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Top Radio Stories

Report: FCC to Approve Sirius-XM Satellite Radio Merger

The Wall Street Journal is reporting the a "tentative deal" has been reached with the FCC to approve the proposed merger of Sirius and XM Satellite Radio. WSJ says that Commissioner Deborah Taylor Tate (pictured), a Republican and thought to be the deal's swing vote, is expected to vote in favor of the transaction in exchange for a $20 million consent decree.

The consent decree would resolve outstanding enforcement issues involving the two satcasters, including the manufacture of over-powered radios and repeater issues. WSJ also says there could be other, minor conditions as well.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, a Democrat, has withdraw his previous support for the deal, in which he said he would vote for the deal with certain stringent conditions. Commissioner Michael Copps, the remaining Democrat, said Tuesday (7-22) he would vote no.

Commissioner Robert McDowell and FCC Chairman Kevin Martin have both expressed willingness to approve the deal with previously announced conditions: a 3-year price freeze and a total of 24 channels to minority-controlled programming.

In a statement, NAB Executive VP Dennis Wharton said, "This sweetheart deal for Wall Street speculators is premised on a promise that a monopoly will provide consumers with lower prices, better service, and more programming formats. Only members of the Flat Earth Society would buy into such specious nonsense."

He continued, "the commission is apparently preparing to grant a monopoly to the nation's only two satellite radio companies that in their 11 years of existence have had more luck flaunting the FCC's own rules than creating a successful business model." (07-23-08)

Northeast Broadcasting said Wednesday that Mike Mullaney, who had been tapped to take over the OM/Program Director reins at Northeast's AAA WXRV-FM (92.5 The River)/Boston, has changed his mind and is opting to stay with crosstown CBS at AC WBMX-FM (Mix 98.5) as Assistant Program Director and Music Director. He would have replaced Ron Owen.

Newly-minted AAA Product Manager for Northeast Broadcasting Zeb Norris said, "I tried shrieking 'no take backs,' but to no avail. However, on reflection, it may be for the best. I was shocked to discover that WBMX is playing "Feels Like Tonight" by Daughtry 53 times a week not out of necessity, but because Mike thinks it's 'wicked good.'"

This means the search for a PD at WXRV continues for Norris. Forward your materials to him at zeb@pointfm.com (07-23-08)

Clear Channel has settled its lawsuit against The Tribune Company and several former Clear Channel employees. The radio giant alleged, among other things, that Andy Friedman breached his employment agreement with Clear Channel and that Tribune unlawfully induced the breach. As part of the settlement, Tribune has agreed not to solicit or hire Clear Channel employees who are under contracts, or in violation of non-competes.

Clear Channel Executive VP/Chief Legal Officer Andy Levin commented, "We are pleased to have reached a settlement with Tribune and our former employees. Clear Channel values its employees very highly, and we will continue to enforce our rights against any competitor who attempts to interfere with those contractual relationships."

In a statement, Tribune Senior VP/Corporate Relations said, "We did nothing wrong here and paid nothing to settle these lawsuits. We have never tortuously interfered with the contracts of Clear Channel employees and we won't in the future."

Clear Channel filed the suit against Tribune Co. on May 19 seeking to keep Andy Friedman from joining the company until the end of the year. Friedman was the radio giant's VP/News Talk & Sports for its Online Music and Radio unit for eight years before his departure from CC, also in May.

The suit, which also named Friedman, claimed that Friedman's contract runs through December 31. The suit also alleged that he threatened to disclose trade secrets, and of providing Tribune with competitive information that is of significance and value. (07-23-08)

Envision Radio Networks ups Rebecca Pixley to VP/Sales, where she will develop and head the company's new sales division. Pixley joined Envision as Director of Affiliate Relations in 2004, and she will continue to handle affiliate relations duties in major markets. Prior to ERN, Pixley was Director of Operations for MJI Broadcasting. She began her radio career as MD for KEZO-FM/Omaha.

"We are excited to see Rebecca Pixley embrace this new opportunity," said Envision Radio COO Laura Orkin. "Rebecca has a proven track record of successfully building sales teams and creating new opportunities for Envision's growth. She is well qualified and eager to contribute to this initiative."

Pixley added, "I'm thrilled to be given the opportunity to grow personally as Envision's business expands. It's flattering to know Danno and Laura have such confidence in me. Working at Envision is exciting because you are encouraged to take risks and are rewarded for your success." (07-23-08)

CBS Radio is launching a new video platform powered by WorldNow that is available to all of its 140 radio station web properties to create individual and personalized branded video players. These players will allow each outlet to feature station content, syndicate videos, share and distribute videos to multiple destinations and embed video clips to share via social networking sites.

The new video platform will initially debut on the web sites of News WCBS-AM, Sports WFAN-AM, AC WWFS-FM and Alternative WXRX-FM/New York. The new technology also creates advanced advertising and specialized sponsorship opportunities for the company's clients, including branded players and content, studio imaging; advertorials and in-video advertising.

"Rethinking and evolving our business had led us to this transformation and in the very near future every station will have a major video component transforming radio from a purely audio medium to a visual one as well," said CBS Radio President/Digital Media & Integrated Marketing David Goodman.

He continued, "From a content perspective, no one is better positioned than radio to take advantage of online video with literally thousands of hours of original programming being produced every week. Previously you could only hear that material on-air or online. Now audiences will be able to see what happens at their favorite radio station and interact with our brands and personalities in an entirely different way."

In addition to broadcast simulcasts, live concert performances, in-studio interviews, breaking news and original programming exclusively for the web, the new player will also spotlight content provided by the audience and solicited by the station. (07-23-08)

Rob Milford, a former radio reporter for CBS Radio's News KDKA-AM/Pittsburgh, will stand trial on charges that he attempted to carry a loaded handgun into the Allegheny County Courthouse. Milford was stopped after a .38-caliber snub-nosed revolver was found in his briefcase at a courthouse screening station on June 16.

At the time, he told officers he didn't realize he had put his gun in his briefcase and that it belonged to his girlfriend. Milford was charged with carrying a firearm without a license and entering a court facility with a firearm.

Milford had worked for KDKA since 2006. He's also worked at Fox News Radio and other CBS Radio outlets. (07-23-08)

KNRV-AM (La Buena Onda)/Denver will drop its Spanish-language local news and sports programming on July 31 with plans to flip to air Radio Formula Satellite Network on August 1. In a statement, New Radio Venture President/CEO Heberto Villers-Limas said the decision to discontinue local programming was the result of a conflict between the station's shareholders.

Another New Radio Venture Spanish outlet, KNUV-AM/Phoenix, plans to shut down operations at the end of July, after investors decided not to continue in the wake of a soft advertising market for radio.

Villers-Limas also said that New Radio Venture will be dissolved in coming months, but that he hopes to form a new company. (07-23-08)

Saga Classis Hits KIOA-FM/Des Moines taps veteran market personality Pam Dixon to join the morning show and host Maxwell Schaeffer beginning August 4. Dixon was first heard on KRNT-AM and Q-102 before beginning a 10-year run on KLYF which ended in 1996. Since then, Dixon has been heard as the first female Iowa Cubs stadium announcer. (07-23-08)

Country WAYZ-FM/Hagerstown, PA, night personality Joel Kabik moves up to afternoons (3-7pm) swapping air shifts with Dave "Whip" Carmichael, who takes nights (7-midnight). (07-23-08)

Rhythmic CHR WAJZ-FM (Jamz 96.3)/Albany, NY, APD/MD/morning co-host JD "The Governor" Redman transfers to the Program Director slot at co-owned Pamal CHR WZRT-FM (Z97.1)/Rutland, VT, effective August 11. (07-23-08)

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