Imus’ Connecticut Home Sells for $14.4 Million

THE MOUTH, APRIL 15TH, 2013 ––
Proving once again it's a buyer's market, syndicated host, Don Imus, had to settle for $14.4 million for his Connecticut home, originally listed at $30 million. According to realtytoday, The home features 10,0900 sq. ft; six bedrooms, six full and one half bathrooms, a two-bedroom gate house, a nine-car garage and two-bedroom guest house. Did we mention its 215 feet of private waterfront area as well? Imus first listed his home for $30 million in 2005. Failing to sell over the years, Imus readjusted the price to $25 million in 2011 before relisting it for $19.9 million in January and finally selling for $5 million less. But don't feel too badly for the Imus'. They purchased in 1997 for $4.6 million.

WEEI Boston's Pete Sheppard Quits On The Air

THE MOUTH, APRIL 15TH, 2013 –– Weekend, fill-in host Pete Sheppard's quit WEEI/Boston on the air this past Saturday, saying he could no longer stand working for the company. He told his audience, "I'm going out on my own terms this time.'' This was Sheppard's second stint with the outlet having first left in 2010, but then rehired in 2012. According to boston.com, Sheppard teased his announcement on Twitter at a little before 6 p.m. on Saturday posting: "Hey all, got something special for you at 6:15 on WEEI ..." Sheppard later quit on the spot explaining that he was frustrated with the way WEEI's parent company Entercom had been running the station over the past several months. This may have involved the recent exit of Glenn Ordway, a friend of Sheppard. Jeff Brown, general manager at WEEI owner Entercom Inc., released a statement to The Boston Herald writing: “Yes, we are making changes, but the WEEI goal remains the same: Producing the best sports talk for the best sports fans in America and delivering top-notch results for our clients. Some take those changes better and more professionally than others. It’s just the nature of the business.” PHOTO/Angela Rowlings

MOTION: John Foxx Adds NASH-FM Top PD Duties; Louie Diaz Joins Alpha's 98.7 the Bull; Garett Michaels Returns To Seattle; Jay Rodriguez Joins Dana Tyson For Mornings At Sunny 99.1 Houston

THE MOUTH, APRIL 15TH, 2013 –– Cumulus' Nash-FM/New York names John Foxx (shown left) as its new PD. He'll share programming duties with sister station WPLJ-FM. Foxx joined WPLJ last July, arriving from CBS' KLIF-FM Dallas where he both programmed and served as it afternoon host. –––––– Entercom/Seattle has named Garett Michaels (shown below) as its new PD of KNDD-FM/107.7 The End/ Sacramento. He arrives from San Diego's KBZT-FM. He previously worked at KYPT/Seattle. –––––––Alpha Broadcasting has named Louie Diaz as PD of KUBL-FM/98.7 The Bull in Portland. He'll continue his program duties at Hot AC Live 95.5 in Portland, OR. Diaz previously worked at WMBX-FM and WHFS-FM/West Palm Beach, FL. –––––––– One time Roula & Ryan board op' Jay Rodriguez has returned to the morning scene Dana in the morning at Sunny 99.1/Houston for mornings.

AUSTRALIA: Ratings Not So Good Without Talent

"The differentiating thing will be the talent, not the music" Media Buyer

THE MOUTH, APRIL 15TH, 2013 –– For those with any doubt that great talent still drives radio, perhaps this piece from the other side of the planet can offer some insight. According to The Australian, the FM Dial suffered a rocky year and music appears to be the clear victim. "The gradual decline in ratings of Southern Cross Austereo's Sydney landmark 2Day FM over the past two years finally culminated in the station being pushed from top spot on FM for the first time since 2006 by ARN's WSFM, which feature Amanda Keller and Brendon Jones (shown). "Its youth stations with their pop formats have waned marginally in the past 18 months. This due mostly to the absence of its popular Hamish and Andy in drive ... As music wanes as an audience driver, personalities - particularly those with other platforms ... are becoming more important," writes Michael Bodney. Top media buyer, Saurin Worthington says: "..Music might not be as distinguishing a characteristic as previously. "All of this change is very positive because the biggest thing for me is the radio hasn't changed a lot in recent times. With increasing duplication across stations and the many varied ways in which consumers access playlists they want - through subscription or streaming services, for instance - music is becoming less influential ... "The differentiating thing will be the talent, not the music," said Worthington.

Kicks 101.5's Jenn Hobby And Husband Welcome Lauren Louise Rivera

THE MOUTH, APRIL 15TH, 2013 –– Former Bert Show member, turned midday host at Kicks 101.5/Atlanta, Jenn Hobby, and her husband Grant Rivera welcomed 6lb 13 oz Lauren Louise Rivera into the world this past weekend by announcing on Facebook "We are in love." In an previous inteview with Rodney Ho of The AJC she said "I was honest off the bat with him that I wanted kids and he was on board." After going the regular route, they went to a fertility specialist Dr. Mark Perloe and discovered she had a cervix problem. Once that issue was fixed, she was able to get pregnant. Her due date was April 18, 2013. The baby beat that date by five days. In addition to radio, Jenn is also a CNN & HLNtv contributor. Jockline Daily extends best wishes to both mom, dad and little Lauren.

The 'Bieb Ignites Yet Another Firestorm Following Anne Frank Guest Book Post

THE MOUTH, APRIL 15TH, 2013 –– Maybe his recent split with Selena Gomez has something to do with Justin Bieber's recent behavior. The precocious mega pop star who has been caught up in a number of controversies lately, like the pet monkey, spitting on a neighbor, etc, is caught up in yet another. This time it involves his visit to Anne Frank's House in Amsterdam over the weekend where, according the museum's web page, he wrote: "Truly inspiring to be able to come here. Anne was a great girl. Hopefully she would have been a belieber." Yes, Anne Frank, one of the most recognized, inspiring victims of the Holocaust, according to the Bieb', she would likely have been a belieber. What word would use to describe what the Bieb would likely be based on his latest post? SHARE IT WITH US HERE

Jonathan Winters Passes Away At 87

His Genius Remembered In Jack Parr 'Stick Piece' - [EXTRA]

Jackie Robinson Biopic Hits It Out of The Park In Weekend BO's - [NY DAILY NEWS]

Nene Leakes Re Inks for $1 Million RHOA Season 6 - [ROLLING OUT]

Maksim Chmerkovskiy Pays Visit To DWTS Set - [WET PAINT]

Sharon Stone And Kate Moss Smash Lips For Charity - [ZAP 2 IT]

Kendall Jenner Dreams of Modeling For Victoria's Secret - [E]

Snoop Dog Writes New Unsolicited 'One Life To Live' Theme Song - [HIP HOLLYWOOD]

The Kool-Aid Man Gets A Makeover - [KTRK]

Svelte Kelly Osbourne Covers 'Self' - [SELF]

TRAILERS WE LOVE: Hailee Steinfeld Take On Juliet Role In Shakespeare Film - [THE WRAP]

Court Denies Stern's Appeal For Added Bonus Compensation

THE MOUTH, APRIL 12TH, 2013 –– The King of all media was handed another setback in his appeal for additional performance-based compensation from Sirius XM. As first reported by deadline.com yesterday, New York Supreme Court Judges handed the satellite radio host and America’s Got Talent judge Howard Stern a further defeat in his multi-million dollar suit against Sirius XM. “We agree with the motion court that plaintiffs are not entitled to additional performance-based compensation under the unambiguous agreement between plaintiffs and defendant’s predecessor, Sirius Satellite Radio Inc,” wrote the First Appellate Division on Thursday." In a suit filed in March 2011, Stern’s company One Twelve and his agent Don Buchwald had claimed that they were owed more than $300 million after Sirius exceeded subscriber targets following its merger with then rival XM. The original suit was tossed last year in April. Yesterday's ruling came as a result of an appeal Stern and Buchwald filed last year. Stern had argued that Sirius owed him an extra $300 million in stock after their 2008 merger with XM Radio because their contract provided performance incentives tied to subscription growth. Stern, however, did collect a $25 million bonus when the companies merged, court papers said.

WLS Turns The Big 89

"I Never Expected One Set Of Calls To Mean So Much.." Landecker

THE MOUTH, APRIL 12TH, 2013 –– The biggest names in Chicago radio – past and present – will take part in a special broadcast tonight from the historic Navy Pier to celebrate 89 years of WLS Radio entertaining Chicago. Roe Conn, co-host of the Roe & Roeper Show, will host the 89th Birthday Bash Broadcast featuring legendary 89 WLS broadcasters such as Dick Biondi, Catherine Johns and Wayne Messmer, with special birthday greetings from Larry Lujack, Jeff Hendrix, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Rep. Peter Roskam and Notre Dame Football Coach Brian Kelly.  Illinois Governor Pat Quinn will be on hand to present WLS with a special proclamation.  WLS listeners and special guests at the event will celebrate with champagne toasts to 89 years, and dine on deserts of Eli’s Cheesecake. The Big 89 launched the careers of many celebrities, including Gene Autry, Larry Lujack and Bob Sirott. Other local personalities like Dick Biondi and John Records Landecker are still heard on WLS-FM. “When I got into radio I never expected one set of call letters to mean so much to me, and to so many listeners,” said WLS-FM announcer John Records Landecker. “WLS, The Big 89, truly is the 50,000 watt blow torch of the Midwest.”

NBC Sports Radio Grows Lineup and Stations

THE MOUTH, APRIL 12TH, 2013 –– Dial Global has announced that NBC Sports Radio is expanding its roster with new weekend programming and several new affiliated stations, bringing the number of stations taking its content to 262. This past Sunday, the network debuted Kup and Schultz, featuring Miami's Adam "Kup" Kuperstein (left) and Huffington Post sports columnist Jordan Schultz (center). Kup and Schultz will air regularly on Sundays from 9am-12noon, ET. In addition, weekday overnight host Dan Schwartzman (right) takes on a new weekend show, Schwartzman Saturdays, airing Saturdays from 6-9pm, ET. The two shows round out NBC Sports Radio's weekend programming. Station lineup continues to grow as well with Honolulu’s The Team 1500 AM (KHKA) is newly rebranded as NBC Sports Radio 1500 AM Honolulu, and WDSC-AM 800, Myrtle Beach/Florence, SC is taking NBC Sports Radio programming 24/7.  In addition, the network picked up 97.5/1280 The Zone, Salt Lake City, UT (KZNS) and 104.9 FM, WCCP in Clemson, SC. 

MOTION: Dave Boretti Joins DG; Jennifer Steele Crosses From 101.9 The Wolf To KFBK A/F Sacramento; Mike Holmgren Takes Radio Gig In Seattle

THE MOUTH, APRIL 12TH, 2013 –– Dial Global has announced the hiring of Dave Boretti as Senior Vice-President of Hispanic Initiatives. In this new role, Boretti will grow content partnerships, leverage the company’s digital assets, and spearhead the company’s expansion within the Hispanic marketplace. He will work out of Dial Global’s Chicago office and report directly to Kirk Stirland, President of Programming. Boretti comes to Dial Global after 12 years at Univision Radio, where he was SVP, Network Sales. Prior to joining Univision, Boretti worked in sales capacities for Premiere Radio, MJI Radio, Rolling Stone magazine, and A&E. ––––––––– Longtime Sacramento host, Jennifer Steele (shown) crosses over from KNTY-FM/101.9 The Wolf Sacramento to crosstown News/Talk KFBK-AM & FM as a news anchor/reporter. This is a return visit for Steele who had previously worked at the new/talker before leaving in 2007 for Mix 96. ––––––– Looks like
former coach Mike Holmgren is switching from sidelines to the studio as he reportedly is joining KJR in Seattle as a regular contributor and NFL expert. Holmgren coached the Packers (1992-'98) and Seahawks (1999-2008). ––––––––– 105.7 The Point/St. Louis adds Renae Ravey as Executive Producer of The Woody and Rizzuto Show. This is her third trip with Woody, having worked with him at Live 105/San Francisco and Q101/Chicago.

96X Returns To Memphis

THE MOUTH, APRIL 12TH, 2013 –– Flinn Broadcasting announced yesterday that 96X has returned at 96.1. On its Facebook page it shows its '90's logo (left) with the note “We’re back.” Formerly 96X was at 95.7 and owned by Clear Channel. The original 96X lasted for six years. According to Radio Insight, 96.1 has dropped its simulcast with sister station WHBQ-FM. Flinn also dropped its Country “Memphis Kissin Country” format from 1430 WOWW/97.7 W249BN. The pair currently simulcast Mighty Media Group’s “95.3 The Rebel” WEBL after running the “Kissin” Country format from December until this week. No word on on-air lineup as of yet. We'll keep an ear out for ya.

TOP NEWS FROM THE UK:

By Graham Mack

Could Thatcher’s Death Affect Radio Chart Shows?

THE MOUTH, APRIL 12TH, 2013 –– “Ding, Dong, The Witch Is Dead” from The Wizard Of Oz soundtrack is at Number 2 on both the Big Top 40, and the Official UK Top 40. It’s being downloaded by left-wingers who are “glad” that former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has died. The song will probably be Number 1 come Sunday. It’s not clear how the BBC and Global Radio are going to handle this on their live chart shows on Sunday evening. Will they play the track? Or just acknowledge that the track is Number 1 and don’t play it? Will it quickly be made ineligible for the charts somehow? Will they explain why it’s back in the charts?

Listeners Aren’t Stupid, Banks Tells Bauer
- In the on-going saga over the end of local programmes at TFM, rival station Star Radio has dedicated the breakfast show in its memory. Breakfast host and Programme Controller Robin Banks remembered “When TFM was great” by playing audio highlights spanning 38 years of output from the Stockton-on-Tees station and its predecessor Radio Tees. Robin and the Star NE breakfast show also complained at what they called Bauer’s attempt to fool the Teesside public in the launch of “The New TFM”. “It’s not the new TFM is it?” said Banks “C’mon Bauer just tell everyone what it is, a relay of Metro Radio with a bit of pre-recorded news! Don’t spin it as something new and exciting. Listeners aren’t stupid!” TFM listeners called the show to express their shock at the decision to remove all of their favorite shows. During his breakfast show Banks repeatedly offered jobs to all TFM staff who had lost their jobs or were worried about losing them.

Radio Presenter Found Dead In Derelict Inn - Lee Halpin who was also a documentary film-maker, has died while making a documentary about sleeping rough on the streets. Lee was 26, a radio presenter who edited an arts magazine and had completed a creative writing MA, was found in a boarded-up building in Newcastle-upon-Tyne after deciding to immerse himself for a week in the world of the those living on the streets in the city.

Need a British host as a guest on your show about what’s happening in the UK, reaction to Margaret Thatcher’s death and funeral on Wednesday? - Feel free to call me on +44 7752 416905. OR EMAIL ME HERE

Twitter To Launch New Music App; Gets Test Drive From Seacrest

THE MOUTH, APRIL 12TH, 2013 –– Another day, another music app set to launch this weekend, maybe even today, from the popular social media site, Twitter. According to allthingsd.com, a source claims the app will launch during this weekend at Coachella, though not necessarily today. Users will be able to listen to clips of music from inside the app, using third-party services like iTunes, Soundcloud, plus they will also be able to watch music videos provided by Vevo, the music video service owned by Universal Music and Sony. Twitter acknowledged that it had acquired We Are Hunted, the music recommendation service which help build the app. Like SXSW, Coachella is a huge music festival put on in the middle of the desert every year, so apparently the timing couldn't be better. And, of course, right in the middle of things is Ryan Seacrest who took the app for a test drive and then tweeted what appeared to be aTwitter approved 'leak.'

STEVE HARVEY GUEST: Popeye's Chicken Makes Her 'Explode' - [UPROXX]

Superman Flies On The Cover Of EW - [EW]

Jay Z Fires Back At Critics - [NY DAILY NEWS]

Adam Levine & Nikki Minaj Team With Sears In Branding Endeavor - [CHICAGO TRIB]

PALTROW: Botox Made Me Look Like Joan Rivers - [NY POST]Octomom Channels Angelina Jolie In New Photo Shoot - [EXTRA]

CHARLIE SHEEN: Lilo Held 'Anger Management' Hostage - [INQUISITR]

UH OH: Rick Ross Dropped By Reebok Over Controversial Lyrics - [HIP HOLLYWOOD]

Joe Jonas Surprises Student With Invite To Concert - [TODAY]

Black Sabbath Debuts New Single On CSI Finale - [ROLLING STONE]

TRAILERS WE LOVE: Trailer Park: "Hangover III" With Zach Galifianakis - [CNN]