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(Mark Ramsey) This week in Media Unplugged, Mark Ramsey declares, “Apple is the new Hollywood!” He also looks at why Twitter "can't be fixed."

Our December 2016 cover story interview was with the hosts of one of the most successful radio shows syndicated by ESPN, Dan Le Batard and Stugotz (Jon Weiner). ESPN SVP/Production, Business Divisions Traug Keller says the show, which airs nationally, is successful because Le Batard and Stu have chemistry. "It’s fun, infectious, and smart must-listen-to radio for growing legions around the country.” If you missed our interview with the hosts, HERE IT IS

Conservative talker Monica Crowley was to be part of President-elect Donald Trump's national security communications team. That all ended Monday when Crowley said she would not serve after she was accused of plagiarism by CNN and Politico. Crowley issued the following statement...

According to an 8K filed Friday the iHeartMedia Board of Directors approved retention bonuses for CEO Bob Pittman for $1.75 million, CFO Richard Bressler for $1.75 million and VP of Corporate Finance Steven Macri for $750,000.

Those are the words of Beasley Media CEO Caroline Beasley in our cover story interview that comes out today. Beasley is our 2017 Radio Executive of The Year and she is featured on the cover of Radio Ink magazine. In another excerpt from that interview, Beasley told us she'd like to see the radio industry work together a little more. She also discusses the importance of having a mentor and how she believes radio will succeed given all the choices consumers now have for entertainment.

Also in an 8K filed on Friday, it was made public that the Cumulus compensation committee awarded CEO Mary Berner a one-time discretionary cash incentive compensation award of $1,087,500 "in recognition of, among other things, her exceptional efforts and contributions during 2016, both individually and as a member of the management leadership team, in the initial phase of the Company’s operational turnaround plan and ongoing operational and financial restructuring."

After calling it “a privilege” to chair the FCC for the last three years, outgoing FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler focused on digital issues in his farewell speech Friday at the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC.

(By Bob McCurdy) Trust. Success in marketing and advertising depends on it, so it would follow that the more trustworthy the media channel, the more impactful the commercial message. Trust is the foundation upon which much consumer action depends. It facilitates belief, and in advertising belief is usually required for the consumer to act on the commercial messaging.

(By Laurie Kahn) Radio has always been known to pay extremely high compensation to corporate officers and managers, but has not been known to pay well to other positions, especially in sales and on air. Don’t misunderstand here; once a seller is established, they can earn a nice income, but often it can take years to get there. And that can create a major challenge in recruiting.

Kevin Ratliff, also known as “Bootleg Kev,” has been named the new night host on CBS Radio Phoenix’s LIVE 101.5. Ratliff’s previous experience includes holding on-air positions at KKFR in Phoenix, KVEG in Las Vegas and WLLD in Tampa.