News

One of the issues that has always hampered negotiations with PRO's is knowing exactly how many artists and songwriters are part of which PRO. The issue of transparency. When Irving Azoff joined the PRO club, and began demanding money from radio stations, it made the issue more complicated.

For now the court has set Monday June 18 as opening day for the trial between Todd Clem (Bubba The Love Sponge) and Nielsen.  The trial was originally scheduled to begin April 2 but was postponed

18-year veteran Aaron Criswell is the new Market Manager for Cumulus' radio stations in Shreveport/Bossier City, LA. Cumulus has five stations in that market. Criswell joins Cumulus from Adams Radio Group, where he was Vice President/General Manager for its Las Cruces, NM, stations.

One of the most recognizable national radio voices is gone. CBS Radio newsman Bob Fuss has died at the age of 64. CBS News General Manager Craig Swagler said, “Bob was an extraordinary reporter with a true skill for making complicated stories relatable for everyday people. Not only was Bob an outstanding journalist, he was an all-around optimistic and funny person. A true joy to work with.” Fuss had a rare type of leukemia.

Michael “Big Mic” Buhrman is the new Program Director for 102.5 KSFM (KSFM-FM) in Sacramento, effective June 4. In addition, Mia Amore and SOOSH*E join the station as on-air hosts, effective immediately.

Entercom’s MIX 98.1, WTVR-FM/Richmond, VA, has announced the addition of Rebecca Wilde to Wicker In The Morning. She joins current morning host Jeff Wicker. Wilde previously worked in the market at 103.7 Hot AC and at 106.5 The Buzz. She has also worked in Seattle and Cleveland.

There's a court fight taking place between BMI and the Radio Music Licensing Committee over the rates your radio stations should be paying to the PRO, and it's starting to get ugly. Currently, stations pay approximately 1.7% of their revenue. The RMLC wants that rate lowered and BMI wants the radio industry to pay more. Here's what BMI said about radio.

The Markley and van Camp Show, launched into national syndication two months ago, has now added Talk Radio 570 KVI/Seattle to its list of affiliates. The show will debut live from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Pacific Time on Monday, June 4.

The company’s popular program El Show de Erazno y La Chokolata will be broadcasting live June 18 to June 22 from the FIFA World Cup International Broadcast center in Moscow. In advance of the Cup, Erazno y La Chokolata has been conducting two promotions.

(By Robert Lee) I knew my “Kill AM” proposal would pluck an emotional chord in some “senior band” aficionados, and it did, as it always does when I bring it up. So, following is my response to some of those who replied to my original column.