Saturday, January 25, 2014

Late Night Comedians Supply Bieber Laffs

Jay Leno The Tonight Show



Late Night with David Letterman




Late Night With Jimmy Fallon




Jimmy Kimmel Live

Fox Acquires YES Network

Tracy Dolgin
21st Century Fox announced on Friday that it has agreed to take over majority control in the YES Network, raising its ownership position in the regional sports network to 80 percent, according to mlb.com.

The remaining 20 percent of the network will continue to be held by Yankee Global Enterprises, and the YES Network will become a consolidated entity of 21st Century Fox.

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Fox acquired 49 percent of the YES Network in December 2012, and it was reported that Fox paid $584 million for that stake.

"Clearly, 21st Century Fox is a great partner for us as the YES Network fulfills and expands its potential as one of the nation's premier regional sports networks," Yankees managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner said in a statement. "We are gratified that 21st Century Fox has increased their stake and investment in the network. Yankee Global Enterprises is eager to continue working with 21st Century Fox as we explore ways to take YES to even greater heights."

Fox also announced that Tracy Dolgin, who is president and chief executive officer of the YES Network, will remain in his role leading the network.

Launched in 2002, the YES Network delivers exclusive live local television coverage of Yankees baseball and Brooklyn Nets basketball, as well as other Emmy Award-winning local and national sports programming. It is available in approximately nine million homes in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, plus being nationally available on several cable and satellite television distributors.

The acquisition is expected to be completed by March 31, subject to approvals.

The deal will bolster 21st Century Fox’s regional sports holdings, according to Variety. The company already operates f 22 U.S. regional sports networks, which collectively produce over 5,000 live local events each year and serve as the local TV homes to more than half of all MLB, NHL, and NBA teams.

YES broadcasts live Yankees and Nets games to approximately 9 million households in the teams’ television territory in the New York area.  Outside of the New York area, YES also distributes national programming to millions of homes across the country.

Cleveland Radio: The John Lanigan Era To Sign-off

John Lanigan
The Cleveland radio personality and a morning mainstay on WMJI 105.7 FM announced that he will retire, according to The Plain Dealer.

John Lanigan will end his 29-year run at the station on March 29, following WMJI's annual Moondog Coronation Ball.

"It's been a long time coming," says Lanigan, via phone from Clearwater, Fla., where he was on vacation "I've been doing it for a long time and I'm 71 and I've been thinking about it for a while."

WMJI will pay tribute to Lanigan at the Moondog show, which will take place at The Q.

WMJI 105.7 FM 54dBu Coverage
"We can't thank John enough for his dedication and performance over the years," says WMJI operations manager Keith Abrams. "We will continue to have a relationship with John moving forward, but it won't involve him getting up at 4 a.m."

Lanigan announced his retirement Friday, by calling into "The Lanigan and Malone Show," which he hosts with Jimmy Malone.

Lanigan's run in Cleveland began in 1970, when he became the morning show host at WGAR 1220 AM, to replace Don Imus. He left to work in Florida for two years in 1983. Lanigan returned to Cleveland in 1985 to work for WMJI and has remained there ever since.



Lanigan was inducted in the National Radio Hall of Fame in Chicago in November 2013.

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Saturday Aircheck: John Lanigan At WMGG Tampa 1985

For a couple years before he returned to Cleveland as the legendary morning show there, John Lanigan was mornings at WMGG Magic 96 in Tampa. (Today, WMGG is a talk station at 1470 AM)

WY Radio: Radio Legend Dave Chaffin Signs-Off

Dave Chaffin
Cheyenne broadcasting legend, Dave Chaffin, signed off for the final time Friday morning, according to KGWN-TV.

Born and raised in Cheyenne Dave Chaffin has been a familiar voice to listeners for more than 30 years in Cheyenne.

He's spent the last 13 years at KGAB 650 AM hosting the "Morning Zone".

"Seriously, I'm going to miss it," said Chaffin.

Chaffin wanted to make a difference in people's lives and he did that for another Cheyenne radio personality.

KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

During his years he's interviewed six Wyoming governors and seven different United States Senators.

Chaffin brought he issues to his listeners and Republican or Democrat, Chaffin was respected by all politicians.

"You've got to find somebody who will stay as current as he does and be as quick as he is to ask those kind of questions because he didn't let you get away with much. It was a good interview and it was a fun interview and it was subsidive. I think it's a real loss for us," said former Wyoming governor, Dave Freudenthal.

"He's always opinionated, but he presents his opinion with great respect and his questions are always very thoughtful. So I have great admiration for him," said U.S. Senator, John Barrasso.

Dave Chaffin has been battling cancer and a fund has been set up at American National Bank to help Dave and his wife Lisa with the medical costs.

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Sunday Night Is Music's Biggest Night

The latest performers for the 56th GRAMMY Awards are seven-time GRAMMY winner Madonna; nominees Billie Joe Armstrong (of Green Day) and Miranda Lambert in a special In Memoriam tribute to Phil Everly; and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.

Actor Steve Coogan, actor Jeremy Renner, Academy Award winner Julia Roberts, and current nominee Charlie Wilson are set to present.

Previously announced performers are current nominee Sara Bareilles together with four-time GRAMMY winner and 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year Carole King; nominee Gary Clark Jr.; nominees Daft Punk with nominee Nile Rodgers (of Chic), nominee Pharrell Williams, and 25-time GRAMMY winner Stevie Wonder; nominee Hunter Hayes; nominee Kendrick Lamar joined by nominees Imagine Dragons; nominee John Legend; nominee Lorde; nominees Macklemore & Ryan Lewis; eight-time GRAMMY-winning group Metallica and GRAMMY Cultural Ambassador to China Lang Lang performing together; nominee and 2014 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (as a member of the Beatles) Paul McCartney; nominee Kacey Musgraves; nominee Katy Perry; nominees P!nk and Nate Ruess (of Fun.); nine-time GRAMMY winner and 2014 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient (as a member of the Beatles) Ringo Starr; nominee Robin Thicke and GRAMMY-winning group Chicago (whose debut album was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame this year); nominee Taylor Swift; nominee Keith Urban; a special performance featuring Merle Haggard, 2014 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and nominee Blake Shelton; and a rousing rock collaboration featuring nominees Nine Inch Nails, Queens Of The Stone Age, and Dave Grohl, joined by GRAMMY winner Lindsey Buckingham. Also performing with Daft Punk are the RAM (Random Access Memories) session players: Chris Caswell, Nathan East, Omar Hakim, and Paul Jackson Jr.

2014 GRAMMY NOMINEES: Click Here

Previously announced presenters are current nominee Marc Anthony; nominees Black Sabbath; three-time GRAMMY winner Zac Brown; nominee Gloria Estefan; actor Anna Faris; GRAMMY and Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx; singer/songwriter and actor Ariana Grande; four-time Emmy-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris; GRAMMY winner Olivia Harrison; actor Anna Kendrick; nominee Alicia Keys; two-time GRAMMY and 19-time Latin GRAMMY winner Juanes; nominee Cyndi Lauper; singer/songwriter and actor Jared Leto; nominee Bruno Mars; country singer/songwriter Martina McBride; nominee Miguel; two-time GRAMMY winner Yoko Ono; GRAMMY winner Smokey Robinson; TV and radio host/producer (as well as Honorary Chair of the GRAMMY Foundation Board) Ryan Seacrest; and four-time GRAMMY winner Steven Tyler. Two-time GRAMMY winner LL Cool J returns as host of Music's Biggest Night.



The 56th Annual GRAMMY Awards will take place live on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014, at Staples Center in Los Angeles on the CBS from 8–11:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The telecast also will be supported on radio worldwide via WestwoodOne, and covered online at GRAMMY.com and CBS.com.

For GRAMMY coverage, updates and breaking news, visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Report: Bieber Has 'Frat House' Among Mansions

Justin Bieber's California mansion resembles a frat house, according to a detective who searched it last week.

"Why you in my house, bro?" Bieber asked after a dozen deputies woke him up at 8 a.m. on January 14,

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Lt. David Thompson told CNN Friday. He detected "a little sense of entitlement" from the 19-year-old pop star, although he said Bieber was cooperative.

Bieber didn't use foul language,Thompson said, as he allegedly did with police in Miami when he was arrested there early Wednesday.

Deputies had a search warrant to look for evidence connected to an egg assault on a neighboring mansion five days earlier, which caused damage that will cost at least $20,000 to repair, Thompson said.

"The house does operate much like a fraternity house and much of the same stuff that's done there is going to be done across the country," Thompson said. "But the house next door is usually another fraternity house. It's not usually a mansion that can sustain this damage."

Bieber has decorated the living room of his $6.5 million home with ping pong and pool tables, a Ms. PacMan video game and a basketball free-throw machine, Thompson said. The main feature of his back yard is a skateboard ramp covered with spray-painted graffiti.

The exclusive Oaks community in Calabasas is home to the rich and famous, including Michael Jackson's mother and children. Britney Spears previously lived on the same street that Bieber moved to nearly two years ago.

"People move to that neighborhood -- which is a gated community -- for the peace, quiet, and tranquility that it provides," Thompson said. "So, Mr. Bieber's past actions of loud parties, driving too fast, large numbers of people there, egging and what not are way out of character for anyone that lives in that neighborhood."

The sheriff's department's goal is "to try to improve the quality of the neighborhood and make sure people get the help that they need," he said. "In some cases, that help is jail time. In some cases, that help is a wake-up call."

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Art Vuolo Special: Larry Lujack Memories

Art Vuolo
This is an edited version of a 73 minute tribute that Radio's BF Art Vuolo has produced to honor the memory of Chicago Radio Legend Larry Lujack from WLS & WCFL.

Vuolo received a holiday e-mail from Larry, and his wife Jude two days before he died. The 73 minute version relates to the 73 years he lived. A DVD of the uncut original video can be obtained at www.vuolovideo.com.

There was only one "Super Jock!" Enjoy!

January 25 In Radio History





In 1919...Longtime Radio/TV journalist Edwin Newman was born. He died August 13, 2010 at 91.



In 1937...NBC Radio debuted the soap opera The Guiding Light. The longest running daytime drama in history, it moved to CBS-TV in 1952 and aired there for 57 years until the final episode on September 18, 2009.

In 1938...Blues singer Etta James was born. She died five days ago, on January 20, 2012 at 73.



In 1961...President John F. Kennedy gave the first live Radio/TV presidential news conference from Washington, DC which was broadcast on radio and television.

In 1999…Radio and television announcer/radio newsman (WOR-New York's Jean Shepherd and Long John Nebel shows) Ted Mallie died at the age of 74.

Friday, January 24, 2014

LA Radio: KYSR To Get The Woody Show

CCM+E/Los Angeles has announced Alternative KYSR ALT 98.7 FM is adding The Woody Show.

The addition is effective April 21.

The Woody Show reunites Woody, Ravey, Menace and Greg Gory, who used to do mornings on KITS Live 105 in San Francisco until 2009. Woody and Renae Ravey are currently doing mornings on Emmis Alternative KPNT 105.7 FM The Point in St. Louis, while Menace and Gory each anchor separate successful shows in San Francisco.

"The Woody Show is here to wake the market up with their unique friendship, driven by a cast of characters coming from a diverse range of backgrounds all finding a common sense of humor, love of communicating with listeners and desire to entertain," said Andrew Jeffries, VP of Programming, CCM+E Los Angeles.

Alt 98.7 FM PD Mike Kaplan added, "They talk about things that are important to all of us. These are the friends that listeners will want to hang out with after work, at a party or any time."

Speaking warmly about ALT 98.7's current morning personality Kennedy, Jeffries remarked, "Kennedy is a wonderful contributor to our station, and has been a great part of our family for a long time. I'm pleased to she will continue hosting Music in the Morning with Kennedy in the interim."

NYC Radio: Michael Kaye Show Gets YES Simulcast

The YES Network made official Thursday what long had been expected: That Michael Kay's ESPN New York radio program on WEPN 98.7 FM will be simulcast on YES starting Feb. 3, according to Newsday.

That will be the day after WFAN's Mike Francesa concludes his run at the station with his Super Bowl Sunday morning show.

It is not yet clear where Francesa's show will land on television, but he has said he does expect to find a new simulcast home.

"Michael Kay is a New York sports institution, having covered the New York sports scene for more than 30 years,” John J. Filippelli, YES' President, Production and Programming said.

"Michael personifies the New York sports scene.  He boasts a constant stream of A-list guests, and gives passionate New York sports fans a platform to exchange their views.  Michael fits in perfectly with our programming lineup.

WEPN 987.FM 54dBu Coverage
"We also thank Mike Francesa for his 12-year partnership with YES.  Mike – along with Chris Russo when they co-hosted our simulcast for the first six years – played an important role in the launch and growth of YES.  We wish him all the best.”

YES is believed to be paying about $600,000 per year for Kay's show, significantly less than what it had been spending on Francesa's show.

Said YES spokesman Eric Handler: ":We evaluated all of our options and the Michael Kay program presents a great business and programming opportunity for us."  Handler confirmed Kay will do his show from outside Yankee Stadium on game days.

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VA Radio: FLS, Star Radio Group Files For Bankruptcy

The Free Lance–Star Publishing Co. filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition Thursday, according to
fredricksburg.com.

The company filed the petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Richmond  together with William Douglas Properties LLC, a related entity that owns a portion of the land upon which the FLS operates parts of its business.

This filing signals the end of the Rowe family’s 130-year ownership of the local media company, which developed a reputation for integrity, credibility and innovation in the Fredericksburg region and throughout the industry.

“The filing isn’t expected to have any immediate effect on the company’s employees, customers, advertisers or vendors,” FLS Publisher Nick Cadwallender said.

Cadwallender said he and  all FLS directors plan for the newspaper and its related digital products to continue to be created and delivered, and the company’s radio stations to continue to operate seamlessly during the Chapter 11 process.

The primary expected change will be in the ownership of the company—whose assets include the newspaper, Fredericksburg.com, Freelancestar.com, Country WFLS 93.3 FM, Top40 WVBX 99.3 FM The Vibe, Classic Rcoker WWUZ 96.9 FM , and WNTX, Print Innovators, several real-estate properties in the city and a host of additional digital products.

WFLS 93.3 FM 54dBu Coverage
Representatives for The Free Lance–Star Publishing Co. will Friday ask a bankruptcy court judge in Richmond to allow the company to keep operating as normal.

The FLS is now considered a debtor in possession, meaning it will continue to publish newspaper and Web content, operate radio stations and more as it restructures in bankruptcy court.

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Chicago Radio: CCM+E Names Kenard Karter PD At WGCI

Kenard Karter
Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Chicago has announced Kenard "K2" Karter as new  program director at its R&B-formatted WGCI-107.5 FM.

The appointment is effective March 3, 2014.

Karter is returning to the Chicago radio market after a four-year tenure at R&B-formatted KMEL 106.1 FM in San Francisco, where he most recently served as assistant program director and a midday personality on the station.

WGCI 107.5 FM 54dBu Coverage
A Chicago native, Karter began his radio career in his hometown 10 years ago and held several radio jobs in the Chicago market, including on-air personality and promotions assistant at WGCI and music director at both WGCI and Clear Channel's KISS 103.5 FM.

Karter replaces Kris Kelley, who was forced out in December after 15 years with the company. Kelley’s other position as program director of pop contemporary-hit radio WKSC 103.5 FM has been taken over by Tommy Austin, vVP/programming for Clear Channel Chicago.

Jay-Z, Beyonce Top Billboard Power 100 List


Jay-Z & Beyonce lead Billboard's 3rd annual tally of the music industry's most powerful players

What is power? At its base, it’s the ability to reshape the world around you according to your vision. And no one in the music industry did so with more verve than Jay-Z and Beyonce, the dynamic husband-and-wife duo that leads our annual Power 100 ranking. But this year's list-toppers weren't the only ones exerting a powerful influence on the music business, and popular culture at large.

THIS YEAR'S POWER 100: Click Here

Top five: Universal Music Group's Lucian Grange (No. 2) is the head of the largest music company in the world; Red Light Management's Coran Capshaw (No. 3) shunned the spotlight while quietly building a diversified empire; Michael Rapino (No. 4) leads Live Nation Entertainment, the most powerful live entertainment company that has ever existed; and Martin Bandier (No. 5) runs the largest music catalog, Sony/ATV Music Publishing.

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Glenn Beck Has Message For The Media

Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck said on Megyn Kelly’s show Tuesday that he had an “awful lot of fun” in the years he was at Fox News, but that he made an “awful lot of mistakes.”

“I wish I could go back and be more uniting in my language,” Beck remarked. “I think I played a role, unfortunately, in helping tear the country apart.”

In recent days, members of the media on both sides have pounced upon the comment, many reacting with approving surprise that Beck would make such an admission (though it’s not the first time Beck has made such a comment). Among those who weighed in were MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, and CNN’s Piers Morgan.

According to The Blaze, Beck said on his television show Thursday that he was “baffled” by the media’s reaction, saying “they really, truly cannot understand why the always angry, always crazy Glenn Beck is suddenly introspective and calm…”

Beck said that the media’s surprise is indicative of the larger problem — that people on both sides of the aisle oftentimes don’t actually know what their political opponents believe.

“They are shocked today because they think I’m some anti-gay, racist nut-job, and they think the same thing about you,” Beck said. “…The only time they ever reported on me, or on you, was when some leftist with an agenda at Media Matters sent them some ridiculous, out-of-context ‘Glenn Beck alert.’ And that’s the only thing that’s ever been news-worthy to them.”

The media failed to notice his company’s many successes, Beck said, like how Mercury One has given $14 million to victims of tragedy in under two years – $500,000 of which went to a struggling hospital in New York City.

“I haven’t changed any of my views,” Beck said. “You’re discovering some of my views.”

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NYC Radio: Mets Pushing For Ex-Player on Radio Team

Apparently, MLB NY Mets COO Jeff Wilpon has big plans for one of the few things in his team's orbit that's seems to be functioning fairly well: the radio broadcast, according to capitalnewyork.com.

Sources familiar with talks between the team and WOR-AM, Wilpon is pushing to find a replacement for Josh Lewin, who partners on Mets broadcasts with Howie Rose.

With the Mets moving from WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM to WOR 710 AM, after the former booted them for the Yankees, Wilpon is apparently unhappy with the situation. And with just weeks until spring training, the situation is still unresolved.

WOR didn't respond to an email seeking comment about Wilpon's role in the search, and the Mets declined to comment.

The sources who spoke to Capital say there's a desire from Wilpon to incorporate an ex-player into the booth, a change from the pure-announcer backgrounds of Rose and Lewin. It's hardly a revolutionary idea, and in fact the ex-jock formula has worked exceptionally well for the Mets on TV, with the extrordinary, anti-homer combination of Gary, Keith and Ron.

But it flies in the face of how the Mets have typically deployed their radio announcers for the half-century they've been around.

Consider that for most of the team's 52 years, the Mets have excelled on the radio side with a broadcast-first approach to their radio team's background. Bob Murphy, Gary Cohen, Lindsey Nelson, Howie Rose are all iconic names in Mets broadcasting, without a single M.L.B. game played between them. Only Ralph Kiner stands apart as a Mets radio broadcaster of note with playing experience.

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Bill O'Reilly Interviews President Pre-Game Super Bowl

FOX News Channel’s (FNC) Bill O’Reilly will conduct a live sit-down interview with President Barack Obama during the FOX Super Bowl Sunday pregame show on Sunday, February 2nd, beginning approximately at 4:30PM/ET.  The interview will take place at the White House and cover an array of topics.

Following the live interview, O’Reilly will conduct an additional taped portion with President Obama that will be presented on Monday, February 3rd on FNC’s The O’Reilly Factor (8:00-9:00 PM/ET). After the program, the entire discussion will be available online at www.foxnews.com.  This marks his third interview with President Obama.

O’Reilly has conducted countless interviews with prominent newsmakers, including: former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former presidential candidate Mitt Romney, former President George W. Bush, Jon Stewart, Howard Stern, Bono and Stephen Colbert.  According to Nielsen Media Research, The O’Reilly Factor averages nearly 3 million viewers at 8 PM and has been number one in that timeslot for 157 consecutive months while dominating every single program in all of cable news for more than 12 years.

O’Reilly is also the author of numerous New York Times bestsellers, including the most recent books, Killing Jesus, Killing Kennedy and Killing Lincoln.

Abramson: Obama Administration 'The Most Secretive'

In an interview with John Seigenthaler at Al-Jazeera America, NY Times Executive Editor Jim Abramson called the Obama Administration 'the most secretive' White House she's ever covered. 
Let me move on to another topic in the Obama administration. How would you grade this administration, compared to others, when it comes to its relationship with the media? 
Jill Abramson
Well, I would slightly like to interpret the question as "How secretive is this White House?" which I think is the most important question. I would say it is the most secretive White House that I have ever been involved in covering, and that includes — I spent 22 years of my career in Washington and covered presidents from President Reagan on up through now, and I was Washington bureau chief of the Times during George W. Bush's first term. 
I dealt directly with the Bush White House when they had concerns that stories we were about to run put the national security under threat. But, you know, they were not pursuing criminal leak investigations. The Obama administration has had seven criminal leak investigations. That is more than twice the number of any previous administration in our history. It's on a scale never seen before. 
This is the most secretive White House that, at least as a journalist, I have ever dealt with.

Lisa Myers Leaving NBC News

Lisa Myers
After more than 30 years as a political and investigative correspondent, Lisa Myers is leaving NBC News.
From: Strickland, Ken (NBCUniversal)Subject: Lisa Myers 
Bittersweet news… After a remarkable 33-year career at NBC News as a political and investigative correspondent, Lisa Myers has decided to start a new chapter. 
“I have had more than 30 fascinating years at NBC News, learning from and working alongside the best of the best, including journalists who paved the way for many of us: Tom Brokaw and Tim Russert. I will greatly miss my many talented friends throughout the network, to whom I owe much, and who represent the best of journalism. I greatly appreciate the company granting my request to change gears and pursue new horizons.” 
Lisa leaves behind a legacy as one of the most respected investigative journalists in the industry. I could tick off the numerous awards that Lisa has received over the years—and there are plenty— but perhaps more important than critical acclaim is the positive impact that her reporting has had on the lives of many. 
Her groundbreaking reporting on issues related to Obamacare, the military, government waste, corporate wrongdoing and political scandals have helped to hold authorities accountable. And by doing so, Lisa has helped give a voice to those who need it: from U.S. soldiers, to victims of Hurricane Katrina and 9/11, concerned voters across the country, and more. 
Lisa’s work stands in a category on its own. It was Lisa who had the exclusive interview with “Jane Doe #5” during the Clinton scandals. During the 2000 election, it was Lisa who broke the story that George W. Bush had selected Dick Cheney as his running mate. And most recently, it was Lisa who brought national attention to the story that the White House knew that millions of Americans would not be able to keep their current insurance under the new healthcare law, even as President Obama repeatedly promised they could. 
Lisa’s tenacity, integrity and commitment to journalism have helped the DC bureau continue to be a place for excellence. I think I can say on behalf of all of us that it’s been an honor to have worked with her. We’re also fortunate to have such a strong bench of journalists who will continue the great work that Lisa has done. 
Please join me in congratulating and thanking Lisa for over three decades of outstanding journalism. She will be missed. 
Ken

60 Minutes: NBC Blindsided Leno

Jay Leno tells Steve Kroft he never saw it coming.  The departing Tonight Show host says NBC's now epic mistake of replacing him in 2009 with Conan O'Brien was a shocker that made him feel like a girlfriend had broken up with him.  It's the first time the "Tonight Show" host  has spoken in-depth about the drawn-out process that saw him fired from his two-decade, late-night perch twice, once for the failed experiment with Conan O'Brien and now for  Jimmy Fallon, who will replace him next month.  His interview with Kroft will be broadcast  on 60 Minutes Sunday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

"I was blindsided...[NBC executives said] 'You're out...' and I went 'okay.'"  He says he never asked NBC why, but the news hurt him like a romantic breakup. "You know, you have a girl [who]  says, 'I don't want to see you anymore.'  Why? You know, she doesn't want to see you anymore, okay?"

He also says he was dismayed to be portrayed as the bad guy when NBC took the popular O'Brien off the Tonight  Show when its ratings tanked.  "I didn't quite understand that, but I never chose to answer any of those things or make fun of any other people involved," he tells Kroft.  "It's not my way."



Fallon will take over The Tonight Show on Feb. 17.  Leno praised him.  "It's not my decision and I think I probably would have stayed if we didn't have an extremely qualified, young guy ready to jump in.  [Jimmy Fallon] is probably more like a young Johnny [Carson] than almost anybody since. And he's really good. "So you go with the new guy. Makes perfect sense to me."  Asked if he would have preferred to stay, Leno says, "Well, it's always nice to keep working. Sure it is...But am I extremely grateful. Yeah."

Report: Tensions On GMA Set

Al Roker, Sam Champion
The set of “Good Morning America” has been icier than the polar vortex, one well-placed insider tells Confidenti@l at the NYDaily News.

Since beach-loving Sam Champion left the network for warmer climates, a closer location to his hot Brazilian hubby, and a major money deal with the NBC co-owned Weather Channel, the hosts of “GMA” have been bickering like a dysfunctional family at Christmas.

“Sam was the glue that kept team A [how network honchos refer to hosts Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos] and team B [Lara Spencer and Josh Elliott] working happily together,” says our snitch. “When the cameras stop rolling, there isn’t a lot of warmth between the two groups.”

Also brewing beneath the surface is the fact that Roberts has a giant contract with ABC, which we’re told is a whopping $20 million a year for the next two years. Spencer and Elliott resent getting paid much less, says our source.

More Car Shoppers Want 'Connected' Vehicles

Tech is everywhere these days: In our pockets, our living rooms and even on the highways. Today, about one in five drivers aware of connected cars is already driving a high-tech vehicle. And as car manufacturers continue to introduce new tech at showcases like the recent International Consumer Electronics and Detroit Auto Shows, that number is bound to increase. 

In fact, a new Nielsen report shows how today’s car buyers are becoming just as interested in gigabytes and touchscreens as they are in horsepower and transmissions.

Connected cars offer a wide range of features that attract car buyers, providing everything from navigation to safety to entertainment for drivers.

According to Nielsen, here’s want car buyers are looking for in a connected car:
Source: Nielsen

Cops: Bieber Reeked Of Booze, Failed Sobriety Tests


At Thursday Court Session 
Justin Bieber--belligerent and apparently stoned on a mixture of beer, pot, and prescription drugs--cursed out a cop who had stopped his Lamborghini, demanding, “Why the fuck are you doing this?” and “What the fuck did I do. Why did you stop me?” according to The Smoking Gun.

The 19-year-old performer reeked of booze, had bloodshot eyes, and appeared in a stupor, a Miami Beach Police Department officer reported.

When the cop sought to conduct a pat down of Bieber, the entertainer stated, “I ain’t got no fucking weapons, why do you have to search me? What the fuck is this about?”

After Bieber repeatedly ignored a patrolman’s direction to keep his hands on the vehicle, the cop grabbed the singer’s right arm and told him he was under arrest. This prompted the  5’ 9”, 140-pound Bieber to declare, “What the fuck are you doing?” as he sought to pull away from the officer.

At the police station, Bieber failed a series of field sobriety tests. He also agreed to take a Breathalyzer test and submit to a “drug evaluation."

Read More Now

All-time Top 10 Super Bowl Commercials

The commercials have become a big part of the Super Bowl, and this time of year leading up to the big game always gives us media stories looking back at some of the best Super Bowl commercials ever. So here from Time Out New York -- located in the city right across the Hudson River from where the game is being played this year -- is their list of the all-time Top Ten Super Bowl commercials:

  1. Apple, "1984" (1984) -- Compared IBM to Big Brother ahead of the launch of the first Mac
  2. Coca-Cola, "Hey Kid, Catch" (1980) -- Pittsburgh Steelers star Mean Joe Greene throws his jersey to a kid who gives him a Coke
  3. McDonald's, "The Showdown" (1993) -- Michael Jordan and Larry Bird face off in an epic game of horse
  4. Wendy's, "Where's the Beef?" (1984) -- Clara Peller's star-making turn
  5. Volkswagen, "The Force" (2011) -- Little boy dressed as Darth Vader thinks he used his mind to turn on his Dad's Passat
  6. Doritos, "Live the Flavor" (2007) -- First fan-created commercial to air during the Super Bowl after getting the most votes online
  7. Budweiser, "Whassup?" (2000) -- You remember all those guys saying "Whasssup?" to each other over the phone -- and then everyone you knew doing it for months afterward
  8. Budweiser, "Frogs" (1995) -- Frogs rhythmically croak out the Budweiser name
  9. E-Trade, "Baby" (2008) -- The debut of the E-Trade talking baby
  10. Reebok, "Terry Tate Office Linebacker" (2003) -- A football player tackles office workers who step out of line

Daughter Claims Stepfather Murdered Radio Talk Host

April Kauffman, daughter
Kimberly Pack, the daughter of slain Atlantic City, NJ  radio host April Kauffman, claims her stepfather is the killer in papers filed in federal court to block the widower from $600,000 in life insurance money, according to the Atlantic City Press.

“Plaintiff James Michael Kauffman is responsible for the intentional killing of April Kauffman on May 10, 2012,” states the 13-page document filed in Camden U.S. District Court Thursday.

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But the widower’s lawyer insists his client is not guilty and the daughter’s suit is “about money, period.”

April Kauffman, 47, was found fatally shot in the bedroom of the Linwood home she and Dr. James Kauffman shared. While there has been speculation about her husband, no one has been charged with the crime or publicly named as a suspect.

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NJ prosecutor Jim McClain responded saying that the case remains active and investigators are working it every day.

“Nobody’s been arrested yet because we don’t have sufficient evidence to prove a case in court. When that occurs, then we will make an arrest,” said McClain.

Pope Calls Internet 'Gift From God'

Even Pope Francis believes the Internet is a godsend, though probably not for the same reasons other people do. ABC News is reporting the pope said the Internet helped to better connect people to one another.

"The walls which divide us can be broken down only if we are prepared to listen and learn from one another," he said. "The Internet, in particular, offers immense possibilities for encounter and solidarity. This is something truly good, a gift from God."

The pope is no stranger to technology. @Pontifex, his official Twitter account, regularly tweets spiritual blessings and has received an additional 2 million followers since Pope Benedict XVI resigned.

Pope Francis has also appeared in a selfie or two.

But that doesn't mean the pope thinks the Internet is without flaws. Despite its vastness, he said it encouraged people to look only for things that "confirm their own wishes and ideas, or political and economic interests."

He added that it could also physically isolate people from one another, and leave behind those who may not have access to social media.

R.I.P.: Longtime Boston News Anchor Chet Curtis

Chet Curtis
Such was their stature during the golden age of local television news that mail sent to their WCVB-TV offices was often addressed simply to “Chet and Nat, Boston, MA,” according to The Boston Globe.

 For nearly three decades, beginning in the 1970s, Chet Curtis and Natalie Jacobson, married partners and boldfaced-name celebrities, formed a ratings-winning anchor team for whom viewers developed a strikingly familial affection.

Mr. Curtis, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, died Wednesday night, according to his family. He was 74 years old.

The on-air chemistry and domestic union – they were among the first married co-anchors paired together in a major television news market – made Mr. Curtis and Ms. Jacobson media royalty in Boston. Even after the couple’s marriage came apart in 1999, followed by their on-air partnership, and Mr. Curtis moved to New England Cable News, where he anchored newscasts and hosted a nightly business show, he remained a revered figure in the broadcast news profession and a mentor to many journalists.

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R.I.P.: KBFB In Dallas Music Director Preston Lowe

Preston Lowe
Family and friends are mourning the passing of KBFB 97.9 FM The Beat music director Preston Lowe in Dallas.

He was 46 and he died Monday.

Lowe had been with Radio One in Dallas since February 2012 and previously worked at WMBX in West Palm Beach, KWIE Riverside and CBS Radio in Austin.

In 1998, he was on the launch team for 104.3 The Beat in Austin, serving as program director until 2005.

R.I.P.: KBEQ AM Show's Mama Zeke

Sweet and straight-talking Mama Zeke might not have been on the morning show marquee at Country KBEQ 104.3 FM  Q104 FM, but she became a much loved radio personality just the same.

News of her death at age 83 prompted an outpouring from fans Thursday, according to the Kansas City Star.

She was Geraldine Zeikle in real life and the real-life mother of one of the show’s hosts, Zeke Montana.

Listeners to the country music station, along with co-hosts Mike Kennedy and Christa Patrick, will miss her family stories, her sometimes blunt advice to callers and her songs.



Montana said his mother broke her pelvic bone in November and her health waned after that. She died Wednesday.

Montana, who grew up in Independence where his mother still lived, joined the morning show in 2002. It was the next year when his mother was first on the radio for the station’s Mother’s Day show. She’s been an occasional featured personality ever since.

Mama Zeke exuded a cool mix of gentleness and no nonsense, and the show started a bit called “Ask Mama Zeke,” patterned after Jay Leno’s Fruitcake Lady, Montana said.

To a caller who asked what would be a good name for a new pet goldfish, she was blunt: “What the hell do I care what you name your fish?” Her relationship counsel to female callers ranged from urging sexual restraint to “make a nice dinner and get some of that K-Y Jelly.”

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January 24 In Radio History

In 1942..."Abie's Irish Rose," with a cast that variously included Clayton "Bud" Collyer, and Mercedes McCambridge, began a 2½-year run on NBC Radio.



In 1958...The Quarry Men gave their only performance at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. Three years later the musicians returned as the Beatles.

In 1962...Brian Epstein signed with the Beatles as their manager. George and Paul's fathers had to sign for their sons, who were still minors. According to the terms of the agreement, Epstein was to get 25 percent of the group's earnings, provided they made more than $400 each per week.


Beatles' Manager Brian Epstein is interviewed in New York City by Murray the K for WOR-FM Radio in 1967.

In 1984...Apple introduces the Macintosh 128K

In 1993...Ashley Jade Stern was born, the daughter of Radio personality Howard Stern

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Miami Police Release Justin Bieber Mug Shot

Police mugshots
Bieber At Thursday Court Hearing
Justin Bieber was arrested early Thursday morning by Miami police for DUI and drag-racing in a rented Lamborgini.

During a press conference Thursday, a spokesman for Miami Beach Police said that the arresting officer "smelled odor of alcoholic beverage" on the pop star.

According to the police report, Bieber, 19, was not cooperative.  Cops say they'll charge the pop star, who is Canadian, with DUI, no valid driver's license out of the state of Georgia, and resisting arrest without violence.

They also said he admitted during the DUI investigation at the police station that he had consumed alcohol, had been smoking marijuana and had taken prescription medication.

Tampa Radio: Cox Media Has Three Programming Openings

Cox Media Group (CMG) Tampa has three new programming positions as a result of organizational changes following Tim Clarke’s recent promotion to CMG’s Director of Digital Audience and Program Director Michael Sharkey’s departure.

“CMG has invested the last four years in creating some of the biggest and most successful brands in Tampa Bay,” said CMG Tampa VP and Market Manager Keith Lawless. “This is a very unique opportunity that CMG Tampa has not seen in decades. The entire CMG family is eager to welcome the next programming leaders to help take these big brands to the next level.”

The following three positions are currently available.

  • CMG Tampa Operations Manager (OM): This new position will oversee all programming and content for CMG Tampa’s six top rated FM brands. Those stations include Magic 94.9 (WWRM), 97X (WSUN), HOT 101.5 (WPOI), 102.5 The Bone (WHPT), 105.5 The Dove (WDUV), and 107.3 The Eagle (WXGL).  This individual will oversee all Program Directors and will report to the Tampa VP/Market Manager. The OM will also have PD responsibilities for one or more stations.
  • WPOI/WSUN Program Director:  This individual will be responsible for the branding and growth of Tampa Bay’s most innovative 18-49 brands, HOT 101.5 and 97X. In its third year in format, HOT 101.5 is a top ranked CHR while 97X delivers one of the deepest relationships with its listeners as America’s premiere Listener Driven Radio station.  This individual must have a track record of successfully developing brands as well as a deep understanding of emerging digital and social platforms. This position will report to the OM.
  • WHPT 102.5 The Bone Program Director: This person will be responsible for the overall operation of America’s hottest talk radio station. The Bone has one of radio’s largest personalities with the highest ratings, all on Florida’s hottest signal. The successful candidate will have a track record of successfully operating talk-based formats, working with high-profile talent, and creatively marketing and growing brands like The Bone.

Interested candidates should send their resumes and cover letter to Keith Lawless: 1015.Lawless@coxinc.com.

Glenn Beck Has Regrets

He Says He Helped 'Tear the Country Apart'

TV and radio personality Glenn Beck said in an unexpected mea culpa to Fox News Channel's Megyn Kelly Tuesday night (January 21st) that he regrets some of his time as a show host at the network, saying he contributed to dividing the nation.

He told Kelly, "I remember it as an awful lot of fun and that I made an awful lot of mistakes. I think I played a role, unfortunately, in helping tear the country apart."

Talking about what he'd do differently if he could do it again, Beck -- who made clear he wasn't making generalizations about Fox itself -- stated, "I wish I could go back and be more uniting in my language. I didn’t realize how really fragile the people were. I thought we were kind of a little more in it together. And now I look back and I realize if we could have talked about the uniting principles a little bit more, instead of just the problems, I think I would look back on it a little more fondly."

Beck had a show on Fox from 2009 to 2011, which drew attention for its controversial and sometimes inflammatory rhetoric as well as for its high ratings. After leaving the network, he started his own Internet-based radio and TV program.

NYC Radio: NashFM To Be Profitable This Year

WNSH 94.7 FM 54dBu Coverage
A year ago, Cumulus Media launched WNSH 94.7 Nash FM, the first country music radio station to air in New York in nearly two decades.

In December 2013, according to Nielsen, 94.7 Nash FM, reached 988,000 cumulative listeners, making it the 19th most popular station in the New York region. That’s still well behind such New York mainstays as No. 1 ranked WLTW 106.7 Lite FM, (5.3 million listeners), No. 7 ranked WQHT Hot 97.1 FM (2.5 million), and 15th-ranked WFAN 660 AM / 101.9 FM sports radio (1.7 million).

Even so, it’s a strong enough performance for a new station to justify continued investment. Lewis Dickey, chief executive officer of Cumulus, the nation’s second-largest radio broadcaster, told Bloomberg Businessweek, he’s pleased with the station’s performance. “It’s beating our revenue projections,” says Dickey. “We ran it on a break-even basis in 2013. It will be profitable in 2014.”

Cumulus to Acquire Country Weekly Magazine

Cumulus has made WNSH 94.7 FM Nash FM in New York its flagship station for building a national, country radio-lifestyle brand. Co-CEO Lew Dickey tells Bloomberg Businessweek that over the past year, Cumulus has re-branded roughly two dozen stations in cities around the country (most recently in Detroit and New Orleans) as NashFM stations.

According to Dickey, Cumulus has also reached an agreement with American Media to reconfigure Country Weekly magazine as Nash magazine. The transition, says Dickey, will be completed at some point during the next couple of quarters and will, at the same time, help jump-start a more robust digital presence for Nash. “The Web will, in essence, follow suit with video and audio from all the things we are doing,” says Dickey.

In the meantime, Dickey expects Nash FM in New York to keep climbing the charts. “We thought there was an under-served need,” says Dickey. “I think a million [listeners] is proving that. We think it will grow to a million-and-a-half over the next 12 to 18 months.”

60 Minutes to Talk With Jay Leno

Late night comedian Jay Leno talks in depth for the first time about his relationship with his soon-to-be-former employer, NBC, in an a 60 Minutes interview with Steve Kroft on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

World 'Invited' to Howard Stern Birthday Bash

Howard Stern and SiriusXM today invited anyone in the world to listen for free to "Howard Stern's Birthday Bash" broadcast live from New York's Hammerstein Ballroom with an audience of fans and VIPs on Friday, January 31, starting at 4:00 pm ET.

This unprecedented access to Howard Stern's live broadcast from siriusxm.com is a first for SiriusXM and Howard Stern. In addition to SiriusXM subscribers, anyone can stream "Howard Stern's Birthday Bash," an evening of unforgettable performances and special appearances from the biggest names in entertainment. The free stream will be available on compatible mobile devices as well as online through simple one-click listening; no need to download an app or enter credentials.

"I am honored by the number of performers who want to join me on stage, and the number of fans who want to get in," said Howard Stern. "Now, thanks to SiriusXM, I can give the world access to this event for free through this special internet audio stream in addition to my fans listening on their satellite radios."

"We are thrilled to invite not only millions of SiriusXM subscribers to listen to 'Howard Stern's Birthday Bash,' but also give even millions and millions more Howard Stern fans free access to this once in a lifetime celebration," said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer.

"Howard Stern's Birthday Bash" will be broadcast live from the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on the evening of January 31, 2014. The broadcast starts at 4:00 pm ET with a two-hour pre-show featuring red carpet interviews and more; the main event starts at 6:00 pm ET and will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, with guests including Louis C.K., David Letterman and Sarah Silverman, with musical performances by Jon Bon Jovi, John Fogerty, Steven Tyler and many others.

SF Radio: Tim Ryan Joins 49ers Radio Team

Tim Ryan
Tim Ryan, an NFL color-analyst for Fox Sports the past 12 seasons, will leave network television to join 49ers radio play-by-play announcer Ted Robinson in the booth next season, according to sacbee.com.

The 49ers want their radio duo around the team’s headquarters, and for Eric Davis, who held the position of analyst the past three seasons, it was more than he could handle along with his job working for NFL Network in Los Angeles.

“That job really is going to require more than just calling 20 games,” said Bob Sargent, the 49ers’ director of broadcast partnerships.

Sargent said the team will continue to bulk-up its in-house media this season, which will require Robinson and Ryan to be at the practice facility, located next to Levi’s Stadium, during the week. Ryan, who lives in San Jose, is more capable of fulfilling those obligations.

Both Sargent and Davis, a former 49ers cornerback who appears on “NFL AM” starting at 3 a.m. during the week, described the parting as mutual and amiable.