RadioInsight

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Westwood One Promotes Three Executives

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 02:01 PM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...ee-executives/



CUMULUS MEDIA’s Westwood One today announces several promotions within
Westwood One’s Programming and Operations divisions, effective immediately.

Susan Stephens is promoted to SVP and General Manager, Westwood One
Programming, reporting to Suzanne Grimes, Executive Vice President,
Corporate Marketing and President, Westwood One. In this expanded role,
Stephens, a 28-year veteran of Westwood One, will work to optimize
programming and content opportunities and collaborations between news,
talk, music, and entertainment.

Tim Seymour becomes SVP, Head of Operations. With a 20-year tenure at
Westwood One, Seymour assumes responsibility for the Operations, Partner
Relations, Affiliate Sales Operations, Traffic Continuity, and Research
Operations teams. Seymour also reports to Grimes.

Becky Bennett is elevated to VP, Partner Relations, reporting to Seymour.
In addition to managing the compensation inventory procurement process and
current partner relationships, Bennett is responsible for developing new
producer partners.

“We have an enviable depth of talent within Westwood One with the unique
experience to lead us forward,� said Grimes. “It is a privilege and a
pleasure to announce these well-deserved promotions that will position us
to succeed in 2021 and beyond.�



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First Listen: iHeart Australias TikTok Trending

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 12:43 PM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...ktok-trending/



It’s a battle that could logically exist anywhere in the world. But if you
want to hear a branded Soundcloud radio station vs. a rival TikTok channel,
it’s happening in Australia.Â*

Last August, Australian broadcaster SCA launched Soundcloud Radio, the
result of a year-long relationship with the music portal.Â*

On April 27, rival owner Australian Radio Network, the local licensee of
iHeart Radio, announced the debut of a digital TikTok Trending channel. The
new channel is billed as playing what’s “next in music for you.� SCA
Soundcloud Radio is using the liner “what’s next in music is on Soundcloud
Radio.�

It’s been a while since a “TikTok record� record could be said to come from
any one genre. iHeart’s Brett Nossiter tells Australia’s Radio Today that
the station’s mix can include anything from the oldies revived by TikTok
videos to a local TV news theme.

TikTok Trending is programmed in hosted blocs featuring local content
creators, including local R&B artist Avneesha. There’s also a segment from
“takeover� host Rita Ora, who is a new judge on the local version of the
Voice.Â*

We arrived at TikTok Trending during the final notes of a decade-old anime
movie instrumental, “Red Moon� by Yoshihiro Ike, followed by Cardi B’s
“Press,� then a bit about learning to eat Vegemite, leading into Men at
Work’s “Down Under.� (Many of the older titles heard were Australian.)
Later during Ora’s hour, there was “Fixer Upper� from the Frozen soundtrack
and Britney Spears’ “Gimme More.�

Here’s iHeart Radio’s TikTok Trending in the early morning of April 28,
hosted by Avneesha:

Kylie Minogue, “Love at First Sight�—the last song of an hour tied to
“takeover� host Rita Ora
Conkarah f/Shaggy, “Banana�
Logic, “1-800-273-8255�
Ida Corr, “Let Me Think About It�
24kGoldn, “Mood�
Bee Gees, “More Than A Woman�
Russ Millions & Tian Wayne, “Body�
Kid Cudi, “Day ‘N’ Night�
Kid Laroi, “Without You�
John Paul Young, “Love Is in the Air�
Sean Kingston, “Beautiful Girl�
Lil Pump, “Gucci Gang�
Daft Punk, “Get Lucky�


When I first monitored Soundcloud Radio late last fall, it was heavy on
Hip-Hop and EDM. When heard again on April 28, it was surprisingly heavy on
uptempo indie pop.

Sycco, “My Ways�
Charmaine, “Double Dutch�
Middle Kids, “Stacking Chairs�
Foley, “So Personal�
Lil Durk f/Lil Baby, “Finesse Out the Gang Way�
Glades, “Limbo�
Meduza f/Dermot Kennedy, “Paradise�
Mykki Blanco, “Free Ride�
Shaed, “Osaka�
Joel Corry, RAYE & David Guetta, “Bed�
Methyl Ethel, “Neon Cheap�
Pa Salieu f/Mahalia, “Energy�
Maeve, “Bleach�




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Tyralucia Joins KKJZ For Mornings

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 11:47 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...-for-mornings/



California State University Long Beach Foundation and Global Jazz, Incs
Jazz 88.1 K-Jazz KKJZ Long Beach/Los Angeles has announced the addition of
musician Tyra Tyralucia Dennis to the station to host mornings from 6-8am.

KJazz 88.1 FM (KKJZ), America’s Jazz and Blues Station, is excited to
announce the addition of singer, songwriter and musician Tyra Dennis,
better known as “Tyralucia,� to the station’s on-air staff with a show,
weekdays 6-8am PT.

Stephanie Levine, KJAZZ Station Manager, stated that “Tyralucia joining the
Air Staff is an additional reason to tune into KJAZZ each morning.�

Tyralucia was born and raised in Los Angeles, California and has always
been drawn to the stage — singing, composing music, playing the piano (as
well as other various instruments), acting and writing.

From performing with the greats such as Chaka Kahn, Wayne Shorter, George
Bohannon, Stevie Wonder, Ali Woodson of the Temptations, Rock Roll Hall of
Fame member Jackson Browne, Ray Charles and Slash from Guns and Roses while
still in high school to having a key role in developing and starring in the
first Apple iPod commercial, Tyralucia’s work spans across all music genres
and audiences.

Tyralucia shared “I’m excited to join such a monumental team and be one of
the new voices and faces to bring the jazz genre back into the forefront.
Making Jazz cool to everyone, regardless of age, gender, race, religion,
etc. is my goal and I can’t wait to get started.�

Tyralucia can be heard weekdays 6-8am, beginning Monday, May 3rd in
Southern California on 88.1 FM, worldwide online at www.jazzandblues.org
and through the KJazz 88.1 FM app available in the Apple App Store and
Google Play.



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DraftKings Acquires Distribution Rights To Dan Le Batard Show

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 11:37 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...e-batard-show/



Following their purchase of VSiN last month, DraftKings is expanding their
reach into the Sports Audio with a distribution agreement with Meadowlark
Medias Dan Le Batard Show.

The Wall Street Journal reports the three year deal is worth $50 million
with DraftKings launching the show on additional platforms including radio,
television, YouTube and Twitch. Le Batard exited middays at ESPN Radio at
the end of 2020 to launch Meadowlark Media with former ESPN President John
Skipper. His show currently airs as a daily podcast. The Miami Herald adds
that at least six companies were involved in the bidding for the
distribution rights to the show including NBCUniversals Peacock, SiriusXM,
and iHeartMedia. Le Batard told the Herald he turned down SiriusXM because
he would not put the show behind a paywall, “We didn’t want to do that to
our listeners. The thing that I chose was freedom. Every time I’ve
negotiated anywhere was for freedom, not money.�

DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) today continued to broaden its sports
entertainment footprint by completing a first-of-its-kind content
distribution, monetization and sponsorship agreement with Meadowlark Media.
As part of the deal, Meadowlark Media and DraftKings will distribute The
Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz and the Le Batard Friends Network across a
wide range of audio, TV, digital and social channels. Additionally, the
network of shows will prominently feature DraftKings’ odds, betting trends
and general sportsbook and daily fantasy information.

“We’re thrilled to find a collaborator in DraftKings that shares our vision
to grow Dan Le Batard’s already wildly popular network of shows in
non-conventional ways,� said Meadowlark CEO John Skipper. “With the freedom
to widely distribute these programs, we’ll be able to reach the largest
possible audience and provide incredible content to DraftKings.�

Continuing its expansion into content and media after the acquisition of
Vegas Sports and Information Network (VSiN), DraftKings plans to commission
new content projects that Meadowlark will develop and produce.
Additionally, DraftKings recently announced the hiring of Chief Media
Officer, Brian Angiolet, to oversee and optimize content creation and media
strategy, which includes working with VSiN and Meadowlark on efficient
content models to maximize reach.

“John Skipper and Dan Le Batard have established a deep roster of content
creators that will continue to expand quality and original programming,�
said Jason Robins, CEO, co-founder and chairman, DraftKings. “Our
relationship with Meadowlark Media demonstrates DraftKings’ dynamic
approach in bringing premium content to skin-in-the-game sports fans
through numerous channels.�

The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz will continue to be available in
podcast form with new formats of the show set to launch later this year.
Since leaving ESPN Radio on January 4, the show has consistently ranked
among the top sports programs on Apple podcasts.

�Thank you, DraftKings, for empowering us with the exhilarating combination
of rocket fuel and total freedom,� said Le Batard. “I’m overjoyed to team
with a fearless creative partner who sees the future and wants to help us
change it. DraftKings believed in us, our principles and our mission enough
to give us a freedom no scared corporation or traditional media partner
ever could or ever would. To our fans, know that DraftKings is the reason
you aren’t behind a paywall, and I’m promising you the money won’t change
the show or corrupt us in any way. Sincerely, Draft Le Batard.�



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Alpha Media Files Detailed Reply To Larry Wilson's Allegations

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 10:40 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...rs-of-control/



Alpha Media has submitted its opposition to Larry Wilson and Paul Stones
petitions to deny against the companys bankruptcy restructuring.

Alpha goes after each of Wilsons allegations and the legal precedence to
defend them. An early paragraph summarizes their defense, In short, when
one peels away the bombast of Wilson’s Petition, it is clear that Wilson is
inappropriately using the agency as a platform for rehashing his
differences with certain members of the Company’s Board of Directors and
management, and vainly attempting to shoehorn assessment of his personal
grievances into the Commission’s processes under the guise of spurious
claims that Alpha is unfit to hold its broadcast licenses. Moreover, his
assertions are false. For Stone’s part, he simply criticizes the FCC’s
well-established policy of promoting companies’ ability to promptly emerge
from bankruptcy where further regulatory review of foreign ownership
interests is required, a policy that is grounded in public interest
considerations and comity with the bankruptcy laws.

Alpha alleges that neither Wilson nor Stone have standing as a party of
interest in the bankruptcy case as they as minority shareholders should
have presented their case to the bankruptcy court and that Wilson as a
lawyer should have known that the FCC does not get involved in private
contractual matters. Alpha also comments that Wilsons petition presented no
evidence that raises legitimate concerns that Alpha was untruthful or
misrepresented themselves to the agency.

Alpha writes, it strains credulity to suggest that a longstanding
Commission licensee with a record of compliance would abruptly depart from
that path, that its directors would shun their fiduciary duties, and that
Alpha would deliberately place itself in legal jeopardy. Wilson’s claims in
this regard are not only not credible, but also reckless and misleading.
Alpha’s emphasis on doing the right thing when it comes to abiding by FCC
rules and regulations did not simply evaporate when Wilson left the Company.

Alpha emphasizes that denying their applications for the restructuring or
designating them for hearing would serve to only prolong their Chapter 11
proceedings.

The full response can be read here.

Original Report 4/15: Alpha Media founder and former Chairman/CEO Larry
Wilson has filed a Petition To Deny with the FCC against the companys
Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring.

In the filing, Wilson accuses Alpha Medias Board of Directors of multiple
violations including making false certifications on multiple FCC
applications, transferring control of the companys operations without Board
approval to a “Special Independent Committee without seeking FCC approval
for transfer of control, and pursuing a foreign ownership structure set out
in the above-captioned applications with the purpose and intent to freeze
the current Alpha domestic shareholders out of the company and for the sole
benefit of Alpha management, private equity investors, and foreign entities.

Wilson stepped down as Chairman of Alpha Media in July 2018 after forming
the companys predecessor Alpha Broadcasting in 2009 with the purchase of
CBS Radio’s and Rose City Radio’s stations in Portland. In the filing
Wilson details what he believes led to his exit from the company in
particular his clashes with Stephens Capital Partners Noel Strauss, a
member of the companys Board of Directors.

Wilson alleges that at the behest of Strauss and fellow director Breakwater
Investment Managements Saif Mansour, the company failed to hold a Board of
Directors meeting from mid-2018 to early 2019 as required by the companys
governing documents, purported to fire Wilson as Chairman despite never
holding the necessary board vote to do so, entered into a loan agreement
with Intermediate Capital Group that required the company to divest $110
million worth of assets without the necessary board approval. Wilson claims
that he had an alternate proposal in which former Digity CEO Dean Goodman
and Southern Stone Communications CEO and Alpha board member Paul Stone
would have invested $30 to $40 million themselves into Alpha in exchange
for equity in the company. That proposal was claimed to have been rejected
without being proposed to the board to not dilute the equity interests of
the two entities they represented.

Wilson alleges that the divestitures including the $80 million sale of
their West Palm Beach cluster to Hubbard all were done without necessary
corporate authorization. Wilson and another former board member notified
that the violations included false representations made to the FCC and
belatedly called a meeting in January 2019 to ratify the divestitures and
authorize the FCC filings although Wilson wrote to the companys CFO, To
vote in favor now is an admission that the agreement was not properly
approved and clear evidence that the FCC has been misled by Alpha.�
Following the meeting Wilson resigned from the Alpha Media Board of
Directors.

Wilson then claims that the company adopted a Fifth Amended and Restated
Limited Liability Company Agreement over the dissent of all minority
shareholders which eliminated the core fiduciary duties of each board
member and created a “Special Independent Committee comprised of Strauss
and Mansour with full power and authority to make significant decisions
“regarding any proposed transactions to restructure, reorganize, or
recapitalize the Company.� He states that the committee accepted
Intermediate Capital Groups prepackaged bankruptcy plan without the
knowledge or approval of any of the minority shareholders and that the two
directors and Alpha President/CEO Bob Proffitt may well have effectively
transferred control of Alpha to ICG ahead of the filing as the current lack
of corporate transparency has foreclosed the acquisition of facts regarding
Petitioner’s belief that Alpha is continuing to operate outside the
dictates of its governing documents.

Wilson and a separate petition to deny filed by Paul Stone also claim that
the restructuring attempts to circumvent the FCCs 25% limit on foreign
investment before requesting a petition for declaratory ruling. Stone
writes, Alpha is asking the Media Bureau to essentially undercut the
balance and sanctity of this new process by granting it a temporary waiver
of the requirement to demonstrate that its proposed foreign ownership is in
the public interest. Stone is concerned that if the FCC were to later
determine Alphas foreign ownership is not in the public interest coming
into compliance later would be complicated as the Bankruptcy Court has
already approved the restructuring which is not contingent on a grant of a
declaratory ruling in surpassing the 25% foreign ownership limit.

Wilsons full petition can be read here.

Update 4/16: Alpha Media has responded with a brief statement.

“While we believe the petition is based on inaccurate information and
baseless claims, Alpha Media remains squarely focused on serving our
communities and operating our radio stations across the United States. Our
core business continues to perform well despite current market challenges,
and we are proud of what all our teams have accomplished in delivering
dynamic, diverse and exciting content to our communities. We continue to
achieve significant progress in our financial restructuring process, which
has been confirmed by the Court and best positions Alpha Media with strong
financial partners to navigate current market conditions and pursue growth
opportunities.�



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KKSR Builds A New Bridge

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 07:30 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...-a-new-bridge/



Stephens Media Group relaunched Christian AC Shine 95.7 KKSR Walla
Walla/Kennewick WA as 95.7 The Bridge on Monday.

KKSR Program Director Jeremiah St. James remains in mornings. St. James
also serves as APD/MD/evening host at Stephens 94.1 KXOJ Tulsa. The
remainder of KKSRs daily lineup had come from KXOJ, but the station is now
running jockless in those dayparts as it promotes that it is live and local
Christian radio. That, and operating commercially, differentiate it from
EMFs K-Love heard on 93.3 KRKL Walla Walla/103.1 K276EU Kennewick and
Walla Walla Universitys Positive Life Radio KGTS College Place.



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Woody & Wilcox Add Asheville & Knoxville Affiliates

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 05:25 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...le-affiliates/



Sun Broadcast Group has announced that the Woody Wilcox Show has added two
additional affiliates.

The show, hosted by Greg Wood and Chris Wilcox and based at iHeartMedia
Alternative 106.5 The End WEND Salisbury/Charlotte NC, has been added at
iHearts Rock 105.1 WQNS Woodfin/Asheville NC and Loud Medias 106.1 VLZ WVLZ
Oliver Springs/Knoxville TN.

Sun Broadcast Group’s 4-hour morning show, The Woody Wilcox Show, is
expanding, adding both iHeartMedia’s WQNS (Rock 105.1) in Asheville, North
Carolina, and LOUD Media’s WVLZ (106.1 VLZ) in Knoxville, Tennessee. The
show hosts, Greg Wood and Chris Wilcox, are the unlikely pair of opposites,
who provide audiences with side-splitting humor and engaging entertainment
every day.

Co-host Greg Wood states, “Big thanks to Sun for spreading WW love across
this great nation. Can I re-phrase that? We love BOTH Asheville and
Knoxville and cant wait to convince our wives that we need to spend more
time in each.

Rich O’Brien, Chief Development Officer at Sun Broadcast Group added,
“Woody Wilcox have a history of winning across four time zones and three
formats. They are true personalities who provide compelling content and
real entertainment daily.�

The 4-hour Woody Wilcox Show originates on iHeartMedia’s 106.5 The End out
of Charlotte, NC, and is available as a part of the Sun Broadcast Group
lineup. The show is currently heard in Raleigh, Spokane, Portland ME,
Myrtle Beach, Lincoln NE, Anchorage, Tuscaloosa and more! For more
information on The Woody Wilcox Show visit their show page here, or
contact Rich O’Brien at 212.380.9338.




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iHeartMedia Appoints Shari Gonzalez As Miami Market President

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 05:18 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...ket-president/



iHeartMedia has announced the promotion of Shari Gonzalez to Market
President for their Miami cluster.

Gonzalez has served Vice President of Sales for the cluster since 2015.
Prior to that she spent a year as General Sales Manager for then Beasley
owned Power 96 WPOW-FM. She had a long run in Washington DC including
fifteen years at 630 WMAL as Account Executive and the Local Sales Manager
and National Sales Manager, four years at CBS Radio Washington as General
Sales Manager for 95.5 WPGC and then VP/Director of Sales for the entire
cluster.

iHeartMedia announced today that Shari Gonzalez has been elevated to Market
President, effective immediately. iHeartMedia Miami/Fort Lauderdale has a
strong cross-platform presence and includes several iconic brands and
franchises — both broadcast and digital — encompassing more than nine
stations comprised of music, sports, and news talk formats.

iHeartMedia has the leading consumer reach and influence across multiple
platforms and delivers more live programming than any other media company.
As Market President, Gonzalez will be responsible for overseeing
programming, advertising and operations across iHeartMedia Miami/Fort
Lauderdale stations. She will report to Linda Byrd, Division President for
iHeartMedia.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to promote Shari into her first
Market President role,� said Byrd. “In the short time that we have worked
together, I have seen her competitiveness, work ethic and ability to move
her team in the direction we need to go. Shari has the experience and
smarts to make a great Market President of iHeartMedia Miami/Fort
Lauderdale. She will be a great leader in one of our most important
markets.�

Gonzalez is a skilled media veteran with more than 30 years of sales and
radio industry experience. She joined iHeartMedia in 2015 and most recently
served as the Region Senior Vice President of Sales for iHeartMedia
Miami/Fort Lauderdale. Prior to that, she served as General Sales Manager
and Director of Sales for CBS in the Washington, D.C. market. Throughout
her career, Gonzalez held several leadership positions in Washington, D.C.
including serving as an Account Executive for WJZE-FM and WGAY/WWRC-FM
before settling into a 15-year stint in sales and leadership at WMAL-AM.
She began her career as a Sales Assistant for WDJY-FM in Washington, D.C.

“I am honored and thrilled for this opportunity,� said Gonzalez. “To
continue to work with and now lead this incredible portfolio of brands and
this ‘best-in-class’ team of talented, passionate colleagues is a dream
come true. Miami/Fort Lauderdale is experiencing a boom like no other
market in the country and the South Florida market is filled with a culture
and uniqueness that is second to none. As our market continues to grow as a
multi-cultural, global economic and entertainment destination, we at
iHeartMedia Miami/Fort Lauderdale remain committed to being the largest and
most meaningful connection to millions in South Florida.�



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Shotgun Launches In Southeast Missouri

Posted: 27 Apr 2021 04:30 AM PDT
https://radioinsight.com/headlines/2...east-missouri/



Delta Broadcasting has flipped 1080 KYMO East Prairie/Sikeston MO from a
simulcast of Classic Hits Classic KYMO 105.3 KYMO-FM to Classic
Country/Americana Shotgun Radio 97.1.

KYMO General Manager Reid Howells morning show will be simulcast on both
stations. The new brand launched on April 9 following the launch of KYMOs
new translator 97.1 K246DB Sikeston.