliate of the Boston Bruins.

The Bob & Tom Show And 92.5 The Fox/Cincinnati Kick Off MLB Again ON Opening Day From Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2015 –– Westwood One announced that The Bob & Tom Show will kick off the 2015 baseball season with a live radio broadcast for the REDS’ Opening Day 2015 with Cincinnati’s Fox 92.5 (WFOX). The LIVE broadcast will originate from Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, located in the Horseshoe Casino, from 6:00am-10:00am ET on Monday, April 6th. 2015 marks the fourth year Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold have celebrated Opening Day with Cincinnati’s Fox 92.5 (WFOX), the heritage rock station where The Bob & Tom Show handle mornings. The live broadcast will feature the comedy of Bob & Tom, along with fan favorite comedian Greg Hahn, in getting listeners pumped for the home opener featuring Red’s vs. Pirates. Tom Griswold of The Bob & Tom Show, said “This is a terrific opportunity for us to create something exciting for our listeners that can only be heard on 92.5 The Fox. Red’s fans will enjoy this early morning live broadcast to start their season of celebration of their beloved Red’s.”

Mentees Selected For 2015 Mentoring & Inspiring Women In Radio

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2015 –– The Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) Group has announced the mentees selected to participate in the 2015 MILDRED CARTER MIW GROUP Mentoring Program.

* Andrea Bogdonas, On Air Personality & Promotions Director, Neuhoff Media (Springfield and Decatur, IL) * Stephanie Theisen, General Sales Manager, Leighton Broadcasting (St. Cloud, MN) * Michelle Maro, Sports Sales Manager, CBS Radio (Chicago) * Crystalyn Portwood, Local Sales Manager, CBS Radio (St. Louis)

This is the thirteenth year of the mentoring program, launched in 2002, that matches women in the radio industry with female professionals who are leaders in all aspects of radio broadcasting. To date, the MILDRED CARTER MIW GROUP Mentoring Program has successfully worked with a total of 31 mentees. "We had an outstanding and enormous variety of women apply this year, which made the decision to narrow to only four very difficult," said Lindsay Cerajewski (L), spokesperson for the MIW Radio Group Mildred Carter Mentoring Program and General Sales Manager of CBS Radio's WUSN-FM in Chicago, Illinois. The Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group consists of top-level female radio professionals, from across the Country, who are dedicated to using their influence and resources to help other women in the industry develop strong management and leadership skills. The Group is equally committed to advocating the advancement of women to senior positions in radio broadcasting. For more information, please visit www.RadioMIW.com.

[LISTEN] Glenn Beck Draws Tweet From Lady Gaga After Praising Her Oscar Performance

Media Blown Away That He's Blown Away

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2015 –– Like most of us who saw Lady Gaga's amazing Oscar performane, Glenn Beck reviewed Lady Gaga's Oscar performance on his radio show then, surprisingly, Lady Gaga responded with a tweet: "A very humbling review of my Oscar performance … I love this piece of music so much, thank you." Glenn praised the performance and called Gaga a “genius”. “I’ve said this for a long time. This woman is an absolute artist. She is a genius. And at first everybody mocked her. Then she just became such a big pop star, but a lot of people, again, continued to mock her,” Glenn said. “This woman is the way artists should be,” he said. “Somebody told me at one time on radio when I was really, really young. He said, ‘Don’t be a rule breaker until you know all of the rules.’ When you know all of the rules, then you can break all the rules. Because then you can break them with intelligence. You know why you’re doing it. And it makes it more effective. Where too many people are just rebels. I just don’t want to do that. They don’t master the craft,” Glenn said. “You have to master the craft first. And Lady Gaga proved last night, she is a master craftswoman.” Adding to Gaga's special performance, Julie Andrews, star of The Sound of Music, greeted her on stage saying 'It’s hard to believe that 50 years have gone by since that joyous film was released.”

Equally blown away were numerous media outlets, who seemed strangely surprised by his praise. Among them included mediaite.com whose headline: 'Glenn Beck Gushes About Lady Gaga’s Oscar Performance; She Thanks Him — World Explodes!" Writer Andrew Kirell added: 'Here’s a public positive interaction we thought we’d never see: Glenn Beck and Lady Gaga thanking each other. LISTEN TO BECK HERE - And assuming you've been trapped in a closet for the last few days and missed Gaga's performance, WATCH HERE

[WATCH] Rachel Ray Flies In Phoenix Producer And Fiance To Show Following 'Amazing' Proposal; Gets $10,000 Plus Trip

Surprised by visit from Amazing Race's Phil Keoghan; Receives $10,000 And Honeymoon To St. Lucia

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 25TH, 2015 –– As Jockline reported last December, Justin Scheman told us he always wanted to propose under the under the Northern Lights. After 7 years he was finally able to do it. Justin is co-host/executive Producer for The Mathew Blades Show on Mix 96.9/Phoenix. With her living in Philadelphia at the time, the proposal involved 6 States, 2 Countries and 5000 Miles. Well, his YouTube Amazing Race Proposal Video caught the attention of BuzzFeed, Huffington Post, MSN, Yahoo, Right This Minute and Rachael Ray. This week, Ms. Ray flew Justin and fiance Diana and to NY to be on her show! The episode aired yesterday and Justin tells Jockline he's now allowed to talk about it. Ray surprised the couple by bringing out Phil Keoghan the host of the Amazing Race. Phil then told us that Rachael was giving us a $10,000 honeymoon to St. Lucia! WATCH VIDEO HERE

Taylor Swift Donates Big To NYC Schools; Olberman Suspended By ESPN Over Tweets

Oprah Shocks Blogger With Bathroom Stop On Way To Oscars - [PAGE SIX]

Keith Olberman Suspended By ESPN For Penn State Tweets - [THE WRAP]

Christina Aguilera Nails Britney Spears Impression - [POPSUGAR]

Taylor Swift Donates $50,000 To NYC Public Schools And Then Some - [E ONLINE]

Pee Wee Herman Film Headed To Netflix - [ET]

Jimmy Buffet Returns To The Hollywood Bowl - [CBS]

Kylie Jenner Leaves Kardashian Compound For $2.7 Million Pad - [CURBED]

Tea Leoni Talks Aging Wtih 'More' - [PEOPLE]

Tom Rothman Replaces Amy Pascal At Son - [DEADLINE]

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106.1 KISS Dallas Honors Passing Of Local Teen With 24 Hour Name Change

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015 –– 106.1 KISS FM announced that the station will change its name to 106.1 LAURA FM in a 24-hour tribute to Laura Diosdado, a North Texas girl who passed away battling cystic fibrosis. Diosdado, who passed away February 19, 2015, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a child and was identified as terminally ill. Despite her prognosis, she spent her time raising awareness of cystic fibrosis to help find a cure for the disease. When 106.1 KISS FM learned of her story in February 2012, the station shared her journey with its listeners and changed its name to 106.1 LAURA FM to help Laura raise awareness of cystic fibrosis in the community. The radio station will again honor Diosdado by changing its name to 106.1 LAURA FM, and throughout the day personalities will broadcast the debilitating effects of cystic fibrosis and the importance of finding a cure for the disease. “Three years ago, 106.1 KISS FM heard about an incredibly strong girl named Laura who was battling cystic fibrosis,” said Billy the Kidd, on-air personality for 106.1 KISS FM. “Laura wanted to find a cure for cystic fibrosis - not for herself, but for her little brother, so he would not have to suffer from the same disease. Last week, we lost that beautiful girl; although our hearts are breaking, we know that Laura would want us to keep fighting to find a cure.”

MOTION: Connected K Joins 96.3 KSCS/Dallas Morning Show; Kevin & Bean Welcome Allie Mac Kay To KROQ/LA's Morning Show Cast

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015 –– Cumulus announced that Katelyn Maida, known on air as “Connected K”, will join the New Country 96.3 KSCS morning show with Mark “Hawkeye” Louis and “Trapper" John Morris. Connected K comes to KSCS and Cumulus from Cox Radio’s KKBQ 93Q in Houston. She will debut on March 9. Connected K said: “"I am ecstatic to join the KSCS family and help to highlight social media within Cumulus Dallas/Fort Worth. Social media gives us such an amazing marketing tool and when used to its full potential, it can dramatically increase brand awareness. There's definitely a secret sauce and we're about to spread it all over Dallas/Fort Worth!"

Following the just announced exit of longtime morning traffic reporter, Lisa May, at KROQ/Los Angeles, comes word that popular TV host and frequent Kevin & Bean fill-in, Allie Mac Kay will be joining the show permanently. Yesterday, she posted on her Facebook page, 'Today was my 1st day as part of the dysfunctional family that is "The Kevin and Bean Show" on KROQ. Growing up here in LA, If you would have told me this was even a possibility, I wouldn't have believed it. At the same time, change isn't easy (for anyone involved) especially when you come after someone so beloved. I'm just there to do my best and hope it makes you happy (for some of you…that will hopefully come in time). I'll still have chances to do tv - so don't get too used to not seeing my face! I can't thank you all enough for being BEYOND supportive and so kind with your posts. It's meant the world. Truly. xo'

Chad Benson Takes Over Roger Hedgecock's Daily Radio Show

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015 –– After years in syndication, Roger Hedgecock will end his nationally syndicated radio program at the end of March. "Roger has been a strong leader in Radio America's lineup for years and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication. He will be missed," says Radio America C.O.O. Mike Paradiso. Taking over for Hedgecock will be Chad Benson, a rising star from the Next Generation of talk hosts. On Monday March 30, Chad debuts in the Monday-Friday 6p-9p ET time slot from flagship station, Alpha Media's Freedom 970 in Portland. At 44, Chad is part of a New Generation of talk hosts that is able to connect with talk's existing demo while bringing new and younger listeners into the format. Chad is an accomplished talk show host boasting over 22 years experience in the entertainment industry. He started in music radio in the 1990s at the legendary KRTH in Los Angeles as the Executive Producer of the Robert W. Morgan Show and has also been featured on Los Angeles radio stations such as KZLA-FM and KNCI-FM and KWOD-FM in Sacramento. Chad honed his talk skills at Talk Radio UK as one of the first commercial talk hosts to take on the mighty BBC, boasting over a quarter million listeners per week. With success and experience abroad, Chad returned to the U.S. and hosted programs in Palm Springs at K-NEWS-FM and in San Antonio at KTSA-AM.

RDIO: Selma's 'Glory' Draws Biggest Spike On Oscar Night

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015 –– Music streaming service Rdio compiled insights from the most-streamed Oscar's-related content, including Best Original Song "Glory" from Selma, which saw a 250% jump in streaming on Rdio. Other findings include: Most Popular Original Score: "Interstellar" Most Played Oscar Nominated Song: "Everything is Awesome" from The Lego Movie Most Popular Soundtrack: "Divergent" Top 10 Soundtracks onX Rdio: 1. "Frozen" 2. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" 3. "Pitch Perfect" 4. "Divergent" 5. "Burlesque" 6. "The Grand Budapest Hotel" 7. "Twilight: Breaking Dawn XPart 2" 8. "The Bodyguard" 9. "Oblivion" 10. "If I Stay" Top 10 Soundtrack Songs on Rdio: 1. "Let It Go" from Frozen 2. "Earned It" from Fifty Shades of Grey 3. "Beating Heart" from Divergent 4. "Once Upon a Dream" from Maleficent 5. "Elastic Heart" from The Hunger Games: Catching Fire 6. "Everything is Awesome" from The Lego Movie 7. "Hooked on a Feeling" from Reservoir Dogs 8. "Bellas Final" from Pitch Perfect 9. "A Thousand Years" from Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 10. "Fare Thee Well (Dink's Song)" from Inside Llewyn Davis In addition, film lovers using Rdio can listen to a station curated with the most popular songs from soundtracks, which can be found HERE

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Alpha Media Names Any Leimbach To Regional Post

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015 – Alpha Media has named Amy Leimbach Regional Director of Business Development. Leimbach has been a part of Alpha Media since the company started in August, 2009 . Prior to Alpha, Amy was Director of Sales for CBS Radio Portland, and CBS Radio Phoenix. Most recently, Amy has acted as Director of Sales for Alpha Media, Portland, managing a six - station sales team. Bob Proffitt, Alpha Media President and CEO commented on the announcement, “Alpha Media VP of Business Development, Lindi Glasgow remarked, “ Amy has a long track record of creating and executing marketing concepts that drive results for our clients. I’m thrilled that we will be able to share the great work that Amy brings with more of our Alpha Markets. ” “Developing results driven marketing solutions for clients has alw ays been my passion and I couldn’t be more excited to take this to another level within Alpha Media ,” noted Leimbach

NASH FM 94.7 And Barclays Team For First Nash Bash Concert

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015 –– New York's NASH FM 94.7 and Barclays Center will present their first-ever NASH BASH Country concert on Tuesday, March 24 as part of their new partnership. Country artist Cole Swindell will headline the star-studded show at the Cushman & Wakefield Theater at Barclays Center with additional performances by Country stars Gloriana, Michael Ray and Jana Kramer. The March 24 NASH BASH is the first in the live content partnership between Cumulus and Barclays Center that will bring at least two concerts annually to the Brooklyn venue. In September 2014, Barclays Center launched its Country in Brooklyn platform by hosting Billboard's reigning 'Top Country Artist” Luke Bryan for the arena's first Country show, which sold out. "We are thrilled to bring NASH into Brooklyn and onto the stage at Barclays Center," said John Dickey, Executive Vice President of Content and Programming for Cumulus. "This NASH BASH will be a must-see for New York's Country music fans, including the over one million NASH FM 94.7 weekly listeners." BROOKLYN SHOWTM, the concert and major event programming franchise of Barclays Center, is presented by Norwegian Cruise Line.

[WATCH] Grieving Mom Who Recently Lost 19 Yr. Old Son Surprised By Morning Radio Show While Driving

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015 –– Looking for a way to take your next prize giveaway from ordinary to extraordinary? Check this out: This one involves a grieving mom named Michelle who recently lost her 19-year-old son Blaine and, according to aplus.com, was struggling to get her life back to normal. As you'll see in the video link, her daughter, Crystal, reached out to Australia's KIIS 106.5's Kyle And Jackie O for help and they decided to pay off six months of Michelle's mortgage. But they also wanted to do it in grand radio fashion. The plan included Crystal taking her mother to the spa and making sure KIIS 1065 was on the radio. While listening to the Kyle and Jackie O, they announced the random recipient of a special "give back" gift, Michelle soon came to realize they were talking about her. Jackie O. literally spoke directly to Michelle through the radio and explained that with the help of Clarendon Homes, the next six months of her mortgage would be paid, and that she'd also receive an additional $5,000 to finish renovations that her son started before he died. Yesterday, the station released the video of the surprise and set up a GoFundMe page in the family's honor. Jockline reached around the world for this story, but it's one that any show in the world can appreciate. Go ahead and grab the tissues. This one is gonna make you tear up. WATCH HERE

Salem Becomes Salem Media Group

THE MOUTH, FEBRUARY 24TH, 2015 –– Salem Communications Corporation (Nasdaq: SALM) announced that it has changed its name to Salem Media Group, Inc. to better reflect the dynamic growth of Salem's multi-media business. From its start as a single radio station, Salem has grown into an industry leader across multiple media platforms, including radio, digital, print and mobile. Salem is still a powerhouse in radio; Salem owns 106 radio stations across the country, and produces several of the largest nationally-syndicated radio shows on-air today. In addition, Salem owns several of the most influential brands in the Christian and conservative media space, including Crosswalk.com, GodVine.com, Christianity.com, BibleStudyTools.com, TownHall.com, HotAir.com, RedState.com, Human Events.com, the Conservative Book Club, and Regnery Publishing. "Salem's mission has always been to serve our two core audiences – Christian and conservative – with engaging and meaningful content" explained Edward Atsinger, Salem's Chief Executive Officer. "That mission brought us into radio, and it has guided our growth ever since. As more and more of our audience seeks new ways to get information and inspiration, we have added new media platforms to our traditional radio offerings. Now nearly one-third of our total revenue comes from non-broadcast sources. This rebranding of Salem acknowledges our evolution and confirms our commitment to serve our market." Follow us on Twitter @SalemMediaGrp.

Hoda Takes 'Today' On Radio Tour; Richard Pryor's Wife Calls Cosby 'F--king Hypocrite'

Melissa Rivers Pays Tribute To Her Mom At Oscars - [E ONLINE]

UH OH: Richard Pryor's Widow Calls Bill Cosby 'F--king Hypocrite' Says Report - [SALON]

UH OH: Cleveland TV Reporter In Hot Water For Using Racial Slur On Lady Gaga's Oscar Performance - [TV 8 CLEVELAND]

Hoda Takes 'Today' Behind The Scenes At Her Radio Show On SiriusXM - [TODAY]

Neil Patrick Harris SWEARS There Was No Penis Enhancement During Diaper Bit - [GOSSIP COP]

Kanye & Rihanna Set Tour Dates - [CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND]

American Horror Story's Ben Woolf Dies After Being Hit By Car - [VARIETY]

Wesley Snipes Is Back In NBC Pilot 'Endgame' - [EW]

Chris Brown Sells Artwork For Over $60K - [THE GRIO]

J-Lo Gets Photobombed By Fellow Stars At The Oscars - [ACE SHOWBIZ]

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