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FOLK ALLIANCE CONFERENCE IN MEMPHIS FEB. 22-26
Online registration open until Monday, Feb. 13
(2/1/12) The 24th International Folk Alliance Conference is February 22-26, 2012 in Memphis at the Memphis Downtown Marriot and Convention Center. The five-day conference draws industry pro's from all over the world to network and share ideas. Look for over 2000 registered attendees to meet up in workshops, panels, and peer group discussions. Along with exhibits and various awards, the conference will host over 300 music showcases. Industry label icon and blogger Bob Lefsetz will be the Keynote Speaker. Online registration closes Monday, Feb. 13. View the Conference Schedule. Register here. 

MICHELE CLARK PRESENTS "SUNSET SESSIONS" FEB. 16-19 IN SAN DIEGO
Panels/meetings to include WFUV's Rita Houston, KCSN's Sky Daniels, KFOG's Dennis Constantine
(1/30/12) Michele Clark Entertainment presents the 15th annual Sunset Sessions February 16-19, 2012 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego. The industry-only event attracts Triple A radio programmers, labels and management, along with TV and film music supervisors. This year's Sunset Sessions keynote speakers are KFOG San Francisco PD Dennis Constantine, interviewed by veteran journalist Ben Fong-Torres, and Warner Bros. Records Pres. Livia Tortella. WFUV New York MD Rita Houston is set to host the Music Meeting. KCSN Northridge-Los Angeles PD Sky Daniels and Lifetime Networks Marianne Goode will co-moderate the Radio/Music Supervisor/Label roundtable town hall.

Gold Village Entertainment's Danny Goldberg moderates a panel titled "Moguls of the New World." Panelists include Gene Rumsey of Concord Music Group, Gregg Latterman of Aware, Alex Patsavas of Chop Shop, Kevin Lyman from the Warped Tour, Kevin Zinger of Suburban Noise, Bill Armstrong of Side One Dummy, Tom "Grover" Biery of Collective Sounds, and Greg Hammer of Red Bull Records, among others TBA.
 
The Artists: Jimmy Cliff, Lucinda Williams, Everlast, Eve 6, Parlotones, Tyrone Wells, Yuna, The Villains, Brothers of Brazil, Laura Bell Bundy, Rebecca Pidgeon, The Makepeace Brothers, Milow, Rose Cousins, Marit Larsen, Arielle Verinis, Bushwalla, Arlan Feiles, Everest, Chris Shinn, The Dirt Drifters, Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter, Laura Warshauer, Slatr, Lira, ZZ Ward, Marc Scibilia, and Audra Mae. In addition, Warner Bros. Records is hosting a Late Night Lounge.

The 2012 Sunset Sessions is co-presented by KCSN and All Media Group. This year marks the event's seventh year in the San Diego area. Visit SunsetSessions.org for more info.

RED LIGHT MANAGEMENT/ATO/TBD HEAD OF PROMO ED GREEN NAMES NEW REGIONAL PROMO POSTS
(1/23/12) Red Light Management/ATO/TBD Records new head of promotion Ed Green has named two new additions to the regional promotion team. Chicago-based Tom Schmall joins as the Midwest Regional Promotion Manager while Philadelphia-based Ed Pinka joins as the Northeast Regional Promotion Manager. Tom and Ed will work with LA-based Carlyn Kessler, now West Coast Promotion Manager, and Charlottesville-based Rick Brewer, new Southeast Promotion Manager. Neda Tobin remains Nashville Promotion Manager.

KCRW LOS ANGELES AVAILABLE ON IHEARTRADIO PLATFORM
More public radio stations added to CC digital service 
(1/23/12) Clear Channel Media and Entertainment has announced that Santa Monica College Triple A/News non-comm KCRW (89.9) Santa Monica-Los Angeles, Emerson College Triple A WERS (88.9) Boston, and additional college and public radio stations will be available on iHeartRadio, the digital radio service that offers 800 broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities plus the ability to create custom radio stations. iHeartRadio is available to consumers through the Web, mobile devices and autos and is the top free broadcast radio app on the iPhone and Android. KCRW will be available on iHeartRadio beginning next month.

"KCRW is always looking for exciting partnership opportunities knowing that even among hundreds of radio stations, what we offer is entirely unique," said KCRW GM Jennifer Ferro. "By combining our compelling content and iHeartRadio's vast reach, we're inviting a new audience to discover and engage with KCRW."

"We're thrilled to add KCRW and KUSC to iHeartRadio and make public radio stations available for our listeners," said Brian Lakamp, President of Clear Channel Digital. "We want to be everywhere our listeners are with a variety of programming options to appeal to the widest possible audience, and adding these public radio stations to iHeartRadio offers listeners an even more interesting and diverse listening experience." 

KUT AUSTIN NAMES KEITH NEISLER PD 
(1/13/12) KUT (90.5) Austin, a service of the University of Texas, has named veteran public radio broadcaster Keith Neisler as the new Program Director. Keith was recently PD at Capitol Broadcasting Classical non-comm KMFA Austin. Prior, he was AGM/Chief Content Officer at WEKU Lexington and held management positions at KIOS Omaha and KNVO Omaha. Keith also served on NPR's Station Advocacy Advisory Group.

In a statement, KUT GM Stewart Vanderbilt said, "We're really pleased that Keith has made his way to KUT and back home to Texas. As a professional and a fan of KUT, we believe he has a good ear for what makes KUT authentic and a commitment to ensure that we are continually improving our craft."

WXPN PHILADELPHIA DEBUTS "LATIN ROOTS" MUSIC SERIES ON WORLD CAFE
Set to air alternate Thursdays on World Café 
(1/12/12) WXPN (88.5) Philadelphia presents a new biweekly series, Latin Roots, set to debut on its flagship program World Café. Made possible by the Wyncote Foundation, Latin Roots explores the vast variety of music from Latin countries and people, from the standards like cumbia, mambo and son, to Latin rock and even reggaeton. The series, hosted by David Dye with rotating guests, will air every other Thursday during the second hour of World Café. Latin Roots will feature other guests including Felix Contreras, a reporter and producer for NPR's Arts Desk and the co-host of Alt.Latino, NPR's new web-based program. NPR Music Reviewer Tom Moon will also serve as a guest contributor. The first installment of Latin Roots will feature Grammy-winning producer, musician, composer and Latin music expert Aaron Levinson.

The NPR-syndicated World Café is heard on over 250 public radio stations across the U.S.

SLACKER PARTNERS WITH AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA FOR CONTENT, OFFERS THE CURRENT MINNEAPOLIS
(1/10/12) Slacker has announced a partnership with American Public Media to bring its public radio programming to the Slacker lineup. Slacker users will be able to listen to APM's Marketplace and KCMP/89.3 The Current Minneapolis for free anywhere that Slacker is available, from mobile devices to Sonos wireless systems. "We're proud to work with Slacker and offer some of our most popular programming via Slacker Personal Radio," said APM President and CEO, Jon McTaggart. "Marketplace produces the country's top business and economic news programs, attracting 9.3 million listeners each week. And The Current is one of America's top non-commercial Triple A music stations, cited frequently in Billboard and Rolling Stone magazines. We are pleased to offer Slacker users easy access to this award-winning programming."

The Current on Slacker Radio will be curated and updated weekly with a mix of local and national musical content chosen by station programming staff. Look for The Current to be available on Slacker by summer. "Including American Public Media programming in our lineup of curated music and non-music content reinforces that Slacker is radio done right," said Jonathan Sasse, SVP of marketing at Slacker. "From customizable sports content to national and world news, DJ-curated Slacker stations and now public radio, Slacker offers a unique and compelling range of content for our listeners." For the free Slacker mobile application, direct your mobile web browser to Slacker.com.
 
American Public Media is one of the largest producers of public radio programming, with a portfolio reaching 16 million listeners via nearly 800 radio stations nationwide each week. American Public Media is the parent organization for Minnesota Public Radio, Southern California Public Radio and Classical South Florida.

EARLY REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 12TH ANNUAL NON-COMM MAY 17-19 IN PHILADELPHIA
Industry pundit Bob Lefsetz to host this year's "Non-Commversation"
(1/10/12) WXPN Philadelphia has announced that registration is now open for the 12th Annual NON-COMMvention May 17-19, 2012. The event returns to Philadelphia with meetings and live music showcases to be held at the WXPN building at 3025 Walnut St., which also houses World Café Live. Industry pundit and blogger Bob Lefsetz will host this year's "Non-Commversation" with producer/founder Dan Reed. 

The NON-COMMvention remains the most affordable convention around with the Early Bird rate for Radio Employees at just $95 - additional station employees can attend for just $50 each*. *To obtain the $50 rate for additional radio station employees, all registrations must occur simultaneously. Non-Radio folks have an Early Bird rate of just $200. Breakfast and lunch are included each day. The early rate expires Friday, April 6th at 5 pm. Register here. 

Hotel accomodations are also now available. This year's official hotel is The Inn at Penn - ask for the "Non-Comm Rate" of $185 per night. 

For event sponsorship opportunities, contact Dan Reed now via email. 

PD/MD CATIE WILBER OUT AT WXRV BOSTON
(1/4/12) WXRV (92.5 The River) Haverhill-Boston/Portsmouth-Dover-Rochester NH GM Donald Sauveur has announced that on-air PD/MD Catie Wilber has been let go due to budget cuts. Paragon Media Strategies consultant Mike Henry will now handle music. Catie joined WXRV in 2002, became MD in 2006, and was named PD in 2009. The Boston native told TripleARadio.com, "I'm so thankful for nearly 10 wonderful years working for and with those at Northeast Broadcasting and WXRV, and the friendships that have resulted. I'm looking forward to my next opportunity!" Contact Catie via email. 

HEATHER GILDING REPLACES RYAN RUTZ AS MD AT WBSD BURLINGTON, WI
(1/4/12) WBSD (89.1) Burlington WI Music Director Ryan Rutz has resigned, replaced by Heather Gilding. Reach Heather during WBSD music call times on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m at 262.763.0195 or via email.

JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIO ASHLAND OR PD ERIC TEEL HANDLES MD DUTIES
(1/3/12) Jefferson Public Radio (JPR) Ashland-Medford OR/Redding CA Program Director Eric Teel assumes Music Director duties on an interim basis. Look for host Maria Kelly to cover Eric's midday radio show starting later in the month. 

The JPR MD email and phone (541.552.6766) remain the same. Eric will announce his music call times and invites labels to reach out via email in the meanwhile. He adds that, along with Triple A and Americana, "specialty music (jazz/blues/world) is also welcome."

Att: Eric Teel
Jefferson Public Radio
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520

VETERAN TRIPLE A BROADCASTER JERRY GERARD DIES
WNRN Charlottesville host programmed WRRX (97X) Gainesville, helped launch WUIN (The Penguin) Wilmington
(12/19/11) We are saddened to report that veteran broadcaster Jerry Gerard passed away in Miami after a six month battle with cancer. He was 52. Jerry was most recently midday host on non-comm Triple A WNRN Charlottesville.

In 1979, Jerry began his radio and TV career at WCCF Punta Gorda FL and worked through the '80s at WCEZ West Palm Beach, WINZ Miami, WSVN-TV Miami, and WMBM Miami. From 1993-1998, he was PD/MD at Triple A WRRX (97X) Gainesville FL, which anchored the local music scene. He was on WRVG Georgetown KY from 2000-2003. Jerry and Mark Keefe (now PD at Radio Milwaukee) launched new Triple A WUIN (The Penguin) Wilmington NC in 2003. Jerry joined WNRN Charlottesville as News Director in 2007 and later became midday host.

Mark Keefe said, "I learned a lot from Jerry, not just about music, but how to stick to your beliefs and treat people with respect who might not otherwise get treated that way." WNRN AGM Anne Williams called Jerry "passionate" about music and the artists he played. The station is paying tribute to Jerry on the air today. Musician Alejandro Escovedo posted the following (12/17) on Facebook: "He was a music lover's DJ. He will be missed." Jerry is survived by his mother, Joanne Winn, who asks that all donations in his memory go to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, with a follow up email.

THE CURRENT MINNEAPOLIS NAMES DAVID SAFAR MD, LINDSAY KIMBALL APD
Two new positions open: Music Assistant and Local Music Assistant
(11/29/11) KCMP/89.3 The Current Minneapolis PD Jim McGuinn has announced David Safar as the new Music Director while Lindsay Kimball has been named Assistant Program Director. Both will assume their new duties effective Mon., Dec. 12. The Current Co-Music Director Melanie Walker recently resigned to move to San Francisco.

"I'm looking forward to taking on new challenges with The Current," David said. "As a proud member of the Twin Cities music scene, I can't wait to dream up new ways to get music from our backyard heard across the country."

"It's always special when you have people in house that you can see grow into new roles," said Jim. "Both David and Lindsay have been a major part of the team that puts The Current together for years. I'm really excited to be able to promote two great talents from within the organization."

The Current is also accepting applications for two new positions: music assistant and local music assistant - visit americanpublicmedia.iapplicants.com for more.

LABEL VET ART PHILLIPS TO EXIT, AYAPPA BIDDANDA UPPED TO PROMO DIR. FOR VANGUARD/SUGARHILL
(11/29/11) Vanguard VP/Promotion & Artist Development Art Phillips exits the Welk Music Group, effective Friday (12/2). Ayappa Biddanda is upped to the same position for the Vanguard and Sugar Hill labels.

Art said, "It has been my great pleasure to have been part of Welk Music Group's promotion team for the past 11 years. I've been fortunate to work with some of the greatest, most talented people in the business. We have all been working through the great upheavals rocking the industry for some time now, and change may be the only common denominator we can expect. To have had 36 amazing years in this biz may just be my best record yet! I want to express my appreciation to all my friends, colleagues and artists who have made this journey so memorable."

Prior to the Welk Music Group, Art worked at RCA Records, Hollwood Records and at former trade, The Album Network. He began in radio as MD of KILO Colorado Springs. Contact Art via email.

WXPN PHILADELPHIA/WORLD CAFE LAUNCH NEW "SENSE OF PLACE"
Quarterly travel and music series kicks off in Dublin, Ireland
(11/28/11) WXPN (89.9) Philadelphia has launched a new quarterly series entitled "Sense of Place" on its flagship program, World Cafe. Sense of Place, hosted by David Dye, gives listeners an insider's view of a city's music scene through the eyes of musicians and other prominent community figures. The first installment will feature Dublin, Ireland and run on-air through Friday, December 2 and live online.

Sense of Place kicks off with the history of Dublin’s music scene and its evolution from the 1970s to present day. The segment will feature interviews with musician Glen Hansard of The Frames and The Swell Season; Niall Stokes, Editor of Ireland's legendary music publication Hot Press Magazine and Conor O'Brien of the indie band Villagers. Throughout the week, listeners will learn about traditional Irish music, busking in Dublin, the best pubs and clubs to see live music, up-and-coming Irish musicians and more. Sense of Place features a highly interactive digital experience on XPN's website, including a map with videos, important clubs, pubs, restaurants, historical sites and recommendations for what to see and do in a particular city. For Sense of Place: Dublin, the site features the best places to go to fully experience the city's music scene and a video documenting World Cafe host David Dye's trip to record the series.

"Music brings a city's culture to life," David said. "In Sense of Place, we showcase a city's culture through the unique point of view of those who live and breathe the city's music scene. We're excited for our listeners to experience Dublin's rich history and current musical landscape through the first installment of our new series."

Future Sense of Place shows will highlight Portland, Ore., London and New Orleans. The program is made possible by the Wyncote Foundation. For more info, visit xpn.org/place. World Cafe airs at 2 p.m. (ET) Mon. through Fri. on WXPN. Sense of Place is nationally syndicated by NPR.  

CLEAR CHANNEL'S KWMT/THE MOUNTAIN TUCSON FLIPS TO MODERN AC
(11/22/11) The long expected format flip of Clear Channel Triple A KWMT (92.9 The Mountain) Tucson happened over the weekend (11/18) as KWMT became Modern AC "My 92.9," playing music from the "80's, Now and Everything in Between." PD Chris Patyk and MD/morning co-host Jennie Grabel exited the station last month in Clear Channel's last round of national layoffs. Jennie had been with KWMT since The Mountain's inception in 2004.

KMTT SEATTLE MORPHS TO TRIPLE A GOLD/CLASSIC ROCK, MD SHAWN STEWART OUT
(11/21/11) KMTT (103.7 The Mountain) Seattle has suddenly switched from Triple A to a Triple A Gold/Classic Rock format. Longtime Music Director and midday host Shawn Stewart has left the building. Shawn spent over a decade at the station, serving as PD as well as MD. Hosts John Fisher and Marty Riemer remain.

Entercom KNDD-KMTT PD Mike Kaplan told TripleARadio.com, "We've added more timeless music, proven quality rock. The Mountain will still target the same adult rock audience who is adventurous, enlightened and musically discerning. U2 to Coldplay, to Pearl Jam to Led Zeppelin, Mumford to REM. Shawn Stewart is also no longer with us. She's a well-liked and dedicated talent who will be missed. For now I'll be absorbing her music responsibilities."  

KFOG SAN FRANCISCO NEWSMAN PETER FINCH LEAVES, POSITION OPENS
(11/21/11) KFOG (104.5/97.7) San Francisco-San Jose newsman Peter Finch has resigned to pursue other interests. Friday (11/18) was his last day. KFOG Morning Show co-host Webster remains as does morning producer "Irish Greg" McQuaid. PD/afternoon host Dennis Constantine said in a statement, "Peter has been getting up in the middle of the night to be on the radio since Ronald Reagan was President. Before coming to KFOG 18 years ago, he was my morning radio partner in Denver-Boulder at KBCO in the '80s and '90s." Look for Peter to continue to be active in the Bay Area radio and cultural scene. Dennis is searching for his replacement.

NEW ONLINE STATION LAUNCHES IN PHOENIX "HIGHWAY 602.COM"
"Quality Rock For Phoenix"
(11/17/11) Highway602.com, a new Triple A internet radio station launched in Phoenix this week. Veteran broadcaster Marc Siebenbrodt is Program/Music Director. The station plays "Quality Rock For Phoenix," including artists such as The Black Keys, The Jayhawks, Adele, and Ryan Adams. Contact Marc via email or at 602.456.0928. The station's mailing address is: Highway 602.com, 39132 N. Parker Ln, Phoenix, AZ 85086. The phoenix market, Arbitron-ranked #15, has long been without a terrestrial Triple A station. Highway602.com has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations. Listen to their stream at Highway602.com.

AMA PICKS SEPT. 12-15 FOR 2012 AMERICANA FEST & CONFERENCE IN NASHVILLE
Musical segments of Awards Show airs Sat. night in special Austin City Limits Presents
(11/15/11) The Americana Music Association has announced the date for the 2012 Americana Festival & Conference in Nashville Sept. 12-15. The announcement comes on the heels of the music association's most successful event yet with 10,000 fans, over 300 performing artists and more than 1,000 music industry types showing up in Music City this year to support the genre.

Musical segments of the 2011 Americana Honors & Awards show will appear on PBS nationwide during a special presentation ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival Sat., Nov. 19.
 
DAVE-FM ATLANTA CUTS JIMMY BARON AND YVONNE MONET MORNING SHOW
Five morning shows since the station's debut in 2004
(11/11/11) WZGC (92.9) DAVE-FM Atlanta morning hosts Jimmy Baron and Yvonne Monet exit after two years. Market vet (99X) and former WRXP New York host Steve Craig fills in as interim morning host. DAVE-FM GM Rick Caffey told the Atlanta Journal Constitution the station would be "taking its time" finding a morning show replacement. The CBS Radio station has had five morning shows since it debuted in 2004.

MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO/AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA NAMES KATHY GOLBUFF VP OF UNDERWRITING SALES
(11/10/11) Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media has named market veteran Kathy Golbuff VP for Underwriting. Kathy oversees regional and national sales teams as they secure on-air and online funding for the three MPR programming services (which includes Triple A The Current) and APM national programming. She joined MPR/APM in 2002 as a Senior Account Executive and also served as Managing Director for Underwriting. Prior to MPR, Kathy spent two decades in marketing and sales management for CBS TV/Radio Minneapolis and Clear Channel Radio Minneapolis.

CO-MD MELANIE WALKER TO LEAVE THE CURRENT MINNEAPOLIS, DAVID SAFAR NAMED INTERIM HEAD OF MUSIC
Early architect of station's sound plans move to San Francisco
(11/7/11) KCMP/The Current (89.3) Minneapolis has announced that Co-Music Director Melanie Walker is resigning. Melanie plans to join her husband Aaron Michelson in San Francisco where he starts in a new position with artist management company Q Prime.

"I've been so fortunate to dedicate the last six years to building a radio station for this community and setting a standard for the Non-Comm AAA," Melanie said. "This is a special company filled with forward-thinking, passionate radio professionals. I'll miss everyone. They aren't just colleagues—they're my misfit music loving family. I'm thankful to Steve Nelson for offering me the opportunity and am ever grateful that my current boss Jim McGuinn joined the Current to continue the work we started. I look forward to seeing The Current progress after I move to the West Coast. And yes! I'll still be a card-carrying member."

Melanie started at KPCC Pasadena CA, an MPR network station, in 2003 and joined The Current as AMD in 2005. She was promoted to MD the next year. "Melanie joined The Current early on and has helped shape its sound and brand every step of the way," said PD Jim McGuinn. "She got the word out to the music industry and world about The Current and has continued to be one of the key architects of our station. We're going to miss her greatly." Her last day as co-MD will be Dec. 9th. Remaining Co-MD David Safar will serve as interim head of The Current's music department. Look for the station to announce staff changes and possible opportunities soon.

WXPN ANNOUNCES 12TH ANNUAL NON-COMM MAY 17-19, 2012: BACK TO PHILLY
Contact founder/producer Dan Reed for available sponsorships 
(11/7/11) WXPN (88.5) Philadelphia Ops Manager/MD and NON-COMM founder/producer Dan Reed has announced the dates for the 12th Annual NON-COMMvention May 17-19, 2012 at World Cafe Live next to XPN studios. The event returns to Philly after being held at a new location last year, the new World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington, Delaware. The meetings and music will begin mid-morning on Thurs., May 17, and wrap up by 1pm or so on Sat., May 19. Expect another year with great music showcases, thought-provoking guest speakers, quality meetings, networking and fun. Info on registration and lodging will be forthcoming. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Dan Reed now via email.
The NON-COMMvention was launched in Louisville in 2001 when Dan was PD at WFPK. In 2008, the event moved permanently to Philadelphia and WXPN where the gathering has since grown to become the premier annual conference for North America's non-commercial Triple A music radio stations.

WRNX SPRINGFIELD MA. FLIPS TO COUNTRY
(10/31/11) As long rumored, Clear Channel's WRNX (100.9) Springfield MA has flipped formats to Country "My Kix 100.9" after 21 years as a heritage Triple A station. The format change is part of sister station WPKX's application to move its transmitter closer to Hartford. The flip leaves WRSI (The River 93.9/101.5) as the lone commercial Triple A in the market.
MSNBC-TV host Rachael Maddow is among the alumni of WRNX. She started her broadcast career co-hosting the morning show before joining WRSI for the same.  

THE CURRENT AND WFUV SHARE TWIN CITIES AND NEW YORK MUSIC SCENES VIA "THE MUSIC EXCHANGE"
"Such a cool concept." - WFUV MD Rita Houston
(10/26/11) KCMP/The Current (89.3) Minneapolis and WFUV (90.7) New York swap songs from hometown artists this week during another round of "The Music Exchange," The Current's ongoing project to share new music from different scenes around the country. The Current has collaborated on past Music Exchanges with WXPN Philadelphia, KUT Austin, and KEXP Seattle. This week, WFUV Music Director and The Whole Wide World host Rita Houston and The Current evening host Mark Wheat unveil new music and commentary on air and online on The Music Exchange.

"The Music Exchange is such a cool concept," said Rita. "I love collaborating with other DJs and it's so important to support our local music scenes." Mark said, "Rita loves to go out to shows and has long been a champion of eclectic music and great artists. Our listeners will be treated to an industry veteran picking tunes from their ever-evolving scene today. It's definitely worth checking out."

WFUV has chosen five bands from New York to feature on The Current's 6pm hour (CST) 10/24-28: Class Actress "Weekend," MTO Plays Sly "Family Affair" w/ Antony Hegarty, James Maddock "Beautiful Now," The Lisps "Are We at the Movies," and Ollabelle "Be Your Woman".
 
The Current has picked five bands from Minneapolis/St. Paul to highlight on WFUV at 7:30pm (EST) 10/24-28: Dead Man Winter "Nicotine," Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps "Tank Top," Halloween, Alaska "Empire Waist," Joey Ryan and The Inks "Beautiful Now," and Pink Mink "Black Door".
  
CUMULUS AXES "THE LAST DJ" JIM LADD AT KLOS LOS ANGELES
"And there goes your freedom of choice
There goes the last human voice..." - The Last DJ by Tom Petty
(10/26/11) While Clear Channel was busy laying off folks (in mostly medium and smaller markets), Cumulus' KLOS (95.5) Los Angeles has let go PD/afternoon host Bob Buchmann and veteran LA night jock Jim Ladd (KMPC/KMET). Jim was the inspiration for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 2002 song and album, "The Last DJ," was heard on Roger Water's 1987 Radio K.A.O.S. album, and played the all-night DJ in Cameron Crowe's 1989 film Say Anything. Look for him to resurface in the market.

SEAN O'MEALY LEAVES WRSI NORTHAMPTON, DAVE MUSANTE UPPED TO VP/GM
(10/19/11) WRSI (93.9/101.5 The River) Northampton MA/Brattleboro VT longtime GM Sean O'Mealey is leaving Saga Communications for a similar position overseeing Shamrock's three-station cluster (Classic Rock WEZX/Alternative WFUZ/Sports WEJL) in Scranton. Sean is heading home to Pennsylvania after 15 years at WRSI. He is being replaced by Saga GSM Dave Musante.
  
CMJ MUSIC MARATHON IN NEW YORK
Over 1,300 live performances in five non-stop days and nights throughout Manhattan
(10/17/11) Celebrating its 31st year, CMJ Music Marathon & Film Festival opens this week, Tues., October 18-22, in New York. For more than five non-stop days and nights, CMJ 2011 will feature over 1,300 live artist showcases for over 120,000 fans in more than 80 New York City nightclubs and theatres in the city's "largest music event".

In addition to the many performances and films, CMJ will present over 70 business panels with speakers, an Entertainment Business Law Seminar and the popular College Day for community radio. Attendees have access to shows, movie premieres, Q&As, meet and greets, mixers, parties and exclusive areas like the Exhibitors' Loft and Artist Lounge. The Music Marathon & Film Festival will once again be headquartered at New York University's Greenwich Village campus, with easy access to dozens of downtown Manhattan venues.

CMJ Music Marathon Artist Line-up
CMJ Music Marathon Schedule
CMJ Music Marathon Conference/Panels

KCSN NORTHRIDGE-LOS ANGELES ENLISTS TOM PETTY FOR RARE BENEFIT CONCERT
Petty: "Public radio is about the only thing left - the last man standing."


(Updated 10/27/11) KCSN has added a second Tom Petty show Oct. 30th.
(10/13/11) KCSN (88.5) Northridge-Los Angeles PD/afternoon host Sky Daniels has announced a rare and intimate benefit concert in the University's 500-seat Plaza Del Sol Performance Hall by Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers on Oct. 29th. Tickets are being auctioned off during the station's fall pledge drive which is underway. Along with the Petty show, KCSN has memorabilia for the drive from additional artists such as U2, Coldplay, Mick Jagger, and Sheryl Crow.

Sky, who championed Petty's music early on at stations in Chicago (WMET/WLUP), San Francisco (KFOG), and Los Angeles (KMET), told the Los Angeles Times that his mission is to build KCSN into a station with a broad-based format like FM radio was in the late '60s and early '70s when formats were less rigid. He also said the station will emphasize discovering and developing new artists. Petty, who lives in the LA area and is a regular KCSN listener, talked about the promise of public radio with the Times:

"I come from a time when young musicians knew that new music could be heard on the radio. Now there is college radio, but even that's gotten a bit predictable. Public radio is about the only thing left - the last man standing." Petty added "For them (KCSN) to try to go forward with this concept of playing new music is great. There's a lot of great new music still being made. So we look forward to playing this show. We like to play small theaters; I think it's going to be a lot of fun."

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers released The Last DJ (Warner Bros) in 2002. The song and album were an homage to free-form FM radio DJ's. Petty has since said that the record was inspired by KLOS Los Angeles veteran night DJ Jim Ladd.

Petty continues to host his own satellite radio show, Buried Treasure, each week on Sirius XM Radio's Deep Tracks channel (Sirius 16/XM 40).

Proceeds from the pledge drive will be used to support growth initiatives for KCSN, including signal improvements and community outreach. A portion of proceeds will also go to benefit NPR's Music Initiative. KCSN lost federal funding last year because it could not meet minimum fundraising requirements set by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The station then switched to a full-time Triple A format and hired veteran programmer Sky Daniels. KCSN is a service of California State University, Northridge.
 
AMA AMERICANA FEST AND CONFERENCE IN NASHVILLE
Performers include the Jayhawks, The Civil Wars, the North Mississippi Allstars, Blackie & The Rodeo Kings 
(10/10/11) The 12th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference opens this week October 12-15 at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel. The music performances and business sessions attracts hundreds of Americana and roots radio programmers and music industry labels, management, promoters, retailers, bloggers and publicists. The conference offers seminars, workshops, panels and networking by day and live music by night. Over a hundred established and rising stars will perform in artist showcases at five downtown area music venues. 

Music and radio can buy Festival and Conference Registration for $350 for AMA and $450 for non-members. Registrants receive entrance to all sanctioned daytime conference music, panels and parties, plus access to all evening showcases. Registration includes a ticket to the 10th annual Americana Honors & Awards Thursday, October 13th, at the Ryman Auditorium hosted by Jim Lauderdale.

Session moderators and panelists include WDVX Knoxville's Tony Lawson, KRSH Santa Rosa's Bill Bowker, NPR Music's Ann Powers, KNBT New Braunfel's Mattson Rainer, WNKU Cincinnati's John McGue, WGCS South Bend's Jason Samuel, WFPK Louisville's Michael Young, KDHX St. Louis' Nico Leone, GotRadio.com's Nancy Foster, WIKX Port Charlotte's Larry Timko, Kevin "Big Kev" Ploghoft, WISM Nashville's Joe Limardi, and WNCS Spindale-Asheville's Martin Anderson. Visit the AMA site for the complete agenda/daily schedule.

MPR/APM NAMES NICK KEREAKOS VP TECH AND OPERATIONS
(9/22/11) Minnesota Public Radio/American Public Media has upped Nick Kereakos to VP of Technology and Operations. Nick will oversee and direct the organization's technology, production, operations, technical facilities and content distribution. "We're pleased that Nick will be expanding his portfolio of responsibilities with us" said American Public Media CEO Dave Kansas. "It's a big job, and with Nick's proven success record here, we're more than confident that he's ready to lead our continued efforts to integrate traditional and leading edge media." Nick joined MPR/APM more than 12 years ago, and during that time, he has served as APM's managing director for media technology and broadcast operations.

MPR/APM is the parent company of Minnesota Public Radio, home of popular non-comm Triple A KCMP/89.3 The Current Minneapolis, and major producer of public radio programming, American Public Media (A Prairie Home Companion, Marketplace, Performance Today, The Splendid Table, Being, and American RadioWorks).

WAPS AKRON NAMES GARRETT HART DIR. OF CREATIVE CONTENT, LAUNCHES "ROCK AND RECOVERY.COM" AND "KIDJAM RADIO.COM"
(9/21/11) WAPS (91.3/90.7 The Summit) Akron-Canton/Youngstown-Warren PD Bill Gruber has named broadcast vet Garrett Hart (SiriusXM, WDVE, WRRK, WRQK, WAPL) to the newly created position of Director of Creative Content. Garrett will directly oversee the programming of The Summit's new Rock And Recovery and Kidjam Radio! online channels. Garrett will also assist in station promotions, marketing, and programming. Additionally, he will host Sat. and Sun. mornings on The Summit.

RockAndRecovery.com is WAPS' multimedia, subscription-free service for those in addiction recovery with their families and health-care professionals, mixing rock-based music from five decades, with positive messaging, humor, testimonials, recovery strategies and educational addiction programming.
KidjamRadio.com is WAPS' online, commercial-free music service targeting "tweener" kids and their parents with music and positive messages to motivate.

Contact: Garrett at 330.761.3099 or via email.
 
PRPD CONFERENCE IN BALTIMORE
WTMD is co-host station, GM Steve Yasko is session panelist
(9/19/11) Over 500 are registered for the 24th Annual PRPD Public Radio Programming Conference Tuesday through Friday, Sept. 20-23, at the Hilton Baltimore in the city's Inner Harbor. "Public Radio's Only Content Focused Conference" presents leaders in public radio from multi genres, including Jazz, Classical, News and Triple A. Local host stations are WYPR, WEAA and Triple A WTMD. 

WTMD GM Steve Yasko is a panelist on the session "Stepping Outside The Box - Community Engagement for Music Stations". Veteran consultant Lee Abrams and Sound Opinions syndicated radio hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRegatis moderate a session titled "The Magic Between The Music". Ken Mills of Ken Mills Agency moderates a "New Local Program Development" session. New Hampshire Public Radio's Abby Goldstein moderates "Finding Success With Social Media" while APM/MPR's Mike Rezler and Sound Exchange/NPR Digital Services' Phil Johnson moderate "Digital Media Metrics: Making Sense of it All". Jacobs Media's Fred Jacobs and PRPD Pres. Arthur Cohen will reveal the results of the 2011 Public Radio Programming Survey.

For the complete conference Agenda, visit PRPD.

LABEL MOVES: KIM BUIE JOINS THIRTY TIGERS, LISA LINARES OUT AT WB/REPRISE
(9/15/11) Music industry vet and A&R exec Kim Buie has joined Thirty Tigers to head up the A&R department and manage artists like Jessie Baylin, who will be releasing her album Little Spark Jan. 17, 2012. Kim joins Thirty Tigers after 7 years with Lost Highway. Thirty Tigers Pres. David Macias said "It's an honor to have Kim joining our team. She's the perfect fit, bringing both immense business acumen and great creative sensibilities." Reach Kim via email.
In other record news, label veteran and Warner Bros./Reprise Triple A Promotion Assistant Lisa Linares has left in the wake of last week's substantial restructuring where Sr. VPs Mike Rittberg, Ron Cerrito and numerous other staffers exited. Linares is looking for her next opportunity. Contact her via email.

KCRW LOS ANGELES DEBUTS "MUSIC MINE" IPAD APP  FOR NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY
(9/14/11) KCRW (89.9) Santa Monica-Los Angeles has released their first iPad app, Music Mine, dedicated entirely to new music exploration. Available for free in the iPad app store, the app displays up to 100 artists at a time, handpicked by the station' airstaff, and updated daily in tandem with the on air playlists. A streamlined format allows users short on time to design their own listening experience without being overwhelmed with options. Listeners can find artist video, photos, blog posts and more, through an interactive interface designed specifically for the iPad - or simply tap into KCRW's 24-hour, all-music stream Eclectic24.

KCRW Director of New Media Anil Dewan said "We've been working on ideas that develop a new mode of music discovery, one that is a departure from the long form audio content KCRW is known for, but still provides a human-curated experience that is knowledgeable, passionate, unpredictable and even quirky. The KCRW Music Mine is our answer to the algorithm-driven music apps out there."

The Music Mine was developed by Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and designed in collaboration with Roundarch, using The Echo Nest powerful music intelligence platform. "This app mashes up PRX's technological innovation with KCRW's tastemaking sensibility to rethink radio on the iPad. We draw from KCRW's legendary DJs to create a constantly evolving galaxy of audio, video, and photos, giving users a totally intriguing and serendipitous music experience. You can't stop exploring" said PRX CEO Jake Shapiro.

NAB/RAB "RADIO SHOW" CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO
KINK, KOZT nominated for Marconi Radio Awards
(9/12/11) The 2011 Radio Show, produced by the NAB and the RAB, opens Wed. September 14-16 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago. This year's show brings radio broadcasters and industry colleagues together to share knowledge, discover the latest innovations, network with industry leaders and explore creative business strategies to help radio advance in the digital age. The keynote speaker is Chairman of Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Platforms Bob Pittman. The conference Programming Sessions include thurs. afternoon's "Build Your Community Before You Need It," moderated by AllAccess.com Pres. Joel Denver. That session's air talent panel promises to offer insights into strategies for blending emerging media platforms with traditional radio.
The 2011 Radio Show presents the annual Marconi Radio Awards on Thurs., Sept. 15. Triple A station KINK Portland has been nominated for Rock Station of the Year while Triple A KOZT Fort Bragg-Mendocino County CA has been nominated Small Market Station of the Year. For more on the conference, visit Radioshowweb.com.

SCOTT MATTHEWS EXITS PD/OPS MANAGER AT KVSF SANTA FE
(9/7/11) KVSF (Project 101.5) Santa Fe PD/Ops Manager Scott Matthews has been let go due to restructuring at the Hutton Broadcasting cluster. KBAC PD Ira Gordon will now handle programming duties at KVSF as well. Available for his next opportunity, Scott can be reached via email.

CBS RADIO TO ADD 50 NEW INTERNET-ONLY STATIONS
(8/23/11) CBS Radio's Interactive Music Group will add 50 new internet-only radio stations to Radio.com in September. The stations will include the genres of Rock, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Blues, Alternative, Reggae and more. Meanwhile next month, AOL Radio will migrate its 250+ internet radio channels from CBS to pureplay Slacker. Attention labels, the new CBS stations are accepting music with some stations uncensored so unedited versions are requested. They accept WAV files but please no MP3s. Send to Seth Neiman via email or send your physical releases to: Seth Neiman, CBS Radio, 40 W. 57th St. 14th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

LABEL MOVES: MICHAEL STARR JOINS GLASSNOTE AS NATIONAL DIR. OF PROMOTION
(8/22/11) Glassnote Records has named longtime Wind-Up Records promo exec Michael Starr National Director of Promotion. He will report directly to Glassnote Head of Promotion, Nick Petropoulos. Contact Michael via email. Glassnote, home of Mumford & Sons, The Temper Trap, Two Door Cinema Club, Phoenix, and Givers, was recently voted "Best Indie Label" by Rolling Stone in the Best of Rock (4/28) issue.
 
WORLD CAFE JOINS FLAGSHIP WXPN PHILADELPHIA TO CELEBRATE 20 YEARS IN OCTOBER WITH SPECIAL PROGRAMMING, EVENTS  
World Cafe host David Dye: "It's been an amazing 20 year journey so far and I'm thrilled to celebrate this landmark occasion with the festivities and programs we have scheduled in October"
(8/16/11) World Cafe with host David Dye is turning 20 this October and featuring special programming during the anniversary month. WXPN Philadelphia, the flagship station for the NPR nationally syndicated show, announced that it will celebrate throughout the month of with special programming, regional events and much more. David said "It feels like yesterday that the World Cafe was just taking off. It's been an amazing 20 year journey so far and I'm thrilled to celebrate this landmark occasion with the festivities and programs we have scheduled in October. We hope that fans and listeners will be able to join us for our weekend celebration or tune-in to commemorate this milestone." 
WXPN will host the World Cafe 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend from Friday, October 28 through Sunday, October 30 at World Cafe Live Philadelphia with concert performances featuring Feist and Robbie Robertson plus a private event with Amos Lee. World Cafe listeners from across the country can now enter for a chance to win a trip to the weekend-long anniversary celebration. WXPN is giving away three trips to the World Cafe 20th Anniversary Celebration with each winner getting a pair of tickets to concerts during the weekend. The prize also includes round trip transportation, a three night stay at a luxury-grade hotel, and plenty of extras. In addition, there will be a special open house event on Sunday, October 30 with Amos Lee exclusively for donors of WXPN's Campaign For the Music, the station's $6 million capital campaign. Additional anniversary festivities include special fundraising events in Wilmington, Del. and Lancaster, Pa. Philadelphia Brewing Company will also create a special World Cafe branded beer to be served at greater Philadelphia area bars in October.

World Cafe serves more than 500,000 listeners weekly and reaches more than 200 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Philadelphia. The rising popularity of World Cafe inspired the Live @ the World Cafe CD series, a 400+ page book The Best of World Cafe: Great Conversations from NPR's Most Popular Contemporary Music Show and two state-of-the-art performance venues/restaurants, one in Philadelphia and one in Wilmington, Delaware called World Cafe Live. Both World Cafe Live locations are independently-owned and operated and include broadcasting facilities for WXPN. 

2011 BOULDER CONFERENCE A SUCCESS, CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY NEXT YEAR   
(8/15/11) The 3rd Annual FMQB Triple A Conference August 10-13 at the St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder is officially a wrap. Commercial and non-comm stations and assorted record folk combined for a solid turnout at the heritage gathering to see over 35 artist showcases at various venues, including the Fox and Boulder Theaters. 
Former KMTT Seattle PD Dave Benson opened the business panels on Wednesday afternoon with his Keynote interview with label and management exec Tom "Grover" Biery of Collective Sounds. Tom surprised us with a special appearance by Jimmy Cliff performing "Many Rivers to Cross". Thursday's Triple A Anarchists panel focused on winning renegades and was moderated by Mike Henry of Paragon Media Strategies while later in the afternoon Presslaff Interactive Revenue's Ruth Presslaff headed up the panel New & Social Media: Community Or Database? WXRT Chicago PD Norm Winer moderated a Friday midday panel called The Future Of Triple A where industry vet KCSN Northridge-LA PD and panelist Sky Daniels called KCMP/The Current Minneapolis "the most important station in the country," noting their ratings rise and stewardship by The Current PD Jim McGuinn (who won non-comm PD of the Year while The Current won NON-COMM of the Year at the Awards on Saturday). KXT Dallas PD Mark Abuzzahab hosted Friday afternoon's Music Meeting in his new role as a non-comm PD. FMQB Editor Jack Barton presented the 2011 Triple A Awards at Saturday's luncheon to close out the weekend. Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the Boulder Triple A Conference. Prior to FMQB's sponsorship, the event was hosted by former trade mags Radio & Records and Gavin.

-Post your Boulder Convention highlights at TripleARadio.com's TalkTalK.
-For 2011 Boulder Conference Photos, visit SonglinesMusic.

NATE CAMPBELL EXITS PD POST AT KRSH SANTA ROSA
(8/15/11) After two years - where he presided over the station's best ratings - KRSH (95.9 The Krush) Santa Rosa OM/PD Nate Campbell has left. Nate continues in his role as an instructor for radio at Sonoma State University, Santa Rosa and Academic Advisor for their student-run KSUN. KRSH Promo Director Katie Barr will be in charge of music in the interim while KRSH and parent company Sinclair Telecable search for a new PD for the North Bay Area heritage Triple A/Americana hybrid station.

WFUV NEW YORK PARTNERS WITH PUBLIC BROADCASTING ADVOCATES AND ANTI- TO RELEASE "RAISE YOUR VOICE" COMPILATION ALBUM
WFUV Interim GM Chuck Singleton: "It's important that people speak up and let Congress know how important public broadcasting is to them."
(8/8/11) WFUV (90.7) Bronx-New York, among other non-comm stations, has partnered with 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting and Anti- Records to promote the release of Raise Your Voice!, a 16-track compilation of music from Anti- artists being offered as a free download to advocates for public broadcasting. Listeners who sign up to join the campaign can download the compilation - available for a limited time only - by visiting RYVoice.org. Supporters will also have the opportunity to share Raise Your Voice! with their friends and social networks.

"We are thrilled to offer Raise Your Voice! to our advocates," said Jeff Nelson, co-director, 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting. "It is critical that we raise awareness about the importance of public broadcasting to music in America as we make our case to Congress to maintain federal funding for local stations across the country. We are grateful to Anti- and these fantastic artists for their generosity and for standing up in support for public broadcasting." "About 10% of WFUV's budget comes from federal funding. That's essential to keeping us healthy and allowing us to bring listeners music they're not likely to find anywhere else on the radio dial," added Chuck Singleton, Interim GM at WFUV. "It's important that people speak up and let Congress know how important public broadcasting is to them."

Artists contributing tracks to Raise Your Voice! include:
Wilco
Tom Waits
Neko Case
Booker T. Jones
Man Man
Dr. Dog
Mavis Staples
Jolie Holland
William Elliott Whitmore
Tinariwen
Lost In The Trees
Sean Rowe
Marketa Irglova
Joe Henry
The Swell Season
Devotchka 
   
The 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting campaign is a collaboration of public radio and television stations, national organizations, producers, viewers and listeners throughout the country who understand the critical need for a strong public media in the United States. The campaign is co-managed by the Association of Public Television Stations and American Public Media on behalf of more than 400 station partners. The centerpieces of the effort are its website, 170MillionAmericans.org, Facebook.com/170Million, and Twitter feed at twitter.com/170million, that give supporters of public media a way to take action in support of their local public radio and television stations.

WTMD BALTIMORE PD SCOTT MULLINS TO TAKE OVER MUSIC CALLS
(8/2/11) WTMD (89.7) Towson-Baltimore PD Scott Mullins has announced that he will be taking music calls as of August 8th. Tyler LaPorte remains MD but will focus on other duties. Reach Scott via email or call him during his music call time on Tuesdays from 3-5pm at 410.704.5394 (ET).

NEW TRIPLE A SIGNS ON IN VAIL: KKVM "THE MILE"
(7/28/11) KKVM (104.7 The Mile) Minturn-Vail, a local station formerly dark, signed on the air today with a live Triple A format. The station covers four Colorado counties: Eagle (Minturn-Vail-Beaver Creek), Summit (Copper Mountain-Breckenridge-Keystone), Garfield (Glenwood Springs) and Lake (Leadville). Owned by Vail Radio Partners, Chuck Lontine (management/sales veteran of KOME/WYSP/WLS) is station GM. Former KYSL (Krystal 93) Frisco on-air host Jayme Bregman is PD/MD/Content Director. Jayme told TripleARadio.com "I am truly exited to being involved in such a unique start-up with a great company with a local pedigree!" Jayme is on the air weekdays 10-2pm. Contact her via email or during her music call times on Mon./Tues. 3-5pm (MT) at 970.827.9400. "The Mile" references a popular area backcountry ski run. KKVM has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations. Listen to the station currently streaming at TheMile.fm. Labels, please service the station: Att: Jayme Bregman, KKVM, 421 Main St., Minturn, CO 81645-1047.

KCSN NORTHRIDGE-LA ADDS JULIE SLATER SPECIALTY SHOW "OUT ON A LIMB" TO WEEKEND LINEUP
Commercial KSWD LA pm driver heard Sat. nights on non-comm KCSN via unique arrangement
(7/26/11) KCSN (88.5) Northridge-Los Angeles PD Sky Daniels has added KSWD's Julie Slater to the growing KCSN weekend lineup. Julie will host Out On A Limb Saturday nights from 9-11pm while continuing to host her afternoon show on commercial Classic Triple A KSWD (100.3 The Sound) Los Angeles. Sky said "We are thrilled to have Julie Slater join the growing ranks of tremendous air personalities to help build KCSN. It is a very classy gesture for Dave Beasing, PD of KSWD, to allow her the opportunity to spread her creative wings by hosting Out On A Limb." The show is dedicated to "playing both the most creative new artists as well as some of the most critically acclaimed legacy artists that have not always gotten their due on broadcast radio."

Julie joins the lineup of KCSN new hosts and weekend shows, including former KCRW host and MD Nic Harcourt's Connections, former LA Times columnist Robert Hilburn's Rock 'n' Roll Times, E-Town with Nick and Helen Forster, Acoustic Cafe with Rob Reinhart, Buzzbands L.A. with former LA Times writer Kevin Bronson, and the Grateful Dead Hour. KCSN is a service of California State University, Northridge.

WNRN CHARLOTTESVILLE GM/FOUNDER MIKE FRIEND STEPS DOWN
(7/20/11) WNRN (91.9) Charlottesville VA GM and founder Mike Friend has relinquished his management position at the station to work on special projects. WNRN AGM Anne Williams will continue as Acting General Manager. Mike helped to sign WNRN on the air in '96.

WSGE DALLAS-CHARLOTTE NC NAMES JEFFREY PENFIELD APD/MD/MORNINGS
(7/18/11) WSGE (91.7) Dallas-Charlotte NC  Station Manager Cathis Hall has announced the hiring of Jeffrey Penfield as Assistant Program/Music Director and morning drive host. Jeffrey was formerly PD of WERS (88.9) Boston. He will take music calls on Thursdays, beginning August 11th, from 11am-2pm at 704.922.2386 or reach him via email. Until that date, Cathis will continue to take calls on Thursdays from 2:30-5pm. WSGE is a service of Gaston College.

MD OPENING AS CRAIG SHANK RESIGNS JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIO ASHLAND OR
(7/15/11) Jefferson Public Radio Ashland-Medford OR/Redding CA Music Director and Open Air host Craig Shank is leaving after less than a year to move back home to Indiana (Craig began in radio at WTTS). Look for JPR to announce information regarding the opening in the coming weeks. Craig requests that all music, newsletters, and relevant information for his replacement continue to be sent to JPRMusic. Craig said "It's been a pleasure working with a fantastic organization that has allowed me to grow and develop personally and professionally." His last day is August 11th. JPR is a service of Southern Oregon University.
 
TERRESTRIAL WRXP NEW YORK GOES AWAY, REMAINS ONLINE
WRXP PD Leslie Fram: "...the rock audience is here."
(7/14/11) After three and a half years, terrestrial WRXP (101.9) New York "The New York Rock Experience" has switched from its unique Tri-State Alternative/Triple A/Rock hybrid mix to a probable News-Talk format. On-air PD Leslie Fram said she was proud of what the station had accomplished, telling The New York Daily News "We built ourselves by word of mouth. I'm getting emails this week saying people just found us. We liked to say we didn't have listeners, we had fans. If we'd had marketing, we could have gotten to 3 million listeners a week. I think that proves the rock audience is here." The promotionally-active personality rock station never managed to pull the ratings numbers necessary. 
Leslie praised her midday co-host (and current MTV host) Matt Pinfield and the rest of the sacked WRXP airstaff, including Steve Craig, Brian Phillips, Brian D'Aurelio, Greg Russ, Dave Greek, Brad Maybe and Barrie Luongo. 'RXP remains online streaming at 1019rxp.com.
Emmis Communications recently sold WRXP to Randy Michaels' newly formed Merlin Media, which is also acquiring Alternative WKQX and Classic Rock WLUP in Chicago. Emmis continues to own Triple A KGSR in Austin. 

CONCLAVE CONFERENCE OPENS IN MINNEAPOLIS
(7/13/11) Nearly 500 are expected to attend "America's Only Multi-formatic Radio Gathering" as the 36th Annual Conclave Learning Conference opens in Minneapolis today, July 13-16 at the Doubletree Park Place Hotel. The conference this year is titled "From Nuts & Bolts to Bits & Bytes". Registration is available as of 6pm today (Wed.) through the weekend on the Doubletree's second floor. Many of the sessions will be streamed live for a small fee beginning July 14th at TheConclave.com.
"The Upper Midwest Communications Conclave" was founded in 1976 as a non-profit regional gathering. Throughout the years, the Conclave's yearly Learning Conference has grown beyond its original Midwest boundaries, now known simply as The Conclave. Governed by a Board of Directors, The Conclave conducts seminars throughout the year in keeping with its mission statement, and makes available on an annual basis broadcasting school and baccalaureate scholarships.
2011 Conclave Learning Conference - AGENDA

98.1 THE RIVER IN ASHEVILLE APPOINTS JOSH STRICKLAND PD
(7/12/11) Josh Strickland has been named Program Director for Triple A 98.1 the River and AC Mix 96.5 in Asheville, NC. Asheville Radio Group GM Bob Bolak said "Josh really fit the profile of the programming leader we were looking for with his track record of community involvement and creating vibrant local radio – a perfect match with the mission of Mix 96.5 and 98.1 the River, two of Asheville's most community–involved radio stations." Saga Communications Exec VP of Programming Steve Goldstein added "Saga is able to attract upcoming talent because we nurture and give programming people the platform to grow. Josh is one of those guys - bright, loaded with fresh ideas and energy. We are thrilled to have him join us." Prior to Asheville, Josh was PD of WFMK/WJIM Lansing and WHTS Grand Rapids. He begins in the new job starting July 18th when he can be reached via email or phone 828.259.9695.
Saga Communications also owns Triple A stations WCNR (106.1 The Corner) Charlottesville VA, WRSI (93.9/101.5 The River) Northampton MA/Brattleboro VT, WCLZ (98.9) Portland MN, and 98.7 The Vine Ithaca NY.

2011 PRDMC "REVENUE CONFERENCE" OPENS IN PITTSBURGH
(7/11/11) The annual Public Radio Development & Marketing Conference opens this week July 14-16 in Pittsburgh at the Omni William Penn Hotel, 530 William Penn Place (phone 412.281.7100). "Public radio's most well-attended conference" promises a weekend of informative sessions, workshops and networking revolving around public radio revenue. Panelists include host station WYEP GM Lee Ferraro, WXPN Philadelphia GM Roger LaMay, WDET Detroit GM J. Mikel Ellcessor, WDET Digital Manager Michelle Srbinovich, and WAPS Akron Dir. of Ops and Membership Andrew James. Station GMs, Development Directors and Membership Coordinators attending include reps from Oregon Public Broadcasting, KEXP Seattle, WYMS/Radio Milwaukee, WYSO Yellow Springs-Dayton, KUNC Greeley CO, Louisville Public Media (WFPK), WYEP Pittsburgh, WXPN Philadelphia, WFHB Bloomington, KERA/KXT Dallas, MPR, KDHX St. Louis, KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles, WTMD Baltimore, and staffers from NPR and PRI, among many others.
For more info on the conference, visit deiworksite.org.

KCSN NORTHRIDGE-LOS ANGELES NEW WEEKEND LINEUP, WEEKDAY AIRSTAFF TO DEBUT
(7/11/11) KCSN (88.5) Northridge-Los Angeles has announced a new weekend music show lineup, set to begin July 15th. The syndicated specialty show Acoustic Cafe with host Rob Reinhart has been added to Saturday mornings 6am-8am. Former KCRW host and MD Nic Harcourt's new Connections will air 3-6pm Saturday evenings. Veteran L.A. Times pop music critic Robert Hilburn will host Rock 'n' Roll Times with Robert Hilburn Sunday evenings at 6pm while another former Times staffer, Kevin Bronson hosts KCSN Buzz Bands from midnight-1am Sundays. For the full weekend show lineup, visit KCSN.org.
Meanwhile, KCSN PD Sky Daniels will announce a new weekday live airstaff lineup to begin Monday, July 18th. Sky will anchor afternoon drive 3-7pm. Jim Nelson will host mornings 6-10am while Meishel Menachekanian hosts middays 10am-3pm. The syndicated specialty show World Café airs 7-9pm weeknights.
The KCSN signal covers the suburban San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys and parts of Central and West Los Angeles. The station is a service of California State University, Northridge.

KRISTEN KURTIS NAMED KGSR AUSTIN MD
(7/7/11) KGSR (93.3/102.7) Austin PD Chris Edge has named former KEZE (Spokane's River) APD/MD Kristen Kurtis new Music Director. She replaces Mark Abuzzahab who recently headed north to program KXT Dallas. Kristen begins at KGSR on Monday, July 18.

AARP MUSIC/NET RADIO LAUNCHES WITH PARTNERS CONCORD MUSIC GROUP, SLACKER
Debut Featured Artist: Paul Simon
(7/6/11) AARP has joined up with Concord Music Group to build a new online music page and free music player for 50+ adults. Powered by Slacker, AARP Internet Radio launched this week, featuring 18 free streaming channels. Hugh Delehanty SVP of AARP Media said "AARP and Concord Music are uniquely positioned to help adults connect with the artists they love and become engaged in the online community of music. Our Internet radio is easy to use and makes new resources available to people who may not be used to getting their music online, as well as those who already are." Concord Music Group Pres./CEO Glen Barros said "Finding new music and even old favorites has become more complicated and difficult for so many people. AARP is a trusted source of information and guidance. Working closely them, we aim to help adults across the country reconnect with the enjoyment of music and the artists who create it." Channels include Blues, Jazz, R&B, coffeehouse, and a Fresh Sounds channel. AARP IR also features a channel dedicated to a different artist each month, beginning with Paul Simon. Look for more new channels to debut in weeks ahead, including a Members Choice channel, which allows an AARP member to play guest DJ.

RADIO MILWAUKEE AIRSTAFF CHANGE-UP: STEPHEN KALLAO AND BRIANNE O'BRIEN TO MORNINGS, JORDAN LEE TO AFTERNOONS
(6/29/11) WYMS (88Nine) Radio Milwaukee has shuffled its schedule as of this week, implementing the new 6-10am morning team of Stephen Kallao (WLUM) and Brianne O'Brien. Former morning host and current MD Jordan Lee moves to afternoons 2-6pm. Jordan is followed by Marcus Doucette, who continues in the midday slot 10am-2pm. Station manager Vicki Mann says the new schedule will accommadate Jordan and his wife who are expecting a baby in the fall. Jordan is still available for music calls on Thursday, albeit for less time, particularly over the next week as the station is busy broadcasting live from Summerfest.

AOL RADIO PARTNERS WITH SLACKER RADIO FOR RELAUNCH
(6/28/11) The AOL Huffington Post Media Group's AOL Music has announced that it is relaunching AOL Radio in a new partnership with Slacker Radio. Presenting an enhanced radio experience with less ads, new personalization features and premium subscription offerings, the new AOL Radio offers users three product tiers: free AOL Radio service, ad-free and feature-rich radio and on-demand premium subscription tiers with personalization and customization by Slacker. AOL's partnership with Slacker will provide access to ad-free radio and enable users to create custom tailored radio stations, save their favorite songs and stations, read album reviews, select artist biographies, review station histories, increase song skipping capabilities and more. The partnership will enable Slacker to deliver its new radio services to a bigger audience with the opportunity to develop new advertising opportunities for mutual clients. AOL Radio's Lisa Namerow said "Slacker Radio is the perfect partner to significantly increase the quality of our offerings. By combining AOL Radio's reach with the success of Slacker in mobile, we are increasing the distribution of our brands and further identifying AOL Radio as a leader in delivering superior radio experiences." AOL Radio was previously powered by CBS. A spokesperson at Slacker said that adding the AOL Radio audience will double and maybe triple its audience.

WNKU CINCINATTI TAKES FORMAL OWNERSHIP OF TWO NEW SIGNALS
Acquisition makes WNKU a top five non-comm in terms of potential audience
(6/23/11) WNKU (89.7) Highland Heights-Cincinnati/Middletown-Dayton (105.9)/Portsmouth OH-Huntington W.VA. (104.1), "Public Radio That Rocks," has announced full ownership of its new signals. Northern Kentucky University President James Votruba signed the final paperwork for the University to take full ownership of WPFB (105.9) and 910AM in Middletown, OH. and WPAY (104.1) in Portsmouth, OH. WNKU began programming the stations February 1 through a management operating agreement pending final approval on the sale from the FCC. The two signals will continue simulcasting WNKU but the call letters will soon change. WPFB will become WNKN for its northern proximity to WNKU, and WPAY will become WNKE for its eastern proximity. With the extended coverage from the new signals, WNKU is now heard from the northern suburbs of Dayton all the way to Charleston, W.VA. WNKU's potential audience has grown from 2.2 million to 3.3 million, ranking it as one of the top five non-commercial full-time Triple A stations in the country based on potential reach.

WQKL ANN ARBOR AXES MD MARK COPELAND
(6/22/11) WQKL (107one) Ann Arbor PD Chris Ammel has announced the departure of Music Director and midday host Mark Copeland after over six years. Mark was let go due to budget cuts at the Cumulus station. No replacement is planned. In February of 2009, morning host Martin Bandyke was let go from WQKL due to budget cuts but was reinstated by Cumulus three weeks later following protests by advertisers and listeners.

NIC HARCOURT JOINS KCSN NORTHRIDGE-LOS ANGELES

Veteran KCRW alumni to contribute daily and host weekend show
(6/17/11) KCSN (88.5) Northridge-Los Angeles, a service of California State University at Northridge, has announced that veteran LA radio talent and music mogul Nic Harcourt will be joining the station as a weekend host. He will also contribute daily commentary on new artists. As longtime Music Director of KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles and host of the station's influential Morning Becomes Eclectic and weekly Becomes Eclectic programs, Nic has played a key role in breaking artists over the years on KCRW and as a film Music Supervisor or consultant on features like "Gone Baby Gone" and "Dukes of Hazzard" and the TV shows "90210," "Queer As Folk" and "In Justice". He's worked on major ad campaigns for Mitsubishi and Apple's iPod. Nic was also recently a music journalist for the Los Angeles Times, and currently retains the title of Music Supervisor in Residence for MTV. He also continues as host of the Guitar Center Sessions on DirecTV's 101 and n3D channels.

KCSN GM Karen Kearns said "Nic's status as a music tastemaker will be a great addition to our programming." Newly appointed KCSN PD Sky Daniels added "It is an honor to have Nic join us as we begin a new journey as the Album Adult Alternative station for Los Angeles. Nic defines music discovery for Los Angeles listeners and will bring that devotion to KCSN. His vision will be an incredible asset to our listeners."

Nic said "Change is good. I'm truly excited about the opportunity to work with the team at KCSN as they build a dynamic new music format for Los Angeles." Look for him to begin on the air at KCSN in mid-July.

THE CURRENT MINNEAPOLIS AND KEXP SEATTLE SWAP NEW MUSIC VIA "THE MUSIC EXCHANGE" JUNE 20-24
(6/16/11) KCMP/The Current (89.3) Minneapolis and KEXP (90.3) Seattle will swap songs from hometown artists in "The Music Exchange," The Current's ongoing project to share emerging music from different scenes around the country. KEXP's Kevin Cole and The Current's Mark Wheat will unveil new music and commentary – on air and online – throughout the week of June 20-24. "Fans of the seminal REV 105 radio station will remember when Kevin Cole was a DJ there," said The Current DJ Mark Wheat. "And everyone knows that Seattle and Minneapolis/St. Paul have long produced this country's best new music. It'll be fun to hear what Kevin will share in this Music Exchange. And we're just as eager to share what the Twin Cities sounds like these days." The Current created its first Music Exchange in 2009 with WXPN (88.5) Philadelphia. For more information on the specific bands and tracks, visit TheCurrent.org.

WXPN PHILADELPHIA'S INDIE STREAM "Y-ROCK ON XPN" RENAMED "XPN2"
(6/16/11) WXPN (88.5) Philadelphia has rebranded its online Y-Rock On XPN as XPN2, playing "indie.modern.alt.rock". The music and features remain the same with some "social" updates: XPN2 has a new XPN2 Facebook page XPN2 Local, a new Twitter account renamed XPN2Music, and an AOL Instant Messenger account found at IMXPN2. XPN2 will continue to tap into to new indie music with XPN2 specialty shows such as "Pop Theory," "Ultra Sound," "Folkadelphia," "Philebrity Radio" and "Making Time Radio."

DAVE BENSON EXITS KMTT SEATTLE, MIKE KAPLAN TAKES OVER AS PD
(6/8/11) KMTT (103.7 The Mountain) Seattle PD Dave Benson has suddenly exited. Entercom Seattle VP Programming and Operations Dave Richards has announced the departure of the veteran programmer (KFOG San Francisco, KBCO Denver) after two years. Entercom Alternative KNDD (The End) PD Mike Kaplan takes on the additional duties of programming KMTT. In a statement, Dave said "I feel fortunate to have had this time working with Entercom Seattle. My respect and affection for the Mountain staff is enormous, and I wish them all the best in the future." Look for Dave to be exploring new opportunities.

MARK ABUZZAHAB TO PROGRAM KXT DALLAS
(6/6/11) KXT (91.7) Dallas-Ft. Worth-Denton has hired KGSR Austin PD/afternoon host and veteran programmer Mark Abuzzahab as PD of the two-year-old non-comm. Mark leaves KGSR after joining the Emmis station in February of last year. Prior to KGSR, Mark was on-air MD at KBCO Boulder-Denver for nearly five years. Before 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. KERA/KXT Pres./CEO Mary Anne Alhadeff said "Mark's impressive career accomplishments and his understanding of Triple A programming make him a terrific addition to our staff." Mark starts the new gig at KXT on June 27. Contact Mark via email. 

NFCB COMMUNITY RADIO CONFERENCE CLOSES IN SF
(6/6/11) The NFCB 36th Annual Community Radio Conference closed Saturday (6/4) in San Francisco at the Parc 55 Hotel. Community radio's most well attended conference brought together speakers, panels and workshops to focus on five key points: Program Development and Audience Building, Fundraising Development and Financial Stability, Professional Development and Governance, Community Engagement, and Compliance. Community stations attending included WYMS/Radio Milwaukee, WWOZ New Orleans, KVMR Nevada City-Sacramento, WCLK Atlanta, WFMU Jersey City NJ, KAXE Grand Rapids MN, KZFR Chico CA, KZYX Philo-Mendocino CO CA, KMUD Garberville-Humboldt CO CA and KBUT Crested Butte MT, among many others. Conference host stations were: KALW (91.7) Berkeley, KPFA (94.1) Berkeley and KQED (88.5) San Francisco. The conference moves to Houston next year.

KCSN NORTHRIDGE-LOS ANGELES NAMES SKY DANIELS PD

(6/1/11) KCSN (88.5) Northridge-Los Angeles has named industry veteran Sky Daniels PD. KCSN, a service of California State University Northridge, switched to a full-time Triple A music format in March of last year and has been without a PD. In a statement, KCSN GM Karen Kearns said "I look forward to working with Sky as we continue to build the KCSN audience. We are fortunate to have a program director with his experience and knowledge of the Los Angeles market."

Sky said "I am grateful for the opportunity to help provide the Los Angeles market an exciting Adult Alternative format. I want to thank Karen Kearns and Dean Robert Bucker for their belief and support. KCSN has an audience reach of three million, and we want to provide a compelling and creative station for that metropolitan audience." He added "I intend to bring my accrued experience from new media, marketing and programming to this role. The industry knows my passion for radio and the Los Angeles market, and will feel that passion emanate from 88.5 KSCN through several media platforms." 

A rock radio veteran programmer and on-air talent in the '70s and '80s, Sky's background includes stints at KISW Seattle, KFOG San Francisco, KMET Los Angeles, WLUP Chicago and WWWW Detroit. More recently he served as VP/Promotion for Fontana Distribution, label exec at Universal Music and Sony Music, National VP/Entertainment at Best Buy Corp and GM of the former trade publication Radio & Records. 

KCSN's signal covers most of Southern California's San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys and a portion of Los Angeles' west side. The station can be heard streaming online at KCSN.org.

WFUV'S "THE ALTERNATE SIDE" COMES TO MORNINGS ON WNYE NEW YORK
WFUV's night and online indie rock now also heard 6-noon weekdays at 91.5, replacing KEXP Seattle programs
(5/31/11) WFUV (90.7) Bronx-New York, a service of Fordham University, and the city of New York have inked a deal to bring The Alternate Side to city-owned radio station, WNYE (91.5). WFUV will program The Alternate Side during the morning hours on WNYE (91.5) from 6:00am-12noon weekdays. The broadcasts will originate in WFUV's studios and include exclusive in-studio sessions, concert news, artist info and local music features. Meanwhile, The Alternate Side will continue to be heard on HD3 and at TheAlternateSide.org and on Russ Borris' nightly show on WFUV (90.7) from 10p-midnight. The station looks to bring the popular indie rock program hosted by Russ and Alisa Ali to new audiences via the new terrestrial signal. WFUV MD and host Rita Houston said "We are very excited about getting this programming out there on another platform and deepening our commitment to arts and music in New York City and beyond!" The Alternate Side starts on WNYE Wednesday, June 1. The Alternate Side on WNYE will replace two daily music shows (6-9am and 9am-noon) originating from KEXP Seattle.

WXPN PHILADELPHIA LAUNCHES "CAMPAIGN FOR THE MUSIC" TO INSURE DEVELOPMENTAL FUNDING OF KEY INFRASTRUCTURE 
"We are addressing the current and future needs of our artists, audience and technology in order to strengthen and sustain this community. - WXPN GM Roger LaMay
(5/27/11) WXPN (88.5) Philadelphia has launched the public phase of its $6.5 million capital campaign, Campaign for the Music. Contributions will fund four key development areas including a new antenna and technology, World Café 20th Anniversary programs, community outreach and engagement and home improvements and repairs. The campaign is co-chaired by WXPN Policy Board member Ted Aronson and WXPN World Café host David Dye. The public phase includes an on air fund drive slated for June 9-14th. WXPN has already raised almost $4 million toward the campaign's goal through gifts from individuals and major foundations. WXPN is asking their listeners to go beyond membership and provide additional support by getting involved in the capital campaign.
"Anyone who has been involved with WXPN knows that we're more than just a radio station. We are a living, breathing community of artists and listeners," said WXPN GM Roger LaMay. "The Campaign for the Music is different from our normal membership drives. We are addressing the current and future needs of our artists, audience and technology in order to strengthen and sustain this community. We need to do this to survive."

Antenna and Technology Upgrade
Contributions made to the Campaign for the Music will help WXPN invest in key technology, such as replacing the station's 21-year-old antenna and moving it higher on its tower which will not only increase the reach of the signal, but will reduce the risk of broadcast outage. Support will also help increase server capacity for streaming, outfit studios with audio equipment that meets the requirements of digital productions, upgrade online software, develop mobile applications and meet future technological requirements.

World Café Improvements and Initiatives
2011 marks the 20th anniversary of WXPN's signature contemporary music program, World Café with David Dye. World Cafe is committed to featuring new on-air contributors and producing new series aimed at increasing diversity and global reach, including a Latino music series and Sense of Place, an in-depth recorded program on-location in musically rich communities around the world. Support for the campaign will also help upgrade studio equipment to ensure listeners can find the program on a wide variety of digital platforms, including web video.

Community Outreach Programs and Local Music
The Campaign for the Music also aims to enhance WXPN's current community outreach and engagement programs, such as Shaking Through, an online music and video series that showcases and fosters select independent musicians through the production resources of Weathervane Music and the radio and online distribution and marketing reach of WXPN. It will also support the WXPN Musicians On Call program, a non-profit initiative that brings musicians to local hospitals to perform at patients' bedsides, and The Key, a content-rich website dedicated to original, Philly-based music and clearinghouse for the Philly music community. The campaign will support live studio sessions for local bands that will be featured on The Key.

Renovations and Workspace
Since the move to 3025 Walnut Street in 2004, WXPN has continued to grow in audience, its circle of artists and popularity. With this increase comes the need for more work space. Support of the Campaign for the Music will allow for the renovation of 3,500 square feet of existing vacant space. Renovations include a new production control room and multi-track recording studio that will allow programming staff, hosts and engineers to expand the production of live music and greater flexibility to record Free At Noon concerts, other live concerts and specialty programs and provide a work area for station volunteers and student workers.

Unique Ways To Recognize Donors
Donor recognition and naming opportunities are available to all contributors to the Campaign for the Music. According to David Dye, the station has established unique recognition opportunities for contributors throughout the WXPN facility. "All of our contributors are stars and that is why we have developed some fun ways to recognize our donors. We are especially excited about the Donor Recognition Table Top Jukeboxes which will feature our $500 and up donors prominently in the exterior lobby of the station. It's a new way to show how grateful we are for the support of our donors; they're class acts."

For more information about WXPN's Campaign for the Music, visit xpn.org/campformu.

ROBIN ANN PHILLIPS APPOINTED DIR. OF DEVELOPMENT AT WFUV NEW YORK
(5/27/11) WFUV (90.7) New York has named Robin Ann Phillips new Director of Development, effective May 31st. Robin comes to WFUV with over 20 years of background with non-profits, most recently with the American Jewish Committee where she served as National Director of Planned Giving. "The position is not just a job for me - it's a calling" Robin told TripleARadio.com. WFUV PD (soon to be Interim GM effective July 1st) Chuck Singleton said "Robin is a case of a candidate being as impressive in person as she is on paper. Her skill set and her experience in the fields of planned and individual giving should serve her well as we try to broaden the base of our support and grow as a station."

11TH ANNUAL AMERICANA CONFERENCE OCT. 12-15 IN NASHVILLE: AWARDS SHOW NOMINEES INCLUDE ROBERT PLANT, ELIZABETH COOK, JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, THE CIVIL WARS, HAYES CARLL
(5/26/11) On behalf of the Americana Music Association, Rosanne Cash announced the list of 2011 Americana Music Association Honors & Awards nominees at the Gibson/Baldwin Showroom in New York City this week (5/24). The event featured live sets by The Civil Wars, Levon Helm and His Dirt Farmer Quartet featuring Jim Lauderdale, and Cash herself with Benmont Tench on keyboards. T Bone Burnett was also there to lend support.
The winners will be announced during the 11th Americana Music Conference and Festival October 12-15, 2011, with the AMA Honors & Awards ceremony on Thursday the 13th at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The Americana Festival and Conference in Nashville offers daily seminars, panels and networking opportunities based out of the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel. The event brings over 100 musical showcases to key venues throughout Nashville. For more info and early registration for the conference, visit www.Americanmusic.org.
 
2011 AMA Awards Show Nominees:
 
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Band of Joy, Robert Plant
Welder, Elizabeth Cook
Harlem River Blues, Justin Townes Earle
Blessed, Lucinda Williams
 
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Buddy Miller                                                     
Elizabeth Cook                                                 
Hayes Carll
Robert Plant
 
NEW/EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR
The Civil Wars
Mumford And Sons                                       
The Secret Sisters                                                    
Jessica Lea Mayfield  
 
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR
The Avett Brothers
The Civil Wars
Mumford And Sons                                       
Robert Plant and the Band Of Joy
 
SONG OF THE YEAR
Decemberists with Gillian Welch- "Down By The Water"
Elizabeth Cook - "El Camino"                         
Hayes Carll - "Kmag Yoyo"
Justin Townes Earle - "Harlem River Blues"
 
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR
Buddy Miller
Gurf Morlix                                                        
Kenny Vaughan                                               
Sarah Jarosz                                                
Will Kimbrough

MUSIC CHOICE PROMOTES ERIC GOTTLIEB TO TRIPLE A MD
(5/25/11) Music Choice has upped Eric Gottlieb to Triple A Music Director and programmer of the New York-based firm's "Adult Alternative" channel. Eric replaces Tiffany Sinder who has been promoted within the company. Reach Eric via email or during his music call time on Thursdays from 1-4pm at 646.459.3301.

11TH ANNUAL NON-COMMVENTION CLOSES IN WILMINGTON
Event unveils second WXPN/World Café Live venue in remodeled movie palace

World Café Live Wilmington-style, in the historic Queen Theater

By Dave Chaney
(5/23/11) Over 60 Triple A radio music stations along with labels, managers, indie music promoters and media marketing-types made the trek over the weekend to The 11th Annual NON-COMMvention Thursday through Saturday, May 19-21, at a brand new location this year, in Wilmington, Delaware. The annual WXPN Philadelphia-sponsored event celebrated the grand opening of the second regional World Café Live, Live at the Queen, in a beautifully renovated historic old movie house that is the centerpiece of downtown Wilmington's cultural urban renewal plans.
 
The Turn-Out
Considering budgets in this economy, the non-comm radio community was well represented with multiple attendees from NPR and WFUV New York, of course Philly's 'XPN, WTMD Baltimore, KCMP/The Current Minneapolis, WYEP Pittsburgh, WFPK Louisville, WJCU Cleveland, WCBE Columbus, WYMS/Radio Milwaukee, WRUR Rochester, WNRN Charlottesville, KUT Austin, KXCI Tucson and Maine Public Radio, among plenty of others. Commercial WRLT Nashville and WCNR Charlottesville were also there.
 
Ya Got An App For That?
The conference featured three days of networking, live music showcases - shared with enthusiastic WXPN listeners - and daytime business panels: Media Mechanics consultant Paul Marsalek's opening session on multimedia platforms and social media - with assist from KCMP/The Current PD Jim McGuinn, WFHB Bloomington PD Jim Manion's community radio breakout, WFUV MD Rita Houston's panel on artist interview technique, WXPN PD Bruce Warren's session on old school label war stories, and WXPN GM Roger LaMay's discussion on music and public radio funding. Other highlight's included NON-COMMvention founder/producer Dan Reed's keynote interview with artist/label manager and radio station owner Cliff Burnstein and World Café host David Dye's chat with Robbie Robertson. Guest panelists Greg Kot and Jim Derogatis of the popular syndicated rock/talk public radio show Sound Opinions lit up the joint with non-stop zingers ("Rick Rubin ruined Adele!") at their first NON-COMM Music Meeting.

THE MUSIC MEETING (*songs listed in order of appearance not ranking)
1. Blind Pilot "We Are the Tide"
2. The Jayhawks "She Walks In So Many Ways"
3. Motopony "King of Diamonds"
4. Bon Iver "Calgary"
5. The Bewitched Hands "Happy With You"
6. Gillian Welch "Scarlet Town"
7. Gary Clark Jr. "Bright Lights"
8. Vetiver "Wonder Why"
9. Theophilus London "Wine and Chocolates"
10. The Heavenly States "Berlin Wall"
11. Dionne Bromfield "Yeah Right"
12. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. "Simple Girl"

Ladies and Gentlemen...
On the World Café Live upstairs and downstairs stages: The Blind Boys of Alabama, Keb' Mo', Raphael Saadiq, Givers, The Civil Wars, Cave Singers, New Sweden, Ben Harper, Justin Townes Earle, Thurston Moore, Matt Nathanson, Rebecca Pidgeon, Todd Snider, The Head and the Heart, Sean Rowe, The White Buffalo, Dylan LeBlanc, Bright Eyes, The Jayhawks, Junip, Over The Rhine, Sarah Jarosz, James McCartney, the Sam Roberts Band, G. Love and John Popper and The Duskray Troubadours. Radio programmer consensus on exceptional performances swirled around Raphael Saadiq, Givers, The Head And The Heart, Bright Eyes, Junip, Sam Roberts Band and The Civil Wars!

Kudos
No problem with the new venue. The organization of the 'XPN staff and volunteers seemed flawless. (Even if Raphael Saadiq did almost blow it and show up at the wrong World Cafe Live!) Congrats to Roger LaMay, Dan Reed, Bruce Warren, Tess Coffey, Ellen Oplinger, Paul Severin and Hal Real and his crew on a super job. Roger announced that next year's 12th Annual NON-COMM will return to Philadelphia.

Non-Comm Rising
While many but definitely not all commercial Triple A and Alternative radio stations struggle to remain relevant in this fast-moving multimedia era, often burdened by stagnated corporate playlists and clunky spot-sets, non-comm Triple A is live, local and "commercial-free"... and apparently on a roll. Arbitron reports that the total shares of 11 top non-commercial Triple A stations measured by PPM have risen 30 percent since October. All the while, non-comm has become the near-exclusive radio home of the steady rising Indie Rock genre, now celebrating mainstream success with bands like Arcade Fire (Grammy Album of the Year!), Mumford & Sons, The Decemberists and Fleet Foxes.
 
(For video of NON-COMMvention artist showcases, visit XPN.org.)

KPND SANDPOINT-SPOKANE ADDS SIGNAL TO INCREASE COVERAGE AREA
(5/18/11) KPND (95.3/106.7) Sandpoint-Coeur d'Alene ID-Spokane has added a second signal signal at 106.7 to increase their coverage area. Now simulcasting on the new frequency, formerly "Rock 106.7," KPND now serves an even larger chunk of Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington - including Spokane - reaching north into Creston, British Columbia. Spokane Triple A KEZE-FM (96.9 Spokane's River) flipped formats to Rhythmic on May 1st.

NICK ATTAWAY JOINS VAGRANT RECORDS
(5/18/11) Vagrant Records has named label veteran Nick Attaway VP/Artist Development. Nick, formerly with ATO/Red Light Management, Arista and MCA, has spent the last three years at Music Allies as VP of Artist Development. Vagrant Label Manager Dan Gill said "We are very excited to welcome Nick to our team at Vagrant Records. Not only will he bring a tighter focus on radio promotions but will also serve as a more personal liason between Vagrant and the radio stations helping to spread our music to the masses." The Santa Monica-based label is the home of artists such as Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, The Hold Steady, School of Seven Bells and The Elected. Nick starts in his new gig effective June 2nd. Contact Nick Attaway. Meanwhile, Music Allies now has a key opening - Visit Jobs. 

WFUV NEW YORK MANAGEMENT TRANSITION: PD CHUCK SINGLETON UPPED TO INTERIM GM AS LONGTIME MANAGER RALPH JENNINGS BECOMES DIR. OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL RELATIONS
(5/4/11) WFUV (90.7 FM) Bronx-New York longtime station manager Ralph Jennings will yield the position to PD Chuck Singleton to assume the role of director of internal and external relations, effective June 30. "These past 25 years at WFUV have allowed me to realize a dream" Ralph told TripleARadio.com. "From the time I was a boy I've believed in the power of radio to entertain and inform. I'm proud of what we've accomplished and grateful to all the staff, students, and colleagues, at Fordham and in the public radio system, who have contributed to our achievements." Beginning in 1985, Ralph managed the student-run Fordham University station into a successful New York public radio station, presiding over staff additions and substantial studio and power upgrades.
Chuck also has a long history with WFUV, having joined the station in 1987 as its first director of news and public affairs. In the past year, he served on WFUV's strategic planning committee, and was recently named its chair. "I'm honored and humbled to be asked to step in as interim general manager," Chuck said. "It's been a real privilege to work with Ralph in charting the direction of the station. I have great faith in the future of WFUV as it reshapes itself as a public media organization for the 21st century." Chuck has directed WFUV's programming since 1992, including recruiting its on-air staff and expanding its Triple A music programming. He led the development of WFUV's online indie music service, The Alternate Side, with startup support from the New York State Music Fund. Chuck started in radio as a producer/host at WXPN Philadelphia in 1980.
  
WYEP PITTSBURGH MARKETING DIRECTOR JESSICA ROMANO TO RESIGN, POSITION OPENS
(4/28/11) WYEP (91.3) Pittsburg Marketing Director Jessica Romano will resign her position effective May 2nd to take on her new job as Marketing Communications Manager for the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. In a statement, Jessica said "I am honored to have been a part of the WYEP team, and equally honored to join the dynamic staff at the Parks Conservancy." WYEP is currently searching for the next Marketing Director - visit Jobs.

SIRIUS XM RADIO UPDATE: MERGED COMPANY FINALLY SYNCHRONIZES CHANNELS, CONSOLIDATES AMERICANA PROGRAMMING, ADDS INTERNET RADIO
(4/25/11) For the first time since the satellite companies merged three years ago, Sirius XM Radio channels will be the same effective May 4th. Subscriber "pre-sets" will automatically update to the new numbers on that date. Among other changes announced at Sirius XM, the Americana/Classic Country-oriented Willie's Place and The Roadhouse are being merged as Willie's Roadhouse on Channel 56. There will be new channel additions featuring Internet radio, including Simon and Garfunkel Radio and Limited Engagements, a new home for the Sirius XM "pop-up" channels of music, comedy, talk and more.

"SPOKANE'S  RIVER" TO FLIP FORMATS
(4/20/11) KEZE-FM (96.9 Spokane's River) has announced a format flip from Triple A to Rhythmic effective May 1. The switch will leave the market with a single Triple A signal, KPND (95.3) Sand Point, ID. 

JOHN HAYES NAMED PD AT KRFC FORT COLLINS, BRIAN HUGHES RETURNS AS GM
(4/18/11) Veteran Colorado Triple A and Alternative programmer John Hayes has been appointed PD at community radio KRFC (88.9) Fort Collins, CO. Meanwhile, longtime KRFC staffer Brian Hughes has returned to the station in the GM position. John, most recently PD at former Triple A KCUV Denver, programmed the region's pioneering heritage Alternative KTCL Fort Collins in the '80s and '90s. Looking to solidify KRFC's image in the community while increasing airplay of Triple A, Folk, World Beat and Americana artists 6am-midnight, John told TripleARadio.com that he is "excited about the station's potential," adding "Look for us to be tapping into Fort Collin's strong local music scene!" KRFC presents the annual "Fort Collins Music Experiment," a sort of local SXSW, in addition to co-sponsoring the annual "Bohemian Night" three day festival. The community station is celebrating its eighth birthday this year. KRFC's signal covers Larimer County (Fort Collins), Longmont, and North Denver. The station can be heard streaming live online at KRFCFM.org. KRFC has been added to our TripleARadio.com Panel of stations. Labels, contact John Hayes via email or send music to: KRFC, 619 S. College #4, Fort Collins, CO. 80524. 

NIC HARCOURT NAMED FIRST "MUSIC SUPERVISOR IN RESIDENCE" AT MTV
(4/5/11) MTV has announced that former KCRW (89.9) Santa Monica-Los Angeles Music Director Nic Harcourt has been named to the newly created post of Music Supervisor in Residence at the cable network. Nic will work alongside MTV Senior VP of Creative Music Integration Joe Cuello to supervise music for select shows. He will also serve as a creative consultant for Hype Music, a production and licensing partnership between MTV and production music house Extreme Production Music. Nic will head up production of new vocal music by new artists for consideration for placement across MTV Networks' programming and to be licensed via Extreme's international client base.
Nic was previously host of the KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic" and the weekly syndicated "Sounds Eclectic". He left full-time at the station in 2008, but still hosts a three-hour show on Sunday evening. He also currently hosts "Guitar Center Sessions" on DirecTV's 101 and n3D channels. Nic was Music Supervisor or a consultant on features like "Gone Baby Gone" and "Dukes of Hazzard" and the TV shows "90210," "Queer As Folk" and "In Justice". He worked on major ad campaigns for Mitsubishi and Apple's iPod.
 
MOLLY NAGEL JOINS MUSIC ALLIES AS GM
(4/4/11) Industry vet Molly Nagel has joined Music Allies as General Manager, assisting in marketing and project management of independent artists. She was most recently Sr. Director of Artist Development at Sugar Hill Records. Music Allies specializes in creating online, radio, and publicity campaigns for music festivals. Label services for bands include radio marketing, online promotion, publicity and artist development. Music Allies provides marketing services and strategy for a select group of prestigious independent labels, artists and festivals, including Brushfire Records, Ani DiFranco, Ben Sollee, the Bonnaroo Music Festival, Easy Star Records, the Hangout Music Festival, Camp Bisco, MoogFest, Tennman Records, G. Love and Special Sauce and more. Contact: Molly Nagel.

WRXP NEW YORK'S STEVE CRAIG TAKES OVER MORNINGS AS MATT PINFIELD MOVES TO MIDDAYS
Airstaff switch-up allows Matt Pinfield to return hosting MTV's "120 Minutes"
(3/17/11) Alternative/Triple A hybrid WRXP (Rock 101.9) New York morning host Matt Pinfield and co-host/PD Leslie Fram move to middays as midday host Steve Craig moves to mornings. The switch allows Matt to return to hosting the signature MTV program, "120 Minutes," recently resurrected by the cable network. Matt will host "120 Minutes" as a monthly show on MTV2, beginning later this year. He will also host a new weekly online show, "120 Seconds," which debuts Friday, March 18 on MTV's new curated site, mtvhive.com/120

SXSW MUSIC MEETING ON FRIDAY WITH KCRW L.A.'S DOURIDAS, AEG LIVE'S STRASBURG, WERS BOSTON'S DeMARTILE, KMTT SEATTLE'S RANSFORD, WXRT CHICAGO'S WINER
(3/15/11) The 25th annual SXSW Music Conference opens in Austin tonight. The conference runs March 16-20. The SXSW Music and Media Conference, America's largest showcase of new bands, brings thousands of artists, fans, and music industry-types to "The live Music Capitol of The World." By day, conference registrants network in the halls of the Austin Convention Center on their way to the SXSW Trade Show and sit in on informative panel discussions featuring some of the industry's key players. At night, SXSW showcases hundreds upon hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over eighty stages in downtown Austin. SXSW's 2011 Keynote Speaker is Bob Geldof on March 17th. Geldof will also play music from his new album, How To Compose Popular Songs That Will Sell. 
For the complete SXSW Music showcase Schedule, visit sxsw.com. Jesse Barnett at Right Arm Resource has put together his annual Guide To Triple A Music at SXSW. Watch SXSW streaming live at IFC.com.
SXSW is partnering with the following radio stations to broadcast and assist in curating the showcases: KCRW, KUT, KEXP, WFUV, WXPN, THE CURRENT and RADIONICA.
Songlines' Sean Coakley and Melanie Shrawder have announced the SXSW Adult Rock Music Meeting on Friday, March 18th at 11am. Ten songs are played during the session. Sean says, "Each panelist is asked to shed light on their process of deliberation that goes into choosing to play or feature new music. The audience participates, too." 
The SXSW Adult Rock Music Meeting Panel:
Chris Douridas KCRW Santa Monica-Los Angeles
Don Strasburg AEG Live Rocky Mountain
Katie DeMartile WERS Boston
Kelly Ransford KMTT Seattle
Norm Winer WXRT Chicago

KUNC GREELEY CO MD KYLE DYAS DIES

(3/8/11) Our condolences to family and friends of longtime KUNC (91.5) Greeley CO Music Director and host Kyle Dyas who died Sunday (3/5) of an apparent suicide in Denver. He was 42. Kyle programmed and often hosted KUNC's "Diverse Music" show 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekdays. He joined the station in 1996 as a staff announcer and became MD in 2002.
KUNC GM Neil Best said the staff "is in shock. There is a huge sadness." E-Town's Nick Forster said, "What a tragic loss for all of us who love music and public radio - and especially for those of us who were Kyle's friends. Kyle was not only a great Music Director but a great ambassador for KUNC and Northern Colorado. He introduced dozens of E-Town shows with enthusiasm and poise. Helen and I are stunned and saddened by the loss." Kyle's girlfriend, Michelle Venus of Fort Collins, said Kyle had been struggling with personal issues. A memorial service is planned. For tributes, visit KUNC.org.

RECORD MOVES: LIPPMAN JOINS M:M MUSIC AS REYES DEPARTS, HIRSCHMAN EXITS ONE LITTLE INDIAN, NEW EMAIL FOR POWDERFINGER'S AVERY
(3/7/11) M:M Music owner Meg McDonald has announced that Ed Reyes will soon leave to join Hollywood Records as M:M brings on label administrative veteran Ben Lippman. Reach Ben via email.
Meanwhile, in other record news, San Francisco-based Celia Hirschman is no longer with One Little Indian Records. Reach Celia via her personal email.
Also please note that David Avery and his Framingham, MA-based Powderfinger Promotions has a new email address. Effective immediately, contact David via his new email.
  
600 ATTEND "SUNSET SESSIONS" IN SOUTHERN CAL 
(2/22/11) M:M Music's Meg McDonald reports the largest ever Sunset Sessions with nearly 600 attendees this past weekend (2/17-19) at La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, CA. Spread over three days with a mix of sun and rain, 45 bands and over 40 visiting radio stations, the 14th annual Sunset Sessions also brought together film and television music supervisors, record labels, managers, and radio station winners. Meg said, "Twitter and Facebook posts abounded all weekend amid stellar performances, informative and ground breaking panels, incredible food and the first ever Sunset Sessions Music Meeting all at a gorgeous 4 Star resort." She added, "For all of us here at M:M Music: Rene, Crystal Ann, Ed and myself, we want to thank all the artists who so graciously and superbly lent their talents making this one of the best line ups ever." WFUV New York MD Rita Houston hosted the first ever Music Meeting while new KFOG San Francisco PD Dennis Constantine hosted an alternate PPM research Panel.
The music lineup included: Alex Cuba, The Alternate Routes , Andrew Allen , April Smith & The Great Picture Show, Augustana , The Belle Brigade, Benny Marchant, Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears, Blame Sally, Bushwalla, Cas Haley, Chris Amodeo, Cody Beebe & The Crooks, Crystal Bowersox, Daniel Lanois’ Black Dub, Emily Hearn w/ Mark Bryan, Eric Berdon , Everest, Francis Dunnery, Frentik, Incan Abraham, Iron & Wine, Jason Spooner, John Waite, k.d. lang, Laura Jansen, Lucy Schwartz, Mads Langer, The Makepeace Brothers, MY RADIO, NEeMA, Nicole Atkins, Parker Ainsworth, R.E.M's Mike Mills, Sarah Lee & Johnny, Scars On 45, Sia, SO & SO, Stevie Nicks, Tori, Vanessa Carlton, Whitney Wolanin, The Wood Brothers, and Ximena Sarinana. Many of the shows were aired on Sunset Sessions host station KPRI San Diego.

JEFFERSON PUBLIC RADIO ASHLAND OR UNVEILS AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR NEW BROADCAST CENTER 
(2/21/11) Jefferson Public Radio Ashland-Medford OR/Redding CA and the JPR Foundation have announced plans for a new 40,000 square feet broadcast complex following a donation by local resident Bruce Larson of the historic downtown Medford Grocery Warehouse building. The 1910 building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has been appraised at a value exceeding $500,000. JPR will build new station studios and offices, including a state-of-the-art live music venue for live broadcasts, a full café and the Western States Museum of Broadcasting. The JPR Foundation received title to the building late last week and have firmed up plans to launch a capital campaign for the project at an estimated $3.4 million. JPR's studios will move from Ashland to Medford upon completion of the project in three to four years. JPR/JPR Foundation Executive Director Ron Kramer said the venture will "create opportunities for new programming initiatives." Ron added, "I firmly believe that our new Medford project is a huge opportunity for JPR and that we can significantly contribute to strengthening downtown Medford's cultural and economic environment."
JPR's Triple A-leaning Rhythm & News service reaches much of Southern Oregon and far Northern California via a series of transmitters and translators. JPR PD is Eric Teel and MD is Craig Shank. Contact Craig via email.

DEAN KATTARI TO STAY IN PORTLAND, ETOWN TALENT COORDINATOR OPEN
(2/11/11) eTown has announced that veteran Triple A programmer Dean Kattari has decided not to accept the position of Talent Coordinator. Dean was to replace long-time eTown Talent Coordinator Roger Menell. Dean has since decided to remain in Oregon, where he was most recently MD at KINK Portland. Dean said, "I am honored to have been considered for the eTown Talent Coordinator position. I have great respect for Nick and Helen, and for what they have accomplished with their fantastic program. Their future endeavors are promising to be very exciting, but I have made the tough decision to remain in Portland for the time being, and continue my efforts as an audio and video producer." eTown said in a statement, "We wish him all the best and will be welcoming a new Talent Coordinator shortly." Contact e-Town co-host Nick Forster in the interim via email for your eTown booking needs.

DENNIS CONSTANTINE NAMED PD AT KFOG SAN FRANCISCO
(2/7/11) KFOG (K-FOG 104.5/97.7) San Francisco-San Jose has named veteran Triple A PD Dennis Constantine Program Director, effective Feb. 16. The Cumulus station had been operating without a PD since the departure of Dave Benson for KMTT Seattle in the summer of 2009. Dennis joins KFOG following a career programming some of the top Triple A stations in the west. He recently concluded a thirteen year run as PD of KINK Portland. A pioneer in the format, Dennis was the original PD at KBCO Boulder in 1977.
Longtime KFOG APD/MD Kelly Ransford left KFOG last week to join her old boss Dave Benson up at KMTT Seattle as morning show co-host and Producer. KFOG afternoon/evening host "Big Rick" Stuart exited the station last month after over a decade in that slot.

MD RACHEL ROSE EXITS RADIO MILWAUKEE, JORDAN LEE UPPED TO APD
(2/4/11) WYMS (88Nine) Radio Milwaukee has eliminated the position of Music Director and re-organized its programming department. As a result, MD/afternoon host Rachel Rose has left the station. Rachel joined Radio Milwaukee in June of last year. Prior, she was Music Assistant/host at WERS Boston and AMD/host at WNTI Hackettstown NJ. Contact Rachel via email. PD Mark Keefe told TripleARadio.com, "We wish her well in her future endeavors." Meanwhile, weekday morning host Jordan Lee has been named Assistant Program Director and will assist Mark with music. Weekly music call times for Jordan will be forthcoming.

FOLK ALLIANCE CONFERENCE FEB. 16-20 IN MEMPHIS
(2/3/11) The annual Folk Alliance Conference is set for February 16-20, 2011 at the Memphis Marriott Hotel. Over 1,800 international registrants are expected to turn out for the music, networking, panels, and workshops. The keynote speakers are David Bromberg and Jayhawks co-founder Mark Olson with a special keynote interview with Jac Holzman on the 60th anniversary of Elektra Records. The conference will feature over 200 music showcase performances with hundreds of in-room showcases as well. The event also includes a special tribute to John Hartford, the 2nd Annual Sacred Steel Summit, spotlight on the Music Maker Relief Foundation, films, and jammin' at Hippie Jack's. The conference hosts the annual FAI Lifetime Achievement Awards and Honors. An Exhibit Hall will feature over 100 exhibitors. XM15 The Village will air portions of the Folk Alliance performances. Tours are planned for Graceland, Sun Studios, Stax, Rev. Al Green's Church, Beale Street, etc. For more info, visit FolkAlliance.org.

KELLY RANSFORD EXITS APD/MD AT KFOG SAN FRANCISCO TO JOIN KMTT SEATTLE
(2/1/11) KFOG (K-FOG 104.5/97.7) San Francisco-San Jose APD/MD Kelly Ransford has suddenly left the Cumulus station in a move that has caught the format by surprise. Kelly was named MD at KFOG in 2005. She had been Promotions Director since 2000. She also hosted the weekend new music show, the KFOG Side Show. Kelly will soon move north to reunite with her old KFOG boss Dave Benson as she joins Entercom's KMTT (103.7 The Mountain) Seattle as Producer of the KMTT morning show with John Fisher.
 
WUMB BOSTON UPDATE: SIGNAL REACH EXTENDS IN EASTERN MASS, JAY MOBERG TO ASSIST IN MUSIC
MD John Laurenti Continues To Schedule Artist Interviews While Jay Moberg Now Takes Music Calls 
(1/25/11) WUMB (91.7/91.9/1170AM) Boston GM Pat Monteith checks in with two big station news items. First, powerful WUMB has added a fifth repeater radio station in Stow MA just north of Worcester, which further extends the reach of the signal in eastern Massachusetts. And WUMB is about to start construction on two additional repeater facilities with more details to come.
Meanwhile, Jay Moberg has been promoted to Assist. Local Program Manager at WUMB and will be handling all responsibilities with new music, including interacting with music reps. Reach Jay via email or call 617.287.6900 during his music call times on Wed. from 3:00-5:00pm (eastern). John Laurenti continues as Music Director but will be busy with the task of completely overhauling and resolving current music database issues. John, however, will continue to schedule artists for interviews.
WUMB, a service of the University of Massachusetts Boston, previously known as "Boston Folk Music Radio," has recently updated its website and new slogan to "Where Musical Roots Are Still Growing."

VETERAN HOST SEAN DEMERY STARTS ONLINE STATION MAINE.FM

(1/24/11) Recent KMTT Seattle morning host and veteran air talent Sean Demery has moved back to Maine to start online radio station Main.FM. Sean has posted on his Facebook page, "Hello from Portland, where we just put on Maine.FM. It's all Maine music, all the time. It's from Maine for Maine. There's a huge music scene up here that deserves to be heard by the proud peeps of Maine. So here ya go!" Check the station out - It's streaming now at Maine.FM.

WNKU CINCINNATI AQUIRES THREE NEW SIGNALS, TRIPLES COVERAGE AREA
Northern Kentucky University Commits to Major Infrastructure Investment 
(1/19/11) Heritage Triple A WNKU (89.7) Highland Heights KY/Cincinnati is capping its 25th anniversary year with the announcement of the acquisition of 105.9 FM/910 AM (currently WPFB Middletown OH) and 104.1 FM (currently WPAY Portsmouth OH). Effective Feb. 1, WNKU's potential audience will grow by 2.2 million to 3.3 million, ranking it as one of the top five non-commercial full-time Triple A stations in the country based on potential reach. The move resolves the station's longtime signal coverage issues. "Year after year, the number one complaint we hear is about signal strength and reach," Station Manager Chuck Miller said in a statement. "It got to the point that we posted reception tips on our website." Now with the addition of 105.9 and 104.1, WNKU will now boom throughout Cincinnati (Arbitron market #28), up north to cover Dayton OH (market #61) and southeast to cover Huntington WV/Ashland KY (market #160).
The acquisition of the two new signals is viewed in the community as a solid vote of confidence in WNKU from its owner, Northern Kentucky University. "WNKU has become an integral part of the civic and cultural fabric of our region," said NKU President James C. Votruba. "In its 25 years, the station has established itself as an industry leader. Today's announcement reflects the value we, as an institution, place in this community treasure." Dr. Votruba acknowledged that some may question the timing of the move, given the university's funding challenges and the state's sluggish economy, but said that these factors are part of what makes now the right time for WNKU to expand. "Frankly, if the economy weren't in the state it is in, there is no way we could afford to do this," he said. "The price is right, right now. We were presented with an opportunity that we could not pass up." Ultimately, the University feels that acquisition of the signals is an investment. Their conservative projections show the expansion will put the station on the path toward financial self-sufficiency in a matter of a few years. "The bottom line is this," added Chuck, "the expansion is our best hope for the future. It allows us to diversify our revenue stream while expanding our mission and providing a resource for independent music and news to a whole new audience that is currently underserved by mainstream media. We look forward to making new partners in the world of contemporary culture."
WNKU will begin programming the new stations on Feb. 1 through a management operating agreement while the purchase awaits final approval from the FCC. The station expects to take full ownership of the properties in April or May of this year. With the new station acquisitions, look for the launch of the new wnku.org also slated for Feb. 1. 

WYEP PITTSBURGH AND PUBLIC RADIO CAPITAL'S PMC JOIN FORCES TO BUY JAZZ/NEWS WDUQ PITTSBURGH
(1/18/11) WYEP (91.3) Pittsburgh has joined up with Public Radio Capital's Public Media Company to form a new company in order to acquire Jazz/News/NPR WDUQ (90.5) Pittsburgh from Duquesne University. The new company is called Essential Public Media. The WDUQ purchase price was $6 million dollars.
Susan Harmon, Public Radio Capital's Managing Director and PMC Director said "Essential Public Media is planning to develop and sustain a vibrant media service that brings NPR, global and national news to the region, building on today's media technologies and a deeper emphasis on local journalism." WYEP GM Lee Ferraro said "While local journalism, reflecting the diversity of voices and issues in our community, is a high priority for EPM, we look forward to working with the community of jazz lovers in Pittsburgh as well." 
  
KCKC KANSAS CITY FLIPS TO GOLD-BASED TRIPLE A "ALICE102"
(1/17/11) KCKC Kansas City has flipped to a gold-based Triple A Alice 102 with the slogan "It's All About The Music." Ed Walker is PD. The station is streaming live at Alice102.com. "Alice 102 is music that you have on your IPod, and always wanted on the local airwaves," said Jeff Wilks, owner and CEO of Wilks Broadcasting, parent company of KCKC. "Kansas City will tell Alice 102 what to play! Jeff said Alice 102 will incorporate "Listener Integrated Radio" via the website, where listeners "can direct the songs they want to hear." This is the third attempt for a commercial Triple A in Kansas City in the past decade, including KZPL and KBLV. Wilks also owns and operates heritage Triple A KTHX (100.1 The X) Reno.  

MARTY RIEMER RETURNS TO KMTT SEATTLE AFTERNOONS
(1/17/11) KMTT (103.7 The Mountain) Seattle veteran air talent Marty Riemer has returned to the station to host afternoons. Current afternoon host John Fisher moves to mornings. To tease the announcement, Mountain hosts John Fisher and Shawn Stewart had appeared in a playful YouTube video driving "On the way to the Seahawks game," where they came upon a homeless man holding a sign that read "I am a podcaster who has fallen on hard times." In exchange for a dollar, they asked him to use his "God-given voice" to audition a station liner. The homeless jock in the video is indeed Marty. Apparently, he passed the audition! In a subsequent video short, John and Shawn pull over and ask Marty to get in the car, saying "We've got an idea." To which Marty replies, you mean...a job?!" A formal announcement was made on the air at 7am this morning (1/17). Marty was let go at The Mountain in 2009 after 12 years at the Entercom station. Sean Demery exited the KMTT morning show earlier this month. 

AFTERNOON HOST "BIG RICK" STUART EXITS KFOG SAN FRANCISCO
(Updated 1/20/11) KFOG (104.5/97.7 K-FOG) San Francisco-San Jose longtime afternoon/evening host "Big Rick" Stuart has suddenly exited after over a decade. The veteran native San Francisco air talent bid farewell at the end of his show yesterday (1/12) and said he hopes to be back on the local airwaves soon. Prior to joining KFOG, Rick was afternoon host on Alternative KITS (Live 105) San Francisco from 1986-2000. "Big Rick" has joined Classic Rocker KUFX (The Fox) San Francisco/San Jose for afternoons.

WTMD BALTIMORE ADDS THREE SPECIALTY SHOWS: THE DIRTY SOUL PARTY, MATT THE CAT'S JUKE IN THE BACK, THE WEEKLY FEED
(1/13/11) WTMD (89.7) Towson-Baltimore has added three new specialty shows to its programming schedule. "You spoke, we listened," GM Steve Yasko said in response to the changes, adding, "Over the last three years, thousands of WTMD listeners have told us through a series of listener surveys how they feel we could make the station better. The results are in and we've taken action!" With no program cancellations, the revamped schedule promises more DJ-hosted hours of WTMD's music mix and more genre-specific programs during the weekend. The three new specialty programs are The Dirty Soul Party with Scott Mullins, Matt the Cat's Juke in the Back, and The Weekly Feed hosted by Kyle Meredith. The new schedule is effective Monday, January 17.
The Dirty Soul Party
This show is about music listeners feel…from the waist down! Every Saturday night from 9 to midnight, WTMD PD Scott Mullins hosts a saucy bump and grind blend of vintage designed to get listeners off the couch and on the dance floor, played mostly from the original 45s and hand-mixed into a gritty night of funky floor shakers.
Matt the Cat's Juke in the Back
Matt showcases the unknown rhythm and blues tracks that gave birth to modern rock n' roll every Friday night at 10pm on WTMD.
The Weekly Feed 
The newest, most discussed tracks making news in the blogosphere are heard on the WTMD airwaves every Wednesday night as Kyle Meredith guides listeners through a musical detective story with surprise call-ins from known and unknown artists each week.

WAPS AKRON CONTINUES EXPANDED COVERAGE WITH FULL-TIME SIMULCAST ON WKTL YOUNGSTOWN
(1/11/11) WAPS (91.3 The Summit) Akron-Canton's Triple A music format can now be heard in Youngstown OH 24 hours a day, 6 days a week on WKTL (90.7). The partnership between WAPS and WKTL, which began on a part-time basis last week (1/5), was recently expanded to a Sun. through Fri. simulcast. WKTL's local nationality programs continue to air all day Saturday, with WAPS providing programming for the rest of the week. WKTL covers the Youngstown/Warren radio market, including the adjoining western Pennsylvania markets of Sharon, New Castle and the Northwest suburbs of Pittsburgh.
With the addition of the WKTL simulcast, WAPS/The Summit now serves listeners in Akron, Canton, and Youngstown - Arbitron market's #76, #130 and #126 respectively.

ROGER MENELL TO LEAVE ETOWN, POSITION OPENS
(1/6/11) eTown has announced that, after six years with the organization, Roger Menell will leave his position as Talent Coordinator at the end of January, 2011. Roger will join the new management team at the Mishawaka Amphitheatre (above Fort Collins CO) as Director of Programming and Venue Development. eTown is now recruiting candidates to fill the booking position. Visit Jobs.

SEAN DEMERY LEAVES KMTT SEATTLE MORNING SHOW
(1/4/11) KMTT (103.7 The Mountain) Seattle morning host Sean Demery has departed after over a year at the Entercom station. On his Facebook page, Sean has high praise for fellow Mountain staffers and alludes to a possible move out of Seattle. Rumors persist that Sean may join WRXP New York although no announcements have been made yet. Meanwhile, KMTT continues to run jockless in mornings during the station's special  "A-Z" music programming this week.
In other radio news out of Seattle, amid a flurry of market moves over the holidays, Sandusky Seattle's Smooth Jazz KWJZ flipped (12/28) to Modern AC/Classic Alternative "Modern Music" Click 98.9. 

DISTILLER PROMO ADDS CHRISTINE SANLEY AND THEODORA KARATZIAS, HANNAH CARLEN EXITS FOR SECRETLY CANADIAN/JAGJAGUWAR/DEAD OCEANS
(1/3/11) Veteran promoter Hannah Carlen has exited Portland-based Distiller Promo to join the Secretly Canadian/Jagjaguwar/Dead Oceans family of labels. Contact Hannah in New York via email. Meanwhile, Distiller Promo has added two new staffers for college promotion, Christine Sanley and Theodora Karatzias. New York-based Christine, most recently with Pirate! Promotions, is a former Music Director at Southeastern Louisiana University's KSLU while Portland-based "Theo" is a recent Portland State University grad and a native Oregonian. Reach Christine via email and Theo via email.