Bob Garrett, morning co-host at Modern Rock WJBX/Ft. Myers, rises to the PD chair. Garrett takes over for Matt Johnson who will now put all of programming attention on CHR sister WXKB.
Rich McLaughlin is named Digital PD for Clear Channel-New York. McLaughlin joins from the Content Director post at Triple A Non-comm WFUV/New York.
In related news, Non-comm Triple A WFUV/New York upgrading its main antenna over the next several weeks, making its signal stronger in Manhattan and parts of New Jersey, which will knock them off the air from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays from Thursday, November 5 through Wednesday, November 18. WFUV will resume normal broadcasting from 4 p.m. to 8 a.m. during these weekdays, while regular weekend programming will continue uninterrupted.
NAB issued a statement today commenting on a letter from Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (VT), House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (MI) and members of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees regarding their request for a meeting to discuss the Performance Rights Act. Commenting on the letter, which was sent to NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith and NAB Joint Board Chairman Steve Newberry, NAB EVP Dennis Wharton stated, "NAB is of course willing to talk with members of Congress on this issue and any issue that could negatively impact the ability of free and local hometown radio stations to serve our listeners. We would hope that any discussions would also include the nearly 300 members of Congress who oppose the RIAA-backed bill." Meanwhile, Sen. Jim Risch (ID) and Rep. Glenn Nye (VA) became the newest co-sponsors of the Local Radio Freedom Act, a bipartisan resolution that opposes the Performance Rights Act. Congressional opposition now stands at 252 House members and 27 Senators.
Triple A WZGC/Atlanta MD Margot Smith adds APD duties. Smith has been with the station since its launch.
Former Urban KATZ-FM/St Louis is spreading its holiday cheer by becoming Christmas 100.3. Listeners are invited to tune in to enjoy all of their seasonal favorites from the classics to new releases by top recording artists through Christmas day. Beth Davis, Market Manager for Clear Channel-St. Louis said, “We are thrilled to get the festivities going here in St. Louis by playing our listeners’ favorite holiday hits. KATZ-FM will launch a new station after the holidays and we invite radio fans to tune in. We know they’ll love what they hear.” Christmas 100.3 hit the airwaves yesterday (11/1).
Capitol Records announces it is partnering with Atlanta-based Hip-Hop label Block Entertainment. "Block Entertainment is a force to be reckoned with in the hip hop arena; they have continuously churned out undeniable hip hop stars," said Leonard Brooks, SVP Urban A&R, EMI Music. "As we grow Capitol's urban roster, this association with Block Entertainment makes perfect sense. We are excited to sign Kollosus as well; he has a skillful flow that reflects his years growing up in Atlanta and his Jamaican-born roots. He has a unique sense of street swagger with a global appeal."
