Headlines

Alpha Media, Far East Bay, CA, hosted their 4th Annual Wayne Coy’s Toys Radiothon on Friday, December 15 and Saturday, December 16. Over $3,000 and 1,700 toys were collected for Mattress Firm Foster Kids. Hometown Morning’s Wayne Coy, along with KKIQ and KKDV’s Mel McKay, broadcast live.

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has sided with BMI and affirmed a lower court ruling that the BMI consent decree allows for the practice of fractional licensing. Three years ago, BMI went to the DOJ to discuss modernizing the consent decree. Instead, according to BMI, the DOJ simply passed down its interpretation of the consent decree. BMI disagreed and the fight was on.

Beasley Broadcast Group has closed on the previously announced asset exchange with Entercom as part of the Entercom merger with CBS Radio. Beasley exchanged WMJX-FM in Boston and $12 million cash for WBZ-FM, 98.5 The Sports Hub. Entercom already had Sports station WEEI-FM in Boston.

Whether Performance Rights Organizations can or should be able to offer fractional or full licenses has become quite a confusing issue. While BMI states Tuesday's ruling means business as usual with radio, the NAB is not so sure about that.

SBS on-air talent Felix Castillo said he feels completely vindicated. He says the fight with SBS was worth "every second and every drop of sweat.” Back in March, eight employees of SBS in L.A. were fired. SAG-AFTRA says the firings were in retaliation for exercising their right to unionize. On Tuesday, SAG-AFTRA said a deal was reached worth almost half a million dollars.

iHeartMedia Boston announced that WBZ-AM NewsRadio will now be featured on KISS 108’s HD-2. iHeart also announced that Evolution 101.7, "Boston's Source For All Things Dance," will simulcast on 101.7 The Bull’s HD-2, and WRKO AM 680, "The Voice of Boston," will simulcast on 100.7 WZLX’s HD-2.

Magic 94.9 (WWRM/Tampa) held their 18th Annual Magic Toy Drive with the Marines, collecting donations for Toys for Tots, Friday, December 8, 5 a.m.–7p.m. 94.9’s Danielle, from Magic Mornings, did a live broadcast for 14 hours as four U-Haul trucks full of new, unwrapped toys were collected for local kids.

Nationally syndicated morning show Bob & Sheri once again helped make coming home for the holidays memorable for nearly 4,000 troops as part of USO’s annual Operation Exodus. Bob Lacey and Sheri Lynch show their support by welcoming troops as they transit through the Charlotte airport on their way home for the holidays. 

SOS Radio hosted a special Christmas party for children with incarcerated parents in Las Vegas. It was a partnership with HopeForPrisoners.org which helps men and women coming out of prison re-enter society. The stats show children with incarcerated parents have a higher probability of going to prison themselves unless there's intervention in that family cycle.

Spencer, Cassiday and Brando of 106.5 The Arch's Spencer’s Neighborhood delivered more than 21,000 holiday cards to the troops at the three St. Louis VA hospitals, Monday, December 18. The station hosted their second annual "10,000 Cards for the Troops" campaign.