Urban Radio Nation: October 2009

October 31, 2009

Jay-Z Responds To Beanie Sigel

During a press conference in Montreal, Jay-Z responds to Beanie Sigel’s interview with Charlamagne Tha God of 100.3 The Beat in Philly. Jay says “Beanie had a record deal, a record label, and a clothing line. What more can you do for a person. If that’s not pushing a person then… sh*t”

This one may not go away as easily as the Jay-Z, Damon Dash, Roc-A-Fella beef. (Even though it still lingers)

When has Jay-Z ever responded to claims of wrong doing from a rapper he formerly managed the same day?

October 30, 2009

New York's Dance Music Station Pulse 87 is No More

After a few months of rumors of their demise and even a request from listeners to support the station financially this past summer; Mega Media has killed off dance music station “Pulse 87” WNYZ-LP. They officially announced on air that it would stop broadcasting today (October 30).

Mega broke some barriers when it put dance-formatted “Pulse 87” on the air in the Fall of 2007. The station generated some buzz by briefly adding The Star and Bucwild Morning Show in February of 2008. However they parted ways with the station by October of the same year.

Pulse 87 used the audio of low power Channel 6 TV station (87.7 FM) to broadcast to a limited area of New York City. Despite the limited coverage the station boasted as many as 800,000 listeners per week which was measured using Arbitron's PPM ratings system.

BTW if we did "shout outs" we would give a shout out to Star and Bucwild for the mention at the end of their Season 1 Vlad TV video; but we don't give shout outs.

It's not Atlanta, it's the Housewives of Detroit with Kim Bettie

"Given the economy and challenges of living in Detroit, our homes are becoming hotbeds of stress. I created The Kim Bettie Show to provide listeners a weekend retreat for courageous conversation and motivation to get the best out of life. I was inspired by an article in the Harvard Business Review (July-August, 2009) that states, "During times of sustained uncertainty the most difficult topics must be discussed. We must avoid detailed plans and instead run numerous (life) experiments."

"The Kim Bettie Show seeks to facilitate this process by providing life coaching on-air. The guests are in a competition with themselves to do the work necessary to change their lives for the better. I host a sounding board of experts to offer multiple perspectives and amplify ideas and concepts for change. Listeners are welcomed to participate by calling in and commenting online."

The Kim Bettie Show airs and streams on AM 1500 WLQV in Detroit Saturdays at 10:00 ET and online at kimbettieshow.com.

Clear Channel Pulls the Plug on 100.3 The Beat KATZ FM St. Louis

St. Louis is NOW too small for 2 Urban Stations

Looks like we have another victim of the PPM electronic ratings system.

Hip Hop and R&B is out and "Boo for the Lou" as in Halloween music is in. KATZ 100.3 The Beat survives in spirit with Classic Hip Hop music on the internet and on their 100.3 HD2 channel.

The entire on air staff was let go and speculation is that all holiday music is on tap starting on November 1st until the rest of the year.

The "KATZ" name represents one of the legendary names in Black radio. But it's not completely gone; KATZ-AM does live on in the St. Louis area as gospel station Hallelujah 1600.

The lone Hip Hop and R&B station in St. Louis now is Radio One’s Hot 104.1.

Beanie Calls in to Charlamagne

Charlamagne Tha God interviews Beanie Sigel about Jay-Z and Damon Dash. A very interesting interview talking behind the scenes stuff between record companies and radio sponsored concerts like Power House. Listen Here

Are there any other people mad at Jay-Z?

Meanwhile things are looking good for Jay-Z after last night's performance of "Empire State of Mind" with Alicia Keys prior to World Series Game 2 between the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies.

WNYC will air Mind The Gap: Why Good Schools are Failing Minority Students

This weekend, WNYC, the nation’s largest public radio station, will air 'Mind The Gap: Why Good Schools are Failing Minority Students'

Nationwide, suburban schools are doing a good job educating white students, but those schools are not getting the same results with black and Latino students. This documentary tells the story of a suburban high school with lots of resources and a diverse student body that is struggling to close the minority achievement gap. Award-winning NPR Reporter Nancy Solomon takes you inside a school to hear a discussion on race in the classroom. Listen as students try to explain what went wrong with their education. Join her at the kitchen table with black middle-class parents who thought that a move to the suburbs would ensure school success. Find out how the school's best teachers motivate their students. Be a fly on the wall in the busy dean's office where kids with discipline problems land.

It will air locally in New York City at AM 820 and can be heard from anywhere via live webstream at http://www.wnyc.org/ on Saturday, October 31 at 2pm and Sunday, November 1 at 8pm.

Entercom Liable for $16.57 Million In Sacramento Radio Contest Death

The contest was named 'Hold your wee for a Wii.'

The jury in the wrongful death trial of 28-year-old mom Jennifer Lea Strange holds both Entercom's Sacramento subsidiary (radio station KDND 107.9 The End) and the Philadelphia-based parent company Entercom Communications liable.

The Sacramento Bee says the 7-man, 5-woman jury awarded damages of about half what widower Billy Strange was asking for - at least $34 million. His wife Jennifer died January 12, 2007 of water intoxication, hours after participating in a morning show contest named "Hold your wee for a Wii." No statement yet from Entercom - which could appeal the large award.

October 29, 2009

"Someone Needs to Put Cathy Hughes in Check"

What do you think of Cathy Hughes' Reality Radio spots heard on Radio One stations? The Root.com is not a fan.

By Natalie Hopkinson of The Root.com from the post "Why No One Talks Back to Cathy Hughes"

The empress of black radio is using public airwaves to personally attack her enemies in Congress in the name of black progress. Who's going to put her in check?

If you’ve tuned in to black radio in the past few months, chances are you’ve heard “Reality Radio,” a series of announcements in which radio pioneer Cathy Hughes asks the black community to fight a new law in Congress that she claims would “murder black-owned radio.”

Her definition of homicide? Performance Rights Act (HR 848), a bill that would require radio stations to pay royalties to artists for playing their music. The potential winners and losers in the bill being considered by Congress has been a source of heated debate. But it clearly would dim the already free-falling profits of Hughes’ company Radio One, the nation’s largest chain of black radio stations. Read more

Atlanta TV Station Gets Rid of their Sports Staff for Radio Guys

The Two Lives Stews will be sports anchors for CBS 46

Sports Radio 790 The Zone (WQXI AM Atlanta) strikes a partnership with WGCL-TV CBS 46 for all local and national sports coverage. The Zone will provide all on-air content and hosts for the CBS Atlanta newscasts and original sports programming including Sportsline, the SEC Wrap-Up Show and the CBS Atlanta Dawg Show.

"For the last 13 years, 790 The Zone has been the brand for sports in Atlanta and we could not be more excited about this partnership with CBS Atlanta and their core sports properties including the NFL, SEC Football, March Madness and the Masters. This dynamic alliance will only strengthen our ability to connect to the Atlanta sports fan", said WQXI President Andrew Saltzman.

The Two Live Stews, along with other hosts on the station are slated to begin by January. Brothers Doug Stewart and Ryan Stewart are the afternoon hosts on the station and are syndicated through Sporting News Radio across the country.

Bootsy Vegas Newest Member of the 'PGC Morning Show Profiled

From Chris Richards of the Washington Post Salih Williams, who created alter ego Bootsy Vegas, records a weekly anthem for WPGC in support of the burgundy and gold.

"From the root to the fruit!" says Salih Williams, describing his lifelong devotion to the one of the most wretched teams in professional football today. "I'm a die-hard Redskins fanatic. . . . But the Redskins is like a girl I know I shouldn't mess with: I keep coming back."

It's Monday afternoon at Sound Spa Studios in Alexandria, where Williams is sporting an oversize white T-shirt emblazoned with his alias Bootsy Vegas.

As the newest addition to the Donnie Simpson morning show on WPGC 95.5, Bootsy appears every Wednesday to crack jokes and present his weekly anthem dedicated to Washington's once unconditionally loved football franchise. Read more

Some fans may feel former co-host Chris Paul did a better job with the weekly Redskins song given the fact that the 'Skins are 2-5 and in last place so far this season.

October 28, 2009

When Chuck D Speaks People Listen...

Chuck D Says Jay-Z is the Rookie of the Year??? OK WE Get What He's Sayin'

From Deshair Foskey and Houston Williams of All Hip Hop.com
Chuck D, the front man of Public Enemy, offered his opinion of Jay-Z and Gucci Mane during an interview on AllHipHop Radio's morning show Eric B and Friends.

The rapper expressed his admiration for Jay-Z from a career point of view, and stressed that he was impressed with The Blueprint 3 album.

"On Jay-Z - quote me on this - Jay-Z is the Rookie of the Year in 2009. You want to know why? Because at age 40, he is just getting started," Chuck said this morning. "He is simply forwarding the artform. Just imagine if he decided to pick up two more languages to add to his craft. He is #1." (Editor's note: Jay-Z turns 40 in December.)

Chuck also said that rappers such as Gucci Mane and Baby of Cash Money, who both sharply contested Jay-Z's top slot on MTV's "Hottest Rapper" list had no artistic right to be so vocal.

Chuck D stated these were unfounded criticisms based on Jay-Z's body of work.

Chuck said, "Jay-Z's just getting started. Gucci Mane, he'd be better off jumping in a swimming pool with a plugged in toaster."

Jay-Z stressed that his former Def Jam alumni could likely expand his brand if he further embraced the global community.

"The only thing what will make Jay-Z totally untouchable, would be if he learned another language." Eric B & Friends broadcasts live from 9 am to 1 pm.

All HipHop Radio is one of a few stations offered by Goom Radio. Goom's presentation is top notch with great imaging and live jocks. Their rotation of music pretty much rivals most corporate playlist through out most genres.

However the customized All HipHop.com's radio station offers more variety than you usually find on most Hip Hop/R&B stations, including satellite radio (if you can get past the explicit content). You think corporate radio is listening, paying attention and taking notes?

Pulse 87 - Is the end near?

Radio Online is reporting that financially-troubled Mega Media Group's Rhythmic CHR Pulse 87 in New York has been off the air since Sunday night. The station is telling listeners there are technical issues which have kept the station off the air, but Pulse 87 is still streaming online. (Although the website was offline at times yesterday) Mega Media filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in August.

According to court papers, Mega owes creditors more than $3.5 million. But that's not all, frequency owner Island Broadcasting, has reportedly put the signal up for sale with a price tag of $15 million. Even so, the station pulled in 831,000 listeners last month according to Arbitron's PPM. Pulse 87 (WNYZ-LP) broadcasts on 87.7 FM, which is the audio portion of low power TV Channel 6 in New York City.

It looks like despite their heroic efforts to bring something different to NY's radio landscape by taking on the big radio conglomerates, the dance music radio station has reached its last stand.

October 26, 2009

Radio One Changes Things Up on WQNC 92.7

Radio One has made changes to its Urban AC station in Charlotte today.

Gone is the "Q", "Charlotte's R&B Leader" imaging, and R&B music from the 70's.

Now it's "My92.7" with "R&B from the 80's, 90's and Now". The station is still rolling with the Tom Joyner Morning Show in the A.M. You can check out the new format online.

Pittsburgh Has A New Urban Station Online

The founder of the new online station "101 The Blaze" is Ron Atkins, former program director for Sheridan Broadcasting which included the flagship station of WAMO FM out of Pittsburgh. During his 14 year tenure with Sheridan Broadcasting, Atkins held various positions including VP of Programming for American Urban Radio Networks (AURN).

Before joining Sheridan, Atkins was the programming director for WBLK – Buffalo, KMJM – St. Louis, KMJQ – Houston, WOWI – Norfolk and WVAZ – Chicago. His career started as an intern WUFO – AM in his hometown of Buffalo, NY.

Check out the urban/hip hop/ R&B formatted station online. The station is associated with Live 365, which is giving many listeners an alternative to terrestrial radio.

October 24, 2009

Chris Rock Takes on AOL Black Voices

From AOL's Black Voices - The internet is amazing, it truly is. It's the great equalizer. Gone are the days where a song or a book or a movie could come out, and the celebrity creator doesn't know what the general population is thinking. Thanks to the internet, you can speak truth to power.

Case in point, Chris Rock. Apparently he's been alerted to the chatter about his film Good Hair on the BV Message Boards... because he addressed the controversy in an interview with Charlamagne on 100.3 The Beat in Philly. Read more

The Board Post Message Board post Who wants Good Hair to fail? has received more than 900 comments.

Undoubtedly the first post in this discussion board triggered the wide range of comments:

"I know I'm not the only one. There has been enough dissent on this board alone to warrant a boycott. I want this mockumentary to go brick! The only way that Black women are going to get through to Chris Rock and the coons of his ilk is to not give him our money or support! I don't know what the hell he was thinking. How do you make a movie where you are offending your target audience? Is he hoping that non-Black women are actually going to come out in droves for this? Knowing his simple ass, he probably has his fingers crossed as we speak, promoting this bullsh*t." -SMDH.

African American Media Sounds Off on Chris Rock's Documentary "Good Hair"

Chris Rock watching a little girl get a 'relaxer'

On the radio program 'Some of Us are Brave' KPFW (90.7 FM - Los Angeles), host and creator Thandisizwe Chimurenga discussed the controvery surrounding the documentary "Good Hair" and the overall effects of "hair" in the African American community.

'Some Of Us Are Brave' is a Black Women's Radio Program committed to insuring that the voices of African-American women. Listen to the podcast from KPFK from October 22nd on this topic, which is quite entertaining. The segments begin 20 minutes into the podcast.

One of the guests on the program is an 18 year old high student, who's ready to participated in a protest march in L.A. against police brutality. She's on the phone, away from the noise and waiting inside a KFC! Really...Oh lawd...(lol)

Philadelphia Daily News columnist Jenice Armstrong talks "Good Hair" and shares her hair experiences, including the various hair styles she has embraced in this video.

She also shares her thoughts in the column 'Good Hair' a gray area for black women.

WE WOMEN do some crazy things in the name of beauty. We allow plastic surgeons to inject Botox into our wrinkles to smooth our skin. We ignore cancer warnings by frequenting tanning salons. We submit to painful and embarrassing Brazilian waxes. We get fat liposuctioned off our thighs, wear false eyelashes, and get fancy acrylic nails. We force our feet into high heels. We're beauty junkies. But this column is about hair: About how we can have a full head of beautiful hair and yet spend hundreds to have more sewn, glued, clipped or weaved in. I'm as guilty as anyone else. But so what? I assert my freedom to adorn my body and my hair any way I please. Excuse the attitude, but I've been smoking like a hot comb on a stove since I saw Chris Rock's new movie "Good Hair." Read more

October 23, 2009

LaDawn Black this weekend on Our World with Black Enterprise

LaDawn Black, relationship expert, author and radio personality will be a guest on the nationally syndicated television show, Our World with Black Enterprise, this Sunday, October 24th.

She will join host Ed Gordon discussing the growth of online dating in the African-American community. The show airs nationally on CW affiliates and TVOne. For show times in your city visit blackenterprise.com. More information on LaDawn Black and her latest novel, TEASE: Steamy Short Stories can be found at ladawnblack.com.

October 22, 2009

Chris Brown talks to Angie Martinez on Hot 97

Chris Brown talks to Angie Martinez in his first radio interview since the Rihanna incident on New York's Hot 97. In this segment Chris talks about the comments Oprah made about him.

We now have evidence that Chris has retired the blue bowtie.

MSNBC's Contessa Brewer Calls Jesse Jackson "Al Sharpton"

MSNBC's Contessa Brewer had an embarrassing slip-up Wednesday afternoon when she introduced Jesse Jackson as Rev. Al Sharpton.

"I'm Reverend, Jesse Jackson," Jackson replied.

"Right, I'm so sorry," an embarrassed Brewer responded. "The script in front of me said 'Reverend Al Sharpton.' I'm looking at your face. I know who you are, Reverend Jackson, we all do. I'm sorry."

October 21, 2009

The Root 100 African American Leaders

The ROOT 100 recognizes emerging and established African-American leaders who are making extraordinary contributions. The ROOT 100 celebrates leadership, creativity, service, and, above all, excellence.

Among the 100 that are honored is Radio One CEO Alfred Liggins III. Liggins is quoted as saying "When I wake up in the morning and think of competing, I don't think of the next Black guy, Bob (Johnson) is not the compeition; Viacom and Clear Channel are."

Check out "The ROOT 100" which includes celebrities Jay-Z, Tyler Perry, Tyra Banks along with a host of media pesonalities.

The Root is an African American blog owned by the Washington Post with Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates as its managing editor.

October 20, 2009

Good News for Radio One Stock

Another sign that the economy must be back on track

A year after receiving a deficiency notice from Nasdaq for a stock price below the minimum listing requirements, Radio One is back in compliance. Radio One received the notice on its class D stock on October 20, 2008, but Nasdaq soon after that suspended delistings until August of this year due to the economic environment.

Radio One has now received notice from Nasdaq that, with its class D shares (ROIAK) closing above $1 for 10 consecutive trading days as of October 15, the company is back in compliance and the matter is closed. The letter also confirmed that Radio One's Class A shares (ROIA) are in compliance with continued listing rules.

In mid-afternoon trading Monday, Radio One's class A shares were down 8 cents, at $1.77, and the class D shares were up 4 cents, at $1.70.

Is Cathy Hughes saying we're number one or we're up above a dollar?

Source: Radio Ink

The Brian McKnight Show to End in January 2010

The fallout continues at Citadel Media as the company moves to cut costs on the sales and programming sides. The latest victim is “The Brian McKnight Show” which will end it’s short syndication run with the network on January 22, 2010. The show airs on 98.7 Kiss FM in New York and through out the country on "The Touch" urban AC format stations in smaller markets.

McKnight who added the evening show targeted to urban AC and smooth jazz stations to his portfolio- which includes a morning show on KTWV in Los Angeles and a newly syndicated late night television show-in January.

There is no word yet as to the future of the syndicated radio show with another syndication company or it’s co-host, former WRKS New York “Kissing After Dark” host Lenny Green. The change follows the cancellation of “The Doug Banks Show” which was announced earlier this month.

Never really understood the reason for a "Slow Jams/Quiet Storm" show needing two male voices? Unless there is always a need for a professional radio host to make sure things run smoothly over the air... Look for co-host Lenny Green to re-claim the night time slot at 98.7 Kiss FM. Source: Radio Syndication

Groove 105.7 Another Faux Urban Formatted Station Now in Atlanta

The new “Groove 105.7” has taken over the airwaves in Atlanta on Clear Channel radio's WWVA-FM. The former Spanish CHR “¡Viva!” format is gone and now the station is playing a mix of songs from Lady Gaga, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Beyonce, Kanye West and Danita Kane. This rhythmic AC format is gaining popularity across the country to reach mainstream audiences.

Why you would think an urban version of this rhythmic AC format might be on the horizon as well?

¿Dónde Es Viva?

Yo Homes you have to get internet to hear the music now. Clear Channel is all about the bottom line, not the community when it comes to radio.

October 19, 2009

Bill Cosby LIVE Virtual Town Hall Meeting

More than 95,000 viewers tuned into the Virtual Town Hall Meeting through UStream. In case you missed it you can see it at Bill Cosby.com.

Cosby and the Cosnarati Band will kick off the project with a virtual town hall meeting in New York City. Presented in association with Ustream, the town hall starts at 7pm EDT (4pm PDT) on urban radio station web sites across the country.

Tackling such social issues as self-respect, peer pressure, abuse and education, this innovative, online town hall will invite concerned, conscious citizens to voice their opinions and share their proposed solutions to the crisis we need to confront now, collectively and individually. To ask your question now via Twitter which may be addressed by Mr. Cosby and the band during the town hall.

A highlight of the 90-minute event will include a first time ever performance by Cosnarati specifically for the town hall event of a few songs from the record. The songs will be available at digital retailers on Oct. 20, to be followed by the album's Nov. 24 physical and digital release.

Michael Baisden Back on the Air in Detroit

As predicted Michael Baisden has reappeared on the air in Detroit on Radio One's Urban AC station WDMK Kiss 105.9 in the afternoon.

Baisden was let go from Clear Channel radio's Urban AC station Mix 92.3 (WMXD) in mid September. After Baisden's campaign to get back on the air in Detroit; he will now go head to head in the Motor City against Mix 92.3's Frankie Darcell. This should be an interesting battle.

Meanwhile we ultimately believe that Radio One is poised to sign Michael Baisden once his syndication contract with Citadel Media is over.

Judge Gives Urban AC Radio Station Six More Months to Operate at 1140 AM

Robert Womack leads a protest march to save WJNZ and has gotten support from Gospel singer Marvin Sapp and his wife

"This is a bigger picture," said MaLinda Sapp, who sat in a Kent County Courthouse hearing Friday to block the station's sale. "It's not financially-driven, it's community-driven. (The radio station) serves a purpose and exposes issues that are important to our community. We are here because we want to maintain this as part of the African American community. We are not exclusive (but) if you eradicate this station, we won't have a voice."

Now here's the latest: 1140 WJNZ Grand Rapids, Michigan personality and would-be owner Robert S. Womack had tried to halt the $310,000 bankruptcy sale of WJNZ to the lay-Catholic Holy Family Radio, and did prevent it from going to closing as originally scheduled. He claims the bidding process was flawed and says he wants to buy the station, and has the backing to do it.

Now the Grand Rapids Press newspaper reports that a judge has given Womack six more months to operate WJNZ at 1140, before Holy Family can consummate its purchase. Womack even has the right to take the WJNZ call letters with him to a new station – and there are indications that local owner Goodrich may be involved. All Womack says is that “we have found another signal that we will be able to broadcast from if we do take this settlement." Source Grand Rapids Press and Radio-Info

October 18, 2009

Whitney Houston still angry with Wendy Williams over radio fight

Producers are begging the biggest stars in the business to come on the show, but they're getting turned down flat

According to the New York Daily News Whitney Houston won't be sitting down for a chat on the "Wendy Williams Show" anytime soon: A source says she's still steamed about the infamous on-air confrontation she had with Williams back when the host was a radio shock jock.

Houston isn't the only one holding a grudge. In what talent bookers for the talk show are calling the "Wendy BLACK-lash," a slew of A-list African-Americans — including Mariah Carey, Usher, Tyler Perry and Diddy — have all refused to visit the show.

"Wendy isn't that far removed from her days of bashing black Hollywood's who's who on her radio show, and people have long memories," says a source close to the chatfest. "Producers are begging the biggest stars in the business to come on the show, but they're getting turned down flat."

Houston is allegedly still smarting from the 2003 radio exchange she had with Williams, in which the shock jock continually asked questions about her alleged drug problems. Read more

October 16, 2009

Fox News Fires Marc Lamont Hill

Did Pressure from Fox News Shareholders force Hill's Firing?

Liberal Fox News analyst Dr. Marc Lamont Hill has been fired, News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch revealed at a shareholder's meeting Friday.

Murdoch made the announcement after being asked about Hill's "reputation of defending cop killers and racists."

"Relax, y'all. Don't believe the internet rumors," Lamont Hill tweeted earlier today, but he would later confirm the news to the Huffington Post, saying, "I am no longer employed by Fox News and grateful for the opportunity and I have nothing bad to say."

Lamont Hill's credibility as a commentator had been called into question by David Horowitz last month. Read More at Huffington Post

Here are Marc Lamont Hill's Tweets this afternoon

Relax, y'all. Don't believe the internet rumors.
about 5 hours ago from web

In the words of Hov, "On to the next one"....
40 minutes ago from web

Obama's Favorite TV Show is Wendy Williams

According to Wendy Williams' very reliable source, President Barack Obama watches Wendy during lunch time on Fox 5 in D.C. Maybe she's not his favorite anymore after she outed the Prez on her show. Yep, Obama's in the doghouse or on the couch!

An Al Roker Interview with Mo'Nique

Mo'Nique seems to be a great dramatic actress in the upcoming film "Precious." She is a very good comedienne, an award show host, and comedic actress. She has done other things including host a radio show and now a TV talk show; but the list of what she does well kind of ends there.

If you want to hear a good scream you might want to tune into the TV Show weeknights at 11 on BET. And Wendy's been pushed to midnight, Hmmm...

U.S. Senate Committee Approves Performance Rights Act

"Today we are one step closer to righting a wrong that has existed since the early days of radio"

From Brent Lang The Wrap

Advocates for recording artists and companies hailed the Senate Judiciary Committee approval of the Performance Rights Act on Thursday.

The bill is designed to close a loophole in copyright law that prevents artists, musicians and rights holders from seeking royalties for their music from radio companies that play their music on the air.

A similar bill was approved earlier by the House Judiciary Committee.

“Today we are one step closer to righting a wrong that has existed since the early days of radio; one step closer to winning the fight for fundamental justice that has been waged by countless artists and musicians over the last 80 years,” said Jennifer Bendall, executive director of the musicFIRST Coalition, an organization formed to pressure broadcasters to pay radio airplay royalties to record companies.

“We are making unprecedented progress," she added. "Two congressional committees have now approved a bill to create a fair performance right on radio. We ask broadcasters and the new leadership at the NAB to join with us."

The National Association of Broadcasters has fought fiercely against efforts to impose royalty payments.

"A performance tax is bad for free, local radio. It's bad for radio's 235 million weekly listeners. And it's bad for the legions of new and legacy artists whose careers were launched and nurtured by free radio airplay," NAB executive VP Dennis Wharton said in a previous statement on his organization's opposition to the legislation.

October 15, 2009

New York Legendary Jock Hank Spann Dies

The millions of New Yorkers remember the golden age of WWRL (1600 AM), when its playlist and personalities helped shape the direction of music for a whole generation.

One of the legendary disc jockeys of Soul 16, Hank Spann passed away late yesterday.

The circle of jocks at WWRL included Gerry Bledsoe, Hank Spann, Bobby Jay, Gary Byrd, Eddie O'Jay, Enoch Gregory and many others.

Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind"

Whatever your thoughts about the Big Apple, the latest single for radio airplay "Empire State of Mind" featuring Alicia Keys from Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 is hot. Well actually the hook from Alicia is crazy and will become an anthem for the city right next to Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York." Maybe not that far...BUT

...some song's should NEVER be remixed for a sports team anthem. Is there anything as wack as "Yankees Run This Town" from Z-100? Now we know why Jay-Z didn't drop "DOA-Death to Autotune" on Z-100. Take a listen, as if someone would really want to download this Z-100 exclusive! The song was written for the Elvis Duran Morning Show, a syndicated morning show from Clear Channel radio. Not a listener of Elvis Duran...but this remix wouldn't play well with listeners in other cities would it?

How about DOS? Death to Syndication. Especially "wack", "yuk, yuk" syndicated morning shows.

Dr. Huxtable Drops a Rap Album - Cosby Addresses Social Issues

Can you hear Claire laughing in the background?

From Boombox Back in January 2008, [has it been that long?] to the surprise and sheer confusion of the media, Bill Cosby announced plans to debut a hip-hop album. Now that the elapsed time has allowed the initial shock to wane, Cosby's plan is finally coming to fruition. 'Bill Cosby Presents the Cosnarati: State of Emergency," is due November 24 and represents the iconic comedian's effort to bring awareness and social consciousness to troubling issues in hip-hop culture.

With tracks like "Where's the Parade," an ode to black women, and "Dad Behind the Glass," which addresses the issue of absentee fathers, Cosby felt the need to carefully explain the idea behind the album.

"I don't like referring to the music as clean," he said. "What I like is what you're not going to do. You're not going to curse. You're not going to put women down. You're not going to put the glory of the gun somewhere. And you're not going to put a whole lot of violence up front like that's the thing that will cleanse you and make you feel better."

Cosby enlisted the help of a few musical stars to help produce the fusion album, which includes elements from hip-hop, R&B, funk, pop and rock genres. Alicia Keys, LL Cool J, Eric Clapton, William Patterson and the late Miles Davis are heard throughout the project. And before you become unnerved by the idea of Cosby trying to bust a rhyme, find comfort in the fact that he left the rapping to professionals, opting to create the narrative concepts for the tracks instead.

This should be interesting, but like most socially conscious hip hop, we doubt you'll ever hear it on the radio even with Cosby's star power. Maybe he should talk to Oprah... Read more

Tom Joyner’s campaign to clear two unjustly executed ancestors is successful

Radio host Tom Joyner Wednesday received the pardon he was seeking for his great uncles who were executed in South Carolina in 1913 in the death of a 73-year-old Confederate veteran. Joyner, host of the Dallas-based Tom Joyner Morning Show, asked a seven-member panel at the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services to correct what he and his attorneys said was an unjust conviction and death verdict for Thomas and Meeks Griffin. The board voted unanimously to grant the pardon, thought to be the first post conviction pardon in S.C. for someone sentenced to death. Representing Joyner is attorney Steve Benjamin. Also present is Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates Jr.

From "The State"
Posthumous pardon seen as justice for 2 men executed in 1915

Moments after South Carolina granted a posthumous pardon to Thomas and Meeks Griffin for a controversial murder conviction nearly 100 years ago, their great-nephew, talk show host Tom Joyner, shared the news with his 8 million daily listeners of his syndicated radio show.

"We got it! We got it!" an ebullient Joyner told listeners of the "Tom Joyner Morning Show," carried in the Columbia market on WLXC-FM KISS 103.1.

Nine Joyner family members from Mississippi and Texas traveled to Columbia on Wednesday to hear the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services board render a verdict - believed to be the first posthumous pardon in a capital case in state history. Read more

October 14, 2009

It's bad out here: The recession is really hitting the music industry...HARD!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c

Slim Thug Feels the Recession

http://www.thedailyshow.com/

Daily Show
Full Episodes

Political Humor

Ron Paul Interview

Slim Thug is not able to ball like he use to. The quality of the music videos has gone down and dudes are going to the strip club just to get a meal.

But I don't think Frankie got the grillz memo...

A Risky Strategy for Obama to go after Fox News

Obama's White House Communications Director: Fox News Is "Opinion Masquerading As News"

A panel on CNN's "Situation Room", which included Nia Malika Henderson of Politico.com, discussed an interview White House Communications Director Anita Dunn conducted with Time magazine, in which she says about Fox News: "It's opinion journalism masquerading as news... They are boosting their audience, but that doesn't mean we are going to sit back."

Political commentator and former Clinton White House communications director David Gergen thinks it's a "risky strategy... I understand why they're frustrated."

Should President Obama's White House take on Fox News?

October 12, 2009

New Michael Jackson Song Heard on the Web

"This Is It" will be released on October 26, the movie October 28 and the album on vinyl in November and you can here it at MJ's website. Meanwhile the question remains; "Will it be bigger than Thriller?"

From By Jay Lustig/The Newark Star-Ledger "This is it, here I stand, I'm the light of the world, I feel grand." That's the way the new Michael Jackson single, "This Is It," begins. It began streaming at midnight Sunday at Michael Jackson.com.

It's a sweet, mid-tempo love song, with orchestral strings, a crisp beat, and creamy backing vocals by Jackson's brothers. In the middle of one of the albums Jackson released during his life, it might not have received a lot of attention. But given the circumstances, it easily could become a hit.

After Jackson's rather grandiose opening line, he comes back down to earth, professing a love that seems to have taken him by surprise.

"I never heard a single word about you/Falling in love wasn't my plan/I never thought that I would be your lover/Come on, please, just understand," he sings in the chorus.

The song will be heard during the closing sequence of the upcoming movie "
Michael Jackson's This Is It." Released in theaters for a two-week engagement, Oct. 28, the film documents rehearsals for London shows planned as Jackson's comeback, before he died on June 25.
On Oct. 27, Sony Music will release a two-CD set, "Michael Jackson's This Is It (The Music That Inspired the Movie."

The first CD will include the original versions of Jackson's hits, in the same sequence that they appear in the movie, and will end with "This Is It" and an orchestral version of the song.

The second CD includes demo versions of "She's Out Of My Life," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'," and "Beat It," and a spoken word poem by Jackson called "Planet Earth."

The package will include a 36-page booklet with photos of Jackson from his last rehearsal. Click Here for the track listing

Checking in with Ed Lover at Power 105.1 FM New York

Now that Maxwell is in the midst of his nation wide tour, let's share an in studio interview with Ed Lover and co-host Free at New York's Power 105.1. Part 1 of the 6 part interview, Maxwell talks "Pretty Wings" and how he's glad that he's back without having to change his sound.

In this second Radio Online audio-only aircheck, Ed Lover talks extensively about the "real" vs. "not real" Hip Hop debate. The early rant occurred at 6:20 in the morning, which means a few of his listeners may have just been getting in from the club and not realized what he was actually saying...

Ed says "just go with what [music] you like" and "support what you like by buying what you like" and go against the grain if you have to. Very interesting comments on the state of the record and radio industry.

Stephen A. Smith Returns to Radio

Former ESPN host and NBA contributor Stephen A. Smith is slated to return to the radio airwaves doing what he does best, talking sports. Smith will serve as special guest host from 10:00 AM to Noon to launch a new FM sports station in Philadelphia "97.5 The Fanatic."

It's been awhile since we've heard or seen Stephen A. Smith on the air. His contract with ESPN and 1050 ESPN Radio in New York was not renewed earlier this year. Smith has been an occasional fill in host on the Steve Harvey Morning Show.

The 97.5 FM station was virtually dead last in ratings with the "Hot AC" music format. The frequency was Smooth Jazz station WJJZ a year ago.

October 9, 2009

Tom Joyner Seeks Pardon for His Two Great Uncles

From Seanna Adcox (Associated Press) – Nationally syndicated radio host Tom Joyner is asking South Carolina to posthumously pardon two of his great-uncles — black landowners executed in 1915 after being convicted of murdering an elderly Confederate Army veteran.

Joyner learned of the fate of his great-uncles, farmers Thomas and Meeks Griffin, during filming of the PBS documentary "African American Lives 2," which first aired in February 2008 and was based on research by Harvard scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr.

The program traces the lineage of 12 people, including Joyner. The host of "The Tom Joyner Morning Show" said he was stunned to learn of his South Carolina roots and two great-uncles he didn't know existed — much less of their execution.

"The records will show they did not do what they were executed for, and maybe now they can rest in peace," Joyner said from his Dallas studio.

He said a pardon would bring long-overdue justice, adding "I started trying to put myself in my great-uncles' position and tried to imagine what they must've been going through." Read more

October 8, 2009

Former TV owner Eddie Edwards Says He Had No Choice But to Serve Black Listeners of Pittsburgh

In a day and age when we have hate radio dominating our airwaves, even here in the city of Pittsburgh, I had no choice but to step forward, as many in this community have asked me to do, in an effort to return our voice back to the radio dial.

From Adrian McCoy Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh broadcaster Eddie Edwards Sr. is buying WPYT-AM (660) and plans to launch a news and talk format aimed primarily at the African-American community. Mr. Edwards announced at a news conference that he has filed the paperwork with the FCC to purchase the station.

WPYT is licensed to Wilkinsburg, PA. The station, which currently carries syndicated business talk and outdoors programming, is now owned by Langer Broadcasting, based in Framingham, Mass. The 1400-watt station is licensed to operate from sunrise to sundown.The $500,000 deal includes the station license. Mr. Edwards will need to build a new studio and said he's looking at locations in Monroeville and Forest Hills.

FCC approval of the sale will take about 90 days. Mr. Edwards said he hopes to launch the new station by early January.Mr. Edwards noted that the local African-American community has been disenfranchised by the sale of WAMO-FM and WAMO-AM, which were the Pittsburgh market's sole source of music, news and information aimed primarily at that audience. Those stations, along with sister station WPGR-AM, a gospel format, have been off the air since early September. The new owner -- St. Joseph Mission -- plans to introduce Catholic/religious talk programming on those stations."

Pittsburgh's oldest and longest running black-formatted station pulled its plug, leaving a number of seasoned employees out of work. Since then, we have been left with absolutely nothing to tune in to for critical news and information affecting the lives of African Americans in this community," Mr. Edwards said. With a mayoral election coming up, he called that situation "shameful."

Edwards, the former owner of television station WPTT, said he was "happily retired" when he heard about WAMO's demise." I knew another company would be stepping in its place to fill the void quickly. But I was wrong."

In a day and age when we have hate radio dominating our airwaves, even here in the city of Pittsburgh, I had no choice but to step forward, as many in this community have asked me to do, in an effort to return our voice back to the radio dial," he said. Mr. Edwards called the WPYT acquisition the first step in that process. He also hopes to buy an FM station that would have a classic R&B music format targeted at older listeners.

He said another reason he decided to get back into broadcasting is to give young minority broadcasters a chance to find jobs." Our children are being denied job opportunities in this market," he said. "But radio, unlike television, has done a horrible job in hiring young African Americans and minorities in the broadcasting business."

Mr. Edwards said he plans to initially hire around 15 full- and part-time people, primarily in news, production and sales.

October 7, 2009

Rob Redding talks about Talk Radio

Rob Redding talks about being in the program director's chair at Monroe, Louisiana's KMLB "Talk 540" and his approach to balanced programming that includes Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity.

You've moved into programming; how did that move come about? Is it something you've aspired to do or something that came up in some other way?

Celebrating 15 years in radio in November, I can say I have never made the mistake of thinking that programming would be easy or have said it was something that I have always wanted to do. Still, when Bob Holladay, KMLB's owner, confirmed that the station's former program director was taking a job with a television station and offered me the PD job at his heritage station of 79 years I could not turn down the opportunity. I was aware that few blacks -- if any -- hold the position at a mainstream conservative talk radio station.....

You're a rarity, an African-American PD at a mainstream talk station. Why do you think that there are so few minority PDs in talk radio? Why aren't there more minority hosts in the format as well?

Blacks are a rarity in mainstream radio because mainstreams have not sought out blacks, which discourages many blacks from seeking out mainstream stations. My first job in talk radio was supposed to be at a mainstream station a few years ago, and, once I moved into town, I was told that I was too black for the job....

You're an independent in a field in which everyone tends to identify with one side or another. How does that play into your thoughts on programming? Do you look for balance or are you "playing the hits" of one side or another?

My being an independent has no bearing on how I program KMLB. I position the station as the heritage station with Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity - the winning talk radio combination. My syndicated news program, RNR, is as balanced as it gets on KMLB.....

Including the shows you have on the station right now, what syndicated shows are your favorites? What's good radio to you?

I enjoy Moon Griffon's show. He represents the average angry white guy who pulled himself up by his bootstraps. He is syndicated on 13 great radio stations and KMLB is honored to be his flagship. I am obviously not a white guy, but I think he is successful because he is the voice of the angry southern white male who does not have an authentic figure in talk radio outside of him.....

You've been at the vanguard of Internet news sites and you've done radio and worked for newspapers; where do you see the news media in ten years? What will become of "old media" like papers and radio? How will journalists get paid?

First, radio will be around for a while to come, as long as we push the jump to new media platforms like the iPod. Second, newspaper journalists will not get paid anything above pennies unless they revise their model of what it is to be a journalist in 2009's Internet age. Journalists have to get back to being feisty freelance investigators who see the Web as an asset and not an assault to their profession...

Your syndicated show continues to grow; what niche does the show address in the crowded radio marketplace? What's the show all about?

Redding News Review is a provocative independent news and comment show that has mass appeal and can also be considered in the realm of black talk radio - because I am black. Most of our listeners are a 50/50 split between whites and blacks. Currently, the show deals with the fact that there is an overrepresentation of white guys in mainstream talk radio telling people what they think about the nation's first black president and a growing nation of color. Frankly, it helps to have a black guy like me, who is not a sellout, in your stable of syndicated talk talent that can dissect what is going on in a bizarre political and social climate. As America's Independent Voice, you can tell right away by listening to my show that I have never met a politician that I like. Partisans who call in with their same tired political rhetoric and ideological doldrums find themselves hopscotching across the airwaves away from my whip -- yes, I have a whip which I use to whip callers of all colors off their political and ideological plantations. Let me let you in on a secret: You have not lived until you have heard a black guy on the radio whipping a white guy off the radio....

Rob Redding is a syndicated host and programs radio station Talk 540 online at kmlb.com and provides African American news on the web at Redding News Review.

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