Progress Media names net Air America Radio
Al Franken's airwave home just got a name. The Progress Media distribution arm, which will carry Franken, Robert Kennedy Jr. and other presumably left-of-center (at least) hosts will be called Air America Radio. In a release, the nacent network noted its deal for an outlet (and probably, an eventual O&O) in Chicago, along with a reminder that is close to similar deals in New York, LA, and San Francisco, along with other unnamed markets. Further illumination on the net's kick-off date, said to be in March, was not provided.

Rush up 9% in Fall book, says Premiere
Premiere Radio Networks announced "The Rush Limbaugh Show" was up 9% in the Arbitron Fall 2003 survey for Persons 12+ when compared to similar data in the Top 10 DMA market grouping during the Summer 2003 survey. Within the Top 25 DMA market grouping, the show experienced a 3% increase when compared to similar Persons 12+ data in the Summer survey. When compared to the entire Fall 12-week survey, the program experienced a 3% decrease for Persons 12+ within the Top 25 DMA market grouping during those weeks that Rush was off the air.
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01/29 - Get the feel of what you are scrolling down and reading ...Listen to this morning's AudioCast and the Dean Scream...
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with Bob DeCarlo'
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This is your column, so send your comments to [email protected]

This reader agrees with us and Clear Channel's Mark Mays (1/28 RBR Daily Epaper #18) that the FCC needs to clarify its indecency standards, but he also advises broadcasters to take stock of just what they're putting on the air.

There is a book the FCC should read. It's called, "The Death of Common Sense".

Of course, in the interim, as we await the arrival of these consistent standards, the industry might consider giving it a peek, too, just to stay out of trouble.

I have another cheap solution.... I represented Heidi Fleiss for syndication with a radio show on relationships. My initial problems before taking the deal? I had to get an attorney and I had to tell my mother. If you can't get past those two, whatever you are considering, you probably shouldn't do it!

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An unwanted award
for Clear Channel

Disney loses appeal
against Radio AAHS ruling

Report: Clear Channel sells out O'Hare in traffic reports

Comrex ads Crump
Comrex Corporation has named Chris Crump as its Director of Sales & Marketing. Crump most recently held the position of Director of Sales and Marketing for Klotz Digital America.

WDAS-AM Philly gets personnel changes
Clear Channel Philadelphia Director of Urban Programming Thea Mitchem has announced changes and additions to heritage gospel WDAS-AM. Mitchem says listeners will hear the best blend of Traditional and Contemporary Gospel alongside their favorite gospel records old and new. Joseph "Butterball" Tamburro will add PD of WDAS-AM to his duties as PD of WDAS-FM. Jo Ann Gamble will add APD and Music Director of WDAS-AM to her responsibilities. Ed Long has been hired full time as WDAS-AM Programming Coordinator. Ed will assist Butter and Jo Ann with the day to operations of the radio station as well has hold down the midday shift from 10 AM to 2 PM. Sandra Robinson will join the WDAS-AM family from 2-6 PM.

FCC puts the $755K squeeze on Clear Channel’s Bubba ‘The Love Sponge’
It seems Bubba just chews through any rope leash and for it another blockbuster indecency action, the FCC has levied a total of $755K in fines on Clear Channel Communications for multiple indecency infractions emanating from its Bubba the Love Sponge show. Four Florida stations and 26 counts were cited in an assessment which also included $40K for public file problems. Editor's Note: No wonder Clear Channel and all their resources are crying for some set standard by FCC. Standard is needed but also put a chain leash on him. Or do as Infinity did with O&A! Next! 01/28/04 RBR #18

Happened on Hollander’s Watch
Andy Schuon pushed Out at Infinity
Some would say Schuon was ultimately responsible for the failings of WNEW-FM New York, post-Opie and Anthony. But he can't take all the blame. There were many involved and it seemed like a great idea. We had done a feature on it, in fact. However, WNEW is still a fish flopping out of water, with its latest incarnation being yet another attempt to grab share from WLTW-FM and WPLJ-FM in that market. Editor's Note: We think it should re-launch as an Indie Rock hybrid for "Hip New Yorkers," but that's a different story. Or, go All Christmas.. Now! RBR observation: The Sykes-Hollander relationship bears some resemblance to the Karmazin-Sumner Redstone dynamic. It's not nearly as complicated. 01/28/04 RBR #18

Clear Channel calls for clear indecency standards
On the same day, see above, it was hit with a $755K fine mainly for broadcasting indecent material, called for the FCC and the industry to come up with reasonable and clear indecency standards. RBR observation: Amen, brother!
01/28/04 RBR #18

San Francisco KRON-TV
fined for indecency
On the eve of Capitol Hill hearings on broadcast indecency, the FCC has announced a proposed fine of $27,500 for Young Broadcasting's KRON-TV San Francisco. The station aired a fleeting glimpse of male genitalia during a "KRON 4 Morning News" segment with the stars of the traveling stage show "Puppetry of the Penis." Editor's Note: Ok, fine…fine…fine...
01/28/04 TVBR #18

Strife hits NAB board
Chairman Phil Lombardo ruffled some feathers putting him at odds with some Radio Board members and straining relations with NAB President/CEO Eddie Fritts. Lombardo pushed through approval of a special payment of $400,000 to cover legal expenses of the Network Affiliated Stations Alliance in fighting against an increase in the 35% national TV cap. Editor's Note: Good for Lombardo - Next time, and there will be a next time, both boards best get on one Group Fly-In page. Like now! 01/27/04 RBR #17

Wonder Boy - Bob Pittman building own media empire
It appears Pittman is out to buy much more and build a sizeable media company, this time with himself at the top. The structure of Pilot is something to behold. Here's the flow chart of ownership interests from the FCC filing to acquire WEYI-TV. Editor's Note: We called and we are waiting for both Bob's to call back. Publisher Jim Carnegie remembers Pittman and once was known not as The Wonder Boy but The Hippie from Mississippi when at WPEZ, Pittsburgh when Carnegie was PD of KQV. 01/27/04 RBR #17

Voucher oucher!
Dean on campaign reform
Democratic Presidential candidate and former Vermont Governor Howard Dean clearly believes that campaign reform is a sorely needed item Editor's Note: Glad it was a scream not a yell like; “Go Baby!” 01/26/04 RBR #16

Analyst sees CBS
passing NBC 18-49
NBC set to lose "Friends" and "Frazier" after this season, analyst Tim Wallace at UBS is predicting that next season could be when. If that happens, it could also cut into NBC's $300-500M cash flow advantage over CBS. Editor's Note: If networks down load more of the Average Joe stuff … Cable programming like USA’s Monk will start moving up and pushing out. 01/26/04 TVBR #16