The Wires (Oct 8, 2008)

Inside Radio: Radio America taps Roger Hedgecock. The San Diego-based conservative who has been a frequent fill-in for Rush Limbaugh gets his own national show via Radio America. Starting January 5 he'll air daily from flagship KOGO, San Diego. Hedgecock replaces Radio America's "The Michael Reagan Show," which has anchored the timeslot for the last five years.

MSNBC: NET RADIO CAN “RECESSION-PROOF” YOUR MUSIC LISTENING. In light of the economy, “if the Sirius XM subscription doesn’t seem like such a good idea anymore, you’re not alone,” begins an MSNBC article touting the vast variety of free Net radio options. While, like most such pieces, this one suggests a few hip options to hear the latest cutting-edge music, “what’s really surprising is the amount of older stuff that can be ferreted out if you take the time to search. The article links to cool webcasters like Beyond the Beat Generation, 1920s Radio Network, and the evenings-only Top Shelf Oldies. Read the MSNBC article online/

Inside Radio: How tight is it at Salem? Its president is laid off. Salem describes parting ways with president/COO Eric Halvorson as a "further cost-cutting measure." One Wall Street analyst says he is "teeth-chatteringly nervous" about Salem's financial situation, although he notes the sale of several stations has helped give the group some breathing room. Salem executives say more cost-cutting is likely.

Crain's New York: NBC is shutting down Weather Plus.

Inside Music Media: It's not hard to look at our own little meltdown in a microcosm called the radio industry. True, Citadel closed at 55 cents yesterday after the market went on another one of its magic carpet rides. (I think the market is on more hallucinogens than Steppenwolf was when they recorded their hit). Think about it.

Happy Hare: Okie Bob was the greatest pitchman I ever met. Back in the 50’s, wearing a large cowboy hat which crowned an easy ol’ country boy manner, Okie spoke in a sepulchral voice that rarely ventured above the basso profundo in which he framed his spell binding spiels The hypnotic drone even got to me - and I was onto him.

Bobbie Hill's Back at KGB (Oct 7, 2008)

Looks like Jim Richards is AWOL from the station.

Talk: KGB (Oct 7, 2008)

From Media Hack Chris - SDR: "The fast food mentality of programming from the current round of PDs at Fuzzy Channel is .... crap. Personality driven radio is where it is at. It's the money maker for Hot AC. Noting that Hitman Haze will do good in the afternoon drive; he is, however, better at Channel 933. Of course, I don't own KMYI or any CCU stock (as it is private), they can do what they want -- and in six months we can ask 'em, "How's that working out?" The brain trust that runs Fuzzy Channel don't get it; and don't drop any spare change on the carpet at the broadcast studios in the chain. All extra monies go to Texas to pay for the ill-fated private buy out. Gawd what a fracken radio wreck. If that move happened in today's economic climate, it would be another delay in the ill-fated move. I expect that more shows will be trimmed and the termed "excess" will be gone. Of course, this rant is not aimed at the talented folks at Clear Channel in San Diego, the trouble is that the there are less and less of these folks in the building. The radio climate is like global warming. Some folks believe it, some don't and the rest are partying like it is 1999. Thanks for reading."

The Wires (Oct 7, 2008)

TV Tech: Congress Considers Extending Analog TV Shut-Off. The FCC would be required to into account take market-by-market needs such as channel and transmitter availability when designing the program.

"All Comedy Radio" - www.allcomedyradio.com - A unique and diverse format service is currently on HD-2 stations 24/7 in Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Denver, Kansas City, Memphis, New Orleans, Buffalo and others. For affiliate information for your HD-2 station contact: Al Perrotta at acrnews@mac.com

PC Magazine: Passing the Webcaster Settlement Act of 2008 may help reconnect us with an old friend: the radio.

All Access: Star 94.1's Rick & Jen (Rick Moorten & MD Jen Sorensen) are gone. Hitman Haze takes over the shift. He gives up middays at Channel 933. He will retain his Channel 933 APD/MD duties and add similar duties for KMYI. The KHTS midday shift will be taken over by KIIS-FM/Los Angeles midday goddess Sisanie via the magic of voicetracking.

Top 5 Headlines Of The Week (Sep 29-Oct 5, 2008)

4. Sarah Palin Can See Russia From Where She Lives!

3. Used Car Sold For $1,500

2. Used Yugo Car For Sale: Yugo Screwyourself. Never Used $1 or Best Offer. 555-2727.

1. Chargers Lose. Blame Wa-Mu Going Under For Their Loss.