Tag: iHeartmedia (formerly Clear Channel)

Chicago, IL – January 23, 2014 – 107.5 WGCI FM, Chicago's Hip-Hop and R & B, announced today that Kenard Karter has been named Program Director, effective March 3, 2014. Karter will return to Chicago after four years of being at Clear Channel’s KMEL in the San Francisco market, where he most recently served as the Assistant Program Director and Midday Personality. He’s a Chicago native that began his radio career in his hometown ten years ago. Kenard has held a variety of positions in Chicago including On-Air Personality and Promotions Assistant at 107.5 WGCI; and Music Director at both 107.5 WGCI FM and 103.5 KISS FM. He also has served as Assistant Production Director of 107.5 WGCI, V103 and Inspiration 1390AM. “I’m thrilled Kenard is coming aboard to lead the WGCI team. His record of success at KMEL is impressive and his competitive spirit is infectious,” said Derrick Brown, Director of Urban Programming for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Chicago. “I couldn’t be happier Kenard is coming back home to Chicago to take ‘GCI to its next level of success.” “I’m proud to have a proven track record of major market ratings success. I am a team player with a knack for innovation and collaboration, which I'm excited to bring to Chicago,” said Karter. “I am ready to accept the challenge of leading one of Clear Channel’s heritage urban brand’s as Program Director in my hometown.”

Congrats to Kathy Brown the new PD at Clear Channel's KMJM. Her first day was today.

Radio Facts: MediaVest and Clear Channel Media + Entertainment (CCM+E) revealed the results of a joint national study that provides deep insights into why, when and how consumers use particular audio platforms. "Consumers seamlessly flow between different media choices and indeed different forms of audio. Broadcast remains dominant while other listening platforms address specific needs" The study, which surveyed thousands of audio listeners who use one or more of the following audio sources – personal music collections (CDs, iTunes downloads), broadcast radio, streaming AM/FM radio, custom online playlists, satellite radio, online music videos and digital music channels on TV – shows that consumers recognize unique and important benefits for each audio platform, and will choose each based on the time of day and situational needs. In addition the research shows that because of the use of alternate audio devices, time spent across audio platforms continues to increase and growth in audio is predominantly additive. Usage of all platforms is generally highest from 3pm to 7pm. "In the Car" is the No. 1 location for audio across all day parts and participants prefer to access audio content through regular broadcast stations or satellite radio. In addition, they are more likely to listen to online AM/FM radio streams or custom playlists from home. Results also show that mobile devices increase control and portability, with most listeners citing the ability to "take their music with them anywhere" as one of the top reasons they turn to audio on their mobile devices. The results also offer a detailed look at consumers' motivations in selecting one platform over another. Listeners choose broadcast radio for its accessibility to timely news, radio personalities and hearing new music. Personal music collections or custom stations allow consumers to control the content, while satellite radio offers fewer advertisements. Consumers can use audio platforms to connect with the world around them, or to create and control a personal experience. The most appealing audio ads are related to listeners' favorite music, delivered at relevant times and customized to the specific audio platform. Audio gives marketers an opportunity to deliver high-impact and emotionally resonant messages. Broadcast radio listeners are most accepting of advertising and broadcast radio delivers the strongest advertising recall and brand engagement. "Consumers seamlessly flow between different media choices and indeed different forms of audio. Broadcast remains dominant while other listening platforms address specific needs," said Radha Subramanyam, EVP, Insights Clear Channel Media and Entertainment. "By constantly tuning into audience feedback, we can continue to evolve the listening experience and optimize advertising for different platforms." "In the audio space, most measurement focuses on a single-audio platform, rather than a complete view of the landscape," said David Shiffman, EVP, Research Director, MediaVest. "Our goal in working with Clear Channel - with its extensive experience in both live and digital radio -was to generate a real-time and accurate view of the audio space, which we believe is going through an evolution similar to television. Marketers have embraced the concept of multi-screen consumer behavior, but audio media also provides a tremendous opportunity for them to connect with their target audience throughout their day." The study's key findings include: * The car remains the most popular location for audio listening throughout the day. * 63 percent of teens listen to more than two audio platforms a day – the highest of any demographic. * Broadcast radio is the most popular audio platform. * Listeners choose broadcast radio to stay connected to "the world": Top drivers for radio usage are its accessibility, timely news, traffic, weather, engagement with radio personalities and discovering new music. * Personal music collections (CDs, iTunes downloads, etc.) are about control with 81 percent choosing the platform to control or customize their listening experience. Custom playlists are also about control and follow with 67 percent choosing the platform for this reason. * 41 percent of consumers are willing to listen to ads in exchange for free online audio. Ads related to the music consumers like and optimized for the time of day are most powerful. * Audio media are an important element in people's lives o 81 percent say audio delivers fulfills their need for fun/entertainment o 68 percent say it provides a great way to escape o 55 percent indicated audio as helping to motivate & inspire them o 46 percent claim it offers a way to express myself/an outlet for self-expression

Feb, 2013

Tommy Mottola Publishes Tell All Memoir Includes Clash with Michael Jackson

"He's a mean racist, and very, very, very devilish," said Michael Jackson of record label executive Tommy Mottola famously at a press conference in 2002, Mottola has now published his memoirs this week in book form, entitled: "Hitmaker: The Man and His Music." Mottola has also been in the public eye in relation to his marriage to then budding singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and current American Idol judge Mariah Carey as well. The record mogul wooed the then waitress when she was just 19 years old, him being 20 years her senior. He has since described his relationship with her as "absolutely wrong and inappropriate." Click "Next" above or below to see next segment Multiple Producers Resign from Tavis Smiley Show

Chaka Zulu Appointed VP Entertainment and Sports Marketing for Monster Cable

Radio Facts congrats go out to industry manager and record exec, most well known for his affiliation with rapper/businessman Ludacris, Chaka Zulu on his new appointment as VP of Entertainment and Sports Marketing for Monster Cable Inc. Zulu is the kind of industry vet we like to profile in Radio Facts since he came from radio, as well as Ludacris, working as an MD for WHTA (Hot 107.9) proving there is life, much GREATER life after radio. "I see myself as the glue, as the person who hooks each person to our overall brand goal," Zulu said. "Our goal is to culturally connect with people." Melba Moore's Ex Husband Manager Charles Huggins Charged in Ponzi Scheme

Manhattan U.S. Attorney And FBI AssistantDirector-In-Charge Announce Arrests Of Three Defendants In $2.5 Million Ponzi Scheme

Alleged Scheme Involved Sham Investments in West African Gold and Diamond Mines

Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and George Venizelos, the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), announced the filing of a three-count criminal Complaint charging CHARLES HUGGINS, CHRISTOPHER BUTCHKO, and ANNE THOMAS for allegedly perpetrating a $2.5 million Ponzi scheme involving investments in gold and diamonds purportedly mined in West Africa for sale in the United States. HUGGINS and THOMAS were arrested this morning in Edgewater, New Jersey, and Cliffside Park, New Jersey, respectively. BUTCHKO was arrested this morning in Murrieta, California. HUGGINS and THOMAS are expected to be presented in Manhattan federal court before Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman later today, and BUTCHKO is expected to be presented in federal court in the Central District of California later today.

Uncensored Manifesto from Retired LAPD Officer Christopher Dorner

Just in case you have not read it. Here is the uncensored version of the Manifesto by Christoper Dorner on Hip Hop and Politics... I know most of you who personally know me are in disbelief to hear from media reports that I am suspected of committing such horrendous murders and have taken drastic and shocking actions in the last couple of days. You are saying to yourself that this is completely out of character of the man you knew who always wore a smile wherever he was seen. I know I will be vilified by the LAPD and the media.... Read the entire uncensored Manifesto here

WOW Charlie Wilson is Number 1 on the Billboard Charts

Grammy-nominated recording artist CHARLIE WILSON DEBUTS AT

#1 ON BILLBOARD'S TOP R&B ALBUMS CHART; #4 ON TOP 200 CHART

New Single, "My Love Is All I Have," #1 on Billboard Chart for Two Consecutive Weeks!

Toni Braxton Retires from the Music Industry

"I don't have the passion to do it anymore" singer Toni Braxton told a stunned reporter during a recent interview promoting her acting debut in a new television movie. "It's not affecting me, making me feel that thing I've always felt when I perform. It's leaving me," Braxton said. "I'm not sure what's going on in my life. Maybe a female mid-life crisis? My heart isn't in it anymore. I hate to say that." KUDOS, you gotta know when to hold em and know when to fold em. Usually we hear about rappers retiring from music and it's rare that a singer does. Braxton admits she will do a occasional concert here and there.

Frankie Darcell REHIRED by Clear Channel Company Sweetens the Deal

A couple of months ago Clear Channel Detroit (WMXD) shocked the radio industry by terminating industry legend Frankie Darcell. We here at Radio Facts KNEW that had to come from some disconnected upper executive at Clear Channel who didn't know Detroit, Urban Radio or Frankie's impact on the market. Turns out Clear Channel quickly realized their huge mistake and they turned it around by not only hiring Darcell back but adding her show in syndication to WDAS in Philly.   Turns out in this case getting fired worked to her advantage. She starts at both stations March 4.

Johnson Publishing Company Chairman Linda Johnson Rice Pens Open Letter: 'Why I support marriage equality'

I have always drawn strength from my late mother's life. When Eunice Johnson set up the first major fashion show for African-American audiences more than 50 years ago, she did so at a time when black Americans, especially black women, were still fighting for a seat at the table, any table. At the same time that white-run shows would get the very latest samples from the biggest fashion houses for free, my mother would pay hand over fist to dress her models. She put up with it because she knew it was important for her charity shows. She always told me, "Linda, a person should be able to wear anything they want to wear. This is your plumage. This is how you feel about yourself." To my mother, even the worst kinds of unequal and unfair treatment shouldn't keep people from expressing their true colors.

Clive Davis Opens Up About Being Bisexual

(see video below) We just reported yesterday that Clive Davis was slated to release a new book and today we have found out that, in his new book The Sound Track of My Life, music mogul Clive Davis reveals that he's bisexual, and has been in a few committed relationships with men since 1985. "For over 50 years, I never had sex with a male," said Davis,  who was twice married, said he did not even think about men in a romantic capacity until his fifties. "It wasn't repressed, I had very good sexual relationships with women," the legendary music mogul told ABC. "Never for me "¦ this very maligned and misunderstood subject of bisexuality came up."

Floyd "Money" Mayweather Inks Record-Breaking Deal With Showtime/CBS

Undefeated eight-time world champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather, boxing's pound-for-pound king and the highest paid athlete in the world (Forbes, 2012), has entered into a groundbreaking pay-per-view deal with Showtime Networks Inc. and its parent company, CBS Corporation. Under the new deal, SHOWTIME PPV ® will collaborate with CBS Corporation to comprehensively promote Mayweather's events on the CBS Television Network and via the corporation's expansive media platforms. The deal"”a unique revenue-sharing arrangement between SHOWTIME PPV and Mayweather"”will enable him to fight up to six times over a period of 30 months, with the first mega-event taking place on May 4, 2013, when Mayweather will fight Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero. More details of this upcoming event will be announced shortly.

Jay Z Signs Deal with Warner/Chappell Music

Congrats to Jay Z. Warner/Chappell Music, the publishing end of Warner Music Group, announced several deals with him to administer the copyrights of both his own songs and those on the music publishing roster of Roc Nation.   The publishing company will immediately begin administering Jay-Z's catalog starting from 2008 and by the end of 2013, they will also handle his early material.   This will also include the administration for copyrights for  Roc Nation's songwriters. Part of the reason that Jay-Z chose Warner/Chappell was his connection to publishing executive Jon Platt, who left EMI Music Publishing for Warner last year. The duo first worked together in 1996, the year Jay-Z released his debut album, Reasonable Doubt.

Emmett Till's Family Pens Open Letter to Lil Wayne

lil wayne isn't very apologetic these days or ever but he did say he did regret saying "F*ck Lebron" when he went on his recent rant about the NBA and the Miami Heat. But when it comes to his insulting Emmett Till lyric featured in a remix of the song "Karate Chop,", he still hasn't responded to or apologized to the family of the civil rights icon. The family of Emmett Till has reached out to him via an open letter. The document, which was given exclusively to Vibe, the Till family asks Weezy to think before he speaks and to take ownership of the power of his celebrity status. Read it below. "Yesterday marked a week since the "unofficial" release of "Karate Chop~remix" inclusive of your lyrics. The words we speak are powerful enough for preservation of life but also have the capacity to destroy it. When you spit lyrics like "Beat that p"”-y up like Emmett Till", [sic] not only are you destroying the preservation and legacy of Emmett Till's memory and name, but the impact of his murder in black history along with degradation of women.

WNBA Star Chamique Holdsclaw Faces 65 Years In Prison!?

What is the deal with these athletes  and their volatile relationships. WNBA legend Chamique Holdsclaw has finally been hit with criminal charges for allegedly firing a gun at her ex-GF's car last year and a jury finds her guilty, she could face up to 65 years in prison. Last year Holdsclaw  was arrested in Atlanta last year for a violent encounter with ex-girlfriend Jennifer Lacy. According to the police report, 35-year-old Holdsclaw attacked Lacy's car with a baseball bat and then fired a gun inside the vehicle while Lacy sat in the driver's seat. Now the WNBA superstar, Holdsclaw has officially been charged with 6 crimes, including 2 counts of aggravated assault, 2 counts of criminal damage in the second degree, 1 count of criminal damage in the first degree, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Clear Channel reports that PD Kris Kelly is out at WGCI and WKSC as of this week, no reason given for her departure just that "she's gone" a rep told us. The Director of Urban Programming Derrick Brown will handle duties at WGCI until a replacement is named.