Untitled Document

OFFICIAL: Cumulus Acquires Dial Global; Townsquare Acquires 71 Stations In 15 Markets

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 30TH, 2013 ––Townsquare Media announced today that it has executed definitive documentation related to three transactions with Cumulus Media Holdings, Inc. which, upon consummation, will result in Townsquare acquiring assets including 71 radio stations in 15 markets. Townsquare will own 312 radio stations in 66 markets and have operations in 25 states, making it the third largest owner of radio stations in the United States and the largest, best-capitalized owner and operator of radio stations solely focused on small and mid-sized markets. In connection with the Transactions, Townsquare is acquiring assets including 53 radio stations (three of which will be assigned to a divestiture trust) in 12 markets (Battle Creek, MI; Cedar Rapids, IA; Danbury, CT; Faribault-Owatonna, MN; Kalamazoo, MI; Lansing, MI; Portland, ME; Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester, NH; Quad Cities, IA-IL; Rochester, MN; Rockford, IL; and Waterloo, IA) from Cumulus for cash. Townsquare is also acquiring Peak, which owns assets including 11 radio stations in 2 markets (Boise, ID and Fresno, CA) for cash and equity units of Townsquare. Finally, Townsquare will exchange certain assets including 5 radio stations, in Fresno it is acquiring from Peak, for Cumulus assets including 15 radio stations in two markets (Dubuque, IA and Poughkeepsie, NY) and a de minimis cash settle-up payment in favor of Townsquare. In total, Townsquare will be acquiring 68 stations from Cumulus, three of which will be assigned to a divestiture trust, and eleven Peak stations, five of which will be exchanged to Cumulus, resulting in a net increase of 71 stations. “These transactions represent the continued evolution of Townsquare Media into one of the nation’s largest local media companies and allow us to reach a scale which opens the door to new strategic opportunities,” commented Townsquare Chairman and CEO, Steven Price. Meanwhile, All Access reports that Cumulus Media has acquired Dial Global, as rumored, for $260 million; thus, merging its Cumulus Media Networks under the combined Westwood banner. More details to follow.

Alien Stuntage Spurs Panic At Alabama Schools [AUDIO]

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 30TH, 2013 –– Several schoolsl and law enforcement officials in Shoals AL. say a local station’s format flip stuntage could end up costing them 'significant money' as they try to ease concerns about student safety. According to The Times Daily, Tuscumbia Police Chief Tony Logan said his department traced the rumor to a promotion by Star 94.9 that’s geared to attract attention to its change in format. With audio such as "Commander, the humans are anxious for another message from you," said a voice in the promo "I told them that you would speak to them on Thursday at 9 a.m. They are curious, it is in their nature." Yup, it was spooky lines like this that sent the promos and rumors viral, said Logan. Of course all of this was a play off Orson Welles’ adaptation of “War of the Worlds,” a fictitious account of an alien invasion by Martians that Welles directed and narrated for The Mercury Theatre in 1938. The promos by Star 94.9 led to rumors that area schools would be bombed. Area schools received calls from concerned parents as have 911 operators, police dispatchers and the Colbert County Sheriff’s Office. PD Brian Rickman described the case as a game of ‘Telephone' that went terribly wrong. "I don't blame any of the listeners if they misunderstood. Rickman added the messages never mentioned anything to spark community panic, and that as a father, he takes school threats seriously. "I want to apologize profusely for doing that," said Rickman. "If we would have seen this coming, we would have never done this." LISTEN TO AUDIO

Wendy & Bill Reunited As WGN Makes New Lineup Official

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 30TH, 2013 –– We're trying hard to remember the last time an new AM lineup garnered this much attention, but considering it's Chicago and Jimmy de Castro is involved we're not surprised. Yesterday WGN officially announced that starting next Tuesday, September 3rd, Steve Cochran will be back in mornings, Bill Leff & Wendy Snyder will reunite in middays, then husband and wife duo Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano, Garry Meier continuing in the 3-7p.m slot, Dave Kaplan from 7p.m. to 11p.m. Pete McMurray from 11p.m. to 2a.m. and Nick Digilio from 2a.m. to 5a.m. Lots of local buzz with the addition of Wendy Snyder to Bill Leff's midday show. It comes 15 years after they abruptly exited WKQX-FM. Snyder and Leff were first teamed on evenings at The Loop in1994. Two years later they moved to mornings on the former WKQX FM 101.1. At Q101 where they were later replaced by Mancow Muller in 1998. According to crm.com, Todd Manley, vice president of creative content at the Tribune Broadcasting news/talk station, said "It's one of the best pairings to ever happen on the radio ... It was just about to explode [at Q101], and here we find ourselves in a place where we can breathe new life into it and watch it grow.

Another Radio Face Invades TV As myRITV Presents Dan Yorkes State Of Mind

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 30TH, 2013 ––– For regular readers of Jockline Daily, or attendees of our radio Boot Camps, you're well aware of our mission to see more radio peeps on the tube. Now you can add WRRO/Providence's Dan Yorke to the list. myRITV, the station that has brought produce The Dan Hurley Show, and Brown University sports, is expanding its locally produced television lineup to include Dan Yorke State of Mind, Monday through Friday nights at 7:30 on myRITV beginning next month. “Dan’s new show continues to demonstrate our station’s commitment to locally produced programming.” says Patrick Wholey, President and General Manager of WPRI 12, Fox Providence, and myRITV. “Dan Yorke State of Mind will be a lively forum designed to energize, engage and inform viewers. Dan will be tackling the local issues and current affairs that really resonate with viewers. The show will also give viewers a place to have their voices heard on the local hot button issues.” Dan is the host of “The Dan Yorke Show” on NewsTalk 630 WPRO and 99.7 FM in Providence.

MOTION: Cathy Blythe Leaving KFOR Lincoln Following 31 Year Run

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 30TH, 2013 –– Marconi Award-winning radio host Cathy Blythe (shown) is leaving the KFOR morning show after 31 years. She told a local paper, “This feels so right,” Blythe said. “I’ve been thinking about it for a year, prayed on it a little and received some input. People told me I would know when it’s time. You have to listen to your heart. I know this is the right thing to do and the right time.” Midday host, Carol Turner, will succeed Blythe in her slot. Blythe won the Marconi Award in 2002 and 2005 for excellence in broadcasting and was inducted into the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2011. Along with co-host Dave Hilligoss they hold the number one show 12+ according to the spring 2013 Arbitron.

Jim Rome To Lead Panel Of Athletes Who Turned Into Radio Hosts At NAB 2013

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 30TH, 2013 –– The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) announced a 2013 Radio Show Super Session titled "Jocks on Jocks." The session, featuring former professional athletes who are now on-air radio personalities, will be held on Thursday, September 19 in Orlando. CBS Sports Radio Host Jim Rome will moderate a discussion on how these athletes transitioned from sports to radio and why they favor the medium. Panelists include Bobby Hebert of "SportsTalk with Bobby Hebert and Deke Bellavia" on Entercom's WWL-AM/FM; Tom Tolbert, host, "The Mr. T Show" on Cumulus' KNBR-AM; and Amani Toomer, co-host, "Amani and Eytan" on NBC Sports Radio.

Dr. Daliah Practices What She Preaches

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 30TH, 2013 –– Genesis Communication's host, Dr. Daliah, who originates from KDWN/Las Vegas, likes to practice what she preaches. With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming up in October, America's favorite radio doc is trying to inspire everyone now to get their mammograms done by having one done herself. She admitted it was hard to keep the smile the whole way through, but at least she kept a sense of humor by saying "It's mammogram day!! Hope the machine can reach knee level."

Cher, 67, Reveals Her New Album Cover, "Closer To The Truth" - [DIGITAL SPY]

Cyrus Circus Continues - [DAILY MAIL]

Justin Timberlake Performs Song For 150 Fans In Hoboken, NJ - [NY DAILY NEWS]

Dr. Phil To Guest Host On 'The View' September 12th - [THE WRAP]

MORE DOING? Couple Caught Doing The Nasty In Home Depot Shed - [THE DEMONS DEN]

Valerie Harper's Doctors Believe Her Cancer Is Close To Remission - [TODAY]

UH OH: Kylie Jenners Crashes $125K SUV On Her 18th Day Of Driving - [HOLLYWOOD LIFE]

OUCH: NFL Settles Concussion Suite For $765 Million - [NY TIMES]

Mother Teresa Biopic In The Works - [TIMES OF INDIA]

Fergie & Josh Duhamel Visit Dog Whisperer - [US]

Lena Dunham Dresses Up For Cover Of Marie Claire - [DAILY LIFE]

Jay Z's Holy Grail To Be First Major Video On Facebook's Player - [BILLBOARD]

Justin Timberlake Stops On Way To Radio Interview To Visit With Sick 13 Yr. Old

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 29TH, 2013 –– As if there aren't enough reasons already to love Justin Timberlake, add one more to the list. According to TMZ who broke the story, on the way to a live radio interview Sunday night in New York, Timberlake ran into Tina DiLascio, who told him her 13-year-old daughter Giana (shown) underwent major brain surgery last year to repair a blockage. Timberlake then asked if he could see Giana - who is a make-a-wish child. Justin waited for several minutes while the mom rushed off to get Giana. Once she returned, Justin chatted with for quite awhile. He asked if she watched the VMAs and, according to TMZ, she lit up, telling Justin, he's 'The next Michael Jackson,' to which JT bowed his head and said, 'Thank you.' He then hugged her and took off for his radio interview. This, of course, followed his appearance on MTV's VMA Awards where he took home four awards. Jockline Daily's staff of researchers (Facebook Friends) are still looking into which show he was enroute to. Whomever it was, was likely more than happy with the delay given the circumstances. PHOTO/Giana DiLascio

WRQX-FM Wash. DC Dumps Mix Moniker For 'All The Hits 107-3'

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 29TH, 2013 –– Looks like WRQX-FM Washington DC has made the full segue to “All The Hits 107.3", mirroring its Atlanta sister station WWWQ, 'All The Hits Q100." It's airstaff is pretty similar now as well with the exception of exception of afternoon hosts Marco and Brooke Ryan, the station’s on-air lineup now matches its I94/WRWM Indianapolis with The Bert Show in mornings, McKinzie Roth in middays, and Nights with Adam Bomb. All last week, Brooke Ryan (back center) filled in on The Bert Show while co-host Kristin Klingshirn was off. Regarding the experience, she wrote on her Facebook page: "After being there for 7 days, I just have to say, it is by far one of the best morning shows out there." She added,"YES there is sex talk." Shown above: Jeff Dauler (Sanjay Gupta's Head), Cassie Young, Marissa Siegel, Brooke, Bert Weiss And Producer Tommy Owen

UH OH: Denver Host Takes Care Of Joe Flacco Poster [VIDEO]

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 29TH, 2013 –– 103.4 The Fan's Vic Lombardi (inset), as well as many others in Denver, were none too happy to see Joe Flacco's poster in Denver. Perhaps the NFL forgot before putting up the posters around Sports Authority Field and downtown Denver to promote the season opener between the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos that this was the guy who ended the Broncos’ Super Bowl chances last year. Flacco connected with Jacoby Jones on a 70-yard hail mary pass to tie the game with 31 seconds remaining and went on to defeat Denver in overtime. So, longtime TV Sportcaster/turned radio host Lombardi took matters into his own hands and defaced a poster. As far as we know, vandalism is still illegal in Denver so we'll be interested to see what die-hard Bronco loving authorities still steaming over last year's loss will decide to do. Our guess, Vic maybe two, all expense covered days at a resort hotel. Just saying. WATCH VIDEO

Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline Celebrates 10th Anniversary at IFA

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 29TH, 2013 –– Envision Radio Networks®’ Into Tomorrow with Dave Graveline will be producing their 10th Anniversary international broadcast from IFA this year! Their first show from IFA was actually 12 years ago - before IFA became an annual show - that is why 2013 marks Into Tomorrow’s 10th broadcast. The collaboration was an essential step in order to position IFA in the North American market and to increase IFA´s awareness. IFA is now the world’s leading trade show for consumer electronics and home appliances and will take place on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds (Expo Center City) from 6 to 11 September 2013. Host and Executive Producer Dave Graveline states: “IFA in Berlin is one of our most exciting and successful Remote Broadcasts every year. “Into Tomorrow” is very excited to be celebrating our 10th edition at IFA!” Again this year, Into Tomorrow will be shooting video and producing radio interviews from around the show floor, the official Press Reception ShowStoppers@IFA, as well as from their Broadcast Booth throughout the duration of IFA, in Hall 24.

RAB/BMI Completes 6th Annual Rising Through the Ranks Program

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 29TH, 2013 –– The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in conjunction with Broadcast Music, Inc. ® (BMI)®, and the Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio Group (MIW), is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Sixth Annual Rising Through the Ranks, Women in Radio Management & Leadership Training Program. Twenty scholarship recipients were welcomed at the BMI offices in Nashville, TN., August 21-22, 2013. Scholarship recipients were selected and awarded by the three organizations. The two-day course emphasized the specific needs of women in management roles, including enhancing their overall management knowledge and skills. Courses were led by Susan Davenport Austin, Chairman and numerous others. "The future of our industry is in good hands with this year's class of scholarship recipients," said Erica Farber, President and CEO, Radio Advertising Bureau. "With the help of the RAB, BMI and MIW, these women are poised to lead their teams and our business. They are energized, empowered, and ready to implement the lessons learned at this seminar." "The Rising Through the Ranks seminar is the epitome of Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio's mission," noted Heidi Raphael (shown), Vice President, Corporate Communication, Greater Media and spokesperson on behalf of the MIW Group. "We are excited to welcome these 20 bright and inspired women into the MIW network."

MOTION: Matt & Ramona Extend With Greater Media; Stan Piatt Announces Retirement

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 29TH, 2013 –– Looks like Matt & Ramona will be staying on at Greater Media’s WLNK/107.9 Charlotte for quite a while longer. This, following news that the pair have re-inked with the group. Earlier this year, Ramona began co-hosting “Charlotte Today” with Colleen Odegaard on NBC TV affiliate WCNC. ––––––––––––– After 36 years WNIR morning personality Stan Piatt announced he will be retiring. His last day will be July 31, 2014 or earlier based on the results of our nationwide talent search. WNIR in Akron, Ohio is one of the original FM talk stations in the United States. We are seeking a morning drive personality or team with the skills to be fun, funny and engaging in a live ad lib environment. Applicants should email a resume and aircheck to wnirradio@gmail.com Media-Com is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

15 Radio Stations, 2 Talkers Featured In New 'Grand Theft Auto V' Game [AUDIO]

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 29TH, 2013 –– Grand Theft Auto V is due this September from Rockstar Games, its first main entry since 2008. According to Rolling Stone Magazine, it's set in fictional city of Los Santos in Southern California. It also sounds like there will be no shortage of radio added to the soundtrack as 15 radio stations, two talk radio stations and 240 licensed songs, will be included. It's the largest soundtrack that we've done, and the largest score that we've done said its producers. "One of the things we've never done in a GTA game before is a pop station; exploring what made so much sense in the context of L.A.
There's a station called Vinewood Boulevard Radio, which features Stephen [Pope] and Nate [Williams] from Wavves. This is a modern rock station, the embodiment of the young Los Angeles rock scene. There's also a Latino, Classics and Country stations featured. DJ Pooh hosts the West Coast Classics station. He's legendary –he's the guy who created the movie Friday. He's a big personality, and he grew up with all these guys who are on the station. Pam Grier, Bootsy Collins and Kenny Loggins are also featured. Pam is the host of a soul station. Bootsy Collins is the host of an Eighties boogie-funk station, and Kenny Loggins is the host of a classic rock station. Did we mention that according to huh.com, Cara Delevingne is set to play one of it jocks? She tweeted the news and included the instagram photo shown. LISTEN TO SOME OF STATIONS HERE: AUTO PHOTO/GTA Still

Steve Harvey Kicks Off Fall Radio Season With Superstar Lineup; Dr. Phil & Oz, John Legend Nancy Grace And More

THE MOUTH, AUGUST 29TH, 2013 –– Steve Harvey is kicking off his Fall Radio Season with a lineup of superstar guests and incredible giveaways Monday September 9th – Friday September 13th. Dynamic talk show and Family Feud host Steve Harvey, and his co-hosts Shirley Strawberry, Nephew Tommy and Carla Ferrell – welcome filmmaker Tyler Perry, hitmaker John Legend, HLN’s Nancy Grace and Clark Howard, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, and two of TV’s favorite doctors, Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz. Listeners can also get lucky with a chance to win diamonds from Hollywood jeweler JNJewels. Each day, one lucky registrant will be randomly chosen, and receive a women’s diamond ring and a set of men’s diamond cuff-links, valued at $6,000, compliments of JNJewels. The Steve Harvey Morning Show also has a super music giveaway, giving listeners the chance to win a dazzling trip to the sight and sounds of Las Vegas and the iHeartRadio Music Festival. Giving away 5 trips for two to Las Vegas to enjoy the sold-out festival featuring music’s biggest acts performing September 20th-21st.