No Plans To Abandon Analog In The U.S. Says NAB's Dennis Wharton

Digital FM Radio IS CONTINUING In Norway. All That Is Ending Is Analog Radio

THE MOUTH, APRIL 21ST, 2015 –– News that Norway looked to turn off analog FM by 2017 has generated quite a buzz in media circles this week. And while the growth of digital is obvious, it's somewhat of a stretch to tie the U.S. timeline for abandoning analog to Norway's. Dennis Wharton, EVP/National Association of Broadcasters, wrote in an email, “Our guess is that Norway’s decision ultimately will have no impact on the way U.S. radio broadcasters operate, or on how the more than 240 million weekly U.S. local radio listeners receive programming. There are 3 big differences between Norway and the U.S.: -- Norway and the U.S. deliver digital radio signals differently. Notably, many U.S. radio broadcasters have been operating in digital for about 10 years -- Norway has only 5 million people, compared to 320 million or so in the U.S. (in fact, there are more people living in just the Washington DC/Baltimore metro region in the U.S. -- 5.8 million people – than all of Norway). -- Norway’s broadcast system is primarily government run; the U.S. system of broadcasting is mostly privately run, sustained by commercial advertisements -- The important thing to remember, however is that digital FM radio IS CONTINUING in Norway. All that is ending is analog radio.

According to bloomberg.com, in the U.S., the FCC is approving far fewer new commercial radio licenses than in prior years. Between 2000 and 2004, the agency approved 483 new commercial AM/FM licenses, but that number dropped to 262 between 2005 and 2009, and only 90 between 2010 and 2014. Meanwhile, smartphones aren’t helping. While most new phones contain chips that let them access traditional radio broadcasts, most U.S. wireless carriers don’t turn that capability on, preferring that consumers stream their radio instead. Wharton added, “In Europe and Asia it’s a standard feature to have people listen to FM radio on their cell phones.” The NAB is advocating for the feature to be turned on.

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Scott Hopeck Named President Of iHM New York; Linda Little Tapped As Its President In Phoenix; Hubbard Appoints Joel Swanson As GM For HBI Radio Bemidji

THE MOUTH, APRIL 21ST, 2015 –– 2015 ­ iHeartMedia announced that Scott Hopeck has been named President of its New York market, effective immediately. He'll oversee 103.5 KTU, Q104.3, Z100, 106.7 Lite fm, Power 105.1 and 710 WOR-AM. Hopeck is a 20 year media veteran who has been with iHeartMedia for more than 10 years, most recently serving as Market President for iHeartMedia Phoenix. He also previously served as Senior Vice President of Sales for iHeartMedia Atlanta and General Manager of the company's Braves Radio Network. Prior to iHeartMedia, Hopeck held positions at CBS Radio and Viacom.

iHM also announced today that longtime radio veteran Linda Little has been named President of its Phoenix market. She'll oversee 95.5 The Mountain, Mix 96.9, 99.9 KEZ, 102.5 KNIX, 104.7 KISS-FM, 550 KFYI, KFYI2 and Fox Sports 910 AM Home of the NFL and University of Arizona Sports. Little has been with iHeartMedia for the past 15 years, most recently serving as Senior Vice President of Sales. She also previously served as General Sales Manager for KESZ and KNIX as well as an Integrated Media Business Development Manager.

Hubbard Broadcasting VP/Regional Manager of Minnesota Dan Seeman announced that Joel Swanson was named General Manager for HBI Radio-Bemidji. Hubbard Broadcasting operates five radio stations in Bemidj i, MN: KBHP-FM, KBUN-AM, KLLZ-FM, KKZY-FM and WQXJ-FM. KBHP-FM (KB101) is a five time winner of the NAB’s prestigious Crystal Award. Hubbard Broadcasting recently acquired 16 radio stations in northern Minnesota from Omni Broadcasting. Swanson comes to Hubbard from Dakota Broadcasting in Aberdeen, SD where he has been serving as GM for the past five years.

NETWORKS: Salem Launches The Eric Metaxas Show; Growing Buzz For National Marijuana News Show

THE MOUTH, APRIL 21ST, 2015 –– Salem Media Group has launched the new Eric Metaxas show today on Salem Radio Network, with a strong list of affiliates, both Christian Teach and Talk and News Talk. Eric's biggest out of the gate will be AM 970 the Answer in NYC, where Eric will air 5-7pm starting today. This replaces Joe Walsh who will continue in Chicago. Metaxas will launch with 9 of the top 10 markets, 19 of the top 20 markets, and 26 of the top 30 markets. "This is the biggest rollout for Salem Radio Network in 10 years," said Salem Senior Vice President Phil Boyce. "Eric's show will be different, and a little bit about everything. His personality and sense of humor will shine through," said Boyce.

As the buzz on marijuana continues across the country, AdLarge Media has signed three new radio stations to the growing roster of affiliates for The National Marijuana News (TNMNews). WHIG, K-High1580, Weed Radio in Colorado Springs; WPEK-AM in Ashville, NC; and WNOS, Newbern, NC join in time for 4/20 National Marijuana Day. “Marijuana is a budding topic nationwide and radio stations are snapping up TNMNews to inform and educate their listeners,” observed Jessica Sherman, Senior Director, Affiliate Marketing, AdLarge Media. TNMNews is an unbiased and balanced one-hour weekend show that delivers information on a subject that is of wide interest to the U.S. public who is trying to sort out the confusion surrounding legalized medical and recreational marijuana. For information on TNMNews affiliations, contact Jessica Sherman at AdLarge, 646-759-8431, jessica@adlarge.com.

Premiere Networks To Air The Blaze Radio's 3-Hour Memorial Day Special

THE MOUTH, APRIL 21ST, 2015 –– April 20, 2015 – Premiere Networks announced an exclusive three-hour Memorial Day radio special - TheBlaze Radio Network’s Reflections From A Grateful Nation featuring the hosts, writers and editors of TheBlaze and TheBlaze.com, including Doc Thompson, Skip LaCombe, Buck Sexton, Jay Severin, Chris Salcedo, Mike Broomhead and others. In addition to special appearances by award-winning actor Gary Sinise, Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak and members of the military, listeners will be treated to personal stories and conversations about the meaning of the holiday in this special tribute to those who fought and gave their lives to defend our freedom. TheBlaze Radio Network’s Reflections From A Grateful Nation is available for News/Talk stations to air from May 23 - 25, 2015. Stations interested in this special should contact Premiere Networks’ Affiliate Relations department at 818-377-5300.

MOTION: [LISTEN] Chris Ryan Says Goodbye To KEGL Dallas

THE MOUTH, APRIL 21ST, 2015 –– In an open letter to his listeners, 21-year Dallas vet Chris Ryan wrote: 'This coming May 5th will mark 21 years since I made my debut here on 97-1 The Eagle. I was only 21 when I got this job, that's half my life ago. Before the Eagle, I'd spent almost a year over at what was then 94.5 The Edge. I was hired my Duane Doherty (Bones!) to do overnights, and was beyond ecstatic. I was going to get to play 'kick-(s)ss-rock-music' for one of the baddest cities in America AND they were going to pay me. Back during that time I did a request hour from 3am-4 am called the "Red Eye Request Hour" and since I knew my bosses were all asleep at that time, it was wheels off! ... Over the past "almost" 21 years I've had the opportunity to do things and meet people that most people only dream of. I've truly led a charmed rock n roll life and I owe it all to YOU the listeners, and fans, and family, of 97-1 The Eagle. This coming Friday April 24th will be my last radio show here on the Eagle. I'll be sad to leave, but it's time. I'll still be around though. Maybe we'll run into each other at the bar someday and I'll buy you a beer and we can reminisce about the good ole days! - Scroll down to graphic shown and LISTEN HERE

[LISTEN] Ringo Starr Talks Rock Hall Induction With Paul Shaffer

THE MOUTH, APRIL 21ST, 2015 –– On Friday, April 17 rock legend Ringo Starr joined Paul Shaffer for an exclusive interview on Paul Shaffer’s Day in Rock. The following day, Starr became one of just 21 performers to be inducted twice to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the only to be inducted in two different categories. Starr discussed the honor, his new solo album and more with Shaffer. Bonus audio from the interview is also available where Starr discusses the creation of his latest solo album, Postcards from Paradise. Paul Shaffer’s Day in Rock is a perfect benchmark feature that can be programmed throughout the day and offers key sponsorship opportunities for radio stations that are looking to add infotainment to their lineup. Visit paulshaffersdayinrock.com or contact Amber Wade at 216-831-3761 or AmberW@envisionradio.com PHOTO/Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - LISTEN HERE

Longtime L.A. Host Larry Elder Celebrates Birthday With Star On Walk Of Fame

THE MOUTH, APRIL 21ST, 2015 –– Next Monday, April 27, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. PDT the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will honor Larry Elder with star on Walk of Fame. Elder becomes its 2,548th star. The star in the category of Radio will be dedicated at 6270 Hollywood Boulevard next to the W Hollywood Hotel. “Larry Elder is one of the airwave’s most popular voices who shares his insightful discussions and opinions with legions of dedicated fans,” stated Leron Gubler, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO. “We are proud to have him join our Walk of Fame family.” Helping emcee and Hollywood Chamber President & CEO Leron Gubler to unveil the star will be Dean Cain, Dennis Prager and Jon Voight. Elder recently hosted the longest-running afternoon drive time radio show in Los Angeles, beginning in March, 1994. “The Larry Elder Show,” was a top-rated daily program from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on KABC 790. Elder is currently broadcasting “The Larry Elder Show” live on www.larryelder.com, where he also produces video and audio podcasts forhis fans – the “Elderados.”

FOX Sports Radio To Offer Joint Coverage Of NFL Draft Special

THE MOUTH, APRIL 21ST, 2015 – Available on FOX Sports GO, FOXSports.com, FOX Sports Radio and Periscope, FOX Sports will present its “FOX SPORTS LIVE 2015 NFL DRAFTCAST,” from The Plaza at Park Grill in downtown Chicago, Thursday, April 30. FOX Sports’ coverage of the NFL Draft, the league’s marquee offseason event, is highlighted by the presence of the industry’s preeminent information man, FOX NFL insider Jay Glazer, who utilizes his unrivaled rolodex to provide breaking news and insight on all of the latest wheeling, dealing and rumors. Glazer is joined by FOX Sports 1 NFL reporter Peter Schrager and lead college football/draft analyst Joel Klatt, who have kept current their respective mock drafts and big boards since the conclusion of the NFL season. They provide unique perspective from conversations held with coaches and personnel executives, in addition to having attended the Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and various Pro Days. Coverage is hosted by Don Bell and also includes FOX Sports 1 NFL insider Mike Garafolo, who delivers interviews and reactions from draftees live from the Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University, site of this year’s draft. The multicast is also available continuously on Twitter’s new interactive, livestreaming video application Periscope, via FOX SPORTS LIVE’S official account.

Willie Nelson Explains Why You Should Buy His Weed; Date Set For Final Stewart Show

Cissy Houston: Bobbi Kristina Brown No Longer in a Coma But Has ''Irreversible Brain Damage'' - [E ONLINE]

'Full House' Reunion Headed To Netflix - [INDEPENDENT]

The Philadelphia Eagle Get Tebow - [ESPN]

Jon Stewart Announces Date For Final Show - [CBS]

Biel And Timberlake Reveal First Baby Photo Of Little Silas - [MTV]

Scarlett O'Hara' 'Gone With The Wind' Dress Draws $137k At Auction - [VANITY FAIR]

This Year's Pulitizer Prize Winners Announced - [CNN]

Rosanne Barr Talks Loss Of Sight, Pot And Why She's Not Voting For Hillary - [THE DAILY BEAST]

Charlize Theron: "Glamazon" - [BUSTLE]

Willie Nelson Explains Why You Should Buy His Weed - Willie's Reserve - [ROLLING STONE]

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Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan Come Up Big At 2015 ACM's

ACMs Made The Guinness World Records For Being The Most Attended Live Awards Show Of All Time

THE MOUTH, APRIL 20TH, 2015 - It was a big night for Miranda Lambert as she took home awards for both 'song' and 'album' of the year, plus honors for female vocalist of the year. The other big winner was Luke Bryan who said after being named 'entertainer of the year' "I'm up here with Steven Tyler, thank you. Thank you to my wife, my kids at home; my fans and country radio." Lambert, who seemed genuinely surprised by her many awards said "I don't even realize what's happening tonight." Lambert led all others by being nominated in eight categories. In other awards, Cole Swindell was named 'New Artist of The Year; Jason Aldean - Male Vocalist of The Year and 'I Don't Dance' by Lee Brice as Single of the year.

Emcees Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan began the show by announcing the ACMs made the Guinness World Records for being the most attended live awards show of all time. The crowd was estimated at over 70,000 in attendance. "They say everything is bigger in Texas. And that's why we're here," Shelton said. The night's first honor went to George Strait, who accepted a Milestone Award after performing his new single, "Let It Go," and wowed the crowd by singing his classic, "All My Ex's Live in Texas." Strait was one of seven honorees which also went to Brooks, Lambert, Taylor Swift, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn and Kenny Chesney. In a touching moment, Swift received the award from her mother, Andrea, who wa recently diagnosed with cancer. PHOTO/ACM - SEE ALL WINNERS HERE

Anthony Cumia Blocked By SiriusXM From Guest Appearance On His Former Show

THE MOUTH, APRIL 20TH, 2015 –– No doubt you're aware of the feud going on between longtime co-hosts Opie And Anthony. Last Friday may have added more fuel to the flame. Comedians Joe Rogan and Ari Shaffir were filling in for Greg 'Opie' Hughes and Jim Norton and invited the former 20-year employee on the show for a guest appearance. This would have marked Cumia's first visit back at SiriusXM in 10 months after being fired over controversial tweets. According to newsweek.com, though things hadn't changed between the duo, Hughes was adamant that Cumia should be let into the building for his guest appearance with Rogan. Hughes placed several phone calls to management, urging them to let his former co-host into the studio. “sRogan brilliantly tried to have Anthony on the show today while he was guest-hosting for me,” Hughes told Newsweek following the incident. “Management had no idea this was going down. I told them I was cool with it. In the end, they were taken by surprise and ended up having cold feet. I get the impression that they would be all right with him coming back as a guest in the near future under more ideal circumstances.”

According to Newsweek, Cumia arrived at the building around 7 a.m. and waited in the lobby “for quite some time” before being denied entry. The SiriusXM building has a security team in the lobby with a system in which names are entered, allowing admission. Names are generally added to such systems in advance of a guest appearance. Asked if security was notified of Cumia’s appearance in advance, Hughes said, “All of Sirius was taken by surprise, so I doubt it.” Shaffir took to Twitter to voice his displeasure with Friday’s events. “Really disappointed in SiriusXM Comedy. Not letting Anthony Cumia on our show? The guy was an employee for over a decade. He got fired for stuff he did off the premises. And you block him in the lobby? Be a human.” SiriusXM did not comment on whether Cumia is permanently banned from the building.

Laurie Cantillo Is Headed To A New Station - SPACE!

THE MOUTH, APRIL 20TH, 2015 –– Laurie Cantillo is full of surprises. Last month after programming WTOP/Wash. DC, one of the most successful stations in America, she caught everyone off guard by announcing she would exit her post. Over the weekend she surprised us on Facebook and Linkedin with news of her joining NASA. "I'm taking a giant leap to NASA. As a longtime space geek, I'm honored to join the Office of Communications at NASA as a contractor with ITI. Among my initial projects: the search for life on exoplanets, next week's Hubble 25th Anniversary, and New Horizons--a Pluto fly-by in mid-July. Yes, I had to peel my son David off the ceiling!" she posted. Prior to WTOP, Laurie programmed WABC New York and SiriusXM's “Oprah & Friends” channel. With this latest move she could become the first person to ever have managed in both Terrestrial & Extraterrestrial communication.

MOTION: Megan Ryte Takes Middays On Hot 97 NYC; Joe Walsh Dropped At 970 The Answer NYC

THE MOUTH, APRIL 20TH, 2015 –– WQHT HOT 97 FM announced that Megan Ryte, has signed on to take over mid-days on the Hip Hop outlet. Ryte will relocate to New York from Houston, where she has worked for several Radio One stations since 2013, including KMJQ and KBXX, as well as FOX 26 TV as an On-Air Talent and Digital Producer. Arriving from Virginia, Ryte began her career as a club DJ, going by the stage name DJ B*Ryte, before joining WOWI’s morning and mix shows. In 2011, Ryte relocated to Miami as on-air host on WPOW before becoming APD/Imaging Director, Afternoon Drive and Traffic Jam DJ at WMBX in West Palm Beach.

Joe Walsh, the former Chicago congressman turned talk radio host had his syndicated show dropped from 970 The Answer in NYC. According to Chicago blogger, Rober Feder, The Salem Media outlet is replacing Walsh with author and columnist Eric Metaxas. Feder adds: There’s bad news for Walsh on the home front, too (in Chicago) where Salem Media news/talk WIND AM 560, his Chicago broadcasting base since 2013, is about to cut the third hour of his afternoon show here. As of June 1, Walsh will be heard only two hours each weekday — from 5 to 7 p.m. The move will accommodate the addition of “The Dave Ramsey Show” from 7 to 10 p.m. s

EXECUTIVE ACTION: Lance Richard Named VP/MM For Entercom Sacramento

THE MOUTH, APRIL 20TH, 2015 –– Entercom announced that Lance Richard rises to become VP/Market Manager for Entercom Sacramento. Richard has been with Entercom since 2009, serving as Corporate VP/Integrated Sales and VP/Sales. "Over the years, Lance has helped to improve our sales organizations, our coaching ability and our ability to deliver multi-platform programs that work for advertisers," said Weezie Kramer, Station Group President. "Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to reward that success with a promotion to VP Market Manager in Sacramento." "We have the best brands in the market, great local talent and content, strong ratings and an excellent team in place. I look forward to continuing our momentum and leading Entercom Sacramento's market leading portfolio of brands," said Richard.

Red Carpet Radio Goes Backstage With The Stars At ACM

THE MOUTH, APRIL 20TH, 2015 –– Westwood One and Cumulus Partnered with the Academy of Country Music and Dick Clark productions to Offer Exclusive Content from Events Around the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards®. The ACM Awards™ aired LIVE on Sunday, April 19, 2015, from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT on CBS. In addition to the two Radio Row live concert performances with Drake White and Waterloo Revival, Red Carpet Radio included scheduled guests Reba McEntire, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Lee Brice, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Jason Aldean, Cole Swindell, The Band Perry, Kip Moore, Rascal Flatts, Brantley Gilbert, Austin Webb, Darius Rucker, The Swon Brothers, Dan + Shay, and many more. Hosts included NASH Nights Live’s Shawn Parr and Elaina D. Smith, NASH/America’s Morning Show’s Erika Grace Powell, Cumulus/KSCS, Dallas’ Hawkeye, and Cumulus/The Wolf, Dallas’ Lisa Taylor.

Norway To Become First Country To Switch Off Analog FM

THE MOUTH, APRIL 20TH, 2015 –– Last Thursday, the Ministry of Culture announced a national FM-switch off to complete the transition to digital radio by 2017. This makes it the first country in the world to switch-off for major analogue radio channels. According to radiono, listeners will be provided with more radio channels and greater diversity in content via DAB (Digital Audi Broadcasting) and digital. Thor Gjermund Eriksen, head of NRK, said: 'This is an important day for everyone who loves radio. The minister`s decision allows us to concentrate our resources even more upon what is most important, namely to create high quality and diverse radio-content to our listeners. The DAB-coverage in Norway now exceeds FM coverage. DAB provides Norway with 22 national channels, as opposed to five channels transmitting nationwide on FM. Switch-off begins 11th January 2017 The decision gives Norwegians a final date for the transition to digital radio, a process persisting for several years. Trygve Rønningen , CEO and editor in chief P4, says: - We can finally complete the work that has been on-going for many years. This is the best solution for all listeners throughout Norway, as they now have a better radio. Switch-off starts in Nordland county 11th January 2017

Norway began the transition to DAB in 1995. 55 percent of households have at least one DAB radio, according to Digitalradio survey by TNS Gallup, continuously measuring the Norwegian`s digital radio habits. 56 % of radio listeners use digital radio daily - 44 % of listeners only use FM radio daily - 20 % of private cars are equipped with DAB radio - 55 % of all Norwegian households have at least one DAB radio. - 7.9 million radio sets will be affected by FM-extinction.

DAB is like HD Radio in U.S. but with support from the radio industry.

Delilah Gets Special Surprise From Boy Who Waited By Her Car In Parking Lot

THE MOUTH, APRIL 20TH, 2015 –– Just in time to restore your faith in humanity, comes this Facebook post from Premiere Syndicated host Delilah. She posted "I just had the coolest thing happen! I pulled up to a store, stepped out of my car, and some money I had stuffed in my pocket fell out and landed beneath my car...change from a birthday gift my son had bought for his friend...I didn't notice and shopped for about half an hour with my daughter Bridget....when I came back to the car this handsome young man (R) and his sister were waiting for me. He asked if the crumpled up money was mine, and when I checked my pocket I realized it was. His sister said he had found it when he stepped out of her car and started looked around the parking lot for the driver of the car I was in. Then he waited for me to return! I was so impressed with Trevor's honesty I gave him half of what was in my pocket...(not a lot but enough to buy some ice cream)..." Our only question now is which song does she play on her show following this story - YOUR THOUGHTS?

Bobby Brown Shocks Audience By Announcing 'Bobbi Kristina Is Awake'

Towing Company Wants Sports Reporter To Keep Her Job - [USA TODAY]

Company Has Long History Of Complaints - [WASHINGTONIAN]

Dr. Oz Fires Back At Critics - [NYDN]

Matt Lauer Pranks Ellen With Plumber Billboard - [POPSUGAR]

[WATCH] Bobby Brown Shocks Audience Saying 'Kristina Is Awake' - [TMZ]

Jon Stewart Explains Why He's Leaving 'Daily Show' - [MEDIAITE]

[WATCH] Drew Carey Marries Entire 'Price Is Right' Audience - [HUFFPO]

Marilyn Manson To Play Hitman In New Crime Film - [NME]

UH OH: Michael Buble Apologies Over Instagram Booty Shot - [E ONLINE]

Pete Rose Joins Fox Sports As Baseball Analyst - [FOX SPORTS]

Fredericks Of Hollywood Closing Down - [LATIMES]

[WATCH] Official Batman Vs. Superman Trailer - [VOX]

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