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January 2, 2019, Issue 633

Blake Brakes Retirement

Former Columbia Northeast Cliff Blake’s retirement (CAT 11/7) is short-lived as he’s joined Good Company Entertainment for regional promotion. Good Company recently partnered with Barry Weiss’ Records for the launch of artist Matt Stell. Blake has spent 47 years in radio and the music business, with stops including Warner Bros, Republic Nashville, WZZK/Birmingham and WMZQ/Washington. “I have known Cliff Blake for my entire career,” says Good Company Managing Partner Keith Gale. “I called on him when he was a PD in radio, and then watched him Cliff Blake transition to the record business as one of the top promotion execs in our industry. We are lucky, and Matt Stell is lucky, to have Cliff joining us.” Reach Blake here.

Townsquare’s Prasad Resigns

Townsquare Co-Founder/Co-CEO Dhruv Prasad has resigned his position and will depart the company Jan. 31. Prasad co-founded the company in 2010 and served as SVP/Strategy & Operations and EVP/ Live Events before being elevated to CoCEO alongside Bill Wilson in 2017; Wilson remains as sole CEO. Prasad›s current duties will be assumed by Co-Founder/CFO Stuart Dhruv Prasad Rosenstein, EVP/Investor Relations & Corporate Communications Claire Yenicay and Wilson.

The Naughty List: River House/Columbia’s Luke Combs plays WEBG/Chicago’s Big Country Christmas. Pictured (l-r) are the label’s Bo Martinovich, Combs and the station’s Lance Houston and Brooke Taylor.

Universal Ups Wright, Clark

UMG/Nashville’s Stephanie Wright and Brad Clark have been elevated to SVP/A&R and VP/Commercial Development, respectively. Wright has been with the company for 20 years and will continue handling A&R initiatives for the UMGN roster. Clark began his career with Capitol in 2003 and will handle sales and retail strategy. Reach Stephanie Wright Brad Clark Wright here and Clark here.

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January 2, 2019

Richards Returns To WDSY

Former Entercom WDSY/Pittsburgh personality Stoney Richards returns to the station for mornings, effective today (1/2). Richards replaces Bill “Broadway” Bertschinger, who left the company in October (CAT 10/30). He will be joined on the Y’d Awake morning show by cohost Kristen Buccigrossi and producer Cowboy Curt. Richards most recently Kristen Buccigrossi, handled fill-in duties and previously Stoney Richards and served as APD/afternoons from 1998Cowboy Curt 2014. “Stoney Richards means country in Western PA,” says Entercom/Pittsburgh SVP/Market Manager Michael Spacciapolli. “We are thrilled to bring Stoney back home to Y108 every weekday.” Reach Richards here.

Stevens Leaves The Big Time

The Big Time With Whitney Allen MD/Exec. Producer Jackie Stevens has left the show after 15 years. Stevens’ plans are unconfirmed, but she is relocating to Nashville for an opportunity within the industry. “I have worked alongside Whitney on trains, ships and planes, in hundreds of hotel rooms, and in 20 states, seven countries and two continents,“ she says. “I will never have the right words to thank Whitney and The Big Time staff for the chances they have taken on me and just how long they Jackie Stevens have tolerated me.“ For The Big Time, Dir./Creative & Operations Steve Ringgold and Producer & Coord./Social Media Dana Swearingen will field questions and requests.

Glaze To Tulsa Mornings

Griffin KVOO/Tulsa MD/afternoon host Amber Glaze moves to mornings effective today (1/2), replacing Sunny Leigh, who recently exited (CAT 12/17). Glaze joined KVOO in November (CAT 11/5); her previous stops include KHLR/Little Rock, Top 40 KLAZ/ Hot Springs, AR and Classic Rock KFXJ/Wichita, KS. KVOO will soon begin the hunt for a successor in afternoons. Reach Glaze here.

Amber Glaze

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Brooks Leaving Madison

Mid-West Family WWQM/Madison morning co-host Andi Brooks has left the station for a soon-to-be-announced opportunity in Nashville. Brooks joined the station in 2016 (CAT 7/28/16) and previously held a similar position at WFMB/Springfield, IL. WWQM PD Fletcher Keyes tells Country Aircheck the search is on for a replacement in mornings. Apply here.

Tucker Takes Middays In Indy

Bonneville’s KNCI/Sacramento midday personality Jenna Tucker has joined Cumulus/ Indianapolis as Dir./Digital for its three-station cluster, which includes Country WFMS, where she will also serve as midday personality. In the newly created position, Tucker will manage all digital and social media platforms for the group. In midJenna Tucker days, Tucker succeeds part-timer Jay Dillon, who remains with the station for weekends. Tucker is going by Jenna Rae on-air; reach her here. Back at KNCI, PD Chad Rufer is looking to fill the midday slot; find the job posting here.

Johnson To WYTZ

Former SummitMedia KTTS/Springfield, MO night host Lynzee Johnson (CAT 12/10) has joined Mid-West Family Country WYTZ/Benton Harbor, MI as an addition to the Matt Malone Morning Show. Johnson will go by her new on-air name, Kenzee Blake; reach her here.

Flipping In, Flipping Out

Cumulus Country WIWF/Charleston, SC flipped to Classic Hits as “96.9 The Wolf” on Dec. 26. The station was formerly Nash-branded and had been stunting with Christmas music since Nov. 19 (CAT 11/19). WIWF earned a 2.4 (15) during the Spring 2018 ratings period, down from 3.0 (11) previously (CAT 7/24). No word yet on staff changes. Mix Maine Media Oldies WCTB/Fairfield, ME flipped to Classic Country as “Cruisin Country 93.5.” Randy McCoy, Steve Colella, Andy Capwell and Bruce Stevens are handling onair duties for the station. Listen here.

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Cumulus W251CT & WHLL-A/Springfield, MA flipped from Sports to Country as “98.1 Nash Icon.” Westwood One Nash Icon personalities Marty McFly, Lisa Manning, Scott Gaines and Darlas Rai are on-air for mornings, middays, afternoons and nights, respectively. Jim Raino will program the station. Stream it here. Brewer Christian AC W237AT/WQLK-HD3/Richmond, IN transitioned to Classic Country “95.3 The Legend” with an on-air lineup consisting of Jeff DeWeese for mornings, Dennis Harrington in middays, Country sister WQLK morning host Dan “The Buddha” Mills for afternoons, Robb Rose for evenings and John Gleason at night. Mills is also handling programming duties for the station. Stream it here.

Radio Awards: Submit Now

The deadline for ACM Radio Award submissions is Friday (1/4). Additional categories eligible for submissions include Main Awards, Industry Awards and Video of the Year. The eligibility period is Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2018. Timeline and voting criteria here. The NAB Education Foundation is accepting entries for its 2019 Celebration of Service to America Awards, recognizing outstanding community service by local broadcasters. More info and entry rules here. Winners will be honored June 11 at a gala in Washington, D.C.

iHeart Separates CCO

iHeartMedia and Clear Channel Outdoor Holdings (CCOH) have agreed to fully separate CCOH from iHeartMedia, which currently owns 89.1% of CCOH’s outstanding common stock. The separation is expected upon iHeartMedia’s emergence from its restructuring, which was outlined in CCOH’s Form 8-K filing with the SEC on Dec. 17. Once restructuring is complete, Clear Channel International (CCI) Chairmain/CEO William Eccleshare will become CEO of CCOH and remain based in London; CCOH America CEO Scott Wells will remain and report to Eccleshare. Until restructuring is complete, iHeartMedia’s Bob Pittman and Rich Bressler will retain duties as CEO and Pres./ CFO, respectively. A new CCOH Board of Directors will be announced in coming months.

The Ghost Of Christmas Present: Broken Bow’s Dustin Lynch helps raise $25,000 for local children’s charities at the fifth annual Dustin Lynch & Friends Benefit Concert Dec.11 in his hometown of Tullahoma, TN. Pictured (l-r) are engineers Tim Pitts and Dwight Stephens, Lynch and Fire Chief Richard Shasteen. Read Lynch’s interview with The Tullahoma News here.

Neely To Entercom Board

Entercom expanded its Board of Directors to nine with the addition of American Council of Life Insurers Pres./CEO Susan K. Neely. “Susan brings an outstanding breadth of expertise to the board and we look forward to having her join us at such an exciting time in our company’s growth and transformation,” says Chairman/CEO David Field. Neely notably served as special assistant to President George W. Bush and helped create the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and later became the first DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs. More here.

Gonzalez Has Senior Moment

Target Media EVP/Administration & Operations Steve Gonzalez has been named iHeartMedia/Wilmington, DE SVP/ Sales. Gonzalez succeeds Martha Masters, who recently retired following 35 years with the company. He reports to iHeartMedia/

January 2, 2019

OFF OFFTHE THERECORD: RECORD:Jimmie LucasAHllen oge Stoney Creek’s Jimmie Allen puts an industry spin on the artist interview: I grew up listening to Froggy 99.9 (WWFG/Salisbury-Ocean City/MD). The first time I heard myself on the radio, I was lying on the floor of my new apartment – I didn’t even have any furniture Jimmie Allen in it yet – and my phone started blowing up with friends calling and putting it on speakerphone. So I kind of heard it through friends, which was really cool. One of my favorite memories from radio tour is driving through rural Utah – the views were incredible. I also climbed my first flat iron mountain in Boulder, which was a great memory. My favorite road companion is my son, Aadyn. Any time I get to spend with him is time well spent. I can’t stop at a gas station without getting that yellow Gatorade, for sure. I would love to have one last dinner with my grandma Bettie, who passed away in 2014. I’d have a scrapple, egg and cheese sandwich like she always used to make. Mercury Lane is a little piece of Jimmie Allen. I named it after the street I grew up on, which shaped me into the man I am today. The album has groove, a little soul, fun and a lot of love in it, but it’s also got the messages that I learned on Mercury Lane throughout. It was important to me to share that and hopefully encourage others to never give in, to be a good person and follow your dreams. My last impulse buy on the road was a new pair of boots that I just couldn’t resist. I wish I’d written “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney (written by Casey Beathard and Chris Wallin). I just think it’s an incredible song. My road essentials are Nutter Butters and PlayStation. My least favorite interview question is when people ask, “Coming from Delaware, how and why did you get into Country music?” I’d be okay with being stuck in Los Angeles. I love the weather there and I can go surfing whenever I want. Right now I’m binging Ozark on Netflix and The Flash on the CW.

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Wilmington, DE-Salisbury, MD Area Pres. Brit Goldstein and will be responsible for generating revenue growth and client and community relationships for the five-station cluster, which includes Country WDSD.

From The Web: Joe, Go & More

Former Sony boss Joe Galante “is quick to point out, he hasn’t retired at all” in a Tennessean profile. Variety looked at the life and career of Los Angeles’ “last radio pioneer,” KKGO’s Saul Levine, here. And a young man who survived the Route 91 and Borderline shootings is deploying to Afghanistan for his first tour of duty as a Marine.

Nielsen Ratings Re-Do

As noted in an update over the break, a data processing issue had Nielsen reissuing previously released December PPM numbers. Nielsen subscribers had all received new numbers by Monday (12/30) and Country Aircheck’s ratings update was published earlier today (1/2). See it here.

Opry Celebrates Capps, Wills Grand Ole Opry staff musician and Musicians Hall of Famer Jimmy Capps celebrated his 60th anniversary of Opry performances Dec. 21. Opry members Marty Stuart and Vince Gill announced that the venue’s band room is now officially known as the Jimmy Capps Music Room. Also that night, Gill invited ’90s country hitmaker Mark Wills to Vince Gill, Jimmy Capps & Marty become the latest Opry member. Wills’ induction will be Jan. 11.

Scott Helps Hometown Families

Dylan Scott’s inaugural Bayou Stock fundraising concert (CAT 9/10) raised more than $30,000 that was used to buy gifts for 70 families in Northeast Louisiana during the holidays. “I am abso-

January 2, 2019

lutely thrilled to be able to give back to my hometown community and bring some much-needed joy to these families,” says Scott. “I couldn’t have done it without the numerous donors and the 4,000 fans who attended the first Bayou Stock and made this all possible. I look forward to making this an even bigger event in the coming years.” See local coverage here.

Signage: Ramsey, Mullins

Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music. In addition to his hits with OD, Ramsey’s cuts include Kenny Chesney’s “Save It For A Rainy Day” and Sam Hunt’s “Make You Miss Me.” Songwriter Jared Mullins has signed a publishing deal with Tree Vibez Music. Artists who’ve reTVM Founder/FGL’s Tyler corded Mullins’ songs include Jake Hubbard, Mullins, TVM Founder/ FGL’s Brian Kelley and TVM’s Owen, Granger Smith, Justin Moore Adam Romaine (l-r). and Chase Rice.

Country Certs Abound

The top RIAA-certified multi-platinum albums of 2018 included Kenny Chesney’s Greatest Hits (5X), Martina McBride’s Greatest Hits (4X), Chris Stapleton’s Traveller (3X) and Miranda Lambert’s Revolution (2X). Platinum albums included Jon Pardi’s California Sunrise and Thomas Rhett’s It Goes Like This and Life Changes. Multi-platinum singles included Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” (9X), Hunter Hayes’ “Wanted” (5X), Luke Combs’ “Hurricane” (3X), Trace Adkins’ “You’re Gonna Miss This” (2X) and Cam’s “Burning House” (2X). See the complete list of multi-platinum, platinum and gold albums and singles here.

In Case You Missed It

• Big Loud’s Morgan Wallen performed “Happy Hour” and “Up Down” during WWE’s Tribute To The Troops on USA (12/20). • Stoney Creek’s Jimmie Allen performed “Best Shot” on the Steve Harvey Show (12/20) and “Make Me Want To” on NBC’s Today (12/27).

C H E C K

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OUT

January 11, 2019 Randy Houser Magnolia (Stoney Creek) January 18, 2019 Cody Johnson Ain’t Nothin’ To It (CoJo Music/Warner Music Nashville) Ronnie Milsap Ronnie Milsap: The Duets (Riser House/Sony) February 15, 2019 Florida Georgia Line Can’t Say I Ain’t Country (BMLG Records) TBD 2019 Tim McGraw — (Columbia Nashville) Billy Ray Cyrus The SnakeDoctor Circus (—) • Tracy Lawrence appeared on Hallmark’s Home & Family (12/20). Watch here. • Broken Bow’s Martina McBride appeared on Kelly And Ryan’s Christmas Eve (12/24). Watch here and here. • Atlantic/WMN’s Brett Eldredge performed “Do You Hear What I Hear” during ABC’s Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (12/25). Watch here. • Curb’s Dylan Scott performed “My Girl” on Live With Kelly And Ryan (12/26). Watch here. • Atlantic/WAR’s Ashley McBryde appeared on CBS This Morning (12/29). Watch here.

Crib Notes

WQNU/Louisville morning co-host “Dingo” Brent Crank and wife, Julie, welcomed son Colton River Crank Dec. 26. Both mother and baby are doing well. KJKE/Oklahoma City APD/MD Owen Pickard and wife Kelcie welcomed their first child, a son, Dec 29. Baby Gideon Elias Pickard and mom are both doing well. WIVK/Knoxville Exec. Producer Justin Scheman and wife Diana started their biggest adventure since appearing on The Amazing Race when they welcomed a boy Dec. 19. Charles “Charlie” Bernard Scheman is the couple’s first child.

Engage Meant: Pearce, Ray

Big Machine’s Carly Pearce and Atlantic/WEA’s Michael Ray got engaged Dec. 19 in Mexico. “My life forever changed for the better,” said Ray on Instagram. “I got down on one knee in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen and looked into the eyes of the most beautiful soul I have ever known and asked her to be my wife!” Added Pearce in her own post, “Michael, I would’ve married you the first night we hung out because I knew then you were the one.” Bluebird Box: Big Machine Music raises $5,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at Nashville’s Bluebird Café. Pictured (l-r) are St. Jude’s Anna Hensgens, songwriter Josh Thompson, Maddie & Tae’s Maddie Marlow, songwriters Jonathan Singleton and Laura Veltz and BMM’s Lizzy Gallatin, Alex Heddle and Mike Molinar.

Chronicle: Joe Soto

Industry consultant Joseph A. (Joe) Soto died Dec. 19 in Nashville at age 67 after a short illness following a battle with brain cancer. Soto connected corporate sponsors with celebrity events. A memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. CAC

SEEK & EMPLOY

January 2, 2019

AVAILABLE JOBS MIDWEST

NRG KFGE/Lincoln, NE has an immediate opening for an afternoon host. Materials to OM Steve Albertsen here. Cumulus/Detroit has a Dir./Digital Content opening for its three-station cluster, including Country WDRQ (NASH FM). Apply here. Marshalltown Broadcasting KXIA/Marshalltown, IA is searching for a morning co-host. Airchecks and résumés to PD JD Justice here. Townsquare/Grand Rapids, MI is searching for an OM. Airchecks and résumés to Rick Sarata here. Bliss WJVL/Janesville, WI has an opening for a part-time weekender. At least one year on-air experience is required. Airchecks and résumés to PD Justin Brown here. KSE Radio Ventures/Denver is searching for an engineer. Apply here. The cluster is also looking for a full-time traffic coordinator; details and application here. Summit/Springfield is looking for a permanent OM/PD for the cluster, which includes Country KTTS. Airchecks and résumés to Summit National PD John Olsen here.

NORTHEAST

Townsquare WOKQ/Portsmouth, NH is looking for a Brand Manager. Joe Limardi will continue in the role until a replacement is found. Materials to Townsquare New England ROM Herb Ivy here. Aloha Station Trust WFRE/Frederick, MD has an opening for a weekend/fill-in talent. Those living in the Frederick, MD, Washington, DC and Baltimore MD area can send airchecks and résumés to PD Brian Mo here. Binnie/Portland, ME has an opening for an on-air Promotions Asssistant. The cluster includes Country WTHT. Send airchecks and résumés to OM Stan Bennett here. Binnie Media/Maine is searching for a Dir./ Traffic and a part-time Sales Assistant in Portland, for its stations which include Country WTHT and WBQQ. Send materials here. Townsquare/Hudson Valley, NY has openings for part-time on-air talent and digital contributors. The cluster includes Country WKXP & WZAD as well as Hot AC WCZK & Classic Rock WPDH. Materials to OM Joe Limardi here.

SOUTHEAST

iHeartMedia/Tuscaloosa, AL has an opening for an OM and PD for Country WTXT. Air-

Here’s a list of job seekers and open gigs. Not listed? Send info here and we’ll include you in a future update. checks and résumés to Area SVP/Programming Tom Hanrahan here. Beasley WQYK/Tampa PD Travis Daily is seeking an experienced afternoon drive producer. Materials to Daily here. Max Media’s WGH/Norfolk has a morning opening. Airchecks and résumés to VP/Programming Rusty James here. Cumulus’ WSM-FM (Nash Icon)/Nashville has an opening for a part-timer. Duties will also include the Icon Network. Flexibility and on-air experience is required (no beginners). Materials to VP/Country Charlie Cook here. Cumulus’ WSM-FM (Nash Icon)/Nashville is in search of on-air traffic reporters. Materials to VP/Country Charlie Cook here. Guaranty WTGE/Baton Rouge has an opening for a middayer. Three to five years experience in Country is required, along with strong production, digital and social media skills. Airchecks and résumés here. Average Joes Entertainment is seeking entry/intermediate level graphic design and video production applicants for full-time employment. More info here; submit résumé and portfolio here. Cumulus WKDF/Nashville is seeking parttime air talent for weekends and fill-ins. Three years of on-air experience and residing in the Nashville area are required. Airchecks and résumés to PD John Shomby here. Bristol WXBQ/Johnson City, TN is still searching for a PD to succeed Bill Hagy. The right candidate will also have on-air responsibilities. A minimum of five years as a Country PD is required. Airchecks and résumés here. Entercom WPAW/Greensboro, NC has an opening for an afternoon jock. Apply here. Vallie Richards Donovan Consulting has an immediate PM drive opening at a legendary east coast Country station. Send airchecks and résumés to “Country Jobs” here. Summit WQNU/Louisville is looking for an APD/MD/on-air host. Submit materials here. Entercom WUSY/Chattanooga is on the hunt for a midday on-air personality. Apply here.

SOUTHWEST

Cox/San Antonio is searching for a VP/MM. Reach out to RVP/Radio Rob Babin here. Cumulus KSCS/Dallas is searching for a morning co-host for Hawkeye In The Morning. Airchecks and résumés to PD Mac Daniels here. Cox Media Group/Houston is searching for

a Digital Media Sales Specialist. Apply here. LCKM KTFW/Dallas has an unspecified parttime on-air opening for an experienced talent. Contact PD Mike Crow here. Noalmark KBIM/Roswell, NM has an opening for a morning host. Materials to GM Darryl Burkfield here. Entercom KILT/Houston has immediate openings for part-timers. Only applicants living in the Houston area are being considered at present. Send airchecks here; apply here. Entercom KILT/Houston is looking for a PD to succeed Bruce Logan. Résumés and airchecks to Country Format Captain Mike Moore here.

WEST COAST

Entercom KKWF/Seattle is searching for an afternoon drive host. Apply here. Cherry Creek/St. George, UT has an opening for a Dir./Production. The cluster includes Country KCIN and KIYK, and the job comes with co-host responsibilities on cluster AC KREC. Materials including production and imaging samples here. Redwood Empire KBBL/Santa Rosa, CA PD Carey Edwards tells Country Aircheck that the station is looking for a new on-air talent to add to its existing lineup. Applicants interested in this newly created position should send airchecks and résumés to Edwards here. Buck Owens KUZZ-A/Bakersfield, CA is on the hunt for a full-time news director. Five years’ anchor experience required. Send aircheck, résumé, cover letter, and photo here; no zip files, please. Bonneville KNCI/Sacramento is searching for a midday personality. Apply here.

OTHER

Johnstone Entertainment Agency is searching for an experienced agent to assist booking for the band Shenandoah. Send résumés to Cole Johnstone here. Consultant Joel Raab is looking for a Brand Manager for a Top 75 Market. Raab is also on the hunt for morning talent fro two different Top 50 Market stations. Send materials here. Cumulus is on the hunt for an on-air segment producer and sidekick for its nationally syndicated The Ty Bentli Show. Apply here. The Academy of Country Music (ACM) is seeking an Administrative Assistant. The position is based in Los Angeles and will work with the ACM Lifting Lives Exec. Dir. and Sr. Mgr./Strategic Partnerships. Apply here.

SEARCHING •Jeremy Guenther Formerly with Riser House, Capitol and KSSN & KMJX/Little Rock jguenther01@gmail.com 501-590-4878

•James Anthony Former KRMD/Shreveport PD/on-air afternoondj@gmail.com 816-232-7915

•Chris Matthews Formerly with KBEB/Sacramento, KMLE/Phoenix, KAWO/Boise chrismatthewsdj@gmail.com

•Rosey Fitchpatrick Promotion/Marketing industry vet (MCA, Decca, Indie promo, WME) roseyfitch99@gmail.com 615-944-7033

•David Dean Formerly with KMPS/Seattle, KMLE/Phoenix dave@daveandceej.com

•Tommy & Joe Johnson Former KUBL/Salt Lake City morning co-hosts tommyjohnsonmail@gmail.com

•Terry Cooley Former Radio Mankato Dir./Programming Sinjin62@gmail.com

•Pam Russell Former UMG/Nashville VP/National Sales Pamwrussell@icloud.com

•Shane Collins Former Summit Media/Louisville OM ShaneC1234@gmail.com •Ron “Keyes” Stevens Former KEKB/Grand Junction, CO morning host ronstvns@yahoo.com •Justin Taylor Former Broadway/Salt Lake City, UT PD/MD/on-air personality TaylorTracks99@gmail.com •Loyd Ford Radio programming veteran Ford@RainMakerPathway.com 864-448-4169