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WAPS AKRON-CANTON EXPANDS COVERAGE TO YOUNGSTOWN WITH NIGHT SIMULCAST ON WKTL
(3/11/10) WAPS (91.3 The Summit) Akron-Canton PD Bill Gruber has announced a partnership with WKTL (90.7) Youngstown to simulcast WAPS nights and overnights in Youngstown/Warren OH, Arbitron market ranked #126. WKTL will carry WAPS programming 7pm-8am Monday through Friday. In addition, WAPS will broadcast on WKTL all day Sundays and all day during school holidays and breaks. (WKTL originates from The Struthers City Schools near Youngstown and airs student programming during the day.) The 13,500 watt WKTL signal serves the Youngstown/Warren market, including the adjoining western Pennsylvania markets of Sharon and New Castle.

KBCO MOVES TO DENVER, NEW STUDIOS/OFFICE ADDRESS AND PHONES
(3/11/10) KBCO Boulder-Denver is officially moving into the Clear Channel Denver studios/offices in the Denver Tech Center complex in south Denver. The move is effective Monday, March 15. Labels, please note the new phone numbers and address for KBCO:

New KBCO Main: 303.444.5600
New Fax: 303.930.6890
New Direct Line for Chris Griffin, KBCO Morning Show Producer: 303.930.6888

KBCO
4695 South Monaco
Denver, CO 80237

MARK KEEFE EXITS KTHX RENO TO JOIN RADIO MILWAUKEE AS PD

(3/10/10) WYMS/889RadioMilwaukee has announced the appointment of Mark Keefe as Program Director. Mark joins the unique Triple A/Urban hybid non-comm after nearly 4 years as on-air PD of KTHX (The X) Reno. Mark, a Louisville native, was PD at new Triple A WUIN (The Carolina Penguin) Wilmington and PD/Ops Manager at WNCW Spindale-Asheville NC prior to joining KTHX. "The opportunity to contribute to a progressive, community-conscious radio station like RadioMilwaukee is more a gift than a challenge," Mark said. "The station is fortunate to have a talented and bright staff working hard every day to further a vision of quality programming. I'm thrilled to be able to play a part in building on an already great resource for Milwaukee. Plus, (for the interview) they had me at 'Cheese Curds!'" Mark replaces RadioMilwaukee PD Dave Cowan who joined the staton in July. Scott Mullins remains RadioMilwaukee's Music Director. 
KTHX/Wilks Broadcasting Reno GM April Clark told TripleARadio.com that The X has begun the search for a new PD. See Jobs. The station hopes to name Mark's replacement soon. He is set to leave KTHX at the end of the month.

KFMG DES MOINES TARGETS SUMMER RETURN TO AIRWAVES
Heritage community LPFM poised for a comeback
(3/10/10) KFMG-LP (99.1) Des Moines, which ceased on-air operations in January, could return as soon as May now that The De Moines Community Radio Foundation has emerged as the likely new owner of the license, long-time market veteran and KFMG Station Manager Ron Sorenson told TripleARadio.com. Last week The Des Moines Community Radio Foundation, the new non-profit he created to operate KFMG, signed a Letter of Agreement with current licensee, Employee and Family Resources, to transfer the license and the assets of KFMG from EFR to TDMCRF. The foundation expects to file the request for FCC approval of the transfer, and to also file for 501(c)(3) IRS status soon. Mid-to-late summer is now the likely return time depending upon when the FCC acts.
KFMG recently placed 2nd in the 19th annual Cityview Reader's Poll in the "Favorite Radio Station" category. Clear Channel AAA KPTL finished third in the poll. "Not bad," according to Ron, "for a station with all the power of a large light bulb (100 watts) and a marketing and promotion budget of $0." 

KSJD MANCOS-CORTEZ CO ADDED TO TRIPLEARADIO PANEL
(3/5/10) KSJD (91.5/96.3/89.5/91.1) Mancos-Cortez CO is a non-comm Triple A/Americana music and news/information community station that has covered Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners region since 1987. Local air staff is on in the morning with various volunteers in afternoon and evenings playing a total of about 40 hours of AAA/Americana music locally each week. The station also airs the Undercurrents syndicated daily music show. KSJD's signal coverage includes the communities of Cortez, Mancos, Dolores, Dove Creek, Towaoc, Cahone, Pleasant View and Rico, Colorado. In addition, the station reaches the edges of Durango and tourists listeners in popular Mesa Verde National Park. The station is streaming live at KSJD.org. KSJD has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations.

Contact: KSJD Music Director Rebecca Levy on Fridays noon-4 (MST) at 970.564.9727 or via email. Labels, please service:

Rebecca Levy, Music Director
KSJD
33051 Highway 160
Mancos, CO 81328

KCSN NORTHRIDGE-LOS ANGELES ANNOUNCES FULL-TIME TRIPLE A FORMAT

(3/1/10) KCSN (88.5) Northridge-Los Angeles has committed to a full-time Triple A music format, becoming the only Los Angeles area station to broadcast Triple A music around the clock. Based at California State University, Northridge in the San Fernando Valley, the KCSN signal covers most of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys and a portion of Los Angeles' west side.

"We've researched what is the best public radio format to reach the broadest audience and we're convinced this is it. This format serves the musical interests of listeners in our region," said Karen Kearns, interim GM of KCSN and associate dean of the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, which holds the license for the station. The new slogan is "88.5 KCSN, The Music You Want." Both Arbitron ratings and fundraising efforts tied to the station's hybrid Triple A and Americana formats have grown in recent months, leading to the decision to fully convert to Triple A, Karen said. Since the summer of '08, KCSN had broadcast Triple A and Americana after 6pm and on weekends and classical music during the mornings and afternoons. In September, the station reverted to an all-volunteer air staff after losing CPB funding. KCSN's current classical service will move to the station's HD2 channel, 88.5 HD2. "With the university's new $125-million Valley Performing Arts Center opening next January, KCSN will have the opportunity to broadcast interviews with Triple A artists who perform at the new 1,700-seat theater," said Robert Bucker, dean of the college. The station is currently streaming live at KCSN.org. KCSN has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations.

Labels, contact Karen Kearns re: music via email or phone 818.677.3090. Please service:

Karen Kearns
KCSN
California State University Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA  91330-8312 

ETOWN KICKSTARTS CONSTRUCTION ON "ETOWN HALL" WITH $2 MILLION LOAN FROM PUBLIC RADIO FUND
"These challenging economic times require nonprofits to work together"
(3/1/10) Public Radio Capital (PRC) and eTown have announced a $2 million loan to eTown from PRC's Public Radio Fund. eTown, a nonprofit organization, recently purchased a rundown church in downtown Boulder with plans to convert it to "eTown Hall". The move will enable eTown to evolve with new multimedia platforms and provide their audience with an acoustically state-of-the-art facility. Public Radio Capital has stepped in to help get them started with a $2 million loan while eTown continues with its capital campaign.

The $2 million loan from the Public Radio Fund will allow eTown to begin the first phase of construction on the 17,000 square-foot eTown Hall. That phase will include the majority of the mechanical systems, roofing and utilities, along with renovation of just 25 percent of the interior—the section that will house administrative offices and editing studios. "We could not be more appreciative of Public Radio Capital's efforts. Their goals are aligned with ours, and their support will help keep this ambitious project moving forward," said eTown founder, Nick Forster.

With this positive step, eTown hopes to begin Phase II later in 2010 as they continue with capital campaign fundraising. Once completed, eTown Hall will be a LEED certified green building, generating the majority of its power on site through an extensive array of solar panels and other energy efficient measures. eTown Hall will include a small theater for live performances and broadcasts, a "Community Room," a recording facility for radio and TV (in a former gymnasium), dressing rooms for visiting artists and administrative offices. "Given that PRC and eTown are both nonprofits headquartered in Boulder, we are delighted to make this loan to eTown," said Erin Moran, manager of the Public Radio Fund.  "These challenging economic times require nonprofits to work together," she added.

eTown, the unique syndicated radio program that brings environmental information, conversation and live music to audiences nationwide was founded by Nick and Helen Forster in 1991.

SUNSET SESSIONS 2010: NEARLY 40 STATIONS AND 40 BANDS

M:M Music owner Meg MacDonald with Island's Melissa Etheridge after her performance at Sunset Sessions

Annual AAA San Diego music showcase a success despite down economy
Michele Clark's 13th Annual Sunset Sessions, presented by independent promoter M:M Music and hosted by Triple A KPRI (102.1), brought the Triple A record and radio community to San Diego's Rancho Bernardo Inn over the weekend (2/18-20) for three days of live music. Melissa Etheridge's electrifying performance in front of hundreds of convention attendees and KPRI winning listeners capped off the weekend. The over 40 Triple A, HAC and Alternative radio stations - along with numerous film and TV music supervisors - took in a total of 37 bands, including Etheridge and Jason Mraz, One Eskimo, Alpha Rev, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, NeedtoBreathe, Maia Sharp w/ Edwin McCain, Bob Schneider, Landon Pigg, Finlay Morton and Nikki & Rick, among others. Business panels included a Friday morning panel titled "Label Synchronicity: Maximizing Internal Communication and Opportunities" moderated by Atlantic's Kevin Weaver and Brian Corona. The Friday afternoon panel "Radio's New Golden Age Starts Now" was moderated by KPRI's Bob Hughes. Saturday morning's panel "The Jay Leno Experiment: Film, TV and Advertising - What's Working and What's Not" was moderated by Lifetime Television's Marianne Goode. 

KCRW LOS ANGELES UPS JENNIFER FERRO TO GM, REPLACING RUTH SEYMOUR
(2/22/10) KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles has promoted Assistant GM Jennifer Ferro to General Manager. "Jennifer epitomizes the perfect mix of traditional public radio experience, and the strategic and creative new media thinking that will be critical to KCRW's continued success in the years ahead," said Santa Monica College President Dr. Chui L. Tsang. Jennifer said, "I'm thrilled to be able to get the opportunity to lead the best public radio station in the country and I'm excited to work with the station's incredible staff on the challenges and opportunities in front of us. It's a dream job."
Jennifer replaces retiring longtime GM Ruth Seymour. Among Ruth's accomplishments over her three-plus decades at the community news/music station, she helped to develop the popular KCRW music program Morning Becomes Eclectic and installed a series of 13 new transmitters and translators for a powerful signal throughout the Southern California region. Jennifer begins in the GM position effective March 1.

WWMM (LIVE 100.5) BIRMINGHAM FLIPS TO NEWS/TALK
Listeners actively respond online with "Save Live 100.5" petitions
(2/17/10) WWMM (Live 100.5) Birmingham has switched from their Triple A/Modern Rock hybrid music format to news/talk. However, fans of the Citadel station are not going down without a fight. A Facebook page created by one of its advertisers has already grown to over 16,000. The last live host was Scott Register who thanked listeners for their support and protests on his Sunday (2/14) Reg's Coffee House show. WWMM signed on as Live 100.5 in August of 2008. Could the popular station - a pillar of the Birmingham local music scene - return in an online incarnation? Stay tuned.

PD STEVE WALL, MD MARIE McCALLISTER OUT AT KEZE SPOKANE
(2/9/10) KEZE (96.9) Spokane's River PD/afternoon host Steve Wall and MD/midday host Marie McCallister have suddently left the building at the KXLY Radio Group. Marie joined the station (then KXLY) in October of 2006 while Steve started in October of 2008. Spokane's River currently remains Triple A. More details to come.

KGSR AUSTIN NAMES MARK ABUZZAHAB MD/AFTERNOON HOST (2/8/10)
Former KBCO Boulder-Denver MD replaces Austin radio icon Jody Denberg on the air
KGSR (93.3) Austin has announced Mark Abuzzahab as the new Music Director and afternoon host. Mark was most recently on-air MD at KBCO Boulder-Denver for nearly five years. Prior to KBCO, he was PD at WNCS (The Point) Burlington VT. Mark's on-air background also includes stints at KTCZ/Cities 97 and the former Rev 105 in Minneapolis, and WOXY Cincinnati. He replaces afternoon host Jody Denberg on the air, who left the station in December after 19 years serving as PD/MD and Content Director. Mark begins at the Emmis/Austin station February 22, just in time for SXSW! 

SXSW AAA MUSIC MEETING MARCH 19 WITH PANELISTS BOB BOILEN, RITA HOUSTON, JIM McGUINN, BRUCE WARREN AND NORM WINER (2/5/10)
Songlines accepting select new music to debut at annual meeting
Songlines' Sean Coakley is again heading up the lone Triple A meeting at this year's SXSW upcoming in Austin. The SXSW Adult Rock Music Meeting begans 11:00am Friday, March 19 with panelists Bob Boilen, NPR Music; Rita Houston, WFUV New York; Bruce Warren, Some Velvet Blog/WXPN Philadelphia; Jim McGuinn, KCMP The Current Minneapolis; and Norm Winer, WXRT Chicago. For the growing list of panels, events, artist performances and registration info, visit SXSW.com.

Labels, you can submit new music now for the meeting. Ten songs are played. Each panelist will be asked to discuss the process of deliberation that goes into choosing to play or feature new music. The Music Meeting always favors new, unreleased music (as opposed to follow-up singles or songs from albums already in the street.) If you have something that you'd like to have considered, please send it as soon as possible along with helpful bio and release information. The cutoff date for submissions is March 5. Please label your package "Adult Rock Music Meeting" and mail to:
 
Sean Coakley/Melanie Shrawder
Songlines
68 South Moger Ave.
Mount Kisco NY 10549

EARLY REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 10TH ANNUAL NON-COMM (2/3/10)
Conference again offers affordable accomadations option
WXPN Philadelphia presents the 10th Annual NON-COMMvention returning to Philadelphia June 3-5, 2010. Early registration is now available - $85 for radio employees and $185 for non-radio employees - until April 30. After April 30, registration increases to $110 for radio and $210 for non-radio (until May 30 when online registration closes). While details are being worked out, it has been announced that the conference meetings will start at 10am Thursday, June 3 and wrap up by early Saturday afternoon, June 5. Meetings and music showcases will be held at WXPN studios and World Cafe Live at 3025 Walnut St. in Philadelphia.

NON-COMM hotel options (mention "WXPN NON-COMM") include The Hilton Inn at Penn (3600 Sansom St. 215.222.0200) for $190 per night, The Sheraton University City Hotel (3rd and Chestnut St. 215.837.8000 ext. 606) for $145 per night. And once again this year, WXPN offers a low cost housing option on campus at the University of Pennsylvania for just $65 per night.

WXPN OM/MD Dan Reed is founder and producer of the NON-COMMvention, launched in 2001 in Louisville when Dan was at WFPK. The gathering has since grown to become the premier annual conference for North America's non-commercial Triple A music radio. Originally created as an alternative to the annual commercial Triple A convention in Boulder, the "NON-COMM" now hosts numerous adventurous commercial Triple A stations as well.

Go here for conference registration and additional info.

KPOV-LP BEND APPROVED FOR FULL POWER SIGNAL (2/2/10)
Community roots music station awarded federal matching grant
KPOV-LP (106.7) Bend OR has received approval by the FCC for a new transmitter location that will enable the eclectic Triple A/Americana music and news station to better serve the fast growing region with increased signal strength in Bend and Central Oregon. KPOV has been awarded a $112,000 federal matching grant for expansion next year from low power to full power. The grant from the Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP), a program of the US Department of Commerce, will cover approximately half the cost of the station upgrade; the other half to be raised from local listeners, donors and underwriters. KPOV Station Manager is Pearl Stark. The mostly volunteer community station signed on in 2005. KPOV has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations. Labels, please service music c/o KPOV Music Coordinator William Johnson:

KPOV
501 NW Bond St.
Bend OR 97702

Conatct William after 1pm (PST) at 541.322.0863.

ARTIST LINEUP ANNOUNCED FOR 22ND ANNUAL FOLK ALLIANCE CONFERENCE FEB. 17-21 IN MEMPHIS (1/26/10)
The International Folk Alliance Conference has announced the artist lineup for the Feb. 17-21 Conference with performances held at the Memphis' Downtown Marriot and Cook Convention Center. The annual event brings together the music business and radio programmers from throughout North America and the world to network and celebrate traditional music and dance. Hundreds of acoustic artists are set to play the five-day gathering while registered attendees participate in workshops, panel discussions and peer group meetings. The Conference features the Folk Music & Business Awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards, an exhibit hall, Memphis tours, community outreach concerts, etc. Registration, lodging information and a complete list of artists scheduled to perform at Folk Alliance is available at folkalliance.org. 

For lodging, host hotel The Marriot Downtown at 205 North Main St. is sold out so the best option is the Crowne Plaza Memphis Downtown (across the street from the Marriott). Call them at 888.233.9527 and request the "Folk Alliance Rate" of $129.00 plus applicable taxes.

SAM SCHOLL JOINS ASPEN-BASED MEDIA GROUP COLORADO MARKETING (1/22/10)
Veteran Colorado resort programmer Sam Scholl has joined Aspen-based media group Colorado Marketing LLC as VP Marketing and Operations. The company owns and operates Triple A KSNO (The Sound) Aspen, along with additional local radio, TV and new media. In December, Sam left his position as Director of Mountain Programming for Denver-based NRC Broadcasting, where he oversaw programming for Triple A KSPN Aspen, KFMU Steamboat Springs and KSMT (The Mountain) Breckenridge/Summit County. Definitely pumped up on the new gig, Sam told TripleARadio.com, "We have a lot in the pipeline here at Colorado Marketing - I'll have plenty of new things to talk about by Boulder this summer. Thanks to all for their support." Contact Sam at 970.279.1551.

KDHX ST. LOUIS OPERATIONS MANAGER LARRY WEIR DIES AFTER FALL (1/20/10)
KDHX (88.1) St. Louis Operations Manager and host Larry Weir passed away last week (Jan. 13) after suffering a head injury from a fall on New Year's eve. He was 57. As an early staffer, Larry literally helped build KDHX when he volunteered to renovate an old bakery into a successful urban community station. A veteran commercial broadcaster before becoming KDHX Ops Manager 22 years ago, Larry was also co-host of the popular KDHX Americana show, "Songwriters Showcase." He was considered a key force in Americana music in the Midwest.

BESACK ASSUMES DAILY PROGRAMMING DUTIES AT SIRIUS XM "THE SPECTRUM" (1/20/10)
Sirius XM Radio turns day-to-day music programming duties at Triple A The Spectrum over to Jam On and The Grateful Dead Channel programmer Jessica Besack, who will continue to work with Sirius XM programming head Gary Schoenwetter.

WNKU CINCINNATI TO BECOME FULL-TIME AAA MUSIC STATION WITH LAUNCH OF "MORNING DRIVE" WITH CRAIG KOPP (1/19/10)
WNKU (89.7) Highland Heights KY-Cincinnati current morning show NPR's All News "Morning Edition" makes way for "Morning Drive," a new music and news show hosted by WNKU News Director Craig Kopp, effective Feb. 1. WNKU Station Manager Chuck Miller said, "We realize this is a huge step for WNKU but (after 20 years) it's time to pull the trigger on making WNKU a full-time music station." WNKU PD Michael Grayson added, "These changes give us a great opportunity to do what we do best - provide music from some of the most creative artists in the world and local information that isn't heard anywhere else. WNKU provides an alternative not just for commercial radio listeners but for public radio listeners, too." To accomadate the new broadcast schedule, NPR's "Fresh Air," which airs weeknights 5:30pm-6:30pm, will move for more music programming. Additional changes include shifting of some weekend shows.

KFMG DES MOINES TEMPORARILY CEASES OPERATIONS (1/15/10)
Sorenson hopes for station's return in April under new non-profit
KFMG-LP (99.1) Des Moines has temporarily gone dark after two years. Tammy Hoyman, CEO of local license holder Employee & Family Resources (EFR), said the community Triple A station will cease operations as of noon January 15 due to financial concerns. In a statement she said, "While we appreciate the station's history and community outreach, we have a responsibility to the communities we serve to make responsible, fiduciary decisions that support our core programming and services." EFR can transfer the station license to another non-profit after March 7. KFMG was co-founded in 2007 by veteran Des Moines broadcaster and Station Manager Ron Sorenson. Last month, readers of Des Moines' City View weekly voted KFMG "Favorite Radio Station in Des Moines."
(Update: 1/19) Ron told TripleARadio.com that he has assembled a Board of Directors and hopes for FCC approval of transfer of the station license from EFR to a new non-profit, which could have KFMG returning to the airwaves possibly as early as mid-April.

LABEL MOVES: LOST HIGHWAY'S DIPIETRO STARTS NEW COMPANY, CHANDLER HEADS UP DANGERBIRD PROMO, SONY/CMG'S EINSTEIN TO CONCORD MUSIC GROUP WHILE ULANOFF JOINS VAGRANT, PETROPOULOS LEAVES RED FOR GLASSNOTE, FANG BACK TO RED, SANFORD LAUNCHES DISTILLER PROMOTION, DUALTONE MOVES OFFICES (Updated 1/15/10)
Longtime Lost Highway Records VP/Promotion exec Ray DiPietro exits his UMG position due to budget cuts throughout the company, effective today (1/15). However, look for Ray to continue to handle radio promotion for future Lost Highway projects as he launches Bitter Little Dutchboy, a new radio promotion, artist management and development company. Reach Ray at BLD via email or at 917.572.7666.

Dangerbirds Records has named Erin Chandler to coordinate non-comm AAA radio promotion. Reach her at 512.906.1529.

Label and radio programming vet Dave Einstein has left his Catalog and Artist Development position at Sony/CMG to join the Concord Music Group as Sr. VP National Promotion, focusing on Adult formats and reporting to VP/Promotion Jill Weindorf. Reach Dave at 410.757.4617. He replaces Matt Ulanoff who joins Vagrant Records for promotion.

Nick Petropoulos has exited RED Distribution, where he was Assoc. Director/Alternative Radio, to join Glassnote Records as Head of Promotion. Nick replaces Gabriella D'Agostino, who left last month. Contact Nick at 646.214.6000. Meanwhile, Michael Fang returns to RED to take Nick's place. Talk to Michael starting next week (1/18) at 212.404.0739.

Dave Sanford's Spectre Music Group has gone away. Dave has formed a new company called Distiller Promotion. Hannah Carlen remains your Triple A promotion contact. Reach Hannah at 503.928.3245.

And, last but hardly least, Dualtone Music's Lori Kampa checks in to inform us of their office move to: 203 North 11th Street Suite B, Nashville, TN 37206. Lori's phone is 615.320.0620 ext. 30.

KPRI SAN DIEGO MANAGER BOB BURCH STEPS DOWN, HALEY JONES NAMED PD (1/7/10)
KPRI San Diego co-owners Jonathan Schwartz and Bob Hughes have announced that VP/Station Manager Bob Burch has resigned the Compass Radio Group Triple A after nearly five years. Meanwhile, radio/label veteran Haley Jones has left her position as APD/MD at KSWD (The Sound) Los Angeles to join KPRI as Program Director. Prior to The Sound, she was MD/APD at KMTT Seattle and MD/APD at KFOG San Francisco. Haley said, "While Bonneville and The Sound have been a fantastic experience, this is an opportunity I've worked toward for a long time and the chance to do it in San Diego - I'm in! I look forward to making great radio at KPRI for many years to come." Haley begins in her new job effective February 1.

CHRIS PATYK NAMED PD/MORNING CO-HOST AT KWMT (929 THE MOUNTAIN) TUCSON (1/6/10)
KWMT (929 The Mountain) Tucson has named former KUFO Portland/Alpha Broadcasting OM Chris Patyk Program Director of the Clear Channel Tucson cluster, which includes Triple A KWMT. Chris will co-host with Jennie Grabel on the "Jennie In The Morning" show on KWMT. He replaces former KWMT PD Blake Rogers who exited the station in September of last year.

CHRIS EDGE RETURNS AS PD AT KGSR AUSTIN (1/6/10)
KGSR (Radio Austin) Director of Digital Media Chris Edge has added the title of Program Director to his duties at the Emmis Austin station. He returns to the PD position that he previously held in 2007-2008. Chris is looking for a new KGSR Music Director/afternoon host - Contact him via email. KGSR Content Manager and afternoon host Jody Denberg resigned last month after 19 years with the station.
 
WNWV CLEVELAND FLIPS SMOOTH JAZZ TO TRIPLE A "107.3 BOOM!" (12/28/09)
WNWV Elyria-Cleveland has launched new Triple A 107.3 Boom!. The locally owned station flipped from Smooth Jazz ("The Wave") to Triple A Monday (12/28) at noon. Lonnie Gronek, VP/GM of Elyria-Lorain Broadcasting, told The Cleveland Plain Dealer that the station abandoned the format after 22 years largely because of Portable People Meters. Stations in New York, Houston, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Chicago have recently ditched Smooth Jazz and many in the industry lay blame on the new PPM ratings methodology.
       
The new format can be heard streaming live at 107.3 Boom!. Lonnie said listeners will hear a wide variety of music, including "new and classic rock, folk, blues and great music listeners haven't heard in a while." He added, "This station will sound very independent." Artists heard on the new format range from The Airborne Toxic Event to Mose Allison, to Tori Amos and Ziggy Marley. 107.3 Boom! can also be heard on 107.3 HD.

New 107.3 Boom! Program Director is Rick Bennett. Promotions/Marketing Director is Suzy Peters. Veteran Cleveland programmer John Gorman (WMMS) consults. WNWV has become Northeast Ohio's third Triple A station along with non-comm WJCU (The Heights 88-7) and non-comm WAPS (91.3 The Summit) Akron-Canton. Cleveland is Arbitron-ranked market #29. 107.3 Boom! has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations.

Labels, send music to WNWV/107.3 Boom, 538 Broad Street, 4th Floor, Elyria, OH 44035. Phone 440.322.3761. Email address forthcoming.

PARAGON MEDIA TO CONDUCT RESEARCH FOR NEW LOS ANGELES LATINO PUBLIC MEDIA (12/10/09)
Multimedia English-language service "will be aimed toward a young, diverse and underserved audience"
Radio Bilingüe (RB), the California-based national Latino public media network, has selected Paragon Media Strategies to conduct research for its new Los Angeles Public Media project. Paragon says the multimedia English-language service "will be aimed toward a young, diverse and underserved audience in Los Angeles." The research firm will spearhead an intensive four-phase research effort to identify the audience and test multimedia content. The project is funded by a major grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

"We are pleased that we will be working with Mike Henry and Paragon to conduct innovative and historic research on this large, growing, ethnically diverse and underserved audience in the L.A. metro market," said Hugo Morales, founder and Executive Director of Radio Bilingüe. "For the first time, a national media research firm will be studying this young audience to find out what it wants from a public media service. Our goal is to work with Paragon to map out the needs and aspirations of this audience and design and test content that resonates with them."

Paragon CEO Mike Henry said, "It's an honor to be on the team to build and launch one of the first multi-ethnic public media services in America. Being a multiplatform service in Los Angeles makes it even more special. The professionals from Radio Bilingüe and LA Public Media are great to work with, and I would also like to acknowledge our project partners, Media Mechanics and Eatideas Consulting. I have no doubt that we're creating a new public media model for younger and more diverse audiences, which is incredibly important and exciting." The project leadership expects to soon begin hiring the remainder of the senior content production team to develop pilot programming for testing. In addition, the project will begin its marketing, branding, community engagement and fundraising efforts in preparation for an online launch of the service in 2010.

AMERICANA RISING: ROOTS MUSIC GENRE BOOSTED BY NEW GRAMMY CATEGORY (12/3/09)
Americana Music Association celebrates a decade, nine new Board of Directors announced



In its first ten years, the Americana Music Association has promoted American roots music through alliances in the steadily-growing 1,100-member organization and by presenting the annual Americana Festival and Conference (including the AMA Honors & Awards Show) in Nashville. What began as an informal gathering of a handful of passionate, eclectic music radio programmers* has become endorsed by major media and now, the Recording Academy - which this year debuted its first Americana Grammy Award category - the Americana Album Of The Year. Americana nominees can be found under the "American Roots" field at Grammy.com. The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards show is set for Jan. 31 in Los Angeles. Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, Lucinda Williams and Willie Nelson are among the artists who released albums in time for the eligibility deadline for the new Grammy Americana category. A recent USA Today article (8/30/09) predicted that the upcoming Grammys will finally put Americana on the map, "In recent years, the academy has seen significant growth in entries in the umbrella folk field and its various roots-music categories. Last year's five-Grammy haul by Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's Raising Sand album (which won pop, country, folk and album of the year honors) added further impetus to tweak the awards structure. Granting Americana music its own category (it was appended to contemporary folk three years ago) also reflects growing acceptance of the term, which has floated around the music industry for about 15 years..."

The Americana Music Association recently held annual elections for their Board of Directors (12/1). Nine incoming directors have been elected to the board for 2009-2010. The 2009 executive committee will be elected by the new board at the annual board retreat January 15 in Nashville. New Americana Music Association Board Members:
Finance: Ashley Capps; President, AC Entertainment and co-creator/producer of Bonnaroo
Radio: Joan Kornblith, Correspondent and Program Host, Voice of America
Booking: Pam Matthews, Owner, DuVoyant Music
Publishing: John Allen; Vice President, Bug Music
Artist: Chip Taylor
New Media: David Macias; President, Thirty Tigers
At Large: Rodney Crowell, Raul Malo, Buddy Miller
And below, the Directors who have another year to serve: 
Artist Management: Tim McFadden, Owner, Tim McFadden Management
Performing Rights Organization: Kay Clary, Sr. Director Media Relations, BMI
Publications: Tamara Saviano, Owner/President, Ellis Creative
Radio Promotion: Al Moss, Owner, Al Moss Promotion
Record Label: Amanda Hale-Ornelas; Director of Media Relations, New West Records
Retail Distribution: Sylvia Giannitrappani; owner, GO2 Management  
Songwriter: Tift Merritt 
Talent Buyer/Presenter:  Brad First; Talent Booker/Showcase Coordinator, SXSW Inc. 
At Large: Fred Boenig; Partner, Artist Development Group, Jessie Scott; Owner, Music Fog 

*The birth of Americana, the radio format
Before it was an association, convention, festival or awards show, Americana began as a radio format. In 1995, broadcaster and label veteran Rob Bleetstein became Americana/Chart Editor at the former radio trade magazine Gavin. The new format and chart fostered airplay of roots music and Western music not played on most Triple A or Country radio stations. Nashville record promoter Jon Grimson coined the term Americana. There were memorable early Americana gatherings in New England, Lake Tahoe and Austin. In '96 and '97, a group of about 30 volunteers from radio, labels and media met informally at South by Southwest in Austin to brainstorm on how to help the Americana community, including the possibility of a trade association. By October 1999, the AMA was born. The Association's annual conference in Nashville has increased attendance year by year. This year's event featured over 100 performances with Rosanne Cash as the featured keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Americana Festival and Conference in September.

KCRW SANTA MONICA GM/PD RUTH SEYMOUR SET TO RETIRE (11/18/09)
KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles GM/PD Ruth Seymour announced today that she will retire early next year after 32 years. "I am leaving a station that is strong in its identity, a station like no other in the country," she told the Los Angeles Times. Among her accomplishments over the three-plus decades at the community news/music station, she helped to develop the popular KCRW music program Morning Becomes Eclectic and installed a series of 13 new transmitters and translators which have given the station a powerful signal throughout the Southern California region. In a letter to listeners on the KCRW site, Ruth said "I am grateful for the opportunity to have overseen the transformation of KCRW from a worn-out facility in a middle school playground into the internet powerhouse that it has become."
KCRW and Santa Monica College plan to conduct a seach for her replacement that could take up to three months. She resigns effective the end of Februaruy 1010. Look for the posting upcoming on our TripleARadio.com Jobs page.

JODY DENBERG TO RESIGN KGSR AUSTIN AFTER 19 YEARS (11/16/09)
KGSR Austin Content Manager and afternoon host Jody Denberg has announced plans to leave after 19 years at the station. He served as PD and MD before being named Content Manager in 2007. Prior to KGSR, Jody was at sister station KLBJ for 10 years. "I have promised myself one year without doing any work," Jody said. "I accomplished everything I've ever dreamed of, and lots I hadn't." Emmis Austin Radio VP/Market Manager Scott Gillmore said "Jody's vision for KGSR launched the station in 1990, and his passion and talent have been instrumental in the station's ongoing success." Jody, also longtime host of KGSR Sunday Morning, will remain with KGSR through their 19th Anniversary Party on December 5th. 

FORMER KSKI TWIN FALLS ID MORNING HOST TOM SPARKS DIES (11/12/09)
Former KSKI (K-SKI 103.7) Twin Falls-Sun Valley ID on-air host Tom Sparks has died (11/5) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after suffering a stroke. Tom was 33. His father reportedly told friends the stroke was caused by a condition that causes unnatural clotting of the blood. Tom was recently a contestant on the physically-challenging ABC-TV show, Wipeout. He worked at KSKI from 2001-2007 where he hosted mornings and was PD at the Chaparral Broadcasting station. His wife, Kate, also worked at KSKI. KSKI GM Scott Parker told the Idaho Mountain Express, "I am in shock. Tom had it going on, with so much in front of him." Tom was a graduate of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

QUINN EXITS WUMB BOSTON AFTER TWO DECADES AS PD (11/11/09)
After 22 years at WUMB Boston - and nearly 20 years as the station's Program Director - Brian Quinn has been laid off and is available for his next opportunity. He told TripleARadio.com, "I'd like to thank everyone for their support and friendship through the years." Reach Brian via personal email.

LABEL MOVES: TALLMAN LEAVES RYKO, DURKOT NEW PROMO DIRECTOR (11/11/09)
Ryko VP, Label Operations Beth Tallman is leaving after nearly a year and a half. The veteran label exec's last day is Friday, Nov. 13. Your new Triple A radio contact is Karen Durkot, new Ryko Director of Promotion. Email Karen. Her phone is TBA. Karen starts effective Monday, Nov. 16.

NEW TRIPLE A KXT DALLAS DEBUTS (11/9/09)



KXT Dallas ("Music To The Core") debuted today at 7am with The KXT Morning Show (11/9). Gini Mascorro is the morning host and Music Coordinator for KXT. Reach Gina via email or at 214.740.9257 or 740.9237. Prior to KXT, she worked for nearly a decade at sister station KERA as producer, midday host and arts calendar coordinator. Each weekday morning, she brings a wide variety of music, music news and features and live in-studio performances.
Joe Kozera is afternoon/evening host for KXT. At KERA since 2004, Joe has worked as a board operator, announcer, operations assistant, production coordinator and co-producer. Joe also hosts live performances from the KXT studios.
Local musician Paul Slavens hosts the Sunday night music program on KXT. Paul's presence is familiar to North Texas listeners, having previously hosted a Sunday night music show on KERA since 2005. 
KXT airs the following syndicated music specialty shows: Acoustic Cafe, American Routes, Mountain Stage, Putumayo World Music Hour, Sound Opinions, Thistle & Shamrock, Undercurrents, and World Cafe.

KXT is now streaming at KXT.org. KXT has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations.

Labels, please send music to:
Gini Mascorro, Music Coordinator
KXT
3000 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX  75201

"AUDIENCE" CONFERENCE IN NEW YORK NOV. 5-6, SPEAKERS INCLUDE WXPN'S WARREN (11/05/09)
The New York '09 Audience Conference debuts at Manhattan's Hudson Theatre Thursday (11/5) and Friday (11/6). The annual intimate and eclectic gathering "is aimed at those who recognize the need to reach, engage and influence audiences of all kinds." Speakers range from traditional media CBS' Dan Farber, Warner Bros. Music CTO Ethan Kaplan, Crayon's Joe Jaffe on advertising, HR and internal audiences with Frank Roche of iFractal, to new media players Mike Arrington of TechCrunch and Jason Calacanis of Mahalo. Writers include Andrew Keen ("Cult of the Amateur") while musicians include Adam & Mia. WXPN Philadelphia Assist. GM for Programming Bruce Warren is among the speakers, on Radio: Adjusting To Technology and Maintaining Audience.
Earbender's John Rosenfelder, veteran record promoter representing Music/Marketing for the Conference, says "The thinking is that people in the tech world are new to many aspects of performance or even show business, and artists can demonstrate what they know about how to reach people."

Visit AudienceConf.com.

WFUV NEW YORK OFF AIR DURING DAY NOV. 5-18 FOR TOWER UPGRADE (11/2/09)
New antenna will mean better coverage for Manhattan and parts of New Jersey
 WFUV (90.7) Bronx-New York will be upgrading its main antenna over the next several weeks, which will result in improved reception in Manhattan and parts of New Jersey. While construction on the antenna is happening, 90.7 (and all corresponding HD Radio channels) will be off the air from 8am-4pm weekdays from Thursday, Nov. 5 through Wednesday, Nov. 18. WFUV will resume normal broadcasting from 4pm-8am during these weekdays, while regular weekend programming will continue uninterrupted. Throughout the entire period of construction, listeners will be able to hear regular programming as usual online at WFUV.org, as well as on iPods and iPhones with the free WFUV application. "This is something we've been working on for more than a year," WFUV GM Ralph Jennings told TripleARadio.com. "The antenna upgrade is part of WFUV's ongoing efforts to bring its broadcast signal to more listeners throughout the entire New York metropolitan area."

LABEL MOVES: CLINE EXITS NETTWERK (11/2/09)
Veteran label exec Rae Cline has vacated her position as longtime Head of Triple A Promotion for the Nettwerk Music Group due to budget cuts. After eight years at the label, Rae told TripleARadio.com that she is "looking forward to taking a little break." Prior to joining Nettwerk, Rae was head of alternative radio promotion for Virgin Records and Marketing Director for alternative CIMX (89X) Windsor-Detroit.

Your new Triple A radio contact is Rae's sidekick Jeff Ballard, Nettwerk Director of National Promo, who continues to work with Triple A in addition to multiple formats. Reach Jeff via email or at 323.606.0149.

BILLY ZERO EXITS PD AT WTMD BALTIMORE (10/29/09)
WTMD (89.7) Towson-Baltimore GM Steve Yasko has confirmed that on-air PD Billy Zero has left the building. Prior to joining WTMD, the veteran musician and broadcaster was PD for XM Radio's "XMU" channel. He replaced former WTMD PD Mike Vasilikos who left to join WXPN Philadelphia as Assist. Music Director and on-air host. Tyler LaPorte remains in the WTMD Music Director position.

BEAU RAINES EXITS PD/MORNINGS AT WXRV BOSTON (10/23/09)
WXRV (92.5 The River) Boston PD/morning host Beau Raines has exited the Northeast Broadcasting station after less than a year. The veteran broadcaster replaced Ron Bowen who departed in June of 2008. WXRV APD/MD Catie Wilber has been named acting PD.

KMTT SEATTLE NAMES SEAN DEMERY NEW MORNING HOST (10/22/09)
KMTT (The Mountain) Seattle PD Dave Benson has announced that veteran air talent/PD/MD/programming and new media consultant Sean Demery has been hired as the new KMTT morning host. Sean's broadcast background includes mornings, afternoons and MD at WNNX (99X) Atlanta and PD at KITS (Live 105) San Francisco. He replaces the previous KMTT morning show of Marty Riemer and Jodi Brothers who exited nearly one month ago. In the interim, former KBCO Boulder-Denver on-air PD Mark Abuzzahab has been filling in. Sean starts in the new gig effective Monday, Oct. 26.

LABEL MOVES: SPERENDEO HEADS UP PROMO AT SHANGRI-LA MUSIC, MOREIRA UPPED AT RCA (10/15/09)
Veteran label promo exec Jenni Sperendeo has joined Shangri-La Music for radio promotion. Having most recently worked with Razor & Tie, Jenni's record background includes gigs at Astralwerks, Virgin, and Shout! Factory. Contact Jenni at Shangri-La Music via email or phone 310.452.1192 x113.
 
Longtime RCA promo exec Adrian Moreira has been promoted from VP to Senior VP, Adult Music at RCA Music Group. Adrian will continue to oversee RCA radio promotion for all adult radio formats, including Triple A.

SARAH McCLUNE NAMED PD AT NEW TRIPLE A SIGN-ON WVMP ROANOKE VA (10/12/09)
Centennial Broadcasting announces the debut today of WVMP (101.5 The Music Place) Roanoke VA. WVMP Program Director is Triple A veteran broadcaster Sarah McClune. Sarah was on-air APD/MD at former Triple A WKVL (West 105.3) Knoxville. Reach her via email. Former WNCN Charlottesville MD Ronda Chollock, who consulted the launch of WVMP and helped build the music library, continues to be involved part-time in operations and can be reached via email. Sarah will start taking music calls after October 19 on weekdays after 10am at 540.344.2800.

In a press release, Centennial said "The station is committed to promoting progressive music and emerging artists in the Americana and Adult Album Alternative genres and to working closely with the arts community and social justice organizations of Roanoke." Station manager Tom Kennedy told the Roanoke Times of WVMP's unique vision for a commercial station. "The station plans to air only four commercials per hour, and never more than one advertisement between songs." And rather than spend money on marketing and advertising the station, Tom said that WVMP plans to create partnerships with local organizations that "contribute to the lifestyle community of the city" and that the station would likely make cash contributions to them instead of spending on marketing and ads.

Look for WVMP to began reporting to the Triple A panel in January. WVMP (101.5 The Music Place) has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations. Labels please service the station with Triple A, specialty and alternative albums at:

Sarah McClune
WVMP (101.5 The Music Place)
210 1st St SW, Suite 240
Roanoke, VA 24011


(10/8/09)
Veteran broadcaster, record promoter, columnist
We are very saddened to report the passing of our good friend and colleague here at TripleARadio.com, Mike Lyons. Mike died early this morning (10/8) in Orlando after a near year-long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was 57. A longtime friend, Neal Mirsky, said "Mike fought very hard to beat this terrible disease and in the end he passed peacefully, surrounded by his sister Deb and his close friends Robin and Rick Birkbeck, Lee Arnold and myself. As sad as this is, it's a great comfort to all of us that Mike's struggle is over and he can finally rest in peace. So many of you have called and emailed with prayers and love for him. There is no doubt that he took great comfort in knowing that he was leaving this world loved by so many people. It seems a gross understatement to say that Mike Lyons was a very special and unique individual, full of humor and with great passion for life, people and music. He will be dearly missed."

TripleARadio.com Editor Dave Chaney said "Mike was with us from the start when we launched the site. He suffered no fools, wrote with searing accuracy about a medium he loved, and was a mentor to young programmers in the format. I'll miss the man, his ideas, and his keen sense of humor."

Mike was TripleARadio.com Contributing Editor and columnist (The Forest) from 2001-2009. Prior, he was a VP/AAA Promotions for Milwaukee-based Lee Arnold Marketing from 1995-2000. Mike began his career in his hometown of Orlando in 1971 by publishing the city's first underground newspaper and promoting the first rock show at the Citrus Bowl. In the '70s and '80s, he was on-air Music director at WORJ, WDIZ and WHTQ in Orlando, Program Director for Lee Abrams' WXTB (98 Rock) in Tampa, and spent the last eight years of his radio career as mornings/APD at WZTA Miami. At a recent benefit concert in Orlando in July, Mike spoke briefly at the event in his honor, summing up his local career telling the crowd, "I was really just a lucky guy." Mike is survived by his father, a sister, two brothers, a nephew, and his fiance, Susan. A Private funeral service will be held. Contributions in Mike's name may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (Pancan.org), 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245.

MARTY REIMER, JODI BROTHERS OUT MORNINGS AT KMTT SEATTLE (9/28/09)
KMTT (103.7 The Mountain) Seattle let go The Marty Reimer Morning Show with veteran hosts Marty Reimer and Jodi Brothers on Friday (9/25). "Marty's contract came to an end, and we decided not to extend it," PD Dave Benson told the Seattle Times. "We decided to make a complete change. Radio stations, like thinking people, need to evolve and explore new opportunities, and we felt like now was a good time to explore new opportunities. We wish those guys the very best, and The Mountain will continue to move forward." Marty told the Times, "I'm anxious, but I am excited for what is coming next." KMTT plans to launch "a completely new" morning show in the coming weeks. Marty had been with KMTT for 12 years. He is a veteran of Seattle rock stations KZOK, KXRX, and KJR. Jodi joined KMTT over two years ago after working locally at KROK and KNDD.

Meanwhile, former KBCO Boulder-Denver on-air MD Mark Abuzzahab was heard anchoring the morning show today, Monday (9/28). It is not clear yet what show Mark will regularly host. He exited his position at KBCO in April after four years. Prior to KBCO, Mark was PD at WNCS Burlington.

SECOND JACOBS MEDIA PUBLIC RADIO TECH SURVEY PRESENTED AT PRPD: HALF OF PUBLIC RADIO LISTENERS USE SOCIAL MEDIA (9/24/09) 
Public radio listeners are increasingly taking advantage of new technology, buying gadgets such as smartphones and joining social networking sites like Facebook, according to the second Public Radio Technology Survey conducted by Jacobs Media. Results were presented September 17 at the PRPD Conference in Cleveland. The first Public Radio Technology Survey was taken in fall 2008, sponsored by PRPD, the Integrated Media Association and NPR. The second was held in August to avoid fall pledge drives and so that the results could be presented at the PRPD conference last week.The Public Radio Technology Survey involved more than 28,000 listeners to 56 public radio stations.

Users of social networking sites and services nearly doubled, climbing 81 percent from 2008 to 2009, with 60 percent of respondents saying they used such sites. The increase was so dramatic that the researchers at first doubted the finding, said Fred Jacobs, who presented the study at PRPD. The cultural phenomenon is "redefining what community means," according to Jacobs.

Facebook powered much of the growth, with usage rising from 22 percent to 48 percent. Many of the new users were 35 or older. About a quarter of respondents with cell phones owned smartphones. More than half of those had bought the devices within the last year. Apple's iPhone and iPod touch, an Internet-connected gadget, though not a phone, was included in the category, accounted for half of the smartphones. One-third of the smartphone owners had downloaded apps for streaming public radio stations on their devices. Two-thirds said they would consider paying for such applications, suggesting an untapped revenue stream.

Listeners to Adult Album Alternative stations and listeners ages 25-54 proved to be the earliest adopters of new-media habits. Seventy percent of AAA listeners were on social networking sites, and 72 percent own MP3 players. They were also among the most avid listeners to web streams, and more than the overall sample's average owned smartphones.

The survey found that 28 percent of respondents who listen to Web streams listen to the customizable Internet radio site Pandora, up from 17 percent in 2008.

Participants were surveyed from July 30 to Aug. 21. Most were members of station e-mail or membership databases and were asked via email to participate. Others clicked links on station websites or social networking pages, and some were prompted by on-air announcements.

'09 AMERICANA CONFERENCE MUSIC MEETING RESULTS (9/24/09)
Songlines has announced the results of this year's Americana Music Meeting held last week during the Americana Music Festival & Conference (9/16-19) in Nashville. The room heard about 90 to 120 seconds of each song after which attendees wrote down a score from 1-10. Almost every song illustrated the wide differences of opinion within this hard-to-define genre of music. The results are divided into three categories: the whole room, radio programmers and artists.

The whole room:
CHIP TAYLOR "Bastard Brothers" 8.40
ROSANNE CASH "Sea of Heartbreak" 8.14
HANK WILLIAMS JR. "All the Roads" 7.45
MONSTERS OF FOLK "Man Named Truth" 7.29
BLUE RODEO "Arizona Sky" 7.06
THE BLACK LILLIES "Little Darlin'" 7.06
THE WRIGHTS "The Way That I'm Living" 6.94
DAWES "When My Time Comes" 6.88
JERRY LEE LEWIS "Here Comes That Rainbow Again" 6.83
WILL KIMBROUGH "Three Angels" 6.25
TEXAS TORNADOS "If I Could Only" 6.21
BRUCE ROBISON "Born To Roll" 6.08
GORDIE TENTREES "Mercy or Sin" 5.23
 
Radio programmers:
ROSANNE CASH "Sea of Heartbreak" 8.17
CHIP TAYLOR "Bastard Brothers" 7.73
HANK WILLIAMS JR. "All the Roads" 7.30
BLUE RODEO "Arizona Sky" 7.18
THE BLACK LILLIES "Little Darlin'" 7.09
BRUCE ROBISON "Born To Roll" 7.08
THE WRIGHTS "The Way That I'm Living" 7.00
TEXAS TORNADOS "If I Could Only" 6.75
MONSTERS OF FOLK "Man Named Truth" 6.45
WILL KIMBROUGH "Three Angels" 6.36
DAWES "When My Time Comes" 5.82
JERRY LEE LEWIS "Here Comes That Rainbow Again" 5.82
GORDIE TENTREES "Mercy or Sin" 4.91

Artists:
CHIP TAYLOR "Bastard Brothers" 9.00
ROSANNE CASH "Sea of Heartbreak" 8.20
JERRY LEE LEWIS "Here Comes That Rainbow Again" 7.86
HANK WILLIAMS JR. "All the Roads" 7.43
MONSTERS OF FOLK "Man Named Truth" 6.86
DAWES "When My Time Comes" 6.71
THE WRIGHTS "The Way That I'm Living" 6.50
THE BLACK LILLIES "Little Darlin'" 6.40
BLUE RODEO "Arizona Sky" 6.13
WILL KIMBROUGH "Three Angels" 6.00
TEXAS TORNADOS "If I Could Only" 5.20
BRUCE ROBISON"Born To Roll" 5.10
GORDIE TENTREES "Mercy or Sin" 4.60
 
NEW DALLAS NON-COMM UPDATE: KXT SET TO SIGN ON NOVEMBER 9 (9/16/09)


The FCC has finalized the transfer of the non-comm radio license 91.7 FM to KERA Dallas. That means KERA can now announce the name of their new 24 hour Triple A all-music station and its specific launch date. KKXT will debut on the air Monday, November 9th at 7am with the KXT Morning Show.
 
Jeff Ramirez, North Texas Public Broadcasting VP of Radio said, "KXT's format will be a wide and diverse range of music. You'll hear acoustic music, folk music, singer-song writers, alternative, independent country, rock pop music world music." On weekdays, KXT Morning, Afternoon and Evening shows will broadcast up to eleven hours of locally hosted music programming. KXT Weekends will provide more of the same on Saturdays and Sundays. Jeff said Texas artists will be featured throughout the schedule and highlighted on a Friday program, Texas Mix. And Friday middays the station will be focusing on music by Texas artists. KXT plans to host extensive live in-studio performances. The station plans to air the following syndicated music specialty shows: Acoustic Cafe, American Routes, Mountain Stage, Putumayo World Music Hour, Sound Opinions, Thistle & Shamrock, Undercurrents, and World Cafe.

Details about local on-air hosts are still to come. The new KXT website, KXT.org, is under construction. For a look at the future KXT program schedule go to KERA.org.

ROGERS EXITS PD AT KWMT TUCSON (9/15/09)
KWMT (92.9 The Mountain) PD Blake Rogers has exited. Blake was morning co-host at the Clear Channel station where he was Program Director since 2006. He was one of the original staffers that helped sign the Triple A format on KWMT in 2004. Co-host Jennie Grabel remains on the morning show.

SAGA LAUNCHES NEW TRIPLE A WYXL (98.7 THE VINE) ITHACA (9/15/09)
Saga Communications has launched a new Triple A format on WYXL-HD3/98.7 The Vine Ithaca. OM/PD is Chris Allinger. Labels, please send music to Chris at 98.7 The Vine, 1751 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY, 14850. Reach Chris via email or phone 607.257.6400. The station can now be heard streaming online. WYXL (98.7 The Vine) has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations. Saga signed on new Triple A The River Asheville nearly one year ago while the company's Triple A WCNR (1061 The Corner) Charlottesville celebrates a three-year anniversary today. Saga also owns Triple A's WRSI (The River) Northampton, MA and WCLZ Portland.

MANNING JOINS WFUV NEW YORK'S THE ALTERNATE SIDE (9/14/09)
WFUV Bronx-New York has announced that Kara Manning has joined the station's indie music stream/HD radio channel (and 10pm-mid Mon.-Fri. on 90.7 FM) The Alternate Side as Web Editor, Writer and On-Air Interviewer. Kara was a reporter for MTV News and is a former staff writer for Rolling Stone, in addition to producing Vin Scelsa's Idiot's Delight radio show for nearly a decade. She is a graduate of Columbia University's M.F.A. program in playwriting and an accomplished playwright. "Kara's presence has really helped expand and deepen the site's new music coverage," WFUV PD Chuck Singleton told TripleARadio.com, "She joins our great crew on the radio side - Russ Borris, Alisa Ali, Demos, Rich McLaughlin and Jeff Kuprycz - in making The Alternate Side one of New York's most vital new music destinations, the place to keep in touch with the music you love."

10TH AMERICANA MUSIC FESTIVAL & CONFERENCE OPENS IN NASHVILLE (9/14/09)
The premier annual gathering for the Americana music community, the 10th annual 2009 Americana Music Festival & Conference opens Wednesday, September 16-19 in Nashville. The Conference covers the interests of radio stations, artists, managers, labels, publishers, agents, promoters, retailers, legal and business affairs execs, merchandisers and new media. Rosanne Cash will be the Keynote interview September 17 at the Nashville Convention Center. The festival's musical lineup includes Nanci Griffith, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Raul Malo, Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, Greencards, Those Darlins, Will Hoge and many more for a total of 4 Nights, 5 Venues, and 100 artists! The annual AMA Honors & Awards Show is Thursday, September 17 at the historic Ryman Auditorium, hosted by Jim Lauderdale and featuring Buddy Miller's All-Star Band. John Fogerty will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting at the ceremony. The Renaissance Hotel, located near the Convention Center, is the official host hotel during the AMA Music Festival. Visit AmericanaMusic.org.

PUBLIC RADIO PROGRAMMING CONFERENCE (PRPD) OPENS IN CLEVELAND (9/14/09)
The Public Radio Programming Conference (PRPD) is set for this week at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel, opening Tuesday September 15-18. The annual meeting is "Public Radio's Only Content Focused Conference" with a lineup of speakers and sessions addressing key issues in the industry, including many of the points of the recent Public Radio "Grow the Audience" report. The conference will be looking at opportunities in the new media world as well as focusing on how to keep the core service of radio vital long into the future. The gathering includes a session on production and programming quality and pre-conference PD workshops. The lineup of entertainment is highlighted by Acoustic Hot Tuna and Ruthie Foster at an opening party at the House of Blues and wrapping up with a Private Evening at the Rock Hall of Fame.

WFUV NEW YORK GETS FCC APPROVAL FOR LOWER MANHATTAN/BROOKLYN BOOSTER ANTENNA (9/3/09)
Listeners, CPB, FJC "challenge grants" to pay for project
WFUV Bronx-New York GM Ralph Jennings has announced the station has received FCC approval to mount a booster antenna on West 31st St. in Manhattan to put a stronger signal into portions of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn where it currently has reception problems.

With a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and another grant in negotiations, WFUV is also asking its listeners to join in. FJC, a foundation of donor-advised funds, has offered a challenge grant of $25,000 if the stations' listeners will contribute the remaining $75,000. Since WFUV's original 90.7 signal from the Bronx is blocked by Manhattan skyscrapers, it is estimated that the new booster would bring the signal to over a million new listeners throughout pockets of New York City.

KCRW LOS ANGELES LAUNCHES NEW ALL-MUSIC CHANNEL "ECLECTIC24" (8/25/09)
KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles will debut Eclectic24, an online all-music channel, 9am Monday, Labor Day (9/7) on KCRW.com and over the airwaves of KCRW (89.9). The new channel will encompass the heritage of the Santa Monica College station, integrating musical discoveries from KCRW DJs along with favorite new releases, and the best of KCRW live performance archives - including the voices of numerous musicians that have been heard over the past three decades. Eclectic24's programming curator is KCRW DJ and former MD Chris Douridas.

KCRW MD/Morning Becomes Eclectic host Jason Bentley said, "Music fans still want to be surprised and turned on to something completely unexpected, that's the beauty of radio. What's special about this new channel is that it combines those fresh ideas with the rich history of our station in a non-stop music stream for our fans worldwide. Our online-only music stream is already one of the chief reasons people visit KCRW.com and Eclectic24 will truly reflect the essence of everything that we are, musically."

WFUV Bronx-New York launched an all-indie music stream/HD radio channel The Alternate Side in December 2008.

CHOLLOCK EXITS WNRN CHARLOTTESVILLE, GOODE NAMED MD (8/24/09)
WNRN Charlottesville PD Anne Williams has announced Melissa Goode as the new Music Director, effective today. Melissa was most recently on-air and Special Events at WTMD Towson-Baltimore. Reach her via email or phone during music call times, Thursdays 3-5pm, at 434.971.4096. Melissa takes over from Ronda Chollock who exited the non-comm station last week over "a difference in programming philosophies" after nearly two years as MD. Ronda is looking for new opportunities in Triple A radio or record promotion. Contact her via email.

CMJ MUSIC MARATHON RETURNS TO NEW YORK OCT. 20-24, WRXP NAMED COMMERCIAL RADIO SPONSOR (8/11/09) 
The 2009 CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival returns to New York City October 20th-24th. As New York's largest annual music event and one of the world's key showcases of new music artists, the Marathon draws thousands from the music and film biz who come to check out new music from artists in alternative, rock, electronic, hip-hop, metal, Americana, world, jazz and more. By night, more than 1,300 artists are set to perform at over 75 venues across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the city. (The first round of artists/bands is scheduled to be announced before the end of August.) By day, in partnership with New York University, CMJ welcomes "many of the world's most influential and revolutionary musicians, artists, cultural and political figures at a variety of events including presentations, screenings, Q&A sessions and panel discussions." Registration to CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival grants attendees entry to all daytime and nighttime offerings (venue capacity permitting). WRXP (101.9 RXP) New York will return as the official commercial radio sponsor of this year's Marathon. Look for the station to take full advantage of the opportunity to present new music with live sessions, interviews and visibility on Matt Pinfield's morning show.  

Music Panels Announced
Panels confirmed so far include the music panels: Small Efficient Record Label - Big Results, Exactly Why Did The Major Label System Fail? Or Did It?, Creating Music With The Newest Technology, A View Of The Music Industry From A Minor's Perspective, "I'm In Between Gigs," A Music Industry Job Think Thank, The Real Meaning Of D.I.Y. And Quitting Your Day Job and A Full-On Major (Label, Publishing, Management, Licensing) Pitch Session. Film Festival panels include: Déjà Vu All Over Again: What the Film Business Can Learn from the Music Business in the New Economy, Crossing the Line: Actors Who Sing, Singers Who Act and Breaking Into Film Scoring.

For artists updates, discount badge registration and all the info you need, visit cmj.com/marathon.

LABEL MOVES: FOLEY REPLACES LEACH AT DECCA, GREENBERG EXITS DOWNTOWN MUSIC (8/7/09)
David Leach is no longer with Decca Records. Your new AAA contact at Decca is Paul Foley at 212.333.8012 or via email. Meanwhile, Jason Greenberg has left Downtown Music to join a Minneapolis-based software company.

VETERAN BROADCASTER GEORGE TAYLOR MORRIS DIES (8/3/09)


We are saddened to report on the death of veteran Boston, New York, Hartford and national satellite radio broadcaster George Taylor Morris. George died (8/1) at home in Reston, VA after a long battle with throat cancer. He was 62. George was most recently morning host for Sirius/XM Satellite Radio's "Deep Tracks" classic rock channel and the main host of the artist interview program, "XM Artist Confidential." 

Born in King City, CA (Monterey County), George's air talent resume included stations on Long Island (WHLI), New York (WEDJ), Hartford (WHCN) and Boston (WZLX). George joined XM Satellite Radio and moved to D.C. in 2001. He was PD at then Triple A WBOS Boston in 1998. In 1975, he programmed WCOZ Boston before taking the PD position at WPIX New York. In 1979, he joined RCA Records for national album promotion in Los Angeles. He was news anchor at NBC's The Source, reporting during the Iran hostage crisis and the 1980 presidential elections. In 1981, George was entertainment director for The Source where he wrote, produced and hosted "Reelin' in the Years," a weekly syndicated mix of music, interviews, commentary, vintage commercials and film and TV clips that aired from 1984-1999.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the non-profit organization, Capital Hospice, located at 209 Gibson Street NW, Suite 202, Leesburg, VA 20176. Details for the memorial service will be announced shortly.

WBCN BOSTON TO BE "ROCKING NO MORE" (7/16/09)
Legendary rocker was a cultural institution in the city
"Rocking No More" screamed the headline splashed across the top of the Boston Globe (7/15) after CBS Radio announced plans this week to pull the plug on legendary rock station WBCN after more than 40 years on August 13th. The station will continue on the Web and on HD Radio. "The Sports Hub" will replace CBS Radio Modern AC WBMX (Mix 98.5) while WBMX moves to WBCN's 104.1 slot. Although the decision was hardly an industry surprise after years of steadily eroding ratings, fans and former staffers were saddened to hear the news of the demise of "The Rock of Boston". Longtime WBCN personality Charles Laquidara said on his Facebook page, "It was a great station. It was also a great time in radio history. I know we can never go back to that, but there will be something someday." Longtime WBCN personality Oedipus said, "It was part of Boston, like the Red Sox. It was more than just music." The station is planning a "Farewell Tribute" on Saturday, August 8 starting at 10am.
WBCN flipped from a classical music format to "progressive" or "free-form" album music in 1968 along with a only a handful of other major market FM's around at the time, including WNEW New York, KMPX and KSAN in San Francisco, KPPC and KMET in Los Angeles, WMMR Philadelphia, WHFS Washington D.C. and WMMS Cleveland. WBCN was influential in breaking bands such as U2, The Cars, and the J Geils Band. Before he was lead singer in J Geils, Peter Wolf was a founding DJ on WBCN.

NEW AAA "MOUNTAIN 1029" LAUNCHES IN IDAHO FALLS ID (7/15/09)
Chaparral Broadcasting has launched new Triple A Mountain 1029 Idaho Falls ID. Mountain 1029, sister FM station of AAA KSKI (K-SKI) Sun Valley ID (103.7), had previously been dark. Mountain 1029 covers Eastern Idaho, including the communities of Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Driggs and Island Park. Bob Thompson is MD for both stations. Contact Bob at 208.481.1815 or via email. The mailing address is: Bob Thompson, Mountain 1029, 660 W. Broadway, Idaho Falls ID 83402. Mountain1029 has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations.

THE CONCLAVE CONFERENCE OPENS IN MINNEAPOLIS (7/15/09)
The 34th annual 2009 Conclave Learning Conference opens this week July 16-18 in Minneapolis at the Sheraton South (Bloomington). The Conclave, by now "the only multi-formatic radio programming conference in America," attracts networking national and regional Midwest broadcasters, labels/managers, syndications, consultants, new media firms and related industry support. The various scheduled sessions include Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors keynoting a session on artists and music on Saturday, July 18 with Moderator Sean Ross of Radio-Info.com. The Conclave will also address the current radio/record industry relationship at the session "No Hits barred" Friday, July 17 at 1:30pm moderated by Joel Denver Pres. of Allaccess.com and joined by Erik Bradley, WBBM Chicago APD, and Erik Olesen, Sr. VP/Promotion, Island-Def Jam Records. See the Conclave Learning Conference Agenda. For registration and general info, visit The Conclave.
 
KZFR CHICO CA TO SIMULCAST RADIO PARADISE IN LATE NIGHTS (7/14/09)
Community non-comm to simulcast Goldsmith's net station in unique partnership
KZFR Chico CA (90.1) has announced plans with Radio Paradise to simulcast the popular "eclectic" online Triple A music station on the Northern Sacramento Valley community non-comm FM starting out in select late night hours. KZFR GM Rick Anderson told TripleARadio.com, "We were on the hunt for original, creative content for our overnight hours and realized it was right here in our own backyard - Radio Paradise is a natural fit! We're also excited about having Bill help us upgrade the overall quality of our streaming." In the unique arrangement, KZFR will be provided with numerous "inserts" each hour on Radio Paradise. With a terrestrial outlet, the alliance alternately gives the neighbor net station with a worldwide audience an opportunity to expand into a "new" and local platform. Radio Paradise is owned and operated by veteran Northern California broadcaster Bill Goldsmith who programs the station with his wife Rebecca Goldsmith taking care of the music. The pioneering "web guru" originally built the KPIG (K-PIG) Santa Cruz-San Luis Obispo-San Francisco site, the first broadcast radio station to stream an on-air signal in August of 1995.

WWMM BIRMINGHAM PD ROSSI EXITS (7/14/09)
WWMM (Live 100.5) Birmingham PD Dave Rossi has left the building apparently due to the budget axe. VP/GM Gigi South has yet to name a replacement for the PD and label/management veteran. Dave helped launch the new Triple A/Alternative/Hot AC hybrid as "Birmingham's Modern Rock" on the Citadel Broadcasting station nearly one year ago.

SALVADORE EXITS KFOG/CUMULUS SAN FRANCISCO (7/9/09)
Long-time Cumulus/San Francisco SVP/Market Manager Tony Salvadore has exited. He was in charge of the Cumulus San Francisco cluster, which includes KFOG/KFFG San Francisco-San Jose. Tony joined KFOG/KNBR over 20 years ago and soon became GM. A replacement has yet to be named. In early April, KFOG PD Dave Benson - now at KMTT (The Mountain) Seattle - departed the station after nine years. Cumulus purchased the cluster from Susquehanna in November of 2005.

PUBLIC RADIO DEVELOPMENT & MARKETING CONFERENCE (PRDMC) IN SAN DIEGO (7/8/09)
"Triple A stations have such a potential edge in the new media arena, they could be the new vanguard." - Deborah Lein, DEI/PRDMC

The Public Radio Development & Marketing Conference - public radio's most "well-attended" conference - opens in San Diego today at the Hilton Bayside Hotel July 8–10, 2009. The PRDMC is attended by all formats in public radio (News/Jazz/Classical), including the steady growing Triple A format. With a total of 85 concurrent breakout sessions and 5 general sessions planned in fundraising/major giving, corporate underwriting, and new media marketing, the conference is energized this year with the potential offered by emerging new media platforms. The following Triple A stations are sending staff to the conference: WFUV New York, KCRW Santa Monica, WXPN Philadelphia, KERA Dallas (planning new AAA format on new sister station), WTMD Baltimore, KCMP/The Current Minneapolis, WYMS/Radio Milwaukee, and KUT Austin, among numerous others. As more non-comm stations consider a move to the format to attract younger digital media-savvy demographics to the left side of the dial, Deborah Lein, DEI VP/COO and PRDMC coordinator told TripleARadio.com, "The Triple A stations have such a potential edge in the new media arena, they could be the new vanguard (in public radio)."

WTMD GM Steve Yasko will be hosting the "Marketing And New Media Social Platforms" Friday morning (7/10) at 11:30. Jacobs Media, NPR, and the Integrated Media Association present the session, "Where Your 'Listeners' Are: The Public Radio New Technology Survey," Wednesday morning at 10. A DEI grant project for "Mobile Giving" this year had WXPN testing fund raising over mobile phones; those results will be revealed. Among the development directors attending as session panelists are WXPN AGM/Development Quyen Shanahan and WXPN Director of Individual Giving Deb Ashmore. KUT PD Jody Evans will participate in an on-air fundraising panel for a session on production and recorded elements. There are pre-conference workshops scheduled the day before (7/7) and a closing night Harbor Cruise from 5:30-8 to cap off the conference Friday evening.

Visit the DEI site for more information on PRDMC.

RADIO MILWAUKEE NAMES COWAN PD (7/6/09)
Van Hallgren resigns to move to North Carolina
Radio Milwaukee has announced the appointment of veteran broadcaster Dave Cowan as Program Director. Dave was most recently GM for the 7-station Gap West Missoula cluster. Prior to that he was the GM for the 3-station Simmons Missoula, MT cluster (that included Triple A KDTR/Trail 1033), and also was GM for the (then) Clear Channel Bozeman, MT cluster (which included Triple A KMMS/The Moose) from 2000-2005. Dave Started at The Moose as PD in 1991. After 3 years, Radio Milwaukee Program/Content Director Sam Van Hallgren and his wife are relocating to North Carolina in mid-July. Sam told TripleARadio, "I'm sad to be leaving this great city, but I'm leaving the station in very capable hands." Effective July 20, Reach Dave at Radio Milwaukee at 414.475.8030 or via email. Radio Milwaukee Station Manager Vicki Mann remains as does Music Director Scott Mullins.  

LABEL MOVES: MONTES NAMED NEW AAA NON-COMM CONTACT FOR BEGGARS/MATADOR (6/24/09)
Beggars Group/Matador Records has announced that Hector Montes is the new Triple A non-comm radio contact for the label group, which includes Matador, 4AD, Rough Trade, and XL Recordings. He replaces Robby Morris who has been reassigned within the company. Effective 6/25, reach Hector via email and or at 212.995.5882 x1150. Jeremy Goldstein, meanwhile, remains the Beggars Group/Matador contact for commercial Triple A radio. Jeremy can be reached via email or at 212.995.5882 x1112. 

WXRT CHICAGO'S LIN BREHMER PUTS AIR TALENT CREDIBILITY ON THE LINE AS PERFORMER ROYALTY BATTLE HEATS UP (6/15/09)
WXRT Chicago Morning Host Lin Brehmer: "I will always be on the side of the artists"
The radio Performance Fee issue has turned white hot dragging air talent into the fray while high profile artists like Bono and Don Henley have taken strong stands in support of the fee that the record/artist community wants radio ownership to incur. Longtime WXRT Chicago morning host Lin Brehmer has made it clear to his listeners that his loyalties will always be with the performers and the music after WXRT/CBS Radio sent out an email under Lin's name last week (6/9) urging listeners to "join WXRT in speaking out against the performance tax." On his web page Lin stated, "If you have received an email from my place of business concerning a political action and it is allegedly from me, rest assured, I did not write the email; I will never read the email; and I certainly never endorsed the email before it was sent out to over 100k listeners. I will always be on the side of the musicians."

The WXRT Brehmer/management flap comes on the heels of the much publicized complaint by musicFIRST recently filed with the FCC that claims a certain top-selling artist's new single has been blacklisted by radio because the artist supports the proposed Performance Fee for radio. Industry and public speculation is centering on U2's Bono. The filing details how "radio stations across the country refuse to air musicFIRST ads, threaten artists who support the effort to create a fair performance right on radio and continue to run misleading ads produced by the National Association of Broadcasters – all in an effort to further their own private commercial interest at the expense of their public interest obligations." The NAB called musicFIRST's latest action a "stunt" and "nothing more than an act of desperation by a record label lobby losing on Capitol Hill and in the court of public opinion."

The records vs radio Performance Fee battle has obviously put radio talent in a difficult situation. On-air hosts simply can not be a friend and advocate for the artists they play while appearing to listeners to be a mouthpiece for corporate radio ownership, particularly when (commercial) radio has been already economically and culturally hard hit by the recent onslaught of online and digital media. Your opinion on the proposed royalty? Discuss in our AAA forum TalkTalk.

NEW DALLAS NON-COMM TRIPLE A ON AIR BY LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL (6/9/09)
KERA aquires 91.7 KVTT from religious broadcaster
The fourth-largest population area in the US is about to get its first fulltime non-commercial Triple A station as KERA (90.1)/North Texas Public Broadcasting, Inc. announces the purchase of non-commercial KVTT (91.7) Dallas-Ft. Worth from Covenant Educational Media. Trade media reports the price of the full Class C signal at $18 million, which is apparently the largest sale of a single radio station so far in 2009. KERA has yet to pick a name for the new station but expect new call letters.

According to Director of Programming Jeff Ramirez, "The programming on 91.7 FM will be within the public radio 'Triple A' music format with diverse, adult-oriented playlists covering a broad spectrum of music such as folk, acoustic, world music, alternative and indie rock and country." Among the programs under consideration for the new station are World Café, Echoes, Undercurrents, American Routes, plus music specials. NPR news headlines will be heard at the top of the hour. KERA's own local programs will include interviews, studio performances and arts-related news and commentary. Look for the new station to be adding some staff positions.

KERA was a mix of news and Triple A/Americana music for years up until 1996 when the weekday format was changed to news and information to strengthen the station's news position. Subsequent KERA research indicated a hole in the market for the Triple A format. The new 91.7 plans to hit the airwaves and go online by late summer/early fall 2009.

KMTT SEATTLE NAMES BENSON PD (6/5/09)
KMTT (103.7 The Mountain) Seattle has named veteran programmer and former KFOG San Francisco PD Dave Benson new Program Director. In April, Dave exited the PD post at Cumulus' KFOG San Francisco after nine years. Entercom/Seattle OM Dave Richards said in a statement, "Every radio format, like every business, has its leaders, the two or three who are the best at what they do. In Triple A radio, Dave Benson is that person." Dave added, "I feel very fortunate to be invited to join the good folks on the Mountain and the Entercom/Seattle group. I am excited to join a radio company that is focused in the future." Prior to KFOG, Dave programmed KBCO Boulder-Denver and was a consultant with SBR Creative Media. Dave replaces former KMTT PD Kevin Welch who exited last month. He starts at The Mountain effective July 27.

INDUSTRY STUNNER: R&R CLOSES DOORS; SCHOENBERGER EXITS, BOULDER SUMMIT IN LIMBO (6/3/09)
"End Of An Era" as publication and web site cease to exist June 5
In a shocker of an announcement and a definite sign of the times, the industry's leading publication Radio & Records is closing its doors after 36 years. Most of the 40 employees are reportedly exiting. In a statement on their site, the iconic trade said: "The current state of affairs has left The Nielsen Company with no other alternative but to immediately cease all services, products and events related to Radio & Records. The magazine's final edition is the June 5 issue. Electronic products end today, the Web site will be taken offline soon. R&R Editorial Director/Associate Publisher Cyndee Maxwell stated, "Everyone on this team has worked extremely hard to fulfill the vision of Radio & Records, and everyone can hold their heads high on this very sad day. We had a highly talented group of people that always worked hard and gave it their best -- especially in the recent past. I deeply regret that this day has come. The good news for some other companies out there is that we have many fantastic people who are now available to put their excellent talents, abilities and skills to work for someone else."

Radio & Records was founded by publisher Bob Wilson in 1973 in Los Angeles. The first R&R Convention was held the following year. R&R launched the Adult Alternative section in 2001 which ultimately morphed into the Triple A section. Among staff exiting is John Schoenberger, longtime R&R Triple A Editor and Producer of the annual R&R AAA Summit in Boulder, Colorado. And a huge friend of the Triple A format. John told TripleARadio.com, "I love everybody in the format. I hope to still be involved in supporting it." The state of scheduled upcoming R&R conventions - including the Boulder AAA Summit originally set for August 5-8, 2009 - are obviously in question at this point. There have been rumors that the Boulder convention might be picked up by another party. Please check back for more details.

R&R chart information will be included in future editions of The Nielsen Company's Billboard. In an email, Billboard Chart Manager Anthony Colombo stated, "Music Tracking and Add Tracker will continue on. We are still processing charts and taking station reports and adds through our affiliation with Billboard and Nielsen BDS."

NON-COMM 2009: NEW MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES (6/1/09)
Stations make tough choices on where to focus limited resources

By Dave Chaney                              2009 NON-COMM Photos by Songlines

The show must go on. And it did. Despite a crippled economy and a music business in continual transition, the WXPN-hosted 9th Annual NON-COMMvention in Philadelphia recorded "only a slight dip" in overall attendance by the Triple A community, according to convention founder/producer Dan Reed. Congrats to the pro 'XPN staff of Dan, Bruce Warren, Roger LaMay, Tess Coffey, Ellen Oplinger, Ryan Farrell, and great volunteer crew for, again, pulling it off. Also top notch work by World Café Live's Hal Real, Gretchen McHale, and Neil Sulkes. 
I'd estimate that the number of stations that made it was down by at least a third due to slashed budgets. As commercial radio comes off its worst financial quarter in the history of the medium, public radio fund drives are relatively solid but corporate underwriting ranges from flat to way off, down 5% reported by WFUV New York, to -35% at WXPN. But it is non-commercial Triple A radio that is most effectively pooling resources nowadays to utilize technology and new media gadgetry, aggressively making content available on multi-platforms to build community and strengthen the brand for the future.
 
Panel: Does Radio Still Matter To The Artist
The three-day event, held entirely on-site at the killer facilities of WXPN and World Café Live this year, kicked off Thursday morning with "I am not the moderator" Moby hosting an all-artist panel with Citizen Cope and Hoots & Hellmouth's Sean Hoots ironically titled "Does Radio Still Matter To The Artist?" In a session that was perhaps more antidotal than informative, we did find out that these artists do support radio in the current artists vs. radio artist royalty battle, even though they seemed hardly aware of the issue at the onset.

Concurrent Panels: Fund Drives - It's a PPM World, Going Mobile
In the Thursday afternoon concurrent meetings, "Fund Drives - It's a PPM World" and "Going Mobile," stations shared ideas on how to deal with the new cume-heavy Arbitron Portable People Meter ratings service (re-think fund drive programming?) and how best to stay connected with evolving mobile devices so your station can be heard any place on the planet (IPhone apps) while listeners are continually updated via text messaging.

Panel: Going Social
Friday morning's "Going Social" session continued along the theme, begging the question of just how is real time social media (networking sites and blogs) changing the way your audience discovers new music? Panelists on the Bruce Warren-hosted session were KCMP/The Current Minneapolis PD Jim McGuinn, NPR Music and All Songs Considered editor/producer Bob Boyland, and online marketing AAA promoter Jon Flanagan. The panel talked about the power of and the endless opportunities afforded by new media and social networking sites to extend community - and reach existing and new station listeners/potential members in as many places as possible. Or as Bruce put it, "Get the people who love you the most to talk about you the most." And "let the audience create the conversation."
Although many Triple A stations are still "dipping their toes" into the big water of exploding new media and social media, others like 'XPN - with large market resources and staff - offer a bevy of aggregated content, including RSS feeds (See Mike Sauter's related Is Your Station An 'Audio Media Company' article in The Forest), tons of videos, music downloads, podcasts, and blogs/links. The session discussed what worked and didn't for stations. Bruce Warren admitted to maybe "going a little crazy too early" in an attempt to stay ahead of the curve with social networking sites, while Jim McGuinn conceded that the value of twittering and blogging is difficult to quantify for a station, particularly when trying to focus crucial and limited resources and time. Stations were implored to pick and choose where to put their energy in this area with a warning not to get "over-extended". Bruce added, "we are clear (by now) on the psychographic profile of our audience, yet still learning about their technographic profile as every individual engages social media differently."

Panel: What Major Labels?
Bruce introduced panelists Downtown Music's Jason Greenberg, Spectre Entertainment's Hannah Carlen, and Pirate Promotions Steve Theo in the Friday afternoon "What Major Labels?" session, dominated by the six-hundred pound gorilla in the room called new media that is increasingly undermining radio's relevance with the younger audience as a source to find new music. Dan Reed warned us "not to get into a geek war" when it comes to online new music discovery but the panel acknowledged the huge success of music sites such as Pitchfork and MySpace, and the instant buzz on artists created by blogs like Stereogum and the New York Times Arts Beat blog. RCRD LBL, a project with Downtown Music, was mentioned us a new mp3 music site for radio to check out. Partnerships for station site content are key, such as WXPN's with popular upstart NPR multi-genre music site NPR Music.org.

The Performances
Of the 24 musical showcases (Sara Watkins couldn't make it) over the weekend, NON-COMM musical highlights for radio included the super-funky Hill Country Revue, the haunting melodies of Jessica Lee Mayfield, the rockin' Heartless Bastards, the "real deal" Derek Trucks Band, Guy Sebastion with the legendary guitarist Steve Cropper, solid shows from veterans like Pete Yorn, Cracker and Marshal Crenshaw, Saturday night headliner folk/jammer Delta Spirit, and young Malaysian pop/roots artist Zee Avi. But it was Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears who stole the show in a Sat. late night music showcase of soul and blues firepower! Most of the performances were broadcast live on WXPN and XPN.org. Some showcases were webcast and later podcast on NPR Music.org. Visit FMQB for 2009 NON-COMM Artist Photos.
What were your personal '09 NON-COMM highlights? Visit the AAA live forum: TalkTalk

The Music Meeting
The Sean Coakley/Songlines-hosted annual "Music Meeting" closed out the conference sessions on Saturday as 'XPN listeners joined the radio and record folk in voting on advance releases. Levon Helm's "When I Go Away" and David Gray's "Fugitive" from their respective upcoming releases garnered the most positive response of the 12 tracks previewed. Of the room of more than 150 mix of professionals and WXPN radio listeners, 110 of them filled out ballots by scoring the ten songs on a scale of 1-10.

ALL ATTENDEES
 LEVON HELM "When I Go Away" 8.15 (110)
 DAVID GRAY "Fugitive" 7.11
 WILLIE NELSON "Baby It's Cold Outside" 6.82
 THE LOW ANTHEM "Champion Angel" 6.53
 SON VOLT "Down to the Wire" 6.46
 MOBY "Pale Horses" 6.17
 EDWARD SHARPE "40 Day Radio" 6.16
 AMELIA CURRAN "Scattered & Small" 6.02
 JESS KLEIN "When the Time Comes" 5.62
 MARCY PLAYGROUND "Good Times" 5.41
 CHRISTINA COURTIN "Foreign Country" 5.23
 FRUIT BATS "My Unusual Friend" 5.16
 
RADIO PROGRAMMERS
 LEVON HELM "When I Go Away" 8.59 (43)
 DAVID GRAY "Fugitive" 7.44
 WILLIE NELSON "Baby It's Cold Outside" 7.25
 SON VOLT "Down to the Wire" 7.09
 THE LOW ANTHEM "Champion Angel" 6.95
 MOBY "Pale Horses" 6.64
 EDWARD SHARPE "40 Day Radio" 6.41
 AMELIA CURRAN "Scattered & Small" 6.38
 JESS KLEIN "When the Time Comes" 6.24
 FRUIT BATS "My Unusual Friend" 5.66
 CHRISTINA COURTIN "Foreign Country" 5.60
 MARCY PLAYGROUND "Good Times" 5.55

WXPN LISTENERS
 LEVON HELM "When I Go Away" 8.65 (26)
 THE LOW ANTHEM "Champion Angel" 6.92
 SON VOLT "Down to the Wire" 6.73
 AMELIA CURRAN "Scattered & Small" 6.65
 WILLIE NELSON "Baby It's Cold Outside" 6.40
 DAVID GRAY "Fugitive" 6.12
 JESS KLEIN "When the Time Comes" 5.85
 EDWARD SHARPE "40 Day Radio" 5.75
 MOBY "Pale Horses" 5.56
 MARCY PLAYGROUND "Good Times" 5.27
 CHRISTINA COURTIN "Foreign Country" 5.12
 FRUIT BATS "My Unusual Friend" 4.40
 
Jacobs Media Public Radio Technology Survey (PRTS)
Jacobs Media recent PRTS survey for 2008 revealed the following:
1. Almost half of AAA public radio listeners stream radio weekly.
2. With nearly all carrying a cell phone, nearly half of AAA public radio listeners text message weekly.
3. Two-thirds of AAA public radio listeners own an IPod or similar device, while nearly half have downloaded and listened to a podcast.
4. Six-in-ten AAA public radio listeners have bought digital downloads over the past year.
5. Half of the AAA public radio audience uses social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter.
6. Eight-in-ten AAA public radio listeners say they access sites such as You Tube for videos on a frequent/occasional basis.

KSWD/THE SOUND LOS ANGELES PLAYING MORE GOLD IN "CONTINUED EVOLUTION" (5/26/09)
KSWD/The Sound Los Angeles, a Triple A station for over a year, has morphed into playing more classic rock and classic hits as of Friday (5/22). KSWD PD Dave Beasing told Triplearadio.com, "This is not a change in philosophy or format, but a continued evolution of The Sound. We're still playing the best Rock available – new or old. Based on listener feedback, we're getting choosier about both. And we're thrilled that we just had our best month in PPM ever. Arbitron reports that our audience has literally doubled since the holidays." Meanwhile, R&R Triple A Editor John Schoenberger has announced that "because of its musical evolution, KSWD/The Sound has been removed from the R&R Triple A monitored panel."
 
CUMULUS SWITCHES WRQQ NASHVILLE TO "QUALITY ROCK" (5/20/09)
Cumulus has morphed yet another rock station to their "Quality Rock" format as WRQQ Nashville (97.1) becomes a classic and recurrent Triple A/Alternative hybrid. Over the past few weeks, Cumulus' KDBN Dallas, WNNX Atlanta and KHJK Houston/Beaumont have all rebranded into similar "Quality Rock" adult formats.

MIKE POWERS, SEAN O'CONNELL SET FOR ANNUAL LAUNCH OF RADIO BONNAROO (5/19/09)
For the 5th straight year, Radio Bonnaroo will be broadcasting to the 75,000+ attendees at this year's 8th Annual Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival set for June 10-15 in Manchester, TN. Borrowing the 3,000 watt signal of local WFTZ ("Fantasy 101.5"), Radio Bonnaroo will provide an around the clock eclectic mix including backstage performances and interviews as well as traffic and activity updates. The station is based on-site in the Music Allies-powered radio compound and will again be overseen by Mike Powers, evening host at The Sound Los Angeles and Sean O'Connell, head of Asheville-based Music Allies. Have advances or material that you'd like to add to the Radio Bonnaroo library? Send to: Mike Powers, KSWD/The Sound, 5900 Wilshire Blvd. 19th Floor, Los Angeles 90036.

KUT AUSTIN NAMES MATT REILLY AMD (5/18/09)
KUT Austin (90.5) has promoted on-air host Matt Reilly to the position of Assistant Music Director. A native Texan, Matt began in radio at crosstown KGSR and was also a host for the Austin Music Network music video channel. In 2004, he joined WXPN Philadelphia as AMD and hosted several popular music shows. "Matt's expertise has already been a big asset to KUT," said KUT Music Director Jeff McCord. "In this new role he will continue to help us provide great music programming." He starts in his new gig effective immediately. Reach Matt via email.

WELCH OUT AT KMTT SEATTLE (5/14/09)
KMTT (The Mountain) Seattle Program Director Kevin Welch has suddenly exited the Entercom station. Kevin joined KMTT in April of 2007, after nine years as APD/MD at KINK Portland. Prior to KINK, Kevin was PD/MD at KFXJ (The River) Boise.

WMMM MADISON'S GABBY PARSONS STEPS DOWN AS MD, REMAINS ON-AIR AND ON STAFF (5/14/09)
As the economy continues to take its toll, particularly on commercial radio, budget cuts cause WMMM (105.5 Triple M) Madison longtime afternoon host and Music Director Gabby Parsons to step down from the MD position. Gabby will, however, remain on-air at the station via voice-tracking and stay on staff as receptionist. Entercom has recently eliminated the Music Director positions at most of its stations.

KHJK/JACK HOUSTON MORPHS INTO "HOUSTON'S ADULT ALTERNATIVE" (5/14/09)
KHJK Houston/Beaumont has morphed from "103-7 Jack FM" to "103-7 FM KHJK, Houston's Adult Alternative." Like Cumulus' Dallas station that debuted a new "Quality Rock" format last month, KDBN/FM 933 Quality Rock, KHJK plays lots of recurrent music but we have yet to hear any currents on the new Houston format. KHJK's PD is afternoon host Steve Robison. Reach Steve via email.

PRI STAFF RESTRUCTURING: REASSIGNMENTS, SOME LAYOFFS (5/8/09)
Public Radio International has cut three staffers and reassigned some of its 55-member staff in a restructuring move this week by the Minneapolis-based national producer and distributor of public radio programming.

LABEL MOVES: CUNNINGHAM EXITS UNIVERSAL MOTOWN (5/8/09)
Veteran label promo exec Tom Cunningham is out as VP/Adult Formats at Universal Motown.

PUBLIC RADIO EXCHANGE PRESENTS WXPN WITH ZEITFUNK AWARD FOR MOST LICENSED CONTENT (5/7/09)
"It means that the great work being done at XPN, and being supported by our members, is getting exposure on countless stations across the country." - WXPN GM Roger LaMay
WXPN Philadelphia was named the "Most Licensed Station" for 2008 by the Public Radio Exchange for providing the most content to other public radio stations last year. The station was honored for shows such as Johnny Meister's Blues & Beyond series and Tracey Tanenbaum's A Musician's Life. "We're particularly pleased with this achievement," said WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay. "It means that the great work being done at XPN, and being supported by our members, is getting exposure on countless stations across the country." The "Most Licensed Series" was the Vinyl Cafe series while Fred Flaxman was named "Most Licensed Producer." Read the PRX full list of winners.
The Zeitfunk Awards are distributed each spring to the "mostiest" radio stations, producers and listeners for the previous calendar year. Winners are selected by the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), "an online distributor of public radio programming and a growing social network and community of listeners, producers and stations collaborating to reshape public radio."

WEBBY AWARDS: NPR WINS BEST RADIO SITE, NPR MUSIC WINS BEST MUSIC SITE (5/6/09)
NPR's NPR.org and NPR Music dominated radio and music digital media in the 13th Annual Webby Awards announced (5/5) in New York City, winning Best Radio Site and Best Music Site. NPR also picked up awards for Best Mobile News Site and Best Music Online Video Site. NPR won for Best Podcasts in the Webby's People's Voice Awards. The Webby for Best Music Site was won by npr.org/music. The nominations for the Best Music Site included 8tracks.com, Moshcam.com, Nonesuch.com and Pitchforkmedia.com. Webby Artist of the Year was Trent Reznor. Webby Person of the year was Jimmy Fallon. Webby Breakout of the Year was Twitter. Read the complete list of Webby Award Winners in 70 categories. SNL's Seth Meyers hosts the upcoming Webby Awards bash June 8 in New York City when the awards will be presented. 

CUMULUS LAUNCHES "FM 933 QUALITY ROCK" IN DALLAS (5/4/09)
Cumulus/Dallas blew up Classic Rock "The Bone" and debuted KDBN/FM 933 Quality Rock Dallas-Ft. Worth on Monday, April 27. FM 933 is a Classic Alternative/Triple A hybrid airing "a great blend of rock music from Adult Alternative to Classic Hits and featuring great bands like Dave Matthews Band, REM, Coldplay, The Police, U2, Van Morrison and more." Although we've yet to hear any currents in their evolving music mix, FM 933 does play plenty of AAA recurrents. Cumulus WNNX (Rock 100) Atlanta-based "The Regular Guys" host the 6-9 morning show. Jeff Catlin is Program Director, assisted by Cumulus SVP/Programming Jan Jeffries. Dallas-Ft. Worth is Arbitron ranked market #5 with a population of over 5 million. Among it's roster of stations, Cumulus also owns Triple A KFOG San Francisco-San Jose. The new station is streaming at FM 933 Quality Rock.

FM 933 Quality Rock Dallas - Sample Hour (5/4/09, 1:30pm-2:30pm)
U2 - City of Blinding Lights
STEVIE RAY VAUGHN - Cold Shot
GOO GOO Dolls - Here Is Gone
COLDPLAY - Life In Technicolor
BARENAKED LADIES - Brian Wilson
CAKE - Never There
PEARL JAM - Elderly Woman
THE WHO - Eminence Front
AMY WINEHOUSE - You Know I'm No Good
COUNTING CROWS - When I Dream of Michaelangelo
THE FRAY - Over My Head
DAVE MATTHEWS BAND - Trippin Billies

PUBLIC RADIO EAST, NEW BERN NC NEW AAA CONTACT: SCOTT ROBERTSON (4/30/09)
Public Radio East ("Public Radio for Eastern North Carolina") New Bern, NC's George Olsen has been upped to an executive role so your new Triple A/Americana music contact for PRE is Scott Robertson. Reach Scott via email or call during his music call times, Mondays 9am-noon, at 252.638.7292 (Eastern). The mailing address remains: Public Radio East, 800 College Court, New Bern, NC 28562.

KBCO BOULDER-DENVER APD/MD ABUZZAHAB OUT DUE TO BUDGET AXE (4/28/09)
In a move that has caught the industry by surprise, KBCO Boulder-Denver on-air APD/MD Mark Abuzzahab has exited the building in the latest round of Clear Channel budget cuts. Mark joined KBCO in September of 2005. Prior to 'BCO, the young veteran broadcaster was PD at WNCS Burlington. Reach Mark via personal email or cell at 802.839.9115.

KSRQ THIEF RIVER FALLS MN NAMES BRAGET MD (4/28/09)
KSRQ (Pioneer 90.1) Thief River Falls MN Station Manager Travis Ryder hands off music duties to Glen Braget effective May 4. Reach Glen via email and by phone during his music call times, Monday/Tuesday 9-10:15am (CT) at 218.683.8588 ext. 1.

VETERAN KINK PORTLAND MORNING HOST LES SARNOFF DIES (4/20/09)
We are saddened to report that longtime KINK Portland OR morning host Les Sarnoff died Friday evening (4/17) after a battle with cancer. He was 60. Les was morning host on KINK for 22 years. He was diagnosed with melanoma last April and underwent surgery before returning to the air but tests at the end of the year showed the cancer had returned. "There is perhaps no single person more closely associated with any radio station than Les is with KINK," KINK GM Dave McDonald said in a statement. "He has meant so much to so many with his positive energy, generous spirit, community commitment and his warm and open presence. Portland and the KINK Community have lost a great one." Visit In Memory of Les Sarnoff.

DANIELS EXITS, SORENSON UPPED TO STATION MANAGER AT KFMG DES MOINES (4/15/09)
KFMG (99.1) Des Moines' Ron Sorenson checks in to inform us that Station Director Preston Daniels, a former Mayor in the city, has been tapped by Iowa Gov. Culver to run the State Human Rights Department. Effective April 17, Ron be taking over as Station Manager, and retaining his position as Music Director. In other KFMG news, Ron reports that the community station is adding a part-time staff announcer and a part-time fundraising person. 

JULIA CLARKE EXITS SONGLINES (4/10/09)
Songlines has announced that Julia Clarke has resigned from the indie promtion company in order to pursue a career outside of the business. Prior to joining Songlines, she was Music Director at WUMB Boston. Julia will be teaching yoga, for which she recently became licensed, and moving to Vail, CO. Songlines chief Sean Coakley said, "We are deeply thankful for her two years of unparalleled service and wish her great success in all future endeavors." Julia's resignation is effective Monday, April 13.

RADIO MILWAUKEE NAMES MUSSOLINE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (4/9/09)
Radio Milwaukee has appointed Mary Louise Mussoline Executive Director. A veteran consultant to numerous area non-profits, she most recently served as Sr. Director of Development at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Eric Resch, Board Chair of Radio For Milwaukee, said "Mary Louise brings a wealth of experience in management and fund development. Her strong background, talent and working relationships within Milwaukee's non-profit and business communities will help Radio Milwaukee realize its vision for creating a better city through the power of music and our collective voice." She will be working in tandem with Station Manager Vicki Mann and Program/Content Director Sam Van Hallgren. Mary Louise said, "In a short time, Radio Milwaukee has established itself as a powerful force to bring people together in celebration of music, local arts and community building. By tapping into more of the Milwaukee area's many resources, I hope to help build an even stronger foundation for our future growth and success."

GERARD TO LEAVE WNRN CHARLOTTESVILLE, POSITION OPENS (4/9/09)
WNRN Charlottesville News Director and mid-morning host Jerry Gerard is leaving to pursue opportunities outside radio. Jerry's last day is May 1. WNRN is accepting applications for his position. Applicants should have live on-air experience in Triple A or non-commercial radio, as well as experience conducting live artist in studios. Duties will include, but are not limited to, recruiting, training and managing a staff of 9-12 volunteer news readers and a two-hour weekday air shift. Applicants who have on-air fundraising experience and a broad knowledge and passion for independent music will be preferred. Applications should include a resume, cover letter and air check, and may be submitted to PD Anne Williams, WNRN, 2250 Old Ivy Rd, Suite 2, Charlottesville, VA 22903 or via email. Resume reviews begin April 15.

BENSON TO EXIT KFOG SAN FRANCISCO (4/7/09)
In a stunner of a an industry move, KFOG San Francisco-San Jose PD Dave Benson will be leaving after nine years. In a statement, Dave said "I've had an incredible work experience in my nine years at KFOG (and my time at KSAN/The Bone) and I look forward to the next opportunity wherever it may take me." A native of Madison WI, Dave was PD of KBCO Boulder-Denver prior to joining KFOG and also served as a programming consultant with Boulder-based SBR Radio. His on-air background includes stints at WXRT, WLUP and WMET in Chicago. Dave is set to leave KFOG at the end of next month. Cumulus SVP/Programming Jan Jeffries will be overseeing KFOG programming until a new PD is named.

MD/HOST RUBINO OUT DUE TO CUTBACKS AT SIRIUS/XM'S THE LOFT (3/31/09)
Sirius XM The Loft MD and on-air host Jerry Rubino has left the building due to the proverbial budget cutbacks. Jerry joined The Loft over two years ago. Longtime The Loft PD Mike Marrone will now also handle MD duties. Reach Jerry via email.

WRXP NEW YORK NAMES STEVE CRAIG APD, BRIAN PHILLIPS MD (3/26/09)
WRXP (101.9 RXP) New York PD Leslie Fram has announced the promotion of current midday (10am-3pm) host Steve Craig to Assistant Program Director while current weeknight (7pm-mid) host Brian "Phillips" has been upped to Music Director. Both will continue on-air along with their new responsibilities. Steve's daily musical features on WRXP include his College of Musical Knowledge, The Punk Trunk and the Finest Work Song. Phillips, as he's known on-air at WRXP, hosts the 10 O'clock News, which features 30 minutes of brand new music from WRXP artists. Labels, reach Phillips via email. His music call times will be forthcoming.

KBOO PORTLAND HOSTS 34TH ANNUAL COMMUNITY RADIO CONFERENCE APRIL 1-4 (3/24/09)
The 34th Annual Community Radio Conference is set for April 1-4 in Portland, Oregon, sponsored by the National Federation of Community Broadcasters (NFCB) and hosted by official conference host station KBOO, celebrating its 40th year as Portland's community radio. The conference hotel is the Hilton Portland Executive Tower (1.800.445.8667 Mention NFCB for special rate). The annual event is perhaps grassroots community radio's most well attended gathering of the year. Offering plenty of opportunities to network and exchange ideas with peers and to "expand your horizons beyond your station," the conference focus this year is, indeed, on fund raising. Also look for workshops and roundtable discussions on topics ranging from Management's "Building and Maintaining a Healthy Board," to Technology/New Media's "Social Networking, Social Media, and Web 2.0 apps." For more information and to register for the conference, visit NFCB.

FORMER XM AMERICANA PD JESSE SCOTT JOINS NEW MUSICFOG.COM (3/23/09)
As reported earlier in our media column The Forest by Triplearadio.com Contributing Editor Mike Lyons, veteran broadcaster and former longtime PD/MD and host at XM Satellite Radio's "Cross Country" (X Country) channel, Jesse Scott has joined up to launch new social networking Americana/Alt Country site Music Fog.com with former XM staffers Jim McBean, Ben Krech and Michael Crider from the SXSW Interactive Board of Advisers. Jesse is in charge of Artist Relations while Jim handles Production/Technical, Ben oversees Social Networking/Blogs and Michael heads up Marketing/Sponsorships. The new site features original performances and interviews with Americana artists (Ray Wylie Hubbard, James McMurtry and Jimmy LaFave are on the current home page) alongside blogs and links for "complete music coverage of the Americana Revolution."

KCRW SANTA MONICA "RECLAIMS" VINYL LIBRARY WITH DIGITAL RESTORATION PROJECT (3/19/09)
Station defrays project costs with successful "Save the Music" fund drive campaign
Many Triple A stations, particularly in heritage non-commercial radio, maintain a deep library of catalog music available only on vinyl record albums and CDs. KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles found themselves in just that situation, surrounded by walls of vintage and rare music but difficult for the deejays to access. The station recently called on a Seattle-based firm, Reclaim Media, to audio digitize its 16,000 record albums - after narrowing down 30,000 pieces of vinyl - and to integrate them into the central library. Reclaim and KCRW, utilizing the Dalet Media Database System to house their music ("basically an industrial-class Apple iTunes that facilitates the searching, browsing and programming of songs and passages from a database of audio files"), imported the tracks into Dalit as WAV files with each accompanied by an XML metadata file. The company has also developed a special UPS-based logistics system to safely shuttle records between radio stations and the digitization factory without incident. KCRW conducted a successful on-air and online "Save the Music" fund drive campaign to pay for the digitization project. For more information on Reclaim Media, contact Ryan Purcell at 866.669.6496.

WRXP NEW YORK NAMES NIK CARTER TO AFTERNOOONS (3/18/09)
1019RXP New York has announced that industry vet and former 92.3 K-Rock afternoon personality Nik Carter will join the station for afternoons, 3pm-7pm. The confirmation comes days after he appeared on WRXP as a "guest host" on the day following WXRK (K-Rock) New York's format flip to Top 40/CHR. "It started last week when we invited Nik to come on the morning show with Matt Pinfield to say goodbye to his fans, and we twisted his arm into hosting afternoons that day!" said WRXP PD/morning co-host Leslie Fram. "Everyone in the building thought he sounded amazing so we willed it to happen…he's the perfect pm drive host who knows the music and this city." Nik has been at K-Rock since July 2005. Prior, he was afternoon drive host at WBCN Boston for nine years and on-air talent and MD at WNYC AM/FM New York. He replaces former WRXP afternoon host/MD Bryan Schock who left in late January to join Classic Rocker KGB San Diego for afternoons. Nik begins in his new gig at WRXP effective March 30th.

THE ALTERNATE SIDE NOW HEARD ON WFUV NEW YORK 10PM-MIDNIGHT (3/16/09)
The Alternate Side, the new indie online and HD Radio service launched in December by WFUV New York to cover the local music scene, will now have a home on terrestrial radio as well, airing Mon.-Fri. from 10:00pm to midnight on (90.7) WFUV. While The Alternate Side will continue to be heard as a 24/7 stream online and on HD Radios at WFUV-HD3, listeners with analog FM radios will now be able to hear it as a two hour nightly show, effective today (3/16). The Alternate Side's hosts Rich McLaughlin, Jeff Kuprycz, Alisa Ali and Demos will share hosting duties. In other WFUV programming news, effective today, the World Café moves to midnight Mondays-Thursdays while Echoes moves to 2:00am Mondays-Fridays. The Grateful Dead Hour will remain in its midnight time slot on Friday nights with the second hour of the World Café airing at 1am.

R&R ANNOUNCES "SUPER EARLY-BIRD RATE" FOR BOULDER TRIPLE A SUMMIT AUG. 5-8 (3/11/09)
R&R Triple A Editor John Schoenberger has announced a special rate of $350. until June 26 for the 17th annual R&R Triple A Summit August 5-8. R&R will also be offering a special "pros on the loose" rate for folks out of job who still want to attend. (Ed. note: The NON-COMMvention May 28-30 in Philadelphia recently announced a similar complimentary registration offer for the recently unemployed as well.) This year's Summit is again held at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa in beautiful Boulder, Colorado. As with the past few years, there will be a special Q&A session and then a cocktail party to kick things off Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 5, with performances beginning that evening, so make your travel plans accordingly. The Summit will conclude after the R&R Industry Achievement Awards presentation on Saturday morning, Aug. 8. John says look for some early artist announcements soon!

EMMIS LAYS OFF LONGTIME KGSR AUSTIN MD CASTLE (3/9/09)
In a move that has caught the industry by surprise, even in this tough economic climate, KGSR Austin longtime Music Director/midday host Susan Castle has been let go due to corporate budget cuts. Susan was with KGSR a near record-setting nineteen years, having joined the station even prior to its inception back when it was Smooth Jazz. She played a key role in establishing and growing KGSR in the market along with then PD and current Content Manager/afternoon host Jody Denberg. Emmis Radio, which owns the Austin/Emmis cluster which includes KGSR, eliminated 60 positions nationwide and reduced salaries on Thursday (3/5).

NPR MUSIC PARTNERS WITH PITCHFORK TV (3/6/09)
Deal involves original content from NPR stations WFUV, WGBH, WXPN, KCMP/The Current, KEXP, KUT and others
NPR Music has announced a partnership with their Live Concerts from All Songs Considered and online music video channel Pitchfork.tv. The agreement is for NPR Music to offer webcasting and audio podcasting while Pitchfork.tv will provide concert video, including secret concerts, original mini-documentaries and exclusive interviews. Antony and the Johnsons is the first band to be featured recorded live from the Sixth and I Synagogue in Washington, D.C. NPR Music features original NPR Music content that includes live performances, studio sessions, music lists, interviews, reviews and blogs. The following NPR and NPR member public stations contribute to the NPR Music/Pitchfork.tv collaboration: WFUV The Bronx-New York, WNYC New York, WGBH Boston, WXPN Philadelphia, WGBO Newark, KEXP Seattle, KCMP/The Current Minneapolis, WGUC Cincinnati, Folk Alley/WKSU Kent, WDUQ Pittsburgh, KUT Austin, and KPLU Tacoma.

SXSW TRIPLE A "MUSIC MEETING" MARCH 20, PANELISTS INCLUDE HOUSTON, RANSFORD, WARREN, WINER (3/3/09)
The 23rd annual SXSW Music and Media Conference March 18-22, 2009 in Austin, has announced their annual Triple A session, the "Adult Rock Music Meeting," March 20 at 11am. Songlines' Sean Coakley will again moderate the Music Meeting, which includes panelists Fuel/Friends blogger Heather Browne, WFUV New York Music Director Rita Houston, Late Night With Conan O'Brien talent booker Jim Pitt, KFOG San Francisco Music Director Kelly Ransford, Grey Worldwide's Amy Rosen, WXPN Philadelphia Program Director Bruce Warren and WXRT Chicago Program Director Norm Winer. The panel and audience will listen to ten unreleased songs and score them for potential on their stations, shows, films or commercials. There will also be a private AAA Peer Group Meeting again after the Music Meeting. Hit Sean via email for more info.
Attention labels: Although the deadline is near, Songlines is still seeking music submissions for the Music Meeting. Please, only new music being released from mid-March onward is eligible for consideration. Labels, rush music by March 12 to: Songlines, 68 South Moger Avenue, Mount Kisco NY 10549.
1, 800 musical acts will be showcased on over eighty stages in downtown Austin during SXSW. By day, conference registrants attend the Austin Convention Center trade show and informative panel discussions featuring hundreds of speakers.

COOK EXITS NEW WEST RECORDS (2/25/09)
New West Records has announced that Jeff Cook, longtime Head of Promotions for the label, is moving on. "Jeff is a terrific promotion man and a wonderful person," said Cameron Strang, President of New West Records. "We thank him for all the great work and are sad to see him go." Jeff said, "The last 9½ years at New West have been some of the most satisfying of my career. Having such an amazing group of professionals to work with, coupled with one of the finest rosters, have made for a joyous working environment and a very fulfilling tour of duty." Jeff added, "My thanks to everyone at radio that supported our efforts and I as I look for my next opportunity, I expect to be speaking to all of you soon." Prior to New West, the veteran Georgia-based label exec and musician worked long promotion stints at Capricorn, Elektra, and Arista. He will be departing the label effective Friday, February 27. Reach Jeff via his personal email. Look for a pending announcement on the new radio contact for New West.

WQKL ANN ARBOR REHIRES MORNING HOST BANDYKE AFTER COMMUNITY OUTCRY (2/24/09)
WQKL (107one) Ann Arbor morning host Martin Bandyke has been rehired by Cumulus after being let go two weeks ago due to budget cuts. Listeners, community leaders, and advertisers had rallied to protest the firing. Listeners flooded the station and corporate headquarters with phone calls and e-mails and started a Facebook group calling for his return. A local Ann Arbor bank president even contacted Cumulus chief executive Lou Dickey to express his community's concern about the dismissal. Martin has been a big booster of local community organizations, including Food Gatherers, the Michigan Theater, United Way, and the Humane Society. He told the Detroit Free Press, "I'm beyond thrilled by the support from everybody who helped bring me back to the airwaves!" Martin joined WQKL in 2006 after 22 years on non-comm WDET Detroit. He returns to work effective March 8. Martin's specialty music show on Sundays, Fine Tuning, is also being reinstated.

SCHARES UPPED TO MD AT IOWA PUBLIC RADIO (2/16/09)
Iowa Public Radio has named Allen Schares Music Director. Allen has been promoted to oversee IPR's two music services, (Triple A) Studio One and IPR Classical. He has spent over two decades at Iowa Public Radio in various roles from program host and producer to MD of IPR's KUNI stations and, most recently, Content Manager for IPR's Studio One network. "I'm looking forward to working with the incredibly talented music staff of Iowa Public Radio," Allen said. "Together, we'll work to bring the best classical and contemporary music to Iowans as we redouble our efforts to reflect the eclectic tastes of our listeners and continue our support of homegrown artists." Allen begins in his new role effective immediately. In related IPR news, Mary Grace Herrington was recently appointed CEO of Iowa Public Radio while Michelle J. Rourke was named Development Director. Iowa Public Radio broadcasts throughout the state on over 21 frequencies, including WSUI-AM and KSUI-FM at the University of Iowa, WOI-AM and WOI-FM at Iowa State University, and KUNI-FM and KHKE-FM at the University of Northern Iowa.

Contact Allen at 319.273.6489 or via email. Labels, please send music to:

Allen Schares, Music Director
Iowa Public Radio, Studio One
3rd Floor, CAC
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0359

LUCAS JOINS MUSIC ALLIES AS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (2/12/09)
Music Allies head Sean O'Connell has announced that Greg Lucas has joined the company's Asheville office as Director of Business Development. Greg, a veteran in artist management, most recently worked with Music + Art Management representing a range of performing artists from DJ Spooky to Vijay Iyer. Previously, he was founder and managing director of Regulatory Access LLC, a telecommunications consulting firm in Washington DC. Reach Greg at Music Allies 828.252.6300 or via email.

WZGC/DAVE FM ATLANTA NAMES JAMESON PD (2/10/09)
WZGC (92.9 Dave FM) Atlanta has named veteran rock programmer Scott Jameson Program Director, replacing Mike Wheeler who exited the CBS Radio Triple A hybrid last month. Scott was most recently a consultant with Jacobs Media. Prior to that, he was longtime Ops Manager of WFBQ/WRZX Indianapolis and PD at KYYS (KY-102) Kansas City and KAZY Denver. Scott said, "I'm thrilled to be able to get back to the day-to-day operation of a radio station, be creative, think competitively and engage the staff. I would like to sincerely thank Fred Jacobs for the opportunity and the learning experience." Scott begins in his new gig effective February 17.

WDET DETROIT REVAMPS PROGRAMMING, ADDS VETERAN MUSIC HOST DELISI TO WEEKEND LINEUP (2/9/09)
WDET Detroit, a service of Wayne State University at 101.9 FM, has announced a new programming lineup effective February 23, adding three hours of live news/information programming to WDET's weekday schedule while adding music shows on the weekend hosted by veteran host Ann Delisi. New WDET GM J. Mikel Ellcessor said, "WDET's schedule now more accurately addresses those needs and mirrors the city's tone, style and approach. This schedule change will put WDET much more in step with Detroit in 2009. The new national programs will allow Detroit's residents to feed their thoughts and experiences back up into the programming and give the city a new voice in the national dialogue. Given Detroit's resilience and experience, the world will benefit from hearing what our listeners have to say."

Weekday Programming
"Morning Edition" will air 5am-8am, followed by The Takeaway from 8-10am, a newly-added, live morning news and analysis program co-produced by PRI. Detroit Today, previously heard each day from 10am-noon, will move back in the daily schedule to make way for Tom Ashbrook's On Point from 10-11am and a WDET favorite, Tell Me More, moves to 11am-noon from its former 1pm time slot and will repeat 7-8pm. The rest of the weekday schedule includes many popular WDET programs: Fresh Air, Detroit Today, All Things Considered, Marketplace, The Ed Love Program, The Evolution of Jazz, and BBC News from midnight to 5am.

Weekend Programming 
Key schedule change is the addition of Ann Delisi's Essential Music on Saturday and Sunday from noon-4pm. Ann, a two-decade veteran in the market, is a former airstaffer of WDET and a former on-air Music Director of CIDR Windsor-Detroit. 

GROSSMAN EXITS MUSIC ALLIES (2/9/09)
After nearly five years, Damon Grossman is leaving Music Allies and exploring options for his next career adventure. A Triple A label veteran (Geffen Records, Beyond Music, Silvertone Records), Damon said, "I will miss the amazing Music Allies team." Nick Attaway, Zac Altheimer, Molly Kummerle and president Sean O'Connell will continue to handle the radio marketing at Music Allies. Reach Damon at 310.452.6356 or (cell) 310.466.3418 or via personal email.

KRVO COLUMBIA-KALISPELL-WHITEFISH MT PROMOTES RADWAY TO PD/MD (2/6/09)
KRVO (103.1 The River) Columbia Falls-Kalispell-Whitefish MT has upped morning host Mark "Rad" Radway to PD/MD as OM Brew Michaels concentrates on his airshow on The River and on programming cluster rocker B98 and oldies Cool 105. Meanwhile, congrats to Mark, Brew and the entire crew at Rose Communications' The River on great Arbitron Fall ratings, rising (12+) 5.6-7.4!

COOGAN ANCHORS RADIO PROMOTION/ARTIST DEVELOPMENT FOR UFO MUSIC (2/6/09)
Veteran label promoter, air talent, and programmer Louise Coogan is officially in place at her new gig at UFO Music. Louise was most recently head of radio promotion for Decca Records and, prior to that, was a longtime promoter for Songlines. She'll be working in radio promotion and artist development for United For Opportunity and in-house management, the Invasion Group. A current project is The Guggenheim Grotto's Happy The Man album. Contact Louise at 212.414.0505 ext# 107 or via email.

FALL ARB RATINGS RESULTS (2/6/09)
Fall '08 Arbitron Ratings results 12+:
WCOO Charleston 2.1-1.6
WMMM Madison 3.4-3.1
WRLT Nashville 1.5-1.3
WUIN Wilmington 2.3-2.7
KINK Portland 4.4-3.8
WZEW Mobile 2.5-3.0
KGSR Austin 2.8-2.2
KBXR Columbia 5.4-5.2
WTTS Indianapolis 1.9-2.3
WWMM Birmingham 0.0-1.2
KBCO Denver-Boulder 4.2-4.0
KBCO Ft. Collins-Greeley 2.8-2.5
KOHO Wenatchee WA 1.4-1.8
KLRR Bend 2.8-4.0
KMTT Seattle 2.6-2.7
WOCM Salisbury-Ocean City MD 2.0-1.5
KCTZ Minneapolis-St. Paul 4.1-3.4
KWMT Tucson 3.2-3.0
KRSH Santa Rosa 2.4-2.6
KPIG Monterey-Salinas-Santa Cruz 3.7-3.0
KPIG (KZAP) Chico 2.6-3.2
KPIG (KPYG) San Luis Obispo 4.1-2.1
WMVY Cape Cod 2.6-3.0
WRNR Baltimore 0.7-0.9
WBOS Boston 1.7-1.8
WXRV Boston 1.2-1.1
WXRV Manchester NH 2.4-3.4
WQKL Ann Arbor 3.0-2.5
WEHM Hamptons-Riverhead 4.7-3.7
KPRI San Diego 1.5-1.3
WRXP Bridgeport CN 0.4-0.6
WRXP Stamford-Norwalk CT 0.0-0.9
WXPK Stamford-Norwalk CT 0.0-0.6
WDST Poughkeepsie 1.9-1.5
WKZE Poughkeepsie 1.3-1.2
KPTL Des Moines 2.7-2.5
KXLY Spokane 3.7-4.3
KRVO Columbia Falls-Kalispell-Whitefish MT 5.6-7.4
KRVB Boise 2.6-2.7
KTHX Reno 3.8-2.5
WCLZ Portland ME 2.6-3.0
KDAL Deluth-Superior MN-WI 5.4-4.3
 
WRXP NEW YORK MD BRYAN SCHOCK RESIGNS (1/28/09)
Returns home to Southern California for "personal reasons"
WRXP 1019RXP New York has announced that MD/afternoon host Bryan Schock has suddenly resigned his position for personal reasons. Bryan said, "This is one of the hardest decisions that I've ever had to make but I've learned over the years that family comes first. Having the opportunity to be a major part of the development of a brand new rock radio station in the biggest market in America has been an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. Emmis Communications has been a wonderful company to work for. I want to thank Dan Halyburton, Rick Cummings, Jimmy Steal and Paragon Media Strategies' Mike Henry for believing that I was the guy to help get 'RXP off the ground. I also want to thank Leslie Fram as well as the rest of the on air and programming team at 'RXP for being such an amazing group of people to work along side."
WRXP PD Leslie Fram said, "It's with a heavy heart that we have to say good-bye to the person who almost single-handedly launched the radio station. He was the only on-air talent for the first 6 months! I want to personally thank him for helping lay the foundation of 101.9 RXP and welcoming me with open arms and a New York subway map! A great programmer always finds another home." Bryan's last day at WRXP will be February 6th. He will then be relocating to Southern California. Emmis has yet to make a decision on Bryan's replacement. WRXP launched on January 5, 2008. 

PD/MD McCLURKIN EXITS KPTL DES MOINES (1/22/09)
KPTL (Capital 106.3) Des Moines has let go PD/MD Deeya McClurkin due to Clear Channel budget cuts. Contact Deeya via personal email.

PD WHEELER EXITS WZGC/DAVE FM ATLANTA (1/16/09)
WZGC/92.9 Dave FM Atlanta Program Director and market veteran Mike Wheeler has left the CBS Radio station after less than two years. Prior to Dave FM, Mike was Regional VP/Programming and Dir. of Operations for Clear Channel/Atlanta.

INDIE 103.1 LOS ANGELES DROPS FORMAT, REMAINS ONLINE (1/16/09)
After five years, Entravision has dropped their unique alternative/indie format on KDLD/KDLE (Indie 103.1) Los Angeles. The programming crew and airstaff were fired Thursday (1/15) and a new format, Regional Mexican, is in place. Indie 103.1 programming will remain available online only at www.indie1031.com, where a statement on the site reads in part, "Because of changes in the radio industry and the way radio audiences are measured, stations in this market are being forced to play too much Britney, Puffy and alternative music that is neither new nor cutting edge. Due to these challenges, Indie 103.1 was recently faced with only one option - to play the corporate radio game. We have decided not to play that game any longer. Rather than changing the sound, spirit, and soul of what has made Indie 103.1 great, Indie 103.1 will bid farewell to the terrestrial airwaves and take an alternative course."
The Los Angeles radio community has reacted. Peter Burton, GM of Triple A KSWD/100.3 The Sound said, "We have always had respect for Indie's stance on music and the overall independent feel of the radio station. In a sense we too have tried to foster that spirit of independence at The Sound by playing a wide diverse musical playlist much like Indie was able to accomplish in a different way. In L.A. though there is only so much you can do with a limited signal. This is an unfortunate day for the creative end of our business." Dave Beasing, The Sound's PD added, "This is a sad day for FM radio. The Sound's music may be a little different, but we’ll try our best to keep that same spirit alive." 
When it named Indie 103.1 "the nation's best radio station" in 2008, Rolling Stone said, "More like the adventurous rock stations of the Seventies than its current ultracorporate competitors, Los Angeles' Indie 103.1 has challenged the city's alt-rock powerhouse, KROQ, with broader playlists, fewer commercials and DJs who have cool taste and a distinctive point of view. The station, which also broadcasts online at indie1031.com, gives listeners the early jump on artists such as Tokyo Police Club and Black Lips, and also offers up NPR favorites like Feist and Bright Eyes, and album cuts from veterans including Morrissey and the Smashing Pumpkins. The station's most popular shows are hosted by Henry Rollins, the Sex Pistols' Steve Jones, the Crystal Method and actor Danny Masterson, all of whom select their own tunes."

WXRV BOSTON NAMES RAINES PD (1/15/09)
WXRV (The River) Boston has finally filled the vacant Program Director position with the appointment of veteran programmer Beau Raines to PD/mornings at the Northeast Broadcasting station. Beau was most recently PD at Entercom's KQMT (The Mountain) Denver. Prior to that, he was PD at CBS Radio's WZLX Boston and Greater Media's WROR Boston. A native of Long Island, Beau attended Northeastern University in Boston. He replaces OM/PD/morning host Ron Bowen, who left WXRV last June. Beau told Triplearadio, "It's great to be back in Boston. I love doing independent radio after so much corporate. We look forward to good things here at The River!" He is already in place at the new gig. APD/MD Catie Wilber will continue to assist with music at WXRV.

HART TO STAY ON AS PD AT KTBG KANSAS CITY (1/13/09)
KTBG (90.9 The Bridge) Warrensburg-Kansas City has announced that longtime PD Jon Hart, who recently announced his intention to resign (11/15), will remain with the station as PD. Staffers Byron Johnson and Sarah Bradshaw "remain with the station and will continue to contribute to station cultural decisions." Jon's music call times are Tuesday mornings 10am-noon (Central) at 660.543.4491 or reach him via email.

2009 AAA CONFERENCE DATES SET: NON-COMMVENTION MAY 28-30 IN PHILADELPHIA, R&R SUMMIT AUG. 5-8 IN BOULDER (1/8/09)
As previously announced before the holiday break, WXPN Philadelphia OM/MD Dan Reed has put out the welcome mat for for The 9th Annual NON-COMMvention, May 28-30, 2009 in Philadelphia, again hosted by WXPN and World Café Live. The "NON-COMM" was originally created by Dan (then at WFPK Louisville) as an alternative to the annual commercial Triple A convention but the event now hosts numerous adventurous commercial Triple A stations as well. Look for three days and nights of networking, informative panels/meetings, and lots of cutting-edge live music. Last year's bash hosted close to 30 quality music showcases over three days. "We can't wait for May to come," said Dan. "2009's NON-COMMvention will be bigger and better than ever!" As conference producer, Dan handles development of all panels and books all the performing acts. Contact Dan via email. Watch this site for more details to follow on registration and hotels. 

Meanwhile, Radio & Records has announced the dates for the annual R&R Triple A Summit, returning to the St. Julien Hotel & Spa in beautiful Boulder CO August 5-8. The annual conference celebrates a return to Boulder for the 17th year. The Summit offers three days and nights of format-focused panel discussions, interviews and presentations, and top live music showcases. As in past few years, there will be a cocktail party to kick things off Wednesday afternoon, August 5, with performances beginning that evening, so you are advised to make your travel plans accordingly. The Summit will conclude after the R&R Industry Achievement Awards brunch on Saturday morning, August 8. More Summit info to come in the months ahead from R&R Triple A Editor and Summit producer John Schoenberger.
 
WFIV FARRAGUT, TN APPOINTS RUSSELL SMITH PD (1/7/09)
WFIV Farragut TN has named morning host Russell Smith new Program Director. Reach Russell via email or 865.218.5609.

LABEL MOVES: WOLOD RETIRES, MURRAY NAMED TO HEAD CO5 ADULT FORMATS (1/6/09)
Label veteran Drew Murray has been named VP Adult Formats at CO5 Music, replacing veteran promo man Richard Wolod who recently retired. Drew is the former Director of Radio Promotion at bluhammock music. His background also includes stints at Sanctuary Records Group as SR VP Promotion and Mercury Records as VP of Rock Promotion. "Drew is the only person we could think of that could possibly come close to replacing the retiring Richard Wolod. We look forward to launching CO5 Classic Rock with Drew and building on our success at both AAA and Hot AC," said CO5 Music Co-CEO's Tracy Brown and Todd Sievers. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to join the team of promotion professionals that Tracy and Todd have put together at CO5, many of whom I've worked with in the past." Reach the New Jersey-based Drew at 732.739.0935 or via email.

WFUV NEW YORK LAUNCHES NEW INDIE WEB/HD SERVICE, "THE ALTERNATE SIDE" (12/5/08)
WFUV Bronx-New York has launched its much-anticipated Internet and HD Radio indie music destination, The Alternate Side. The Alternate Side highlights local music from the New York area, playing artists such as Santogold, MGMT and The Menahan Street Band alongside more established acts like TV On The Radio, The National and Sonic Youth. This multi-media music service is available at www.thealternateside.org and, on HD radios, at 90.7 FM WFUV-HD3. The Alternate Side's Content Director is Rich McLaughlin. A Fordham University graduate, Rich landed at WFUV after seven years at Sirius Satellite Radio, where he helped to create, program and host the Alternative channels, "Alt Nation," "Left of Center," and various specialty shows.
   The Alternate Side includes a full-time music stream that features exclusive artist interviews and broadcasts from local music venues, and a state-of-the-art web site with video content, a blog, a concert calendar and other interactive features. Utilizing a Web 2.0 strategy, the site also connect artists directly to their fans, as local bands and artists will be able to set up profiles, blog, upload mp3s and update tour information. The site's unique social networking platform puts bands and fans in control, giving local musicians the ability to share their music with a worldwide audience. Listeners can discover up-and-coming artists from all over the world and all over the musical landscape and play DJ themselves, building custom mp3 playlists from a database filled with local talent. Rich said, "New York has always been known for its musical exports. But, unless you happen to live here and be an avid venue-hopper, it's almost impossible to keep up with all the new music." He added, "In launching The Alternate Side, for the first time ever, there's an internet site and HD Radio channel devoted to emerging New York City artists and bands. And the best part is that people in Los Angeles, Dusseldorf or Tokyo will have the same access to the local music scene as someone living in Williamsburg."
   "With its launch of The Alternate Side, WFUV has become a kind of multiplex for music lovers," said WFUV PD Chuck Singleton. "If you're already a fan of FUV, we're bringing you more flavors of music, with new choices across three web streams and HD Radio channels. If you're new to FUV, it's another reason to get acquainted with New York's go-to station for musical discovery." The Alternate Side will complement WFUV's existing service, which will continue in its present format at 90.7 FM and www.wfuv.org.
    The Alternate Side is made possible, in part, by leadership support from The New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. The New York State Music Fund was created from a settlement agreement after the Attorney General's Office resolved investigations against major record and broadcasting companies that had violated state and federal laws prohibiting "pay for play". The award to WFUV was one of the largest made by the New York State Music Fund, which has given nearly 400 grants totaling about $36 million, comparable to grants made to internationally recognized New York performing arts institutions. The Alternate Side has also received support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's Public Media Innovation Fund for the development of the web site's online social network, which will bring together New York area musicians and music fans.

GALLAGHER APPOINTED PD AT WTMD BALTIMORE (12/3/08)
WTMD Towson-Baltimore (89.7) GM Steve Yasko has named William Gallagher, a.k.a. "Billy Gallagher" as Program Director. Billy's background includes stints at Advertising.com, WHFS Washington D.C., and most recently XM Radio where he programmed and podcasted XMU, among other channels. Steve told Triplearadio.com, "From my first meeting with Billy, I could tell he was the right person to lead WTMD's programming." The Towson University graduate, who worked at the station briefly while in college, said, "I have been lucky in my radio career and had cool jobs." Billy starts at WTMD effective December 22. He replaces former WTMD PD Mike Vasilikos who recently left to join WXPN Philadelphia as Assist. Music Director and on-air host. Tyler Laporte will continue to handle WTMD day-to-day music duties as well as host the popular in-house specialty shows Thursday Night Mixtape and Altered Fridays.

THE CURRENT MINNEAPOLIS NAMES WXPN'S McGUINN PD (11/24/08)
The Current Minneapolis (89.3) has announced that WXPN afternoon host/Y-Rock On XPN Program Director Jim McGuinn has been named Program Director of the Minnesota Public Radio station. Jim is the founder of Y-Rock On XPN, WXPN's Web and HD-Radio indie music channel. Prior to WXPN, Jim programmed Alternative WPLY (Y-100) and WDRE in Philadelphia, WEQX Albany, and KPNT St. Louis. "We are excited that Jim is coming to MPR to share his expertise with The Current," said Jon McTaggart, Minnesota Public Radio CEO. "As we continue exploring the best new music and technologies to deliver it, we are confident Jim's leadership and talents will help The Current remain vibrant and relevant for years to come."
Jim said, "What MPR has done with The Current is build content that is groundbreaking and diverse, not only to the Twin Cities but the entire country—an approach that brings a new audience to public radio." He added, "The Current is among a small handful of radio stations doing something innovative, unique and fun. For the past few years, The Current has been one of my favorite radio stations in the world. I am honored to join the team that Steve Nelson and MPR have built and look forward to guiding the Current and serving the listeners of the station and the Twin Cities." Steve Nelson, PD for The Current since it launched in 2005, will remain in his position until Jim's start date in mid-January '09. Steve will then assume his new duties as Program Director for Minnesota Public Radio News.

NEW AAA FOR N.E. WISCONSIN/UPPER MICHIGAN, "THE LODGE" (11/20/08)
WLGE (The Lodge) Door County WI is up and running as a fulltime commercial Triple A station serving the resort area of Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. "Door County, Wisconsin's new FM 106.9 the Lodge" signed on April 26. The station is streaming "Credible Artists, Incredible Tunes..." live at fm1069thelodge.com. GM and PD/MD is owner Mike Mesic. According to Mike, The Lodge is similar in presentation and music to KCTZ (Cities 97) Minneapolis, WTTS Indianapolis, and WMMM (Triple M) Madison. Reach Mike via email or phone 920.854.3400. The Lodge has been added to our Triplearadio.com Panel of stations. Labels, send music to:

FM 106.9 The Lodge
P.O. Box 106/10331 N. Water St.
Ephraim, WI 54211

WDET DETROIT NAMES ELLCESSOR GM: "THIS IS WDET'S OPPORTUNITY" (11/19/08)
WDET Detroit, a community service of Wayne State University at 101.9 FM, has announced that public radio veteran J. Mikel Ellcessor has been selected as new General Manager. Mikel was most recently Executive Director of Radio for Milwaukee, where he headed up the launch of musically adventurous Triple A/Urban hybrid RadioMilwaukee in 2006. RadioMilwaukee is an "innovative media concept that uses contemporary music and community engagement strategies to draw younger, diverse audiences into public service media." Prior to Milwaukee, he was Sr. Director of Programming Operations and Distribution at public radio flagship WNYC New York. "Mikel Ellcessor's solid management experience in major media markets made him the ideal candidate to direct and shape WDET's service to our community," said Andrea Roumell Dickson, Wayne State University Executive VP and Chief of Staff. As WDET GM, he plans to reach out into the community to assess how the station may best serve the metropolitan Detroit area. "WDET has a profound and valuable role to play in Detroit," said Mikel. "Changing technology has diminished the impact of physical distance and we can access great content from anywhere in the world, yet the need for meaningful connections with our communities has never been greater. Particularly in our great cities, there's a deep, compelling need for locally responsive programming that embodies a very distinct point of view. This is WDET's opportunity." Mikel begins at WDET effective December 15.

BENTLEY UPPED TO KCRW SANTA-MONICA/LOS ANGELES MD (11/17/08)
KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles has announced that longtime heritage staffer Jason Bentley, host of the KCRW evening program, "Metropolis," has been chosen as the new Music Director and host of "Morning Becomes Eclectic". Jason worked his way up at KCRW, joining as a phone volunteer in the front office when he was still in high school. He replaces Nic Harcourt, who recently announced his plans to step down as MD and "Eclectic" host to focus on new opportunities and his KCRW Sunday evening show. Jason begins in his new position effective December 1st.

FIRST OF TWO NEW AAA STATIONS FOR VANCOUVER BC, CKPK "THE PEAK" LAUNCHES (11/13/08)
Besides the impending debut of new Triple A "Shore 104" by early next year, as previously reported here, another Triple A station is set to debut even sooner in Vancouver BC as CKPK (The Peak) Vancouver BC signs on at 100.5 tonight at 7pm (PST). CKPK is owned by Jim Pattison Broadcasting, owner of Country JRFM and numerous stations in Western Canada. Look for The Peak to play about 40% "Canadian Content" and close to 50% currents/recurrent music. The Peak's Program Director is Gord Eno and Music Director is James Sutton. Phone Gord or James at 604.731.7772. The station is consulted by SBR's Boulder-based Dave Rahn and John Bradley. Effective 11/14/08, the station is streaming at www.thepeak.fm. 

KPRI SAN DIEGO NAMES MEDINA MD (11/11/08)
KPRI San Diego has upped veteran host and current afternoon driver Oz Medina to Music Director. Contact Oz at 858.678.0102 during his music calls time on Thursdays from 11-1.

KCRW SANTA MONICA-LOS ANGELES' HARCOURT TO RESIGN MD (11/10/08)
KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles Music Director Nic Harcourt is stepping down to pursue new opportunities but will stay on to host a weekly show on Sunday evenings. In a statement, Nic said, "I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to come to work every day and be surrounded by creative and passionate people and I want to keep the connection alive on my Sunday show. Since I arrived here, I've fulfilled many of my dreams as a music lover, meeting and interviewing legends like Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson and Cat Stevens (Yusuf). I've also been able to set the stage for future stars, introducing artists like Coldplay, Damien Rice, Dido and Norah Jones on KCRW's airwaves. I'm equally proud to have played many unsigned and independent artists and to be a champion for Latin Alternative music. I've also been involved with a number of innovative projects to bring KCRW's unique programming to a larger audience, such as launching KCRW Presents concerts in Los Angeles and other cities, remote broadcasts of Morning Becomes Eclectic from major music events, and videocasting and podcasting our live studio sessions." He added, "As a parent of two young children, I believe it's time for me to explore new career opportunities and expand upon my other activities in movie, television, voice over work, advertising and the Internet. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude go to KCRW, the staff and volunteers who have supported my work through the years, but most of all to the listeners. I've always said that I couldn't do what I do without them and I hope they will join me on Sunday nights."

KCRW GM Ruth Seymour said, "Nic has enhanced KCRW's reputation for introducing new artists to listeners in Southern California and beyond on radio and the Internet. His singular gifts as a radio DJ and his ability to spot new talent attracted major media attention from both national and international press." The ten-year host of the Santa Monica College station's daily "Morning becomes Eclectic" and the nationally syndicated weekly "Becomes Eclectic" will remain on the air on KCRW to host Sunday evenings from 6-9pm. Look for the station to make an announcement on a new Music Director in the next few weeks. Nic's last day as MD is November 30.

NEW TRIPLE A "SHORE 104" TO DEBUT IN VANCOUVER, BC (11/6/08)
Over at Shore 104, Vancouver, B.C.'s newest radio station, the offices are open and studio construction is underway. It was a bold application from an independent group of radio and music veterans that won the last available FM frequency in Vancouver granted in June by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The new station plans a true Triple A format with strong 25-54 appeal that will serve Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. In addition to a group of name on-air personalities, the playlist will feature an intelligent blend of artists like Joni Mitchell, Feist, Dave Matthews Band, Blue Rodeo, Norah Jones, Eric Clapton,  Bruce Springsteen, Kathleen Edwards, REM, Tegan and Sara, Bob Marley, Tom Petty, Arcade Fire, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Sarah McLachlan, Elvis Costello, Tracy Chapman, Ben Harper and many more. Look for the station to pay special attention to roots music as well as emerging artists from Vancouver and B.C.

Heading up the effort as President is veteran Vancouver broadcaster Roy Hennessy, first on air with CKLG and later with the launch of the FOX-FM. Also on the team are renowned music impresario Sam Feldman, veteran Canadian programmer Bob Mackowycz ("Macko") and Bob Mackowycz Jr., radio consultant David Bray, Sherri Pierce (General Sales Manager), David Aisenstat (owner of The Keg Restaurants), and TV personality Michael Landsberg (TSN). Shore 104 has committed to Canadian Content Development funding over the next 7 years which will allow for a series of innovative programs dedicated to assisting Canadian recording artists and performers.

Contact: Roy Hennessy, Shore 104 President, 416.938.2700.    

NEW TRIPLE A REQUESTS SERVICE: KSKI SUN VALLEY, IDAHO (10/30/08)
KSKI (103.7 K-SKI) Sun Valley, Idaho is now programming Triple A. Owned by Chapparal Broadcasting, owners of Triple A KMTN (The Mountain) Jackson Hole WY, KSKI is programmed by Bob Thompson with the help of KMTN PD/MD Mark "Fish" Fishman. Bob and Fish are in the process of building the KSKI music library and are requesting label service. Contact Bob at 208.726.5324. KSKI has been added to our Triplearadio.com Panel of stations. Send music to:
 
KSKI
P.O. Box 2750/201 S. Main
Hailey, ID 83333

SIRIUS/XM MERGE FALLOUT: XM CAFE'S CHAMBERLAIN, EVANS AND X COUNTRY'S SCOTT TO EXIT (10/21/08)
Sirius/XM satellite radio's merge has caused a number of staff to be let go, including three veteran programmers: XM Cafe Program Director Bill Evans and Music Director Brian Chamberlain. Also exiting is XM X-Country Program Director Jessie Scott. XM The Loft Program Director Mike Marrone and Music Director Jerry Rubino remain. Bill, Brian, and Jesse helped to launch XM's Triple A and Americana channels when XM satellite radio debuted in 2001. Their last day at the company will be November 5th.

KFOG SAN FRANCISCO MORNING HOST MOREY ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT (10/17/08)
KFOG San Francisco-San Jose longtime morning host Dave Morey announced his intention to retire on the air today (10/17), effective December 19. After 26 years at the Bay Area Triple A powerhouse, Dave plans to move back to his native Michigan to retire. He was behind the microphone Sept. 16, 1982 when "Beautiful Music" KFOG flipped to an Album-Oriented-Rock (AOR) format, which ultimately morphed into modern day Triple A KFOG. Dave began in the morning slot in '89. Prior to KFOG, his background includes stints at KSFX, San Francisco, WDAI Chicago, and WLAV Grand Rapids, among others. Dave will continue to produce the popular twice daily 10 At 10 ("10 songs from 10 great eras") music feature for KFOG from his home studio.
According to his KFOG.com blog, "I will be doing 10 At 10 and other stuff for KFOG from the luxurious state-of-the-art home studio located on the 2nd floor loft of my lakefront villa. Mostly though – I'm gonna watch the sun rise over a Great Lake, smoke cigarettes legally, read, bicycle, work at the library, explore the Upper, write, do some pirate radio, walk the beach, screen movies for friends, rake leaves, grow green beans, motorcycle, think about stuff, visit old friends, make new ones, shovel snow, take pictures, wait for thunderstorms, and…and... It's been a great run. 26 years with KFOG. That's something I'm very proud of and grateful for."
Along with Dave, the KFOG Morning Show crew features News Director Peter Finch, Renee Richardson and "Irish" Greg McQuaid. Peter, Renee and Greg will remain on the morning show. KFOG PD Dave Benson has not yet named a replacement.

ASHEVILLE'S NEW "98.1 THE RIVER" NAMES DEBOLT PD (10/14/08)
98.1 The River Asheville announces that Craig DeBolt has been named Program Director of the new Triple A start-up. Craig also serves as PD at Saga/Asheville sister rock station WTMT (105.9 The Mountain). He has been closely involved with the launch of The River along with WCNR (The Corner) Charlottesville VA PD Brad Savage. Brad will remain associated with The River in an advisory role and will help with music programming such as arranging "Studio AVL" artist in-studio performances. Brad told Triplearadio.com, We're ready to get this new station off the ground!" Labels, If you have not already, please add The River to your music service lists:

98.1 The River (WOXL-HD2)
1190 Patton Avenue
Asheville, NC  28806

KXLY SPOKANE PROMOTES SNIDER, NAMES WALL NEW PD (10/13/08)
KXLY (Spokane's River) Spokane has named Steve Wall new Program Director and morning host. Steve is an on-air and programming veteran of San Francisco, Kansas City, San Diego, Nashville and Bakersfield. Current PD Larry Snider will continue as interim KXLY PD until Steve arrives. Larry, meanwhile, will take over as the new PD of the KXLY Group's Rock 94.5 Spokane. For now, Larry will be splitting his time between the company's Couer D'Alene, Idaho cluster (including Rock 94.5) and the Spokane cluster, which includes KXLY. Marie McCallister remains KXLY MD.

Special 2008 Archive
PODCASTING, STREAMING DOMINATE TOPICS AT EIGHTH ANNUAL NON-COMM (6/2/08)
The Eighth Annual NON-COMMvention wrapped up late Saturday night (5/31) in Philadelphia, capping off a three day and night left-of-the-dial radio love fest hosted and produced by local Pennsylvania non-comm powerhouse WXPN. This year marked the return of the convention to Philly where it was held back in 2005. Roughly 400 attendees, including about 50 non-commercial and commercial stations, took in the extended weekend of networking, meetings, and music showcases featuring emerging and established artists. The venues were split between the host hotel The Inn At Penn, World Café Live/WXPN studios, and The Electric Factory. Spectre Music and Triplearadio.com presented a rousing Opening Late-Night Soiree Thursday downstairs at World Café Live with Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and Jim White. A total of nearly 30 acts performed during the convention along with Jones & the Dap-Kings and White, including Jakob Dylan, Carney (buzz!), Dr. Dog, Phil Roy, The Watson Twins, BellX1, Back Door Slam, Ryan Bingham, Hayes Carll, Paddy Casey, Melody Gardot, Hoots & Hellmouth, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Yoav, Nicole Atkins, Dead Confederate, Ani DiFranco, Kathleen Edwards, Alejandro Escovido, Jackie Greene, the Hold Steady, the Hooters, Dr. John, James McMurtry, Wild Street Orange, Mutlu, Carrie Rodriguez, and Astrid Williamson.
 
NPR's Jackie Nixon kicked off the first of the meetings on Thursday morning as she presented demographic and psychographic data on the Triple A listener, busting out terrestrial and online listening stats, and outlining the commonalities and differences AAA listeners share with NPR news listeners. Bruce Warren next moderated "Programming the Format" with panelists Rita Houston of WFUV New York, KUT Austin's Jeff McCord and KCMP/The Current Minneapolis' Steve Nelson discussing how they make creative decisions for their particular unique stations. Concurrent meetings covered fund drives (record-setting short this spring!), events and community-building. Radio Research Consortium's Dave Sullivan revealed Portable People Meter (PPM) findings on Triple A (increased Cume but Time Exposed, the new term for TSL, is down some). Friday's "Future of Radio" session with net radio guru Kurt Hanson and Wharton School Marketing Prof Peter Fader zeroed in on the ever-crucial elements of Podcasting and Streaming, deemed essential for terrestrial radio to compete with new media. Dan Reed hosted Saturday's "The Differences Between Us," where records and radio had another fun but over-heated opportunity to discuss mutual priorities and match up often separate realities. Panelists included Red's Crissy Zagami, WFUV New York's Russ Borris, WTMD Baltimore's Mike Vasilikos, and Jesse Barnett of Right Arm Resource.
Favorites at the annual convention "Music Meeting" - gauged by audience applause in lieu of official results - included the mystery track "Thank You Too" by My Morning Jacket along with new tracks by Calexico, The Duhks, Willie & Wynton, the Hold Steady, and Fleet Foxes. WXPN listeners were in the room to voice their musical opinions right alongside convention attendees. See Music Meeting results below.

WXPN MD/Ops Manager and NON-COMM Producer Dan Reed started the NON-COMMvention in Louisville in 2001 as an alternative convention to the (mostly commercial oriented) annual Boulder AAA Summit for the rapidly growing AAA non-comm community.

2008 NON-COMMVENTION MUSIC MEETING RESULTS
Music Meeting host Sean Coakley thanks everyone who came to and participated in the NON-COMMvention Music Meeting in Philadelphia, "The Music Meeting is a fun way for us to listen to and talk about our musical similarities and differences. One person's delight is another's depression. We asked everyone to score each song we played from 0 – 10. Please take these numbers with a grain of salt: respondents only heard about one-half of each song and most for the first time." The results are broken down in 4 ways: (1) Everyone in the room (2) Radio voters only (3) All others [labels, management, promoters, etc.]  (4) WXPN listeners

ALL VOTERS (106)
CALEXICO "Two Silver Trees" 7.79
WILLIE NELSON & WYNTON MARSALIS "Rainy Day Blues" 7.73
THE DUHKS "Mighty Storm" 7.17
THE HOLD STEADY "Sequestered in Memphis" 7
FLEET FOXES "Winter White Hymnal" 6.74
BLITZEN TRAPPER "Furr" 6.64
PASSENGER "Night Vision Binoculars" 6.35
AMY MACDONALD "Mr. Rock & Roll" 6.25
ANIVA MAGNESS "That's What Love Will Make You Do" 6.14
RY COODER "Johnny Cash" 6.01

RADIO ONLY (65)
CALEXICO "Two Silver Trees" 7.86
WILLIE NELSON & WYNTON MARSALIS "Rainy Day Blues" 7.69
THE DUHKS "Mighty Storm" 7.18
THE HOLD STEADY "Sequestered in Memphis" 7.18
PASSENGER "Night Vision Binoculars" 6.75
FLEET FOXES "Winter White Hymnal" 6.69
BLITZEN TRAPPER "Furr" 6.63
JANIVA MAGNESS "That's What Love Will Make You Do" 6.28
AMY MACDONALD "Mr. Rock & Roll" 6.14
RY COODER "Johnny Cash" 6.11
 
OTHER (31)
CALEXICO  "Two Silver Trees" 7.68
WILLIE NELSON & WYNTON MARSALIS "Rainy Day Blues" 7.35
FLEET FOXES "Winter White Hymnal" 7.29
THE HOLD STEADY "Sequestered in Memphis" 6.94
BLITZEN TRAPPER "Furr" 6.77
THE DUHKS "Mighty Storm" 6.48
AMY MACDONALD "Mr. Rock & Roll" 6.26
RY COODER "Johnny Cash" 5.77
PASSENGER "Night Vision Binoculars" 5.77
JANIVA MAGNESS "That's What Love Will Make You Do" 5.23
 
WXPN LISTENERS (10)
THE DUHKS "Mighty Storm" 9.2
WILLIE NELSON & WYNTON MARSALIS "Rainy Day Blues" 9.2
JANIVA MAGNESS "That's What Love Will Make You Do" 8.33
CALEXICO "Two Silver Trees" 7.7
AMY MACDONALD "Mr. Rock & Roll" 6.9
BLITZEN TRAPPER "Furr" 6.3
RY COODER "Johnny Cash" 6.1
THE HOLD STEADY "Sequestered in Memphis" 6
PASSENGER "Night Vision Binoculars" 5.6
FLEET FOXES "Winter White Hymnal" 5.3