Headlines

(By Adrian Zupp) It's true: radio isn't what it used to be. But then again, nothing else compares to what radio is. Did Pandora ever make a wise-crack that gave you a laugh, or invite you to come back same time tomorrow? Radio is still driven by the human touch, not by touching your wallet.

Westwood One is presenting the “Pitch Pod” at Podcast Movement this week (July 23-26) on the 5th floor lobby of the Marriott in Philadelphia. Podcasting talent can tell their story at the conference, recording a sharable video pitch for consideration for a roster slot on Westwood One Podcast Network.

It’s a move that just might attract some of those coveted Millennials. PILOT, a NAB technology innovation initiative, is launching a new program that will provide grants to NAB members to establish paid engineering or media-technology internships at their radio and television stations. Here are the details...

Entercom and its Houston stations have announced a partnership with Rebuilding Together Houston. As part of the partnership, the six stations will conduct  a three-week fundraising challenge beginning July 30, and volunteer in a two-day rebuilding project of five homes in Independence Heights, a suburb of Houston, August 24-25.

The Massachusetts Broadcasters Association has awarded 21 scholarships to Mass students totaling $33,000. Student Broadcaster Scholarships are given to students pursuing a career in over-the-air broadcasting and enrolled in a broadcast program at a two- or four-year accredited school. Ten students were named to receive $2,000 each. Here is the full list of winners...

(By Bob McCurdy) This week’s blog is not about the latest radio stats, Scarborough qualitative, reach/frequency, or any of the usual stuff. It is about the drive and determination required to become a world-class performer. Check out these examples from the world of pro basketball...

(By Jeff McHugh) To be a successful media star, you must capture the public’s attention. Ninty-three percent of Americans may use radio daily, but our product receives little media coverage compared to television, motion pictures, music, or books. But last week radio made a big splash.

El Zol 107.9 (WLZL/College Park, MD) has raised a record-breaking $357,332 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. That makes more than $800K raised in just three years.

(Ronald Robinson) Casual historians of radio might be interested to know that the culling of personalities began in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s — well before the Consolidation Pandemic completely wiped out the talent corps. Owners came to the conclusion that “more rock — less jocks” (also occasionally referred to as: “more tunes — fewer jaloons”) was the route to even greater prosperity.

In a 14-page forfeiture order, the FCC's Enforcement Bureau imposed a penalty of $144,344 against Fabrice Polynice and Harold and Veronise Sido for operating an unlicensed station on 90.1-FM from the Sidos’ residence in North Miami. The Commission has a long history with these pirates.