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During his Q4 earnings call, Entercom CEO David Field said he looked at buying both ABC and Citadel but was discipline enough to pass on those deals due to price, leverage and asset composition issues. "CBS has always represented the best fit, the strongest brands, people and culture and the optimal combined platform for the future."

Overall revenue for the quarter was up 5% and CEO David Field said it was another solid quarter of strong organic growth for the company. October and November were strong months for Entercom, with December being softer. Excluding political, same-station revenue was flat for the quarter. Entercom took in $4.7 million in political in Q4 and $8 million for the year.

We love to find radio's superstars and tell you how they made it big and why they are passionate about the industry you all love. Kathy Byerly is a great example of how someone who starts out answering phones and handing out prizes can make it all the way to the corner office.

Former Greater Media CEO Peter Smyth was honored with the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award Wednesday at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville. While accepting the award, Smyth quoted a Boston philanthropist who told him, "You will not be judged by what you did or how much you made. You will be judged on what you gave."

In the radio category, Tim Closson, Charlie Ochs, and Mel Owens are headed to the Hall. And, in the on-air category, Joe Wade Formicola, Linda Lee, Jim Mantel, and The Good Morning Guys (KUAD/Ft. Collins, CO) receive the honor. The 2017 class was announced Wednesday at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville by Lady Antebellum.

The Kicks 101.5 (Atlanta) morning host had surgery to install three stents to clear a blockage to one side of his heart, and is reportedly resting comfortably. The prognosis is good.

The Lubbock, TX, station raised $104,240 during their 19th Annual Children’s Miracle Network 36 Hours of Miracles Radiothon, which took place February 15-16. The KLLL team broadcasted live from the University Medical Center Children’s Hospital Playroom.

On Tuesday Cox Media Group Atlanta Radio named Jaleigh Long as its new Director of Sales. CMG has five stations in Atlanta (News 95.5 AM 750 WSB, B98.5 FM, 97.1 FM The River, KISS 104.1 FM, and Country 106.1/107.1). We spoke at length with Long about how she advanced to such an important position with CMG.

Hundreds of podcast hosts will be combining their powers in March to convert more listeners to the world of podcasts. According to Edison Research, one in five Americans listened to podcasts every month as of early 2016 – a number that has grown by double-digits for five years. But there are still plenty of folks who don’t know how to listen in.

She comes to Q100 from KDND in Sacramento, to take over the 7 p.m. to midnight slot from Adam Bomb, who moves to afternoons. Ashley Z (aka Ashley Elzinga) has also worked with Ryan Seacrest Productions in Los Angeles as part of the digital media team, and was night personality at WKHQ in Traverse City, MI.