Headlines

(By Eric Rhoads) By now you’ve likely read coverage in Radio Ink regarding the sensational accusations from Bubba The Love Sponge (Todd Clem) that suggested Nielsen “concocted a plan to conduct a sting operation designed to entrap” him into engaging in ratings distortion activities.

Jesus Lara has been named GM of Digital, Content, and Entertainment for radio at Univision. He moves to Univision from SBS where he was working on digital initiatives. Lara will be based in Miami and reporting to Chief Local Media Officer John Eck.

On the air yesterday, Finebaum was in the middle of a conversation with a caller when it appeared he lost his place, the caller even saying Finebaum was “not very talkative.” The caller continued, “Stay with me, Paul, I’m trying to work with you.”

The station is basically playing the same music; the change is a rebrand from 103.7 KVIL-FM to AMP -- Dallas-Fort Worth’s new hit music station. Market Manager Brian Purdy says, “AMP 103.7 is more than a new name, it’s a new brand that represents today’s true identity of the station and its listeners."

In the GMR/RMLC battle, things have been quiet for the past week. After firing off what appeared to be daily nasty e-mails at each other, it seems both organizations are in a quiet period for now. It's important to note, you have until January 31st to decide if you want to accept an interim license to air GMR's recordings or face massive fines that could cripple your business.

The Hill reports that President-elect Donald Trump met with Republican FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai over the weekend. Pai is expected to take over as chairman of the FCC -- at least in the interim -- once the current chairman, Tom Wheeler, steps down at the end of the week.

That's Fort Myers sports talker David Mouton's side of the story anyway. Beasley Media had no comment about the Moulton firing from 99.3 ESPN. Mouton's release came one day after a story ran in the Fort Myers News Press where he was very critical of Beasley's firing of his long-time partner Mark Miller earlier in the year.

One of the highlights of CRS every year is the annual presentation of new data from Edison Research. This year the research will focus on the continued advancement and popularity of mobilized music options available to listeners.

And the date is May 6 with the location being in Austin, for the fourth iHeart Country Festival. Artists announced so far include Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Dierks Bentley, Brantley Gilbert, Rascal Flatts, Old Dominion, Jake Owen, Darius Rucker, Lady Antebellum, and Kelsea Ballerini. Tickets go on sale January 21.

Radio Ink's Hispanic Radio Conference, will reveal ways to leverage the lessons of 2016 for greater participation and higher revenue over the next 12 months, the mid-term campaigns and beyond. Don’t miss it!