The Wires (October 27, 2007)

TV Technology: California Broadcasters Chase Fires, Tackle Power Outages. Television crews in Southern California this week have battled tough access, fires that shift with the wind faster than a politician’s stances, and the potential for RF congestion.

Kurt Hanson: A new editorial in the Seattle Times warns that online music could become a casualty in the "choking of the Internet" being perpetrated by forces that would "stall American innovation and creativity." The paper pays particular attention to the attack on Internet radio, which it calls "multifaceted," as well as the discussion of webcasting in Wednesday's Senate committee hearing. Read more from the editorial in today's issue of RAIN, available now at http://www.kurthanson.com.

TV Technology: Southern California Broadcasters Multicast Additional Fire Coverage. All of this was a great example of how DTV and multicasting can serve the public in times of emergency. When people evacuating from their homes were asked what they were taking, no one mentioned a TV or radio but laptops were often mentioned.

Radio World: Radio Responds to California Fires. Wildfires in California have done more than $1 billion in damage, with half a million people having been evacuated from their homes.

Radio World: Message Board Helps Radio/TV News People. The RTNDA posted a message board to help Southern California colleagues involved in covering the fires.

Lincoln Financial goes forward with sale. Despite lower-than-expected bids, Lincoln Financial is moving forward with its sale of 18 radio and three TV stations. Multiple sources tell Inside Radio even though the deal marketplace isn't what it once was, LF board members gave the green light to go forward. The list of bidders for its radio stations includes Entercom, Cumulus and Bonneville. The TV group, including a sports production company, is likely to go to Raycom Media.

ZDNet: Hypersoft Live TV - Freeware. This new technology allows you to watch over one thousand channels of Satellite TV on your computer. Watch news, sports, movies, comedy, religious, even HDTV, right from your own personal computer. Even watch TV Stations from hundreds of different countries in the world. Absolutely no monthly fees or hidden charges to pay.

Desert News: From Lynn Arave -- How does today's radio stack up to the radio world of decades ago? Veteran broadcaster Mark Van Wagoner e-mailed some thoughts on the subject recently, recalling a party in the 1980s at KSL radio, where he worked at the time. "Every single one of the older announcers told us how 'rotten radio is these days' and indicated radio was so much better when (they) were announcers, and 'we had to speak English,' and on and on." That is, every single one of them except Francis Urry

Gary Lycan: "All fires, all the time" described radio's continuing – and often superb – coverage of the Southern California fires. For many broadcasters, it was personal. This was a story that changed minute by minute. Radio was a lifeline to the communities. In one instance, residents listening to the radio learned their neighbor who stayed behind was alive and well

Inside Music Media: From Jerry Del Colliano -- I don't take any pleasure having to say this, but the National Association of Broadcasters is selling radio out -- again. I want to start by saying that there are a lot of great and good people at the NAB who care about radio and many broadcasters who serve on its board who do so for all the right reasons. But somehow, our trade organization as powerful a lobby group as it is, is siding with big money, big broadcasters and those interested in further consolidation

FMQB: For the third year in a row The Bob & Tom Show (Bob Kevoian and Tom Griswold) and NAPA Auto Parts are joining forces with the United Service Organizations (USO) this holiday season to provide a jovial treat to deployed service members. The past two years The Bob & Tom Show have raised over $500,000 and sponsored more than 36,000 care packages to our troops. This time the duo have put together a comical compilation in efforts of bringing many laughs and smiles to the U.S. armed forces overseas. The CD, which is entitled “Radio Rations”, is due for release on November 9th. A total of 20,000 CDs will be shipped to deployed service members, with the goal of Bob & Tom listeners to sponsor 10,000 Operation USO Care Packages that will accompany them. The event is slated to begin on November 26th, continuing through December 25th. Bob & Tom Show listeners can send care packages to deployed service members by visiting www.bobandtom.com and clicking on the “Operation USO Care Package” logo. There, listeners can purchase as many care packages as they wish and include their own personal message of support. The nationally syndicated morning show reaches over 150 stations across the country.

Radio and Records: Lincoln Financial To Sell Stations To Raycom? Report: $1.2 billion offer made, status of radio properties unclear. Lincoln Financial Corp., which last month said it was considering selling its broadcast division and put the unit out for bids to test the waters, has apparently gotten an acceptable offer from privately held television group Raycom Media for $1.2 billion, according to Reuters. But it is unclear whether Raycom will keep the radio stations or sell them to a third party.

91X Updates Louis XIV Concert (Oct 27, 2007)

Tuesday, October 30 - All ages

Tickets still only $9.10, and now, all proceeds from the concert will go to the San Diego Foundation for Fire Relief Efforts. 91X wants to show our gratitude to San Diego's firefighters for the hard work and dedication they have poured into saving our city. Donations for the firefighters will also be accepted inside the venue.

Tickets for the concert will be sold at House of Blues the day of show only.

All Concert From the Crypt tickets purchased or won by listeners thus far will be honored at House of Blues.

Please note that ScreamZone at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is open for business, however the ScreamZone ticket package deal is no longer available.

$1,000 Costume Contest Info

Wear the best costume and you might win $1,000! Contestants must register with judges at the concert between 6:30 and 8:00pm. Costumes will be judged on three criteria: Creativity, Quality, and Presentation. At 8:00pm, judges will add up scores and select up to 10 finalists to go on stage for the chance to win the grand prize. Winner will be determined by crowd response. Good luck!

BIG thanks to the House of Blues for opening it's doors for this opportunity.

Brought to you by Scion, What Moves You, and 91X!