Yesterday, it was reported by Time Out Chicago's Robert Feder that Merlin Media's financial backer GTCR is considering selling off all its radio stations. However, Merlin CEO Randy Michaels has told Radio Ink simply that "Merlin Media is not for sale." Merlin currently owns five stations in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia.

Ken Johnson exits the Director of Urban Programming post at Clear Channel Media and Entertainment-Philadelphia. Doc Wynter, CCM+E SVP/Urban Programming is expected to be in Philly to oversee both Urban WUSL and Urban AC WDAS.

Jeff Andrews, APD at Cumulus Oldies WLS-FM/Chicago, is named PD/afternoon host at CHR sister KCHZ/Kansas City. Andrews, who starts on October 15, takes over for Maurice DeVoe who segued to CHR sister KLIF/Dallas.

Triple A KPND/Spokane-Sandpoint adds market veteran "Uncle" Larry Pearson for afternoons. Pearson started his career at KPND 30-years ago before making his way around the market including stints at KEZE, KAEP, KKZX and KXLY.

Jim Rome joins the lineup of the CBS Sports Radio Network, which launches on January 2, 2013. Rome will naturally host The Jim Rome Show weekdays from noon - 3 p.m. ET. Rome will also contribute to the "CBS Sports Minute" 60 second commentaries airing on the network's affiliates. In addition to his weekday Rome show on CBS Sports Network, he provides commentary for CBS Sports and CBSSports.com. Rome will also be hosting a talk series for Showtime, which will air later this Fall on the premium network.

Justin Case is appointed Director of Programming and Imaging at Benztown. Case has most recently has been serving the company as National Urban Imaging Director as well as doing voiceovers. Case will also oversee long-form programming at Benztown Radio Networks.

Mimi Griswold, Galaxy Communications VP of Programming, has announced that she will retire from day-to-day programming at the end of 2012, but she will continue to host the Sunday morning Blue Moon Cafe program.

More details have been announced on The CW's upcoming two-hour special on last weekend's iHeartRadio Festival. The broadcast will air this Monday, October 1 at 8 p.m. and include performances from No Doubt, P!nk, Rihanna, Pitbull, Taylor Swift, Usher, Green Day, Psy and many more.

Beasley Broadcast Group announces the winners of its annual Company Operating Awards.  Each year, at the company’s annual gathering of GMs, Beasley recognizes noteworthy achievements, operating success and contributions from individual Beasley employees and radio stations over the preceding twelve months. The 2012 honorees include:
WKXC-FM – Radio Station of the Year /  Augusta, GA
Kent Dunn – General Manager of the Year  / Augusta, GA
Shelly Easton – Program Director of the Year / WXTU/Philadelphia
John Jaras – Sales Manager of the Year / WPOW/Miami
Lamar Smith – Engineer of the Year / Las Vegas
Jesus Novo – Business Manager of the Year / Las Vegas
Danny Highsmith – CEO Award of Excellence/Regional Vice President, Fayetteville, NC

Total Traffic Network announces a three-year partnership agreement with Radio One as the exclusive on-air and online traffic content partner for Radio One stations. In addition, Total Traffic Network will provide news and weather information to Radio One’s 53 radio stations in 15 markets.