Not Happy With Traditonal Radio? You're Not Alone!

Radio Via The Net, Now That's What's Up!

Internet radio is burgeoning, according to a new report from SNL Kagan, which predicts more rapid revenue growth. But the big question, as far as media buyers are concerned, is how much of this future growth will come from advertising sales.

The report is being circulated just as, coincidentally, new Web based radio players hit stores July 1.

Looking at the top Internet radio operations, SNL identified CBS Interactive as the revenue leader, with total revenues of $550 million in 2009, thanks in part to its ownership of Last.fm and ad sales partnerships with AOL Radio and Yahoo. It also has a large number of station Web sites.

Verizon Fios To Carry Youtube, Internet Radio

Counting other partnerships with CNET, Radio.com and TV.com, CBS Interactive boasted an average 226 million unique users per month in 209. Competitor Clear Channel posted total revenues of $175 million in 2009 -- virtually all from advertising -- with an average monthly base of 100 million unique users.

Among pure-play Internet radio operations, MySpace led the way with $490 million in revenue and an average 70 million unique users per month -- boosted "by leveraging Fox's music-focused TV shows 'Glee' and 'American Idol,' according to SNL Kagan.

2008 Business Week - Can Blogtalkradio Make Money?

In 2009, Pandora had about $50 million in revenue -- also mostly from advertising -- and 50 million registered users, about half of whom are actually active.

Adding up the top players, Internet radio delivered over $1.25 billion in revenue in 2009 -- but comparing this figure with separate numbers from the Radio Advertising Bureau, it's clear that online advertising is still playing second fiddle to subscription and download fees. And don't think Sirius XM satellite radio is going to take the threat of continued online radio growth lying down.

The RAB reported total digital ad revenues in 2009 of $480 million -- or 38% of total online radio revenues.

Source

If Only 30% of Blacks Read Black Press And Web Sites, Who's Checking Out Concrete Loop and Necole Bitchie?

Few Differences Among African Americans Study Finds

"A majority of blacks say they regularly listen to black news or talk shows on the radio (62%) and a similar percentage say they regularly read Ebony, Essence, Black Enterprise or Jet (60%)," according to a new nationwide Pew Research Center survey on race.

"Black newspapers and black-oriented websites and blogs are far less commonly read within the black community; only about three-in-ten blacks say they regularly read a black newspaper (28%) or read black websites and blogs (30%)."

Richard Prince of Journal-isms reports that the media findings come in the same report that found that "a year after Barack Obama’s election, blacks’ assessments about the state of black progress in America have improved more dramatically than at any time in the last quarter century. The poll finds an upbeat set of black views on a wide range of matters, including race relations, local community satisfaction and expectations for future black progress.

In another finding, Obama's racial identity was viewed differently, based on the race of the respondent. "A majority of whites (53%) say Obama is mixed race; a similar majority of blacks (55%) say he is black. Most Hispanic respondents (61%) say Obama is mixed race."

On black-media consumption, the study said that patterns among African Americans show few demographic differences.

"Black women are more likely than black men to regularly read black magazines such as Ebony, Essence, Black Enterprise or Jet (65% of women, 54% of men).

And, not surprisingly, the relatively young (ages 18-29) are the most likely to frequently read black-oriented websites and blogs (48% do so, compared with only 28% of 30-49 year olds and 22% of older African Americans).

Black-oriented blog sites like Bossip, Media Takeout and YBF (recently, CEO Natasha Eubanks was on the cover of Black Enterprise) are also more frequently read by those with at least some college education than those who have not attended college (36% vs. 26%).

Virtually no differences in media consumption are seen across income groups among blacks.

"Although there is little difference in views of most of the major problems facing black families today between those who get news from black media sources and those who do not, the lack of decently-paid jobs is viewed as a big problem by a greater proportion of those who regularly read or listen to black media."

Derrick Ashong, From Youtube Obama Supporter, To Talk Radio Host On Oprah's Sirius Network

Black Harvard Graduate Gets His Own Gig

It turns out that Derrick Ashong, 34, was not just some random brother on the street waving a Vote For Change placard during the historical 2008 presidential election. The eloquent intellectual has been doing speaking engagements all over the world, Youtube just provided the platform.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Also known as DNA, Ashong has spoke at the London School of Economics, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the United Kingdom’s Parliament. His subject of choice has been the passion of Barack Obama’s young supporters.



But it was his knowledge of now President Barack Obama's position on health care reform during the campaign that resulted in Ashong receiving over 1 million viewers that made the world take note.

Enter the queen of all media Oprah Winfrey

His new show on Oprah Radio will debut at 10:00 a.m. on January 23; after the premiere, the show will move to noon EST on Saturdays. Subjects will include politics, pop culture, music, the arts and — here it is — social media. He plans to answer questions received via social media channels, although it’s not clear yet which services he’ll use and in what ways.

Source

Comedian Turned NYC Radio Personality DL Hughley Owed Big Bank From WRKS

Pay Dispute Makes For One Unhappy Camper

Threatening to walk, DL Hughley’s lawyers claim radio station WRKS, 98.7 KISS-FM, owes him hundreds of thousands of dollars for his successful 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekday show, launched in July 2009 after his controversial CNN show 'DL Hughley Breaks The News' was cancelled last March.

As Radio Facts Kevin Ross (the other one) opined... why would DL go 7 months without getting paid, especially $359,000?

Radio Facts provide additional info on this strange situation. [source]

Why Does Rush Limbaugh Get To Have All The Fun On Syndicated Radio?

Star Search

by Mark Lassiter

On his nationally syndicated Premiere Radio Networks' show, Rush Limbaugh recently called President Obama "this little boy, this little man-child president..."

How many days before Limbaugh calls for armed revolt against The White House via Fox and Friends over coffee and donuts?

The Tea Party Express 2 is a Great American event for Fox News to promote and rally behind. How are protesters empowered and financially supported by a new program claiming to be "Fair And Balanced"? Fox News sponsors the echo chamber for a tea party coming to a city near you, complete with President Obama being demonized, shot at, lynched or dehumanized. If there is a Presidential do-over before 2010 will Fox News cite treason for its high ratings?

When I listen to the single point of view that is broadcast to over 600 stations via national media behemoth like Clear Channel on a daily basis, I am reminded of the words of my former neighbor, also African American, who said with force, "we have so much talent."

Certainly, money is not a problem as Limbaugh's deal with Clear Channel Communications is the second-largest ever for a radio personality, ranking behind Howard Sterns's five year agreement with Sirius Satellite Radio in 2004 for more than 500 million dollars. According to The Los Angeles Times, Limbaugh's salary is more than the combined annual salaries of the four best paid anchors on network television.

Unfortunately, syndication has more to do with the large advertisers than it does the unique interests of the local markets. Syndicated shows have stunted the development of new local talent as they force many local businesses from marketing to local consumers as the stations can base their ad rates on 'national' levels and carry ads purchased by the syndicated show and not the local audience they are supposed to represent.

There isn't a single nationally syndicated progressive Black voice on Clear Channel (or anywhere) who has the same unchecked creative license as Rush Limbaugh. It is time for that to change along with the colors of leaves in the Fall. Business models and old systems are being reshaped by the minute. Media, both traditional and new, will experience its own epiphany when people understand how "we have so much talent" translates into becoming cultural pioneers.

There is no need for a massive cattle call along the lines of American Idol. The only issue is conforming to the clearly defined Limbaugh criteria.

The Job Description is as follows: must be angry, fearless and divisive. Must make audience uncomfortable. Host will have free reign to craft vocabulary, leverage language or bend facts in the name of truth, justice and the American Way. Forget the intellectuals. I nominate Wanda Sykes, Charles Barkley, Chris Rock, Screamin Jay Hawkins (RIP), a fired-up Cedric The Entertainer, or Chuck D of Public Enemy.

Top Ten Candidates for The Next Great Media Host

10. Wyatt Cenac - cool, simultaneously brilliant and unassuming. Emmy Award winner. His sleepy eyes mask a surgical strike at all things stereotypical. Feature 'reporter' on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. In October 2009, he worked with rapper Slim Tug on the music video "Still a Boss" as a parody of how the recession is affecting the rap community..

9. Dave Chapelle - outrageous and raw. Reminds me of Sly Stone back in the day. The question was not whether Sly would be late to his concert, but whether he would show up at all. Chapelle walked away from 50 million dollars to keep his show on Comedy Central.

8. Cris Carter - analyst on ESPN Monday Night Countdown, Sunday NFL Countdown and HBOs Inside the NFL. Passionate and willing to fight for the things he believes in. He said if he were in charge of the Dallas Cowboys he would put a bullet in Terrell Owens which caused an uproar that caused him to apologize for his comments. "C'mon man!"

7. Wanda Sykes - Emmy Award winner named one of the 25 funniest people by ntertainmentFox has her signed for a new show as reparations for Fox News Channel. I hope she does well. I miss the HBO Chris Rock Show with Grandmaster Flash as musical director.

6. Carlton Douglas Ridenhour / Chuck D - rapper, author, publisher, lecturer and producer. Politically active. Testified before Congress in support of peer-to-peer MP3 sharing. Believe the hype.

5. Chris Rock - from Saturday Night Live's Nat X to his current standup routine, Rock is more Baptist preacher than comedian as he exposes hypocrisy with a compact New York City switchblade.

4. Larry Wilmore - "Senior Black Correspondant" with The Daily Show is a good enough title to merit a promotion to the national stage. A veteran of 30 years, he has written for The Office, Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, In Living Color and The Bernie Mac Show. His latest book, "I'd Rather We Got Casinos" sums it up.

3. Paul Mooney - "BET is owned by White people. They rewrite history. They are big liars. They don't like the messages I send. They get intimidated and get frightened." Wrote for Richard Pryor. What more needs to be said?

2. Mike Wilbon - co-host of ESPN's hit show Pardon The Interruption. His commentary on sports and society have been a staple in Washington DC for decades.

1. Charles Barkley - has crossed over to the promised land where he can say anything he wants and get away with it. The studio show for NBA on TNT is a work of art. His aspiration for public office in Alabama is a plus. Introduced to him at Jocks N Jills sports bar in Atlanta and found him to be gracious and almost as funny as he is on the set.

We have so much talent. You make the call.

Segregated LA Radio Hosts, The Glenn Beck Boycott & Non Urban Dictates!

Talk Radio’s Unpatriotic Airwaves

By Kevin Ross

On KRLA AM 870, a Salem Network talk station broadcasting from Glendale, the day kicks off with Bill Bennett, followed by Mike Gallagher, Dennis Prager, Michael Medved, Hugh Hewitt, and Dennis Miller. Kevin James rounds out the evening.

Aside from the fact that each of these individuals is unabashedly conservative, they also have something else in common. All of them are men. White men!

Switch over to Southern California’s number one talk station, powerhouse KFI AM 640, and the Monday through Friday line-up is slightly more “balanced”. George Noury begins at midnight. Next up is Bill Handel’s morning drive, then the political musings of Rush Limbaugh. John Kobylt and Ken Chiampou pick up the torch during afternoon drive before former MTV personality Kennedy and Brian Suits close it out.

Although all the personalities are Caucasian, only one woman - Kennedy - is prominently featured on the roster. The no-nonsense advice from Dr. Laura Schlesinger is gone after nearly two decades.


Travel across town to rival KABC AM 790 and you’ll find the L.A. station that invented the all-talk radio format almost fifty years ago also has a white male weekday lead host in every one of its time slots. This is a far cry from when Joe Ortiz in 1971 became the first Mexican American in US history to conduct a talk show on an English-language, commercial radio station on KABC.

Up until last year, The Citadel owned outlet was home to nationally syndicated host Larry Elder.

Known as the “Sage of South Central”, Elder’s conservative Libertarian opinions were espoused three and sometimes four hours a day on the station for 15 years. In fact KABC, which also owned KMPC AM 710 The Zone before it became Radio Disney and later ESPN, had at one point six black talk show hosts on two stations as part of its line-up in the late 90’s.

Elder was among them. He was not only the most successful, but also the most controversial for what many believed were “anti-black” views.
For now, however, only civil rights attorney Leo Terrell is on the air at KABC. His show relegated to Sunday evenings. KFI has African American financial advisor Charles Payne, from 2-4 on Saturdays. Other people of color need not apply.

ALL WHITE, ALL THE TIME

This "preference for white" in Los Angeles, the second largest media market in the country behind New York, is nothing new. With Elder’s continued absence, however, the racial disparities now go beyond jarring. Of the five remaining talk outlets, not one has a Native American, Latino, or African American holding court on the dial during the week.

In fact, all the data suggests that not one Asian has EVER regularly hosted a talk show on an English-language station in Southern California.

Up until very recently this year, there were 46 individuals being given incredible opportunities to make hordes of cash and hold sway over public opinions on the issues facing the nation.


Of the cast of characters, 37 were white men, mostly over 40, and frequently accused of demagoguery. White women make up the rest, equally split in terms of their political ideology and two not sharing top billing with their male co-host.
The CBS owned KLSX 97.1 was on the FM dial. Also lacking in the diversity area, that station is officially dead, having been replaced with Top 40, which ironically, is very diverse.

When President Barack Obama talked about change coming to America on the campaign trial, was this one of the examples he was referring to?

Most answers come hastily with a resounding yes.

But this issue is not just a West Coast phenomenon. Across the country, public financed and privately held stations are banishing minorities to the unemployment line in favor of nationally syndicated hosts like Sean Hannity and Mark Levin.

According to the blog Urban Radio Nation, the only black talk radio stations in the United States are WVON Chicago; WURD Philadelphia; CBS Radio's WAOK in Atlanta and Radio One's WOL in DC, WOLB in Baltimore and WERE in Cleveland.

Journalist Michael Meyers, Executive Director of the New York Civil Rights Coalition, actually began tabulating and analyzing radio stations' managers' responses to an employment survey of non-white talk show hosts in the Big Apple eight years ago. "The facts are that AM Talk radio stations all around the country have and continue to broadcast only whites," asserted Meyers.

"The results of the survey surprised us," he continued, "because of the stated and/or assumed emphasis on diversity in other media such as TV and newspapers. There are, for example, non-white journalists, columnists and editorial staff/ board members at every daily newspaper in New York; and there are non-white talk show hosts, anchors, and commentators on TV.”

Well, that was until the Tribune’s, McClatchy’s and News Corps’ started letting these individuals go as they attempt to weather bankruptcy, or write-downs of $21.7 million and $6.4 billion respectively.

Is it any wonder then that Meyers’ findings continue to fall on deaf ears? Flagrant discrimination based on race on the airwaves still exists even as America pats itself on the back for electing the nation’s first African American president.

Moreover, on-air diversity is actually receding, with many in the industry concluding that it doesn't matter if the ring leader rocking the microphone is of the same gender and race time and time again.

But others are now pointing to signs that terrestrial radio’s undisputed reign may be waning, especially in a fast-changing world full of rivals like iPods, satellite radio and ever burgeoning Internet radio outlets such as Blogtalkradio.

BLAME IT ON THE ECONOMY

Per 2008 revenues, terrestrial radio is a $15 billion dollar a year hustle. And yet for many, radio is a bad business to be in right now. The industry has suffered its worst decline since 1954, its eighth consecutive “struggling” year.

ABC News puts it all in context. “The radio industry, just like newspapers and books and other forms of media, is facing an unprecedented financial crunch. Radio advertising revenue dropped by 9 percent in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the same period in the previous year, and many radio companies are saddled with huge amounts of debt.

As a result, more stations are turning to syndicated programming. Radio stations typically can broadcast syndicated shows at no cost; they just have to allow a distributor to sell some of the commercials on the show. In some cases, it's cheaper for a station to air syndicated programming than to hire a local talk show host.”

That may be a wise strategy, but a heavy focus on national shows creates another problem: The next generation of on-air personalities won't have the opportunity to learn their craft at radio stations if there are no on-air shifts for them to take.

Media giant Clear Channel Communications, which owns more than 1,200 US radio stations including KFI, is actually down-sizing.

The company recently laid-off 9 percent of its employees. Of those 1,850 workers, comprised of radio personalities and executives, few will be able to find jobs in an industry that will likely see even deeper cuts unless the economy rebounds by the third quarter of 2009.

At a 52-week high of $25.69, Clear Channel’s shares are currently hovering around $5.00 and there are whispers that the mega-conglomerate is headed for bankruptcy.

Other radio stocks are also performing horribly. Regent Communications sank 94% to 9 cents last year, and Citadel dropped 92% to 16 cents a share (currently it’s at 6 cents). According to Reuters, the rest of the carnage looks like this: Emmis Communications down 91%, Entercom off 90%, Salem Communications down 89%, Radio One off 81%, Cumulus Media down 79%, Saga Communications down 72%, Beasley Broadcast off 64% and Cox Radio down 51%.

Then there's the matter of precedent. Radio stations have never really embraced diversity. And without much sustained outcry from civil rights groups or the Federal Communications Commission, these outlets have absolutely no incentive to do so now.

In California, for instance, Tavis Smiley is the only minority in the state with an English language nationally syndicated talk radio show. Smiley, a popular African American author and PBS television personality who is also a KABC alum, lives in Los Angeles along with his contemporaries such as CNN’s Larry King, formerly of KGIL, and Adam Corolla, formally of KLSX, who is now podcasting via the Web. Despite the odds, Smiley broke through and is succeeding with aplomb.

This racial gerrymandering is not simply limited to on-air talent. The only discernible nonwhite employees in KFI’s news department, judging by the station’s web page, are Asian anchor Ginger Chan and Latina Editor Karla Marquez.

The rest of the 15 member crew is completely white, with 6 of them being female. While producer Ray Lopez of the John and Ken show is Latino, there are likely few, if any, other minority producers employed. Veteran radio talent Mark Austin Thomas, who is African American, was recently added to helm the on-air news department at KABC.

For most, particularly women of color, the glass ceiling is showing no signs of breaking. The recent cancellation of LA based NPR’s News & Notes with Farai Chideya (a black female national host) due to financial constraints was one small crack that was quickly sealed.

That leaves Dominique DiPrima of the Stevie Wonder owned Adult Contemporary station 102.3 FM KJLH. DiPrima offers up daily talk from 4:30-6:00 am before the all music format kicks in. Although with a much more limited reach, Bobbi Howe at 1460 AM KTYM also has a daily program on the gospel station.

With that being as good as it gets, is it any wonder why the political commentary or pop culture discussions that play out on cable news or the Sunday political shows tend to only reflect the views of a segment of the majority?

Could this further explain the recent controversy over BMW automotive company’s 'Non Urban Dictate' policy? Sure, there may be legitimate reasons for businesses not using print or electronic “urban” media outlets. It may be that Blacks don't index high in certain categories or that a company's strategy is to market to this niche down the road after they have established a strong position in their primary target.

But, NUD usually means that a company is not interested in the Black consumer. And much of this could be attributable to the media entities themselves.

DON IMUS WAS GONE… AND THEN POOF, HE WAS THERE AGAIN

When acerbic radio personality Don Imus created the “nappy-headed ho’” firestorm after his 2007 comments about Rutgers women’s basketball team sparked universal outrage, mainstream media was suddenly looking for insight from self-appointed and elected black leaders. The Reverend Jesse Jackson, who himself has a syndicated program, mentioned that political talk shows don't have minorities as their main hosts, (para) "It's all white… all night."

Those partial comments came on the heels of MSNBC snatching Imus from his morning cable show and then teeing up possible replacements. As J.C “Fanz23” Lewis, Jr of the Black conservative blog “Keeping it Right” pointed out, KABC’s Elder was given the opportunity to "tryout" for a week. Afterwards, no other African American was afforded the courtesy of auditioning to be a talking head. Not one.

Ultimately congressman turned media personality Joe Scarborough got the gig (along with Bill O’Reilly’s old slot on KABC) and black screenwriter John Riley became part of the morning team briefly before quickly fading off the scene.

As for Imus, he was back on the air after a year with an undisclosed financial settlement from CBS. KABC is the current radio home for the cantankerous sexagenarian, who has seen his clout and his national ratings only slightly diminish since the incident and is currently being courted by the struggling Fox Business Channel to return with his cable broadcast.

The upside is Imus now has two African American as part of his morning crew. Bravo, considering in all likelihood they would be collecting unemployment benefits alongside other black hosts who know first-hand how tough it is to land a gig in the current climate.

Even at stations where non-whites are employed as talk show hosts, tokenism seems to triumph. Meyers reports states, “There may be ‘a’ black talk show host, but seldom blacks, and Latinos, and Asians among the talk show host line-ups on the stations that broadcast all-day and into the night and even into the wee hours of the morning. Whether commercially-sponsored or listener, corporate funded, these AM radio stations possibly perceive minority talk show hosts either as hard to find or not available-- or as not "as qualified" or "as entertaining" as the Caucasians they consistently employ.”

Maybe we’re overlooking a major issue. Could it be because high ratings the stations are receiving implementing this policy that justifies the status quo?

According to figures based on the Arbitron survey of listeners from June 25 through July 22, talk station KFI-AM (640) slipped from 4.6% to 4.4% and tied for second.

So there you have it.

Well, not so fast. While KFI consistently finishes far ahead of most formats, its talk rival’s numbers tell a different story. KABC-AM (790) tied for 25th, with a 1.5% audience share, while KRLA-AM (870) was 36th, KTLK-AM (1150) was 41st and KGIL-AM (1260) was 50th. This effective use of non-people of color explains why KGIL station management finally let the station flatline, immediately replacing it with a music format effective August 28.

And CBS Radio has just announced that news station KFWB will turn to a talk format come Sept. 8, recycling Schlessinger and Fox News Channel fill-in yakker Laura Ingraham, as well as adding yet another white male outside the state, Philadelphia’s Michael Smerconish.

This of course all makes sense. It’s the same argument being advanced in sports talk, where athletes of color in fields including basketball, football, baseball and soccer take center stage. For better or worse, these shows talk about these athletes, but rarely are minorities leading the discussion.

Two notable exceptions are The Michael Irvin Show, hosted by the former Dallas Cowboy star, and The 2 Live Stews, featuring Doug and Ryan Stewart. Both are intent on muscling their way onto the scene with impressive results. But these developments may not do enough to placate talk radio junkies fired up with “Yes We Can” audacity.

And their discontent will only become increasingly impolite as the simmering battle playing out between President Barack Obama and Limbaugh, gathers steam.

FAIRNESS DOCTRINE 2.0

Radio personality Bill Press has opined that the ongoing Commander in Chief versus the King of Talk slugfest is Exhibit A why Congress should re-enact the Fairness Doctrine, the federal ruling to insure that different voices are able to speak with equal force and influence on matters of public discourse. Having recently lost his syndicated spot on OBAMA AM 1260 AM in Washington D.C., here’s a recent exchange between Press and US Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI):

PRESS: Yeah, I mean, look: They have a right to say that. They’ve got a right to express that. But, they should not be the only voices heard. So, is it time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine?

STABENOW: I think it’s absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it’s called the Fairness Standard, whether it’s called something else — I absolutely think it’s time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.

PRESS: Can we count on you to push for some hearings in the United States Senate this year, to bring these owners in and hold them accountable?

STABENOW: I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that’s gonna happen. Yep.

Locally, Press broadcasts on KTLK AM 1150 with comedian Stephanie Miller, Randy Rhodes, and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow. The Clear Channel station - to their credit - has the most women on the L.A. airwaves. And we’re not talking sidekicks.

And yet KTLK’s “left leaning” ideology doesn’t square up with their hosts daily diatribes about how the Republican Party is this “bastion of out-of-touch white men”. Guess what? Everyone at KTLK Monday through Friday is also white. Public radio stations 89.9 FM KCRW and 90.7 FM KPFK, with their progressive mantras, are also woefully lacking.

So for all the hand-wringing Press engages in over the Fairness Doctrine, his angst completely obfuscates the issue that even “liberal” talk outlets can’t reconcile.
Rush Limbaugh’s assertion that traditional radio should not be regulated is actually a sound argument.

The Fairness Doctrine would negatively impact an already challenged industry in tuned to what its audience wants. The real issue is one of opportunities missed, and industry leaders having enough foresight and introspection to not only say “What are we doing?” but “Why are we continuing to do it?”

Look at Sirius XM, a satellite company whose stock was trading at 8 cents. Now up to a whopping 65 cents a share as they continue to hemorrhage money and subscribers, what will this mean for the likes of Oprah Winfrey and friends and other shows featuring minorities? Don't look to the NAACP, in the midst of their centennial celebration, for answers.

Even Radio One, the largest radio broadcast company targeting African Americans and urban listeners, had to dropped Reverend Al Sharpton and Warren Ballentine from their roster earlier this year as they had no other option but to pair down.

Within the last 21 months, Radio One has gone from owning 70 stations in 22 markets, to 52 in 16 markets. Right now, their previously announced 2009 annual shareholders’ meeting, scheduled for September 17, 2009, has been delayed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission so that the company actively fighting against the controversial “Performance Tax” could adequately respond to questions from the SEC.

INTERNET RADIO TO THE RESCUE

No wonder bloggers, and specifically the black blogosphere, have become the go-to folks for bringing issues such as these to the forefront. And for many, sites like Blogtalkradio are assisting in that effort.

One of several online stations that have come on the scene in the last few years, Blogtalkradio allows anyone with a phone and a computer to host and podcast their own Internet radio program for free.

Last year the social networking site saw exponential growth with hundreds of hosts from all racial and ethnic groups. In November 2008, some 3.8 million listeners tuned in to Blogtalkradio, nearly 750,000 or 16% of which were African-American alone. These folks clearly have something to say and are finding an audience, albeit small, eager to hear it.

Obviously, however, these hosts are playing in the minors while superstars like Limbaugh reign supreme in the big league.

"I have a very simple philosophy ... put the very best product you can on the air, regardless of origin," says Gabe Hobbs, a senior vice president for programming at Clear Channel for twenty-five years.

Hobbs was among those recently laid off at the San Antonio, TX based company as a result of low ad sales.

In 2010, blacks are estimated to spend $1 trillion dollars. Hispanics are on tap to exceed $1.2 trillion by 2011. Both groups listen to talk, yet unanswered text messages to radio execs are saying loud and clear, “I’m just not into you.”

“These hiring authorities, in contrast to their reputations for being visionaries and innovative programmers, don't appear to be as either visionary or innovative; but, rather, they seem awkward or clueless, oblivious or insensitive about their responsibility for inclusive hiring. This lack of inclusiveness appears to be a failure of leadership rather than as outright racism or the intentional exclusion of minorities,” says Meyers.

Meyers goes on to point out that the widely-held perception that mainstream, majority-owned AM Talk Radio stations are broadcasting mostly or only Caucasian talk show hosts daily is accurate.

“This is a problem of defacto racial segregation that is both easily recognizable and easily fixed. It is a challenge to the stations' executives-- people of good-will, to a person, we are sure-- for prompt, corrective action,” Meyers concludes.

These were the identical words he used in 2000. Eight years later, News/Talk became the number one format in terrestrial radio. Meanwhile, former KGIL host Glenn Beck manages to take to the mic daily despite advertisers scurrying away from his astringent cable television show in droves.

So while the vitriol toward Congress to have music artists paid royalties by radio stations plays out, media companies through their actions are sending a clear message: they are committed to apartheid on the public airways.

As one Hispanic group lamented, “There is absolutely no ethnic or racial balance in KABC programming and they have no Mexican-American or other Latino talk hosts.”

The words were uttered back in 2006. And yet during this same time period, the US Census Bureau was reporting that White Americans made up only 48.7% of the total population. While Blacks comprise 9.9%, American Indians 0.5% and Asian and Pacific Islanders Americans made up 10.8%, Latinos accounted for a whopping 31.1%

Sound check one-two, one-two! Is this thing on?

There’s a saying that goes “I can’t hear you, because your actions are speaking too loudly.” Well, for companies under the control of the FCC such as Cumulus, Westwood One, Citadel, CBS, Premiere, Cox, Salem and Clear Channel, the silence of minority voices is most certainly not golden. In fact, it’s just the opposite.

To the point now where… it’s deafening.

Kevin Ross is president and CEO of strategic marketing firm 3BAAS Media Group. A former talent on KABC, he currently hosts his own show on Blogtalkradio. This updated version of the story was originally posted earlier this year.

President Obama Gets Deeper Into The Health Care Debate, Embraces Internet Talk With Blogtalkradio Appearance

This Guy Gets It... New Media That Is!

You know that 3BAAS Media Group has been using Blogtalkradio for almost two years now. We've produced The Content Black Woman, and the ongoing Current Events program The Kevin Ross Show. So while this incredible platform is not new to us, when Barack Obama decides to get on board, it's a whole new ballgame.

President Obama will be making an appearance on a special program called “40 Minutes For Health Reform” which will stream live exclusively on Blogtalkradio. Specifically, the Commander-in-Chief's part will be the last 10 minutes of the show after he listens in on the first 30 minutes during which there will be a roundtable discussion about the topic with the leaders of the non-profit group, Faithful America

“I’ve been impressed by how President Obama has adopted innovative social-media technology during his campaign and into his administration,” says Alan Levy, CEO of Blogtalkradio. “We’re honored that he has selected BlogTalkRadio as his newest requisite platform for communicating directly with the American people.”

Tech Crunch has all the details.

KJLH Radio Public Affairs Director Jacquie Stephens Leaves The L.A. Scene

Los Angeles Loses One Phenomenal Woman

By Isidra Person-Lynn

Host of "LA Speaks Out" on urban radio station 102.3 KJLH for over decades, veteran News and Public Affairs Director Jacquie Stephens has moved to her childhood home of Chicago to start the next chapter of her journey.

This will probably come as a shock to her devoted listeners, and attendees of the annual Womens' Health Forum. But after the recent passing of her father, this only child knew it was time to be closer to her elderly mother and she stepped up for the biggest assist of her life.

KLJH is one of the few minority run media companies on the West Coast. Music icon and activist Stevie Wonder has owned the legendary FM music station serving the African American community for more than 30 years.

Until February of 2008, I used to sit in for her during her increasing visits to her mother's side. From then until June 16, the radio station has been going through some personnel changes while Jacquie was in the Windy City. Those changes, however, did not impact her decision to be with her mother. She has unselfishly served the Southern California community for over 25 years. This was not a decision that came lightly, but a good decision that brought peace of mind and resolve which allowed her heart to be clear.

As a former public affairs director and news reporter, I know of the countless events, Jacquie MC'd, personalities she interviewed, causes she championed, and news stories she broke. She has been honored frequently as a demonstration of the community's support.

Soon an article about Jacquie will be released, but, since Jacquie is not the type that will allow us to hold a luncheon in her honor (believe me, I asked) feel free to leave a comment which I will share with her.

If you have been a guest on L.A. Speaks Out, if you have ever benefited from a show, if you attended the KJLH Women's Health Conference, or in any way want to send her a message, she will see them, so speak directly to her. She would love to hear from you.

As for me, I am proud of my friend. The same way she worked for our community, she quietly departed. As always, she did it her way. Kwaku and Jaaye and I will miss you, Jacquie, but hold on, we're coming! And Steja, we're here for you, too!

Here are photos from this year's health forum.

Newspapers, Magazines, Radio & TV Could Learn Something From GM About Reinvention

It's Not About Going Out Of Business, It's About Getting Down To Business

LA County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, KJLH Radio GM Karen Slade Among Speakers At Online Conferenece For African Americans

“Embracing the Digital Renaissance” the Urban New Media Panel at the 4th Annual BEYOND BROADCAST Symposium At USC

The USC Annenberg School For Communication is the place to be June 4 as a distinguished panel of black leaders discuss blogs, social networks, mobile applications and how technology is changing how people of color communicate. Read the bios of the folks who are at the forefront of the new tech movement.

Against the backdrop of the 2008 nationally historic election, Los Angeles County voters made their own mark on history by electing the Honorable Mark Ridley-Thomas the first African America male ever to serve on the County Board of Supervisors.

Prior to his election to the Board representing the 2nd District, Supervisor Ridley-Thomas served the 26th District in the California State Senate, in the state Assembly, and as a member of the Los Angeles City Council. Ridley-Thomas was also Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

KJLH Radio Vice President and General Manager Karen Slade is meeting the business challenges of the largest advertising revenue market with aggressive targets, creative sales strategies and client focused program offerings. During Karen’s tenure, KJLH has been awarded the distinguished George Foster Peabody Award for significant and meritorious achievement, as well as the NAACP Image Award for Humanitarian broadcast efforts.

With a Telecommunications Degree and Masters in Business Administration, Karen Slade also sits on the board of Directors for the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters.

Rev. Mark Whitlock started Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in Irvine, CA with five members. Today, the church has two thousand members and has recently built a new thirteen thousand square feet sanctuary. Rev. Mark is also CEO of Nehemiah Ministries, a nonprofit economic development corporation for the AME Church, and Director of the Passing the Mantle Program at USC School of Religion’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture.

Rev Whitlock is a strong proponent of using social media tools to effectively communicate with members of his congregation, particularly the youth.

Jasmyne Cannick is a lot of things, but just a blogger she is not. Known for addressing the issues that others can’t or simply won’t, Jasmyne is a LA based critic and commentator who writes about the intersection of pop culture, race, class, and politics as played out in the African-American community.

An award-winning journalist, Jasmyne was selected as one of ESSENCE Magazine’s 25 Women Shaping the World. She currently works as a political consultant on state and local campaigns.

While Rolonda Watts is a versatile actress and television personality, most recognize her as host of the eponymous Rolonda show. With a Masters degree from Columbia University, the former daytime syndicated talk show host also has a burgeoning voiceover career. She is currently the announcer of the courtroom show Judge Joe Brown and the voice of Professor Wiseman in the PBS Kids animated program Curious George.

As CEO/president of Watts Works Productions, the Emmy nominated journalist is looking to launch an online talker in late 2009.

Moderator Kevin Ross is president and CEO of 3BAAS Media Group, an online strategic marketing and branding firm for clients seeking to merge traditional communications tools with new media sensibilities.

The former prosecutor and superior court judge also has an extensive background in media, having hosted his own show on Talkradio 790 KABC, as well as a regular legal segment on PBS local affiliate KCET. He currently has the top online Current Events radio program on Internet-based Blogtalkradio.

3BAAS Media CEO Kevin Ross Wins Fox News Radio Online Talkfest "Battle of The Blog Talkers"

… Obama Leaning Black Republican Set to Join Fox Radio for Week of Election 2008 Shows Starting October 20th

LOS ANGELES (October 13) – Kevin Ross started his Blogtalkradio program back in February with a phone, a laptop, and zero expectations.

Now, he’s changing the face of online talk with a style all his own. And listeners clearly want to hear what he has to say.

Having the top Current Events show on Blogtalkradio as well as the number one program on Heading Right, the site’s newly created political channel, add FoxNewsRadio.com to Ross’ expanding Web presence.

America's fastest-growing news radio network and the world's largest citizen broadcasting network partnered this month to bring listeners "Election 2008: Battle of the Blog Talkers." Carried simultaneously on Sirius XM Radio, hosts from each side of the political spectrum battled it out during a weeklong, one-on-one tournament.

President and CEO of strategic marketing firm 3BAAS Media Group, Ross was crowned “America’s Best Blog Talker” for the right. David McLaughlin of Rome, Ga. was dubbed the Best Blog Talker for the left. The victory (decided by listeners voting via mobile-text message and an online poll) was announced Monday by Spencer Hughes of Fox Across America, who moderated the historic debate series.

“As Internet radio audiences continue growing at breakneck speeds, outlets such as Fox News Radio realize they must engage the blogosphere. It’s non-negotiable,” said Ross, the former KABC weekend radio host looking to bring his self-titled show back to terrestrial radio. “Whether through social networking vehicles such as Twitter and Youtube, or Blogtalkradio, I’m on a crusade to broaden the conversation beyond the tired campaign spokesperson, the snarky strategists, the shrill journalists, or the multitude of characters parading around on cable hoping to land an analyst gig.”

Beginning Monday, October 20 at 8:00am (EST), Ross and McLaughlin will join Hughes in co-hosting an entire week of Election 2008 shows on FOX News Radio. As one of a handful of African American Republicans publicly supporting Barack Obama, the war of political ideology is far from over. Ross has neither abandoned his GOP party or its platforms. He just calls it as he sees it. And that’s why whether you love him or hate him, people can’t stop logging on.

The Kevin Ross Show airs Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m., currently on Blogtalkradio.

Quickie: Steve Harvey, How YOU Doin!

Radio funnyman Steve Harvey and his bodyguard look like_______
(fill in the blank!)

You Say Wendy Williams, I Say Drama, Drama, Drama!!!

Wendy, How YOU Doin'????

Much love to SOHH for spilling the tea over reports that Wendy Williams will be suspended indefinitely pending the results of her investigation. Earlier this week her talent producer Nicole Spence accused Wendy’s husband of sexual harrassment and phyically abusing Wendy on the premises of WBLS, thereby creating a hostile work environment.

… there will be a big meeting at WBLS with all their radio employees to discuss the company’s take on the scandal. Could this be Miss Williams last stand? Continue Reading »

Now XM & Sirius Satellite Radio Are One: Now What???

It's Official!

The U.S. Justice Department has officially approved the merger between satellite radio companies Sirius and XM, more than a year after the two companies first announced their deal.

But for fans of Howard Stern, Opie & Anthony and other Sirius and XM on-air personalities, there are still many questions about how much a combined Sirius-XM service will cost and what programs they'll be able to hear. Plus, Sirius and XM face one more regulatory hurdle before the deal can officially be completed.

In its decision, the Department of Justice determined that an XM-Sirius merger was not anti-competitive. The Justice Department argued that other media companies such as Clear Channel (CCU, Fortune 500), CBS (CBS, Fortune 500), or even Apple (AAPL, Fortune 500) with its iTunes software and iPod music player served as alternate options for music and media customers.

The Department of Justice did not place any conditions on the merger.

"Since we determined that there was no competition between the companies, we did not need to set any conditions as such," said Assistant Attorney General Thomas Barnett during a conference call with reporters Monday afternoon.

But the Federal Communications Commission must also approve the deal. The FCC has yet to make a decision on the merger and it could decide to place conditions on the deal. A spokesperson for the FCC was not immediately available for comment. [CNN]

Controversial Radio Jock Troi (Star) Torain Ready For Another 15 Minutes Of Fame On Pulse 87

The Black Howard Stern Returns

Troi (Star) Torain, former morning host at WQHT (97.1 FM) and WWPR (105.1 FM), is scheduled to start Monday on Pulse 87, which debuted this week with a dance-oriented top-40 format.

That debut will be widely watched, since he's been off the air since being loudly fired from Power-105 in May 2006 over some stank comments about the child of a rival host.

He said Tuesday, however, that his start date could be pushed back to Feb. 25, giving him more time to recover from recent surgery that included a liver transplant and other work."I'm going to see how I feel later this week," he said. "I just want to be sure I'm ready."

Transplants, which must be done when a donor becomes available, are debilitating.

Star said he has been back to the hospital three times over complications, which isn't unusual, and that he lost 59 pounds."None of my clothes fit," he said. "And there are a lot of foods I can't eat anymore. Right now I'm having a meal of Beech-Nut baby food. Everything is mushy."

At first, he said, he will probably play more music than he used to, and he may have a mix deejay. "I'll give exposure to people who can't get a shot on corporate-controlled radio," he said.

His team will also include the original Buc Wild ("cleaned up"), White Trash Helene ("she has been such a trooper ... she turned down other radio jobs because she wanted to work with me") and DX21, who has created a lot of his show materials.

Star says he turned down another radio offer because Pulse 87 gave more creative control and a voice in the station. So he's happy that, for starters, he was able to help the station hire program director Joel Salkowitz."Joel's a master," he said. "The music sounds great and it's getting the response we want. We didn't do this from corporate research. We did it from our gut."

As for his place in this setting, Star said he'll be himself. "I don't have anything more to prove," he said. "So we're just going to have fun. Remember, this isn't just a different world for radio today, it's a different country. Everyone's held hostage by pressure groups.

"When I came to New York in 1981, my goal was for people to know my name. Now my goal is to be remembered." By DAVID HINCKLEY [DAILY NEWS]

LOOKS LIKE FOOT TAPPING WHITE REPUBLICAN SENATOR LARRY CRAIG IS OUTTA THERE!

Conservative Idaho Senator Craig Going Down

Venus Williams Inks New Clothing Deal
Documents Reveal FBI Spying on Coretta Scott King
Some Blacks Give Nod to XM and Sirius Satellite Merger
Bob Marley Family Says to Sue Universal, Verizon
Organization Encourages Blacks to Pursue MBAs
Ruff Ryder Co-CEO Indicted for Cocaine Distribution
Blacks Remained at Economic Rock Bottom Last Year
Usher and Tameka to Have Wedding Ceremony

L.A.'S TOP BLACK MORNING SHOCK JOCK GOES NATIONAL: WATCH OUT STEVE HARVEY, HERE COMES BIG BOY!

ABC Radio Networks has just announced a deal with Los Angeles' hottest morning drive personality to syndicate "Big Boy's Neighborhood."

We've been listening to this brother for years now and he is hysterical and will definitely give the likes of Tom Joyner, Michael Baisden and Steve Harvey a run for their money.

Ryan Seacrest, you better watch your back as well!

Known for his obese size that caused him to have gastric bypass surgery to literally save his life, Big Boy is currently heard on flagship station KPWR (Power 106).

While his sometimes vulgar, but always edgy, traffic-stopping billboards splattered across Southern California, have raised the ire of grass roots civil rights agitators, Big has steadily maintained a strong Black and Latino urban appeal.

With stations always trying to tap into the younger listeners, and with the global obsession with all things Hollywood, this move was obviously a no-brainer.

Big Boy's image became well known throughout LA in the late 1990s when Power 106 placed his nearly-nude 500- plus pound image onto billboards throughout the area, spoofing Hollywood blockbusters.

In the fall of 2003, Big Boy had stomach surgery and over the next year lost over 250 pounds.

In 2007, Big Boy is nominated for his third prestigious Marconi Award having received the Personality of the Year by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in both 2002 and 2004. He was named Personality of the Year six times by Radio & Records and four times by the Radio Music Awards.

Big Boy has made numerous cameos in movies such as The Longest Yard, Charlie's Angels 2 and co-starred in Deuce Bigelow: Male Gigolos. FOX television signed Big Boy to co-star in the police drama Fastlane in the fall of 2002 and he is also the voice behind MTV's hit show "Yo Momma."

Big Boy will launch nationally on Monday, August 20. Check him out at Big Boy's Neighborhood.

Congrats Black man, you deserve it!

BLACK RADIO FUNNYMAN STEVE HARVEY GETS MARRIED... AND DUMPED!

ON TO WIFEY NUMBER 3?

The Internet is buzzing about how Steve Harvey recently got married to his fiance, Majorie Bridges. Apparently Tyler Perry disclosed the news, with Steve allegedly indicating that Tyler was not suppose to reveal this information, but ultimately confirming that during a family vacation to Hawaii, the pair decided to get married there.

IS HARVEY COMING TO DAYTIME TV?

What has been confirmed, however, is that beginning Aug. 1, The Steve Harvey Morning Show will no longer air on its Chicago affiliate WSRB.

The adult urban station has decided to drop the nationally-syndicated program in exchange for a locally-originated show that can provide better local content, reports the Chicago Sun Times.

HARVEY JOINS FORCES (AND GETS PAID) WITH AMERICAN AIRLINES

Meanwhile, All Access is reporting that Clear Channel’s WGCI in Chicago is looking to replace veteran morning talent “Crazy” Howard McGee with Harvey’s program, sending McGee to a possible spot at Clear Channel’s WVAZ (V103) if and when its current contract with the nationally-syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show expires. It may even be interrupted.

LATINOS & BLACKS WEIGH IN ON THE XM/SIRIUS SATELITE RADIO MERGER

Latino Group Backs Making The Two Companies One

The Latino Coalition has indicated they support the merger between satellite radio companies XM and Sirius.

"The satellite radio industry has been a launching pad for Hispanic programmers and is an increasingly popular service for a vast number of Latino consumers and other listeners who enjoy the richness of Hispanic culture, arts and news."

The group argues that the elimination of duplicate programming after the merger would provide more room for Hispanics and others.

NOT EVERYONE AGREES. FIND OUT WHY HERE

On Tuesday, the deal also got the thumbs-up from the National Black Chamber of Commerce, which says that the companies have promised more opportunities for African American programmers and already offer dozens of channels and argue that the combined company will offer even more, and at lower prices.

Broadcasting & Cable

PRINCE AND OTHER GOSSIP YOU WON'T FIND ON ACCESS HOLLYWOOD

The Purple One Announces London Tour, Studying Bible

XM Radio Crashes Again

Radio One's Not Handling Business

Jamie Launches 'The Foxxhole Channel'

'Radio' Play Reveals Black Class Struggle














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