Source: Richard Prince's Journal-ism Veteran journalist Tony Cox says the African American-oriented daily talk show he hosts on about 15 public radio stations is in financial trouble and might not last much longer. But social critic Michael Eric Dyson, whom Cox replaced on many of those stations, is set to return with his own show in March.
February 27, 2010
Black Radio in Trouble; Black Public Radio is in Even Bigger Trouble
Source: Richard Prince's Journal-ism Veteran journalist Tony Cox says the African American-oriented daily talk show he hosts on about 15 public radio stations is in financial trouble and might not last much longer. But social critic Michael Eric Dyson, whom Cox replaced on many of those stations, is set to return with his own show in March.
February 26, 2010
Howard Stern to Host $100,000 Beauty Contest for Tiger Woods' Mistresses
Source: FOX News.com and The Times of London As if Tiger Woods’s apology last week for his serial philandering wasn’t enough of a public humiliation, several of his former mistresses have agreed to take part in a beauty pageant in which they will compete for a $100,000 prize.
Arbitron Promotes the Value of Black Radio
The latest report from Arbitron dispels stereotypes of African American radio listenership. About time...COLUMBIA, Md., PRNewswire-FirstCall Arbitron Inc. (NYSE: ARB) announced that the "Black Radio Today 2009, How America Listens to Radio" and "Hispanic Radio Today 2009, How America Listens to Radio" have been released and are available on Arbitron.com. Both of these studies feature Portable People Meter™ (PPM™) data information for the first time.
Radio One Backs Out of Deal to Move to D.C.'s Shaw Neighborhood
February 25, 2010
Hannah Storm Go Go Boots and Red Plaid Skirt Leads to ESPN's Tony Kornheiser suspension
What makes YouTube so great is that anyone, and I mean anyone can post their opinion on any topic. Sometimes it's a good thing and sometimes it's a bad thing.
February 23, 2010
Al Sharpton and Tavis Smiley: Fighting and Arguing on the Radio about... Barack Obama and A Black Agenda
Why are Negroes fighting during Black History Month anyway?How did all of this start? Tavis talked about singing in a choir for Jesus and for Dr. King this morning on the Tom Joyner Show. He said something about choir rehearsal and not getting all the lyrics to a new tune. He also called out America's Black leaders like the Rev. Al Sharpton. Tavis said that Sharpton and others are saying (say it with me now in your best Sharpton voice --->)"President Obama don't need no Black Agenda".
Tavis was on the show to basically promote his latest gabfest called "We Count! The Black Agenda is the American Agenda", on Saturday, March 20 at Chicago State University (i.e. The State of the Black Union will not be held in February this year, but it's going to be held in 2010 but we will call it something else) Listen Here to Tavis' TJMS segment
Well, Rev. Al Sharpton caught wind of this and tried as he might to put Tavis on blast on his radio show this afternoon. Sharpton was put in a position to defend himself from quotes from a couple of New York Times article: Was Rev. Al misquoted? full article from NY Times before the meeting from Feb. 9, 2009
"Many black leaders view this as wise. The Rev. Al Sharpton, who is working with Mr. Obama to close the achievement gap in education, says the president is smart not to ballyhoo “a black agenda.”
full article from NY Times after the meeting from Feb. 10, 2009
"But Mr. Obama and the three other black men who met with him for more than an hour in the Oval Office did not focus on programs for African-Americans or limit their talks to issues of concern primarily to blacks, participants said.
Instead, the group — which included Benjamin T. Jealous, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Marc H. Morial, president of the National Urban League; and the Rev. Al Sharpton, president of the National Action Network — discussed how the economic crisis was affecting all manner of poor people."
Click on the player and listen to the sparks fly
Remember this is all in love. You be the judge.
Source: Your Black World.com Dr. Boyce Watkins
February 22, 2010
Earvin 'Magic' Johnson Acknowledges Johnson Publishing Company; Unable to Make an Agreement to Buy Ebony, Jet and Johnson Publishing Company
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 PRNewswire USNewswire - The following is a statement from Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises:"I would like to salute Linda Johnson Rice and the Johnson family for pioneering the iconic brand of the Johnson Publishing Company, which we have all come to love and respect. Ebony and Jet have been permanent fixtures on coffee tables in African-American homes for many years.
Judge Rules Against Rickey Smiley and Radio One
OK, wasn't Rickey just making a joke? But in Texas, calling someone homosexual imputes the crime of sodomy "...Oh."Syndicated radio host Rickey Smiley may have defamed an airport security guard by calling him gay on his show, a federal judge has ruled. U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor refused to dismiss the guard's defamation claims against the Dallas radio personality reports Courthouse News Service. He claims Smiley made the remark at the airport, and again on the air, after the guard asked to take a photo of himself with Smiley at Love Field.
Not long after, Smiley spoke of the "the gay security guard" at Dallas Love Field Airport on his show airing on local affiliate Rhythmic CHR KBFB-FM (97.9 The Beat)/Dallas. According to the ruling, the broadcast included a poem, off-color humor about conducting personal searches, and an admonition to 'Henry' to stop taking pictures.
Rickey Smiley and Radio One, owner of KBFB moved to dismiss the defamation claim, saying the show was not defamatory because it was satire and could not be taken as fact. Judge O'Connor disagreed with the satire argument, ruling that a reasonable person could take Smiley's comments at face value and assume Robinson was gay."
Read more from RadioOnline
February 21, 2010
Is it time for these Kobe, LeBron Commercials from Nike to end?
"Cut Kobe, LeBron Puppets' Strings" by Terence Moore of FanHouse.com and Atlanta Journal Constitution
OK, I'll admit it. In the beginning, I had no problem with the buffoonery of the Kobe and LeBron puppets.
They were puppets. They also were hilarious.
Now one of three things has happened: (1) Nike has slowly turned what was a clever marketing idea into a modern-day version of Amos and Andy, (2) I've just come to my senses, or (3) it is a combination of both.
Whatever the case, these commercials have to go. Either that, or they need an extreme makeover. They are the anti-Barack Obamas when it comes to helping society rid itself of tired images of African-Americans -- and the Nike folks couldn't care less. The same goes for Kobe and LeBron. Otherwise, you wouldn't have storylines in each of these commercials that clearly are designed to entice as many black youngsters as possible to buy sneakers they can't afford.
Stereotyping. Exploitation. It's all here.
I mean, you have the two most famous players in the NBA -- Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, both heroes among many youth in the black community -- depicted by a couple of sports-obsessed, egomaniacal puppets.
Worse, these puppets mostly lounge around their apartment as they live in a world filled with rapping and folks speaking broken English.
Let's pause for a moment of silence. This being Black History Month and all, that groaning you now hear is coming from the graves of W.E.B., Booker T., Martin, Malcolm and the rest, wondering if this is the 21st century or 19th century.
Read more at Fanhouse.com
February 19, 2010
WNYC Radio Unearths a Rare Interview With Malcolm X
Sunday, February 21st is the 45th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X.WNYC, the largest public radio station in the country, has unearthed a rare, 30-minute Malcolm X interview, from his days in the Nation of Islam, from its archives, conducted by reporter Eleanor Fischer.
In it he discusses the difference between separation and segregation, Black Muslim philosophy, and why “what Martin Luther King is doing is disarming the black people of America of their natural right.” He goes on to say: “If a man puts his arms around me voluntarily, that’s brotherhood, but if you hold a gun on him and make him embrace me and pretend to be friendly or brotherly toward me, then that’s not brotherhood, that’s hypocrisy.”
It’s a fascinating snapshot of a moment in time in Malcolm’s X’s political evolution.
The full 1960 interview with Malcolm X from WNYC Radio Listen here
Tiger Woods' Statement: " I brought this shame on myself" ; "I'm Deeply Sorry"
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. (AP) -Tiger Woods told his family, friends and fans that he is "deeply sorry'' for his selfish and irresponsible behavior.Woods spoke from the clubhouse at the TPC Sawgrass, home of the PGA Tour. About 40 people were in the room, including his mother. His wife Elin was not present.
The world's No. 1 golfer had not talked in public since his traffic accident Nov. 27 triggered shocking revelations about Woods' infidelity.
Friday's event was tightly controlled, with only a few journalists allowed to watch Woods live.According to the PGA commissioner, Woods will return to therapy after Friday's events.
African American Relationships and Therapy Talk on Black Radio
It seems nowadays everybody wants to know why so many Black women are single?Saturday mornings are a good time to check out that topic on radio stations across the country. Social healing and relationships between men and women are some of the core issues that have never really been addressed in the African American community. Talk radio is a good place to address those issues. The Audrey Chapman Show is by far the best therapy/relationship show in the country.
Audrey is a family therapist, author, trainer, and nationally-known relationship expert. She has developed a "tough love" approach to helping men and women develop loving, interdependent relationships, build communication, and take responsibility for their happiness. She has appeared on dozens of national and television programs. She hosts "The Audrey Chapman Show" on Washington, D.C.'s WHUR-FM 96.3, Saturdays from 8:00-10:00 A.M. EST. The mix of guest and callers with the local D.C. flavor makes this show exceptional. We only wish it was available on a podcast.
But after the Audrey Chapman Show goes off the air there's that feeling that you get that you just need to hear more. Well, my next stop is Motown to Detroit's AM 1500 WLQV and the Kim Bettie Show. The Kim Bettie Show is an up and coming radio program that addresses issues that mainly affect African American women. Kim Bettie is a life coach, motivational speaker and multi-media personality. Her thought provoking style challenges her audiences to develop the right mindset to breakthrough their roadblocks to success. For the past twenty years she has been in the business of encouraging others.
But after the Audrey Chapman Show goes off the air there's that feeling that you get that you just need to hear more. Well, my next stop is Motown to Detroit's AM 1500 WLQV and the Kim Bettie Show. The Kim Bettie Show is an up and coming radio program that addresses issues that mainly affect African American women. Kim Bettie is a life coach, motivational speaker and multi-media personality. Her thought provoking style challenges her audiences to develop the right mindset to breakthrough their roadblocks to success. For the past twenty years she has been in the business of encouraging others. You can catch the show on http://www.faithtalk1500.com/ Saturday mornings 10 - 11 A.M. EST. There are times that both shows hit upon the same subjects and it makes for interesting radio on a Saturday morning.
The Kim Bettie Show is featuring "The Single and The City" Radio Blog series beginning this week on-air and online. Three single women who work and live in metropolitan Detroit complete a love experiment. Rian, Lisa and Sandra Dee blog about their experience on a reality radio show and starting a love experiment. Alton Gunn will talk with a panel of single men during "What men want: The Male Perspective" on The Kim Bettie Show. If you missed the show, listen to the podcast in the Media Room at http://www.kimbettieshow.com/.
Sandra Dee Johnson, Lisa Mills, Kim Bettie, Alton Gunn, and Rian English
February 17, 2010
Citadel Media to Drop ''Big Boy's Neighborhood''
The company that was once known as ABC Radio Networks has given Big Boy notice: Lose weight or... wait he already did that! Citadel Media is dropping its syndication of the Los Angeles-based Big Boy's Neighborhood, effective March 26. The show originates from Emmis Radio's KPWR Power 106 in L.A. Executive producer Jason Ryan told LARadio.com, "With all the changes Citadel is going through, both Citadel and "BBN" mutually decided that to further grow Big Boy's 25 successful affiliates, a re-energized effort from a new syndicator would be the best next step for everyone." ...and to think Big Boy broadcast his morning show live to east coast at 2:30 A.M. West Coast time every morning, then continues on the air until 10:00 AM in Los Angeles. SMH That's insane.
In recent months the financial strapped company has dropped the Doug Banks Show and the Brian McKnight's Show from it's roster. Citadel also syndicates The Michael Baisden show.
Could Michael Baisden be on the chopping block next?; If so.. how long would it take for Cathy Hughes and Radio One to make him an offer? Or will they sign D.L. Hughley (who does mornings on the same station in NYC, WRKS 98.7 Kiss FM) to a syndication contract?
Neo Soul Radio Comes to Birmingham
Will they play Corrine Bailey Rae? Rememeber she doesn't know what Neo-Soul is. Cox has dropped the Black talk format in favor of “Birmingham’s Neo Soul” WENN 1320 AM. However it will be known as WENN 101.9 as the AM signal will be rebroadcasted on a translator station (W270BW ) at 101.9.
Cox Birmingham Operations Manager Kori White will serve as PD and midday personality while B. Brian will do afternoon drive. White says the artist roster on air will include: Maxwell, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Eric Roberson, Jill Scott, Angie Stone, among others.
You can take a listen online.
The way we see it: We published a post on the viability of a Neo-Soul format and Corrine Bailey Rae's definition of Neo-soul music. She said she didn't know what it was. Sounds like she wanted no parts of Neo-Soul.
Overall Neo-soul playlists simply do not have broad based appeal. At best Neo-Soul should be incorporated into an Urban AC playlist. So in attempt to blend in this genre of music; we created our own Pandora station. We do give credit to Cox Radio for thinking outside the box and for trying something different. At any rate you'll hear Corrine Bailey Rae on our Pandora station if she likes it or not!
Miami Radio and TV Personality Bo Griffin Dies
Source: SUN-SENTINEL/ MIAMI HERALD Bontia "Bo" Griffin, a former South Florida radio host who also worked in local and cable television, died Tuesday from intestinal cancer, WFOR-CBS 4 reports. Griffin was 51.Griffin turned the "Mindy and Bo Morning Show" on dance-pop and R&B station Power 96 (WPOW, 96.5 FM) into one of the most popular morning programs in South Florida in the 1980s and '90s.
She was also on Hot 105 (WHQT, FM 105.1) and did entertainment reporting for a local TV station.
"The world has lost an amazing talent today," Power 96 personality DJ Laz said. "Bo, you were my friend, my co-worker and my mentor for many years. You inspired everyone that was fortunate enough to hear your voice."
Griffin, who moved to her native South Carolina and until recently owned a successful boutique in Greenville, was diagnosed with cancer in January.
Her career as a TV personality blossomed after she left South Florida, appearing on "Good Day Live" and guest-hosting the Game Show Network's "GSN Live."
Griffin hosted the travel series "Blue Ribbon" on Turner South and the home makeover show "The Big Reveal" for HGTV as well.
Griffin recently sold her boutique because she planned to move back to Los Angeles full-time.
BV Buzz online reports that she had apparently just signed on to work as a correspondent for the news magazine show "Extra," where she had done previous stints.
Griffin was working as a waitress in New York City when her acting coach told her she had a great voice for radio.
Her first job was at WSRC in Durham, N.C., in 1983.
In September 1984, she went to work at WEDR in Miami, moved to HOT-105, and then Power 96 in 1988.
Griffin is survived by several family members, including her father, the Rev. David L. Hellams, and two sisters, Polly Peterson and Cindy Griffin.
February 15, 2010
Have you gotten your Black Card yet from your local Black Radio Station?
Why not it's Black History Month!
Two radio stations across the country are promoting a Black Card. (That's all we found so far...) Yes a Black Card. I'm sure this card is available to any red-blooded American willing to sign up. Anyway the two stations are Urban AC station 107.9 WRNB in Philadelphia and talk station 1690 WVON in Chicago.
At WRNB this is all you have to do:
Become an RNB Black Card Member!
RNB Black Card Members can tell us what to play! Win Concert Tickets! Win VIP Club Passes and exclusive Meet and Greets!
AND IF YOU SIGN UP NOW YOU COULD WIN 500 DOLLARS, JUST BY SIGNING UP!!! YOU HAVE UNTIL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND TO BECOME AN RNB BLACK CARD MEMBER…..AND YOU’LL AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR IT……YOU’LL FIND OUT IF YOU WON ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD WITH MO’SHAY LAREN! All you have to do is JOIN NOW!
Sounds easy enough... I might just sign up for the opportunity to be program director.
I was a little disappointed with the WVON Black Card... I couldn't figure out why I have to pay for my Black Card in Chicago... But I will admit the WVON Black Card is a nicer looking card. Sign up here
If you know of any other radio stations offering a Black Card, leave a comment. Let the world know. Hopefully you don't have to pay for it and can win more than $500. But think about it, if you ever have to play the race card, now you have one!
Two radio stations across the country are promoting a Black Card. (That's all we found so far...) Yes a Black Card. I'm sure this card is available to any red-blooded American willing to sign up. Anyway the two stations are Urban AC station 107.9 WRNB in Philadelphia and talk station 1690 WVON in Chicago.
At WRNB this is all you have to do:
Become an RNB Black Card Member!
RNB Black Card Members can tell us what to play! Win Concert Tickets! Win VIP Club Passes and exclusive Meet and Greets!
AND IF YOU SIGN UP NOW YOU COULD WIN 500 DOLLARS, JUST BY SIGNING UP!!! YOU HAVE UNTIL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND TO BECOME AN RNB BLACK CARD MEMBER…..AND YOU’LL AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFY FOR IT……YOU’LL FIND OUT IF YOU WON ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD WITH MO’SHAY LAREN! All you have to do is JOIN NOW!
Sounds easy enough... I might just sign up for the opportunity to be program director.
I was a little disappointed with the WVON Black Card... I couldn't figure out why I have to pay for my Black Card in Chicago... But I will admit the WVON Black Card is a nicer looking card. Sign up here
If you know of any other radio stations offering a Black Card, leave a comment. Let the world know. Hopefully you don't have to pay for it and can win more than $500. But think about it, if you ever have to play the race card, now you have one!
February 14, 2010
Magic Johnson May Buy Ebony Magazine, Jet Magazine and Johnson Publishing
Basketball legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson may soon take over a legend in the publishing world -- Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Co.Retired NBA star Earvin Magic Johnson is in talks to purchase Johnson Publishing Co., home to Ebony Magazine and Jet Magazine and an archive of iconic photographs documenting U.S. black life for more than half a century.
“There have been discussions,” Eric Holoman, president of Los Angeles-based Magic Johnson Enterprises, said in an interview. “There’s no definitive agreement.” He declined to comment further.
Johnson, 50, would fold the publisher into Magic Johnson Enterprises, said a person with knowledge of the discussions. The company he founded while a player with the Los Angeles Lakers has partnerships with Starbucks Corp., 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide Inc. and T.G.I. Friday’s Inc. Ad revenue at Ebony declined 38 percent to $35.5 million last year on a 39 percent drop in ad pages, according to Publishers Information Bureau.
Johnson Publishing’s Chicago headquarters would be included in the sale, said the person, who declined to be identified because talks are private. A purchase may require satisfying liens placed on the building by a creditor, the person said.
Linda Johnson Rice, chairman and chief executive officer of Johnson Publishing, declined a request for an interview, said Wendy Parks, a spokeswoman. Johnson Rice “has never talked to Magic Johnson with respect to his interest in buying” the company, Parks said.
Johnson Publishing was founded in 1942 by John H. Johnson, Linda Johnson Rice’s father. Ebony, the monthly magazine of features, the newsweekly Jet and the long-defunct Negro Digest chronicled African-American life when mainstream media paid little attention.During the Civil-Rights Era, photographer Moneta Sleet Jr. was working for Ebony when he shot the Pulitzer Prize-winning image of Coretta Scott King and her young daughter at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral in 1968. Jet stirred controversy in 1964, when it ran photos of 14-year- old Emmett Till in his coffin, beaten beyond recognition in a racially-motivated attack.
Ebony’s resonance was underscored when president-elect Barack Obama granted the magazine his first print interview following the 2008 campaign.
John H. Johnson died in 2005. His wife, Eunice Johnson, who ran the Ebony Fashion Fair Business, died last month. The traveling fashion show’s spring edition was canceled, the Tampa Tribune reported last month.
Magic Johnson led the Lakers to five National Basketball Association championships in the 1980s and is a co-owner of the team. He won the league’s Most Valuable Player award three times and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002.
Source: Brett Pulley Bloomberg.com
February 12, 2010
Stephen A. Smith returns to Sports Columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer
Stephen A., the man known as "SAS" in this report, has returned to his position as sports columnist with the Philadelphia Inquirer. At what cost? Stephen A. must agree to squash his political views at other media outlets. (mainly Fox News, MSNBC and the TODAY Show) WHAT???Source: Richard Prince Journalisms Stephen A. Smith's sports column appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday for the first time in more than two years after Smith agreed to the Inquirer's demand that he remove political opinions from his Web site and agree to stop espousing them on cable news shows.
Smith's agreement to the Inquirer's ethics policy — which he contends has not been applied to other news employees — applies "until the dispute is resolved by an arbitrator," Bill Ross, executive director of the Newspaper Guild-Communications Workers Association of America Local 38010, told Journal-isms.
While the capitulation, however temporary, silences Smith's views on politics, it also removes the Inquirer's rationale for not running his column.
"I'm glad the employer has done the right thing and published SAS column," Ross said via e-mail. Smith "continues to scan the sports landscape, and will continue to produce top notch columns for the Philadelphia Inquirer, that no doubt will attract readers back, who have stopped reading due to SAS long absence."
In today's column Stephen A. writes about the possible retirement of Philadelphia Seventy-Sixer Allen Iverson. Iverson voted to start by the fans in Sunday's NBA All-Star in Dallas will not be attending the game due to the illness of his daughter.
-Now that Allen Iverson has elected to skip Sunday's NBA All-Star Game, reports circulating throughout the league have him retiring soon. According to those close to the Answer, there's no truth to that. But considering the personal issues that Iverson has endured of late, combined with how they have affected his willingness to play, we have to wonder: Is it time for Iverson to call it a career? It's a legitimate question, now more than ever. >> Read more of the columnStephen A. Smith continues to host his own daily sports talk show on Fox Sports Radio. He will pick up another affiliate on March 5 at WHEN-AM in Syracuse, NY. The station will drop Don Imus and replace him with Smith.
February 11, 2010
WNYC presents "Haiti's Future: New York City Speaks"
WNYC’s Jerome L. Greene Performance Space will present "Haiti's Future: New York City Speaks", a platform for key voices in New York to convene and explore many of the wide-ranging consequences of the tragedy.Farai Chideya, multimedia journalist and contributor to WNYC and PRI’s The Takeaway, and Garry Pierre-Pierre, Editor and Publisher, Haitian Times, will moderate a panel of elected officials, economic and media experts, community activists, and everyday Haitian-Americans in a discussion of the earthquake’s impact from Haiti to NYC to the world. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer will provide opening remarks, and Deputy Manhattan Borough President Rose Pierre-Louis, the highest-ranking Haitian-American politician in New York City, will serve as a panelist.
The event will begin at 7pm on Friday February 12th and includes a post-reception. It will be available as a live videocast at www.wnyc.org/thegreenespace and http://www.writetalklisten.com/.The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space is located at 44 Charlton Street in NYC. For tickets to attend the free event go to http://www.ovationtix.com/trs/pe/7938595.
Star & Buc Wild Expand to 90 Minutes Nightly on Shovio.com
The Star & Buc Wild Show with co-host White Trash Helen can now be seen from 7:30 pm to 9 pm ET, Monday through Friday exclusively on Shovio.com.Urban radio and video hosts Star (Troi Torain) & Buc Wild (Timothy Joseph) are joined by co-host White Trash Helene (Helene Sola), and are known to millions from working as top-rated hosts at major urban radio outlets such as Hot 97, Power 105.1 and Pulse 87.7 in New York and from Clear Channel radio syndication. Star & Buc Wild can also be seen on videos posted at VladTV.com.
The Star & Buc Wild Show will bring Star’s philosophy to entertaininment, and his often controversial comments about current events, society and celebrities to Shovio viewers.
So what is Shovio??? Check it out for yourself at Shovio.com...
February 10, 2010
Mancow Muller Fired From WLS Radio Chicago Says "There's no rhyme or reason to this business"
Management says Mancow is not a good fit on the conservative talk radio station. Do radio talk show host need to be Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity clones to get a job?
Popular Chicago radio personality Mancow Muller was fired from his job as midday personality on news and conservative talk station WLS-AM Wednesday after only 16 months, a move Muller said had "no rhyme or reason."
Muller, along with co-host and radio veteran Pat Cassidy, had the 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. slot at WLS, but were fired following their Wednesday show. WBEZ's Robert Feder reports that the duo will be replaced with Cisco Cotto.
As for Muller, he was pretty shocked about the news:
"There's no rhyme or reason to this business," Muller said. "I've stopped trying to figure it out. I thought we were doing a great show. I think it had a lot of interesting elements, and I'm proud of the show we did."
The station, which also features Rush Limbaugh's syndicated show, is working to "restore credibility to conservative talk," WLS President and General Manager Michael Damsky told Feder. No word on what restoring the station's "credibility" means for Limbaugh.
"Mancow has been an outstanding talent and an ideal employee in every respect. Unfortunately, he does not fit the needs of the radio station as we try to fulfill a very clear vision of what listeners expect," Damsky said.
Muller has had a long and tumultuous career in Chicago. He was fired from Q101 in 2006, and then filed a lawsuit over the firing. The libertarian party supporter Muller continues to host a nationally syndicated morning show for the Talk Radio Network. Source: Huffington Post
In the following bit, Mancow gets waterboarded to see what it's like and shares it with listeners in May 2009. After this experience his new views on waterboarding are slightly different than most conservatives.
Popular Chicago radio personality Mancow Muller was fired from his job as midday personality on news and conservative talk station WLS-AM Wednesday after only 16 months, a move Muller said had "no rhyme or reason."Muller, along with co-host and radio veteran Pat Cassidy, had the 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. slot at WLS, but were fired following their Wednesday show. WBEZ's Robert Feder reports that the duo will be replaced with Cisco Cotto.
As for Muller, he was pretty shocked about the news:
"There's no rhyme or reason to this business," Muller said. "I've stopped trying to figure it out. I thought we were doing a great show. I think it had a lot of interesting elements, and I'm proud of the show we did."
The station, which also features Rush Limbaugh's syndicated show, is working to "restore credibility to conservative talk," WLS President and General Manager Michael Damsky told Feder. No word on what restoring the station's "credibility" means for Limbaugh.
"Mancow has been an outstanding talent and an ideal employee in every respect. Unfortunately, he does not fit the needs of the radio station as we try to fulfill a very clear vision of what listeners expect," Damsky said.
Muller has had a long and tumultuous career in Chicago. He was fired from Q101 in 2006, and then filed a lawsuit over the firing. The libertarian party supporter Muller continues to host a nationally syndicated morning show for the Talk Radio Network. Source: Huffington Post
In the following bit, Mancow gets waterboarded to see what it's like and shares it with listeners in May 2009. After this experience his new views on waterboarding are slightly different than most conservatives.
Corrine Bailey Rae says "I don't really know what neo-soul is"
Do you blame her for not wanting to be labeled as representing neo-soul music? Listen to Meredith Viera's first question to Corrine Bailey Rae on a recent appearance on NBC's The Today Show.
The term neo soul was initially coined by Kedar Massenburg of Motown Records in the late 1990s as a marketing category following the commercial breakthroughs of artists such as D'Angelo, Erykah Badu, India.Arie, and Maxwell. Has there ever been a more detrimental term is the history of Black music for a recording artist? To be called an underground hip-hop artist is close to being on the same plane.
In reality, I don't think anyone really knows what neo-soul is. What do you think of when you hear "neo-soul"? Whoever you think of or whatever your definition; you can almost guarantee very little commercial appeal for that artist and no radio airplay. Neo soul could be a euphemism for: "I actually have talent but refuse to be packaged in the image of some urban music record executive."
Maybe it's a good thing for neo-soul artist to strike out on their own; doing small concert dates and promoting their mostly independently produced albums. In the meantime I'm sure many artists would love to have just a bit of radio airplay.
However Urban AC radio is the least bit interested in playing so-called neo-soul artists. It's a Catch-22 situation. Listeners aren't interested in hearing music from artist they don't know. Radio is not going to play artist that will drive away listeners. But how are listeners going to know about these artist unless they hear them on the radio.
The only major urban station that incorporates neo-soul music in their playlist is KRNB 105.7 in Dallas. You will occasionally hear non-mainstream R&B music on 96.3 WHUR in Washington, DC. Even 107.9 WRNB in Philadelphia has abandoned their "R&B from the 90's and Today" slogan even though neo-soul was never really part of their playlist mix.
The term neo-soul never caught on with music listening public in large numbers. But this past year Maxwell did catch on. Maxwell emerged out of the music genre equivalent of a black hole to massive urban commercial appeal. Although mainstream crossover success has eluded him.
Now you know why Corrine Bailey Rae said what she said.
February 8, 2010
ESPN firing of Michael Irvin from his radio show a case of racism?
Irvin countersues accuser instead of ESPN and parent company Disney
Michael Irvin, accused of rape in a civil suit filed Thursday in Broward County, FL Circuit Court, has filed a $100 million countersuit.
The suit, filed in Dallas County, Texas, asks for $100 million due to the allegations filed in a lawsuit that claim Irvin, the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, raped a woman identified as "Jane Doe" at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., in 2007.
Last Thusday Irvin lost his sports radio talk show on ESPN Radio 103.3 in Dallas. "His contract was up and the show has not performed," ESPN said in a statement released Friday. "We had previously decided to cancel the show and determined this morning to make it effective today.
Now the question remains as to why was Michael Irvin really fired?
The blog The Bleacher Report claims ESPN was racist in their firing of Irvin. The blog says that Irvin should sue ESPN. "ESPN has clearly damaged Irvin's career with their decision, whereas, ESPN made the official decision to protect the image of [Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben] Roethlisberger [following allegations of rape charges against him last summer].
Sports fans will recall that there was barely a mention on ESPN's anchor program Sportscenter when reports surfaced of the Roethlisberger rape charges. The Pittsburgh QB also appeared on the premiere episode of Shaquille O'Neal reality show "Shaq Vs." on ABC TV (also a Disney owned company) a few weeks later.
Now was the Irvin firing decision ESPN and Disney's way of protecting their image? You tell me.
>>Read more from The Bleacher Report.
Michael Irvin, accused of rape in a civil suit filed Thursday in Broward County, FL Circuit Court, has filed a $100 million countersuit.The suit, filed in Dallas County, Texas, asks for $100 million due to the allegations filed in a lawsuit that claim Irvin, the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Fame member, raped a woman identified as "Jane Doe" at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Fla., in 2007.
Last Thusday Irvin lost his sports radio talk show on ESPN Radio 103.3 in Dallas. "His contract was up and the show has not performed," ESPN said in a statement released Friday. "We had previously decided to cancel the show and determined this morning to make it effective today.
Now the question remains as to why was Michael Irvin really fired?
The blog The Bleacher Report claims ESPN was racist in their firing of Irvin. The blog says that Irvin should sue ESPN. "ESPN has clearly damaged Irvin's career with their decision, whereas, ESPN made the official decision to protect the image of [Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben] Roethlisberger [following allegations of rape charges against him last summer].
Sports fans will recall that there was barely a mention on ESPN's anchor program Sportscenter when reports surfaced of the Roethlisberger rape charges. The Pittsburgh QB also appeared on the premiere episode of Shaquille O'Neal reality show "Shaq Vs." on ABC TV (also a Disney owned company) a few weeks later.
Now was the Irvin firing decision ESPN and Disney's way of protecting their image? You tell me.
>>Read more from The Bleacher Report.
February 5, 2010
"Still Bill" the documentary on singer Bill Withers
This documentary is simply fantastic. Bill Withers is about as least likely as anyone you know to record a number one hit record. You know the songs, "Lean On Me", "Ain't No Sunshine" and many others. We find out that Bill, who was making airplane toilets at the time, decided at age 32 to try his hand at the music business. We also find out that it was just as easy for him to walk away from it all in 1985. He hasn't released an album since.
The film not only provides footage of a songwriting genius, but also gives an unexpected exploration into the life of a soulful and compassionate singer that's filled with humorous moments and many life lessons. If only the people who run the music industry took "the art side" of making music more seriously, instead of relying on the formulaic process that quite frankly rewards image rather than talent. If only. Yes it is a business, but at the end of the day, we the listening public, tuned-in to our radios daily, are missing out on a whole lot of talent that rarely sees the light of day, like Bill Withers.
Check out where to see a screening of the film, buy the DVD, or host a screening yourself at still bill the movie.com .
Still Bill Trailer from B-Side Entertainment on Vimeo.
February 4, 2010
Radio Commercials Come to Pandora Internet Radio
The radio station you program yourself has been forced to sell advertisements. Is it what listeners want?
In order to remain profitable, Pandora is forced to insert commercials into the music you program. Royalty fees for online music stations are much higher than what broadcast radio stations have to pay. It's all a matter of survival.
Source: Wired Epicenter Faced with increasing broadcast fees and limited success with visual ads, Pandora, the streaming radio service that grew out of the Music Genome project, has begun including in-stream advertisements as a way to raise revenue.Pandora previously experimented with in-stream ads, but scrapped the idea due to negative feedback. Now, however, it would appear that Pandora is feeling the pinch (the company also recently laid off staff) enough to give the ads another try, despite the initial negative reaction.
The new ads, which Pandora acknowledged via its Twitter account, began running yesterday when users reported hearing an short, 15-second ad for the Fox TV show Lie To Me. The initial ad showed up after listening to about 10 songs. For many the ad ran again about 20 songs later and then went away.
Naturally, listeners were not happy and number of Twitter posts were vehement in their objections, prompting Pandora to respond: "so you know, we did not take on audio ads lightly. We try to be extremely respectful of your listening experience, & promise to be prudent."The ads will only be heard on Pandora’s free services, like the web-based application and the very popular iPhone app. Those of you who have paid the $36 yearly subscription fee for Pandora’s premium service will not be subjected to ads.
While it was nice to be able to stream Pandora for free with no ads, like so many free services on the web, it appears those days are over. Your options are to put up with the ads, pay the yearly fee (which is significantly cheaper than XM or Sirius radio) or move to another service like Slacker or Last.fm.
Although a number of users are up in arms about the change, with some promising to leave Pandora, most users seem to recognize that Pandora needs to make some money if it hopes to stay in business.
So how about it, Pandora listeners? Are the ads OK with you? Or will you be paying for premium, ad-free service? Or moving on to another free, streaming music service without ads?
February 2, 2010
WBLS pays tribute to its company's founder Percy Sutton during Black History Month
107.5 WBLS pays tribute to Inner City Broadcasting founder Percy E. Sutton during Black History Month.Mr. Sutton is honored with a photo gallery and bio reminiscent of the Tavis Smiley's exhibit "America I AM."
The bio begins with a quote from Radio One CEO, Alfred Liggins, "Percy Sutton started it all. We at Radio One aspired to emulate Percy and Inner City Broadcasting, as did any black broadcaster of any size and scale."
The website also encourages listeners to tell how they are (like) Percy Sutton and many other noted Black Americans during the month of February including current radio hosts Rev. Al Sharpton, Steve Harvey, and even New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg.
(Did you know Mr. Bloomberg was Black??? Really? He must be, he's listed under Black History!!!)
February 1, 2010
Kissing After Dark with Lenny Green Returns to 98.7 Kiss FM
Lenny Green is back with “Kissing after Dark” without Brian McKnight. He has "officially" returned to the New York airwaves on 98.7 Kiss FM (WRKS). He’s back on the shift starting tonight, taking over for the cancelled Brian McKnight Show. Lenny was co-host on the night time Quiet Storm/Slow Jams show. Kiss PD Jill Strada says Lenny Green “never technically left”, but he’s now back in the weeknight shift that listeners associate him with, talking about “sex, love and relationships.” Green was the long time night host when Kiss decided to pick up the syndicated McKnight program.
You know two men sharing a mic talking about romance, or even singing about it, never really did it for me anyway. Like the following video from Luther Vandross and Gregory Hines. Welcome back Lenny, solo.
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