Kidd Kraddick Passes Away

THE MOUTH, JULY 27TH, 2013 –– Tragic news late Saturday from New Orleans reported that syndicated Dallas host, Kidd Kraddick passed away from what's being rumored as a possible aneurysm. Kraddick was in New Orleans over the weekend hosting a charity golf tournament for his Kidd’s Kids charity event. Late Saturday evening, KHKS-FM/Dallas posted on its website "It is with a very heavy heart, that I am sending you this e-mail. It has been confirmed that Kidd Kraddick passed away today in New Orleans at a golf tournament organized to raise money for his beloved Kidd’s Kids charity. He died doing what he loved, and his final day was spent selflessly focused on those special children that meant the world to him. All of us at KISS-FM, Clear Channel Dallas, YEA Networks and the Kidd Kraddick in the Morning crew are heartbroken over the loss of our dear friend and leader. Kidd devoted his life to making people smile every morning, and for 21 years, his foundation has been dedicated to bringing joy to thousands of chronically and terminally ill children. On Saturday evening, KHKS-FM broke with it regular format and began taking calls from listeners. Ironically, Kraddick did a radio earlier in the week on "what he would say to each member of the show in his final moments on earth. Kraddick is survived by his daughter, Caroline.

Kraddick's Longtime Co-Host, Kellie Rasberry Speaks Up; Cast Members Air Emotional One-Hour Show This Morning

"Every single day, I was sure he was going to fire me. And every single day, he was sure I was going to quit." - Rasberry

THE MOUTH, JULY 29TH, 2013 –– Ever since news of Kidd Kraddick's death shocked his friends and fans, eyes quickly turned to his longtime cohost, Kellie Rasberry's Facebook page for comments. Late yesterday she wrote: "My heart is broken. Nineteen years ago, Kidd Kraddick swept me up from the middle of nowhere and took me on as his on-air wife. It will always be the biggest honor of my life. This man is responsible for every good thing that has ever happened to me. Don't get me wrong -- that man could make me so angry, I could spit. And he LOVED doing that to me. Every single day, I was sure he was going to fire me. And every single day, he was sure I was going to quit. But I could never leave Kidd, and he knew that. While we pushed each other's buttons, we truly shared an unconditional love. Kidd Kraddick will always be the love of my life. Nineteen years ago, my first words to Kidd were, "You're short." (It's a long story.) But his last words to me - well, ABOUT me, to the photographer -- "Does Kellie think to herself, 'I'm probably going to be taking pictures next to Kidd today so I am going to wear the tallest heels I can find!'" Yes, Kidd. I absolutely did that on purpose. And when I see you in Heaven, I'll still be taller. I am so grateful for my faith and the knowledge that I will fuss at that man in Heaven again some day. I will always love you, Kidd Kraddick. This morning fellow cast member, Kellie, Big Al, Jose “J-Si” Chavez and Jenna Owens aired an emotional one hour show and then took calls from listeners. No word yet from Yea Network(which syndicates the show) on the show's future.

Celeb's,' Friends Remember Kidd

THE MOUTH, JULY 29TH, 2013 –– Never in my 30-plus career have I, or the industry, witnessed such massive celeb' feedback and coverage of the passing of a radio celebrity than Kidd Kraddick. From Dr. Phil, Mark Cuban, Kelly Clarkson, Ryan Seacrest to Harry Styles, the love and fond memories never stopped. Beyond the tweets and Facebook posts, news coverage was unprecedented: Wall Street Journal, ABC TV, E Entertainment, Drudge, Huffpo, and most every other site. For those of us fortunate enough to count Kidd Kraddick as a friend, our phones and emails were jammed over the weekend with comments and memories of Kidd. Among the many, here are just a few: Jeff & Jer's Jerry Cesak (right) wrote: ""There was a group of us in the early '90s riding a raft down a new radio river. The boss jock was dead. "Reality" radio was born. There was us, Wease, Dwyer & Michaels, Ace & T.J., Bob Rivers, Dave Sposito, Dave Ryan among others. Kraddick was steering that raft. He showed us which buttons we could push to get reactions from our audiences. He discovered and taught us so much about how to talk to and most importantly how to listen to our listeners...." –––––– Rich Berra of Johnjay and Rich told Jockline Daily: (Kidd) So ahead of his time in broadcasting that it felt like he literally knew the road map before any of us knew there were roads. He was decades before the rest and a genius entertainer .. ________ Ace (below right), of the syndicated Ace and TJ Show told us: " Our “big break” and first exposure came at Morning Show Boot Camp (MSBC) when Kidd put us on his panel. He took us under his wing as a new show, helped us start out charity and was instrumental in helping us find a path.." ––––––––– Bill Michael (left), of Dwyer & Michaels said: "...He had such a passion for the business. No matter what level of success he achieved, I think he still considered himself a student. A pro yet always on a quest for that "perfect" break, interview, bit or show. But most importantly, he reminded me that being a DJ is still a pretty cool thing--something to be proud of. "They're payin' us to TALK, Billy!" ––––––– Tommy Sablan, Exc. Prod. for The Jeff & Jer' Show wrote:"I remember meeting him for the first time at MSBC like in the early 90's. I will never forget how he walked on stage in front of the entire audience and did an impersonation of Don Anthony the man behind (MSBC) and then after the crowd gave him a standing ovation, he walked over to the piano and did a version of MAYBE I'M AMAZED. ... I was just a kid then and I just sat back and said WOW, how can I ever be that talented? –––––––– 98.5 The Sport's Hub/Boston's Rich Shertenlieb (top left) who was part of Kidd's show prior to launching his first show in Boston wrote: " I was lucky enough to see him as an amazing dad to his wonderful daughter Caroline. I was lucky enough to have a friend that even while my wife was going through the toughest chemotherapy, kept me laughing and comforted in the darkest of times. There will never be another Kidd." ––––––– Steve Harmon, exc. producer of the syndicated Paul & Young Ron Show told JD "I am quite sure right now I would be serving coffee at Starbucks if it was not for my friend and neighbor Kidd Kraddick ... Kidd lived close to me and one day was driving by while I was mowing the lawn. He stuck his head out his car window..Stevie, you busy tomorrow morning? Why? I asked. Need you to help produce my show .... We are certain there will not be another in our life like him, and will smile talking about him.

REPORT: Cumulus To Drop Limbaugh & Hannity

THE MOUTH, JULY 29TH, 2013 –– An industry source revealed to POLITCO on Sunday that Cumulus Media is planning to drop both Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity from its stations at the end of the year. "The decision comes after negotiations between Cumulus and Premiere Networks, the division of Clear Channel that distributes Limbaugh and Hannity's shows, broke down due to disagreements over the cost of the distribution rights," according to the source. When reached for comment by Politico, Cumulus declined saying "Cumulus is not in a position to comment about negotiations with talent under contract, no matter what the rumor of the day might be," said a spokesperson. The report adds that Cumulus has been quietly reaching out to talent agents and political insiders about new local and regional station hosts to fill some of the airtime that will be left vacant by Limbaugh and Hannity. READ POLITICO ARTICLE HERE

Former Captive Amanda Berry Joins Rover Following Invite

THE MOUTH, JULY 29TH, 2013 –– Proving once again you should never assume which public figure might not take you up on an appearance offer, WMMS-FM/Cleveland's Rover was able to convince former captive, Amanda Berry, to join this past weekend's Roverfest. Shane French, aka Rover told AP in a phone interview that he was surprised when Berry showed up after issuing and impromptu invitation on his show a few weeks ago. "I just said that she had 10 years of partying to make up for and she should come," French said. He said he was surprised when security guards told him Berry had arrived. Berry, one of three women held captive in a Cleveland home for a decade made her first public appearance at a concert featuring the rapper Nelly. This coming a day after her abductor, Ariel Castro, pleaded guilty to kidnap and rape charges. She appeared on stage with her family. Berry and two others escaped in May when Berry kicked out part of a door and called to neighbors for help. WATCH APPEARANCE HERE

Mega Dallas Rebrands To La Grande 107.5 FM

THE MOUTH, JULY 29TH, 2013 –– CBS radio Dallas has introduced La Grande 107.5 FM. "It brings together some of Spanish radio’s most talented on-air personalities with the very best in Regional Mexican music,” said Jimmy Gonzalez, PD/VP for Spanish Programming. Marconi Radio Award-winning personality Edgar “ShoBoy” Sotelo hosts mornings on La Grande 107.5 FM weekdays from 5:30 to 10:00 a.m. Afternoon drive features “Pelos Parados” from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Additional on-air staff will be announced at a later date. La Grande 107.5 FM is owned and operated by CBS Radio.

MOTION: Hitman Returns To The Air; Bill White To Program Talk/Sport's Combo In Tuscon

THE MOUTH, JULY 29TH, 2013 –– According to DCRTV, longtime host JJ "Hitman" McKay (shown) will take over the afternoon shift on The Ocean City's Jack FM, now on two FM frequencies - 101.1 and 105.1. –––––– Meanwhile, former WGN-AM/Chicago PD, Bill White, is headed west to program Journal Broadcast group's conservative talk KQTH-FM and sports KFFN-AM in Tuscon, AZ. Prior to Chicago, White was the Operations Director of WBT-AM, WBT-FM and WLNK-FM in Charlotte, NC. –––– Radio hosts Carl Fletcher and Vaughan Smith, aka “Fletch and Vaughan” are leaving MediaWorks in New Zealand to join its rival, The Radio Network. The award winning show won't begin to air on TRN until 2014.

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SCOTT SHANNON | TOM GRISWOLD | JEFF DETROW | JERRY CESAK | GUY PHILLIPS | BROTHER WEASE

Among the many highlights of this year's 25th Annual Morning Show Boot In Chicago is a special panel made up of top hosts who have not only crossed the 25 year mark on the air, but have continued to thrive, year after year. Among those joining moderator Mike McVay (far right) will be from left to right, WPLJ/New York's Scott Shannon, Tom Griswold of The Bob & Tom Show, KyXy/San Diego's Jeff & Jer', Y98/St. Louis' Guy Phillips, 95.1/Rochester's Brother Wease. Others to be announced. MORNING SHOW BOOT CAMP is set for Aug. 8th & 9th At The Renaissance Hotel/Chicago. SPONSORED BY REELWORLD

NADA: Still No Word On Eddie 'Piolin' Sotelo's Replacement

THE MOUTH, JULY 26TH, 2013 –– After the Spanish-Language radio world was rocked this week with news of its mega star host, Eddie 'Piolin" Sotelo's departure, Univision Communications made its first official comment yesterday saying nothing more than it has ended its 10-year association with Sotelo, host of Univision Radio's morning show, “Piolin por la Mañana." "After a 10-year run, Sotelo and Univision have agreed to part company," Univision said in a brief statement on Thursday. “It’s been a great run with Univision,” Sotelo said in a statement distributed by Univision. Sotelo's show aired on more than 50 stations. Thursday's statement was Univision's first public comment on the departure and no word was given on who will replace him on the network. Some have rumored where he could land next, but nothing has been confirmed or based on anything other than just rumors.

NBC Sports Radio Broadcast Live From Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Golf Classic

THE MOUTH, JULY 26TH, 2013 –– In a joint venture between NBC Sports Group and Dial Global, they'll broadcast live from this weekend’s 2013 Ahmad Rashad Celebrity Classic at Mohegan Sun Country Club in Pautipaug, Connecticut. Co-host of Golf Channel’s Morning Drive, Ahmad Rashad, hosts the event that has raised more than $500,000 for charity since its inception. Weekend host Jason Page (shown), known for his contemporary and engaging approach to sports talk radio, will broadcast live from the tournament on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from 9pm-1am, ET. “We’re excited to provide audio coverage of the Ahmad Rashad Classic and Jason Page is an ideal talk show host to cover this event,” said Chris Corcoran, NBC Sports Radio’s EVP/General Manager. “Jason’s fans and Twitter followers can expect a weekend of lively and entertaining sports talk covering this celebrity tournament."This year, proceeds from the event will benefit The REACH Foundation. The REACH Foundation helps children who are physically, financially, and socially in need and supports programs that encourage social and civic responsibility both in and out of the classroom.

MOTION: Bob & Sheri Extend With WLNK-FM Charlotte; Elvis Duran Fills KVJ Slot At WILD 95.5 West Palm; Todd & Tyler's Add Two More To Empire; Special K Exits 103.5 Kiss Chicago

THE MOUTH, JULY 26TH, 2013 –– Greater Media announced that longtime morning personalities Bob and Sheri have signed a multi-year deal on WLNK-FM in Charlotte. The pair first joined the station in 1992. ––––– CCME West Palm wasted little time in filling the seats of departing host Kevin, Virginia and Jason, with the addition of Elvis Duran and the Morning Show to its lineup. They also announced that Duran will pickup mornings on WOW 92.7 in Key West, Fl. The show also airs on XM Satellite Radio, iHeartRadio.com, the iHeartRadio mobile app. As Jockline Daily reported this week (see recent news below), KVJ moved to Cox Media's 97.3 The Coast in Miami. –––––––Benztown announced that its nationally syndicated radio show, The Todd N Tyler Radio Empire has added two new affiliates: Rock stations KKGB-FM in Lake Charles, LA; and WMZK-FM in Wausau, WI. Todd Brandt adds: “I have always loved Cajun food and who doesn’t like cheese?! We are looking forward to eating well when we meet the listeners in these two new markets.” ––––––––– Popular Chicago nightime host Special K exits 103.5 Kiss. According to CRM, on top of double-duty at Chicago's WKSC-FM, Special K (Scotty Kay) voice-tracked shows for Clear Channel stations in markets, such as Austin, TX.

Longtime MTV Exec. Kevin MacKall Named SVP Of Visual Branding For CCME

THE MOUTH, JULY 26TH, 2013 –– CCME announced that longtime MTV executive Kevin Mackall is joining the company as Senior Vice President of Visual Branding. In this new position Mackall will oversee the Visual Branding Department, a new segment of the National Programming Platforms division which will focus on visual branding for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, local radio stations and iHeartRadio, Clear Channel's industry-leading digital radio service. "Kevin has been our secret weapon behind the visual packages for our marquee events like the iHeartRadio Music Festival as well as groundbreaking projects like our national country and top 40 television spots," said CCME's Tom Poleman. As Senior Vice President of MTV On Air Promos for over a decade, he oversaw projects such as promotional campaigns for"The Hills," "The MTV Video Music Awards" and "The MTV Movie Awards."

Willis Interview Stirs Comments From Jockline Readers [VIDEO]

Fallout Continues: Jamie Edwards Crosses 500,000 Hits; Interview Requests Span The Globe

THE MOUTH, JULY 26TH, 2013 –– It's not often that one of our stories becomes a story itself. But surprisingly, yesterday's interview post of Britain's Magic 105.4 host Jamie Edwards (below) with acting tough guy, Bruce Willis, prompted an unusual number of comments from our readers; many taking up for the young interviewer, but some saying the host brought it on himself with 'lame' questions. As reported, Edwards was trying to engage the star in conversation about his new film 'Red 2," but things got weird when Willis, joined by co-star Mary-Louise Parker, moves around on his to chair, gives a strange look to Edwards and asked: "Has anyone ever told you that what I do (in this type of interview) isn't acting." Pointing to Edwards he says "You may be, but what we're doing here is just selling the film." Edwards then follows with "So how would you sell me on the film?" "I wouldn't ... I'd slash my hooves" said Willis. Later, as Edwards brings up driving, Willis says "I'm thinking about driving right now. I can hardly keep my mind on this interview. I'm thinking about driving up the M1. You have some great questions here Jamie. Great chat." said a clearly unhappy Willis. Among many of Jamie's defenders was Cumulus SVP/Corporate, Mike McVay who commented: "You've got to give Jamie a lot of credit. He stuck with it and was unflappable. Willis wasn't as bad as I expected him to be. Mary Louise Parker stayed true to who she is, but Jamie? Well, he was undaunted." Comments are still welcome, but JD would also welcome your own interview nightmares and how you handled them. CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOURS - WATCH VIDEO AND CRINGE

COMMENT: WHAS/Louisville - Terry Meiners: I was a novice 23-year-old at WLRS in 1980 when Charlie Daniels popped in my studio during afternoon drive. He was expected earlier in the day so I was completely nervous when the interview suddenly landed in my lap. Seconds before we went on the air, Charlie saw my sweaty forehead and shaking hands and put his arm around me, saying "Don't you worry, son. You just introduce me and I'll do all the talking."

We had an outstanding chat because, unlike Bruce Willis, Charlie remembered what it was like to be a kid starting out. That moment helped me move forward with a talk radio career that I've relished for more than three decades.

Thanks, Charlie Daniels.

KOMP'S Homegrown Show Gets Props From Governor On 15th Anniversary

THE MOUTH, JULY 26TH, 2013 –– The Homegrown Show with Laurie Steele on KOMP 92.3 FM in Las Vegas celebrated its 15th anniversary with a CD compilation and release party. In recognition of the show’s contributions to the community, three Proclamations from local mayors and a Certificate of Recognition from the Governor of Nevada were issued to KOMP. Launched in 1998 by Steele, The Homegrown Show features the best local and unsigned bands and musicians every Sunday from 10pm – midnight. KOMP FM is owned by Lotus Communications Corp.

The Edge's Jay-Jay Feeney Follows Husband's Book With 'Misconception

THE MOUTH, JULY 26TH, 2013 –– Frequent MSBC patron and hugely popular New Zealand host, Jay-Jay Feeney, of The Jay-Jay, Mike & Dom Show on The Edge FM/Auckland NZ, is set to release her first book Misconceptions. This comes on the heels of her partner/husband, Dominic Harvey's book "Bucket List for An Idiot," which was released last year. She says It will be far more serious than Dom's. Rather, it's a personal memoir largely about her and Dom's struggle to have a baby READ MORE. As for Dom's book, he said "Any day I can stay inside it is a good day. All of which makes it a bit odd that I decided to complete a bucket list of my own. Not just any bucket list though. This is a reverse bucket list - a bunch of stuff that I could have happily passed away without ever doing - stuff like getting a tattoo I'd instantly regret, or being the model for a life drawing class."

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PHOTO/Little Monsters

*Sessions/Speakers Subject to change without notice

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