News

(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.

Entercom has appointed Tom Cook to the role of Director of Music Programming in Baltimore, effective July 30. Cook will oversee programming on Today’s 101.9 (WLIF-FM) and Mix 106.5 (WWMX-FM).

(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.

Podcast Movement starts this week in Philadelphia. If you're attending the event someone you may run into is Traci DeForge, the CEO of Produce Your Podcast, a company you're about to learn about. Traci began her audio career in radio as an Account Executive in Athens, GA.

Mark DiCiero is the new weekend midday host for AC station Sunny 106.5 (KSNE-FM/Las Vegas). DiCiero will broadcast Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. He joins iHeartMedia Las Vegas from KMXB-FM.

Alex Flores has been named Senior Vice President, Creative for BMI. Flores will be based out of BMI’s Los Angeles office and will report to Mike Steinberg, Executive Vice President, Creative & Licensing, beginning August 6.

SiriusXM and Kia Motors America are extending the relationship between the two companies for five more years, through the 2023 model year. Customers will continue to get a three-month introductory SiriusXM All Access subscription with the purchase or lease of SiriusXM-equipped vehicles.