Radio Wires (Jan 8, 2011)

Colorado Congressman Looks To Cut NPR Funding

KBZT Taps Jeremy Pritchard As Its New MD

Ryan Seacrest goes down under. The Australian Radio Network is linking with Premiere Radio Networks to begin airing the syndicated "On Air with Ryan Seacrest" show on hot AC stations in Sydney and Melbourne. Because of the time difference, the show will air in nights. Seacrest is already known in Australia for the weekly "American Top 40" program.

Tom Taylor: San Diego-based Horizon Christian Fellowship admits it's "in the process of dismantling its network of FM stations and translators, and in the process of assigning them to other non-commercial and commercial broadcasters." Last year we saw Horizon do a number of selloffs, many of them far from its San Diego offices, and now we know why. As part of selling KSRD, St. Joseph, MO (91.9) to Educational Media Foundation, the "K-Love Network", for $125,000, Horizon says "there are inadequate financial resources to keep the stations operating during this process." There will apparently be some sign-offs for financial reasons. Horizon says that in addition to Class C3 KSRD in St. Joseph, it's still the licensee of eight FMs in Michigan, California, Alaska, Mississippi, North Dakota and American Samoa. It's also holding the construction permit for a new FM in Max, ND.

Smooth Jazz Radio Watch: Smooth jazz vanishes from the HD-2 channel of WASH-FM (97.1) in Washington, D.C., according to DCRTV.com. Clear Channel's now running "pop hits", says the site - presumably from its corporate menu. Almost three years ago, D.C. lost smooth jazz WJZW (105.9), but Citadel kept a simulacrum of "Smooth jazz 105.9" going on its HD-2 channel and online. The main 105.9 signal is now classic rock "Edge" WVRX.

Sports Media Wires (Jan 8, 2011)

Voice of San Diego: Padres TV Deal? Not Yet.

San Diego Magazine: Playing Hardball. Success argues against an easy deal with the Padres.

Multichannel News: Fox Inks Rights To New Pac 12 Championship Football Game. FSN Adds Football, Basketball Contests; Net Takes Conference USA Package From ESPN

Multichannel News: ESPN Tips Off Buzzer Beat College Basketball Service On Jan. 8. ESPN will launch its college basketball high-definition highlights and cut-in service on Saturday

Other Wires (Jan 8, 2011)

Wall Street Journal: Verizon Finally Lands the iPhone - Announcement expected Monday.

New York Times: After a period of strong growth, sales of televisions are slowing. To counter this, TV makers are trying to persuade consumers to buy new sets by promoting new technologies. At this week's Consumer Electronics Show every TV maker will be crowing about things like 3-D and Internet connections -- features that have not generated much excitement so far.

USA Today: Web and other options are shaking up how we watch TV.

TV Tech: Internet Sat to Provide 70 Gbps Throughput

Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Raise Rates (Jan 7, 2011)

"The latest hike was set to take effect March 1 pending approval from California regulators, to go with other increases that took place Oct. 1 and Jan. 1, the Los Angeles Times reported. "

"Tens of thousands of policy holders will see their rates go up more than 50 percent in the same span."

"They include Michael Fraser, 53, a freelance advertising writer from San Diego, who recently learned his bill would climb from $271 to $431 - an increase of 59 percent."

Read the full article at the website. Anyone care to comment on this issue?

Got Potholes? Call Them In (Jan 7, 2011)

If you have troubling potholes in your neighborhood or along your commute, please contact the City as soon as possible. San Diego's Pothole "Hotline" is 619-527-7500. Expect your pothole repairs within one week of reporting them.

The City Council has approved an Emergency Storm Declaration so the City can qualify for State and Federal aid to repair damages from the December storms and to assist private property owners who suffered storm damage.

"We're working quickly to help the City and our residents recover from the December storms," said Councilmember Marti Emerald. "Please don't hesitate to call us if you need help or information. Our staff is here to make a difference."

Visit our District Seven website for more information: www.sandiego.gov/citycouncil/cd7 or call (619) 236-6677.

91X Resurrection Weekend (Jan 7, 2011)

Mike Halloran will return to the 91X studio to kick off the Resurrection Weekend tomorrow at 2:00 PM. Other former 91X DJ's returning on-air include "Mad Max" Tolkoff, Billy Bones, Chris Muckley, and Dred Scott as well as current 91X DJ's Robin Roth, Oz Medina and Steve West. The weekend on-air schedule is as follows:

Friday, January 7
2:00 - 6:00PM: Mike Halloran
6:00 - 10:00PM: "Mad Max" Tolkoff
10:00PM - 2:00AM: Muckley

Saturday, January 8
6:00 - 10:00AM: Steve West
10:00AM - 2:00PM: Muckley
2:00 - 6:00PM: Dred Scott
6:00 - 10:00PM: Billy Bones

Sunday, January 9
6:00 AM - Noon: Steve West
Noon - 3:00 PM: Robin Roth
3:00 - 8:00 PM: Oz Medina
8:00 - 10:00 PM: Loudspeaker w/ Lou Niles

In addition to on-air, listeners can stream the weekend programming live on 91x.com, as well as photos and videos of the jocks in studio. Complete audio of the last "Resurrection Weekend" held in October 2010 is also available to stream on the website.

91X is owned and operated by Local Media of America, a privately held San Diego-based company. LMA also operates Z90.3 (XHTZ-FM) and Magic 92.5 (XHRM-FM).

Radio Wires (Jan 7, 2011)

NBC Scores Highest NFL Ratings in 12 Years. NBC's 2010 Sunday Night Football package delivered the highest ratings for any NFL broadcast slate in a dozen years, averaging 21.8 million viewers, up 12 percent from last season (19.4 million). Eleven of NBC's 18 SNF broadcasts averaged more than 20 million viewers, and four games drew in excess of 25 million.

Sports Business Daily: ESPN Near Deal To Pay NFL Close To $2B Per Year For "MNF" Extension. ESPN and the NFL have agreed to broad terms on a new media rights deal that will be worth nearly $2 billion per year. Specific numbers still are difficult to confirm, but multiple sources say ESPN has told the NFL that it will increase its annual rights fee by 65% to 70%%, which means it will pay the league a record fee, between $1.8 billion and $1.9 billion a year.

ESPN Nearing NFL Extension At $1.9 Billion Per Season: Report.

Gary Lycan OCR: Is it just me, or is Glenn Beck, locally heard 6-9 a.m. weekdays on KRLA 870 AM, sounding more evangelical lately? Stations in New York and Philly have dropped his program + Doug McIntyre's Red Eye Radio, aired locally on KABC 790 AM and syndicated nationally, is a huge hit on New York's WABC, doubling the overnight audience in less than a year.

LPFM Bill Becomes Law: President Barack Obama has signed the Local Community Radio Act into law, making room for Low Power FM stations across the country. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski applauded the passing of the act, saying in a statement, :The Local Community Radio Act signed by President Obama is a big win for radio listeners. Low-power FM stations are small, but they make a giant contribution to local community programming. This important law eliminates the unnecessary restrictions that kept these local stations off the air in cities and towns across the country. I commend Congressmen Mike Doyle and Lee Terry and Senators Maria Cantwell and John McCain for the successful passage of this legislation and their longstanding commitment to local community radio. The FCC will take swift action to open the dial to new low-power radio stations and the valuable local service they provide."

Tom Taylor: Obama signs the bill, and the FCC promises "swift action to open the dial" to more Low Power FMs. The community radio bill was waiting on the president's desk when he got back from his year-end vacation, and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski calls it "a big win for radio listeners." The Commission could eventually license 1,000 or more new LPFMs, but first it must figure out the engineering (removing third-adjacent channel protection for full-power broadcasters) and then issue rules and schedule a filing window. Even ardent community radio fan Pete Tridish of the Prometheus Radio Project figures it will be 2012 before the first new-generation LPFMs hit the "on" button. Both the current FCC and the Bush-era Commission supported the Local Community Radio Act, which finally passed late last year. Now we'll see how the party goes - the reception the NAB generously promised to the community radio folks who once protested outside its building at 1771 N Street in Washington.

Bubba the Love Sponge rips Sirus XM and its fondness for "Hollywood." He tells TRI that "true radio guys" like Opie & Anthony and himself are being screwed over by the cost-cutting at Sirius XM. While the "Hollywood" folks like Oprah and Martha Stewart are being rewarded. Bubba says he personally was asked to take a huge pay cut to renew on "Howard 101." I asked him if he felt strung along in the contract negotiations, and he said "They strung me along for five years." Though it was Sirius - particularly Howard Stern - who revived his career after Clear Channel sacrificed him in Tampa over FCC indecency problems. Stern believed in him. Now Bubba can't say enough good things about Howard - and he has plenty of opprobrium to heap on Sirius XM. But as Bubba's friend and NFL great Deion Sanders says - "Go to a place where you're appreciated, not tolerated." For Bubba, building on his relationship with terrestrial radio operator Cox, that place is RadioIO.

Radio 2011: Census could boost Spanish radio. Ask anyone in Hispanic media or advertising about the forthcoming release of the 2010 Census data and they'll have a hard time containing their excitement. If previous patterns hold true, a rise in the U.S. Hispanic population will translate into hundreds of millions of dollars of additional media spending.

SDRadio.net: time to play Wheeel of Formats!

John Maffei TV/Radio Sports: NFL playoffs, Aztecs basketball and PGA golf offer dilemma for sports fans.

Other Wires (Jan 7, 2011)

Overall Music Sales Declined 2.4% In 2010.

Starwars.com: Geeks rejoice! Star Wars movies released on Blu-Ray in September.

Multichannel News: CES: Yahoo Teams With Cable Nets, Broadcasters On Internet TV.

RAIN 1/6: RAIN heads to Vegas for CES. RAIN publisher Kurt Hanson is in Las Vegas today for the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. He'll be covering the IMDA (Internet Media Device Alliance) Internet Radio Forum tomorrow. If you're in Vegas and want to meet up, be sure to shoot him an email (kurt@accuradio.com). Meanwhile, the deluge of new Internet radio devices continues to pour out of CES 2011. We cover new in-car Net radio announcements from Ford, Mini, Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, Livio and more device makers in today's issue of RAIN: Radio And Internet Newsletter, at www.kurthanson.com.

Blackburn Reintroduces Bill To Kill Net Neutrality Rules.

This/Antenna TV Update (Jan 6, 2011)

Letter from Jeff: "Just an FYI - Cox does carry both This and Antenna TV on their lineup. They are on the Digital tier - Antenna is on Cox Ch. 127 (they started carrying it a few days before it started when it was just carrying a loop) and This is on Cox Ch. 128. I would like to see MeTV added somewhere. You'd think that these channels would be scooping these up as it just provides more alternatives to cable TV and more ad space for the local station."

OTA Update (Jan 6, 2011)

KGTV's over the air transmitter simulcasts it on its multicasting channel as 10.15.

Those in the South County area can pick up the channel with much more ease. Those around the Poway area would need to subscribe to cable to get the channel. The signals of KZSD-LP and KGTV may not reach most areas of Poway.

The new channel location is still analog.

Radio Wires (Jan 6, 2011)

Hollywood Reporter: Networks could pay billions to NOT broadcast the NFL. Will an NFL Lockout Be the Biggest Disaster Ever For the TV Industry?

TV Technology: Mobile DTV Vendors Ready for CES Rollouts. New products on tap from LG, RCA, Vizio, Siano, Audiovox, Hauppauge and others. New Mobile DTV products will be on display at the Mobile DTV TechZone in the Central Hall

TV Technology: Multicasting Stalls. Public broadcasters more active than privates. New revenue streams hurt by ubiquitous video options.

Homeless jock Ted Williams now has his pick of job offers. The YouTube video, the TV features and now this morning's appearance on WNCI radio have opened up the future for onetime Columbus DJ Ted Williams. He could be the new arena announcer for the Cleveland Cavaliers, a potential voice on ESPN, or a reality show star on MTV. He also might be heard on Clear Channel's WNCI - who knows?

Obama clears the way for a thousand-plus new Low Power FMs. The White House signing of the Local Community Radio Act is "a big win for radio listeners", says FCC Chairman Genachowski - who promises "swift action to open the dial." The NAB supported the eventual compromise bill. The bill will abolish third-adjacent channel protections and clear the way for what some calculate is more than 1,000 new low-power FM stations.

MCV Lays Groundwork for Subscription Model, 2011 Launch

RAIN 1/5: CES 2011 yields plenty of Net radio goodies. According to one columnist, CES 2011 kicks off "the official beginning of the transition to a new computing era, one dominated by mobile devices, Internet-connected televisions and car information consoles." Internet radio is happily riding that wave, with a slew of new devices coming out of Las Vegas. We highlight some of the most interesting new gadgets -- from Net radio car stereo receivers to new streaming services -- in today's issue of RAIN: Radio And Internet Newsletter, at www.kurthanson.com.

Court Throws Out FCC Fine Against ABC For 'NYPD Blue'. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has thrown out the FCC's fine against ABC for a shot of Charlotte Ross' bare back and behind on NYPD Blue. That means the court finds the FCC's pursuit of scripted nudity just as unjustifiable as that of fleeting profanity. Another court--the third circuit--is still pondering the FCC's pursuit of fleeting nudity.

Randy Dotinga: Local talk finally gets a boost.

Seattle Times: The Bob Rivers Show returns to the Northwest and begins airing April 1 on KJR Oldies 95.7 FM.

Hot in Cleveland/All My Children Merger? (January 6, 2011)

OK. Enough of my SDN-style snickering corporate radio style. Serious. This may not be a merger, but merely a crossover stunt between two independently produced TV shows.

On Feb 16 and 23, three stars from All My Children will be guesting on Hot in Cleveland.

This may be the first time there has been a crossover stunt between two TV shows of different genres of this magnitude. HIC is a weekly sitcom. AMC is a daily soap opera.

Susan Lucci (Erica) makes her second appearrance on the show. Michael E. Knight (Tad), who guested in one episode of Valerie's 1990 sitcom "Sydney", and Darnell Williams (Jesse) make appearrances as themselves.

In return, Wendie Malick (Victoria Chase) will appear on AMC as her HOT character. The story has Victoria butting heads with her nemesis Lucci in a continuation of the storyline that began last season.

On HIC, Lucci, Knight, and Williams appear on the sitcom when Victoria, Joy, and Melanie go back to L.A. to sell Melanie's house. While in L.A., Victoria lands a guest role on AMC as Erica's housekeeper.

After the Feb 23 HOT episode, the storyline moves to AMC.

On the Feb 24 episode of All My Children, Wendie's HOT character Victoria will get a role as Gertie who works as a bartender at ConFusion (get it, as the storylines on the soap are often confused), after being fired by Erica as her housekeeper.

So let's see if this is straight. Malick as Victoria plays Gertie. Is that right? I can just see Vinnie Babarino saying his catch phrase "I'm so confused!" Might be easier to recite all of Erica's ex-husbands in chronological order compared to this.

I wonder if Hot in Cleveland is turing into a comedy soap opera.

Larry W. Jones, president of TV Land, said in a statement. "We're so excited to partner with 'All My Children' to bring to life this classic TV form when television worlds collide."

Lucci appeared in the season 1 finale of 'Hot in Cleveland,' accepting Malick's character's Daytime Emmy, the same episode that ended with Betty White's character getting arrested.

During the first season of HIC, there were many references from Victoria regarding her rivalry with Lucci.

"There is only room for one Erica Kane in Pine Valley, and Victoria Chase will unfortunately find that out the hard way," said Brian Frons, president, Daytime, Disney/ABC Television Group.

This also brings up an April Fools joke I posted on Compuserve in 1994. I had Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh on 90210, quitting the show (she actually did at the end of that season) and her role recast with Susan Lucci, who decides to quit AMC, but her Erica Kane role is quickly snapped up by Valerie Bertinelli, whose show "Cafe American" was canned by NBC two months earlier.

The "Hot in Cleveland" episodes will air in two parts on TV Land on February 16th and 23th at 10pm ET/PT. The "All My Children" episode will air on ABC at 1:00 pm ET, 12pm PT on February 24th. Both shows will also be available for streaming at the respecitve websites, abc.com and tvland.com a day after their initial airings.

Offering to KGB: Pre-recorded Funny Music Show (Jan 5, 2011)

To Clear Channel San Diego:

Are you in need for amateur radio deejays?

Are your weekends at KGB as deserted as a public school?

Could XTRA Sports 1360 use something other than sports talk that's also entertaining?

Why not spice up your Sunday nights on KGB with a pre-recorded funny music radio show!

Speak to David Tanny via e-mail about hiring his radio show, "I Still Get Demented", and "The Funny Top 20" radio shows to air on KGB-FM or XTRA Sports 1360 on Sunday nights. You can air it any time as long as both shows are aired as a pair.

Optionally, you can also air the filler comedy music revue, "The DFSX Time Machine," after both shows to fill out the final hour. 55 minutes of music is provided.

"I Still Get Demented" is a two-hour show featuring funny music either new or classic grouped into subjects. Six breaks are provided for adding commercial spotloads of any length.

Following that is an all-request show called "The Funny Top 20", featuring the listeners' top funny song requests ranked in order. We guarantee no songs by "Lady Gaga" or anything from "Glee" on the show. Six breaks for commercial breaks are also provided.

Optionally, you can air the collapsable block of songs that came out in a year that comprises of the block called "The DFSX Time Machine."

Your commercial blocks can be as long or short as you want it to be.

A free four-week trial is available. Shows are made fresh and may be hand-delivered during normal business hours directly to the Clear Channel studios on Granite Ridge Drive in time for airing the same weekend.

If listener feedback is successful, shows can be delivered for airing for a small fee of $50 a week (about $2,600 for the first year). If the show takes hold, fees may be negotiable.

The ISGD/FT20/TM shows may be what San Diego radio needs: shows featuring all funny music that hasn't been heard on a major radio station since Dr. Demento left syndication last June.

You may also stream the show on the Internet as well as to run the block multiple times on the KGB-HD2 channel.

Talk: Interns at Clear Channel (Jan 5, 2011)

re: Clear Channel Advertising on-air for Interns

"I guess all the layoffs are starting to take a toll in the Granite Ridge building. A very quick spot on Channel 9-3-3 at 5:30p today asked "hard-working" individuals to apply to be an intern at Clear Channel. I guess they need more people at the front desk and out at remotes and appearances. Guess that's what happens when the higher-ups are overpaid and there's no budget for staffing vital positions like promotions, operations, and clerical work."

Gerry Rafferty Dies (Jan 5, 2011)

He was famous as part of the group Stealer's Wheel with the 1972 hit, "Stuck in the Middle With You", a song that was parodied by DJ Particle into "Stuck in the Middle With Who." (Dr. Who)

"Stuck in the Middle," written as a parody of many of Bob Dylan's songs, ridiculed a music industry cocktail party, complaining, "Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am, stuck in the middle with you."

I didn't know that was a novelty song. Did you?

Early in his career Rafferty also worked with Billy Connolly in Clydeside folk band The Humblebums, and as a producer he had a hand in The Proclaimers' hit Letter From America.

In 1978, he had a big hit, "Baker Street."

Retro's Me-TV Goes National (Jan 5, 2011)

At this time, there are no plans for any local TV station or cable system to add Me-TV to their offerings.

The broadcast signal for KUSI is the only UHF that doesn't have any subchannels on its signal. KSWB has Antenna TV and This TV. KNSD has NBC+ and Universal Sports. KPBS has V-Me. KGTV has Azteca America. KFMB doesn't have any sub channels. It's unlikely that KGTV and KFMB would care to add subchannels.

The low power digital TV channels have very limited reach with reception basically restricted to within five miles and in the line of sight of the transmitter.

With a glut of over the air digital networks vying for a precious few available subchannel slots as seen on Wikipedia, only cable TV is a viable alternative, as well as direct-to-TV in-the-clear satellite reception.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Weigel Broadcasting Co. announced on Tuesday that they plan the national launch of Me-TV.

Me-TV is a television network offering classic television sitcoms, dramas and classic commercials and targeted for digital broadcast stations. Me-TV stands for Memorable Entertainment Television.

The launch was announced today by Jim Packer, co-President, MGM Worldwide Television and Norman H. Shapiro, President of Weigel Broadcasting.

MGM and Weigel are also responsible for the successful launch of another digital network, THIStv, specializing in movies. After only two years, THIStv is distributed in more than 85% of the country and in 40 million cable households.

A local version of Me-TV has been successfully airing on Weigel Broadcasting's WWME in Chicago. WWME and WBME, the Weigel station covering the Milwaukee/Racine metro area, have become the first affiliates of Me-TV, which boasts a lineup of classic TV shows consisting of "Cheers," "M*A*S*H," "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Bob Newhart Show."

Other highlights include "Laverne & Shirley," "Happy Days," and "Bosom Buddies," which stars a young Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari, as well as the original 'Star Trek" series.

Antenna TV Now to KSWB 69.2 (Jan 5, 2011)

The only catch? You have to use antenna ears to get the network on one of KSWB's sub channels, and it may not be receptable in all parts of San Diego county. It won't be carried on Cox Cable, which also doesn't carry This TV, which KSWB also offers on KSWB's over the air digitial sub channel.

You may wish to contact your cable company and ask them to add Antenna TV to their lineup.

KSWB's main programming airs in 720p HDTV on virtual channel 69.1. This TV, which was on channel 69.2, has moved to 69.3, so you'll need to rescan your HDTV set to get the new channel. Antenna TV will be on channel 69.2.

More information about Antenna TV can be found here:

http://www.wgnamerica.com/shows/antenna/

So far, no indication whether Antenna or This will be carried on Cox, Time Warner, or any of the local cable systems.

Here's the schedule for Antenna TV from their website:

Weekdays:
6am: Antenna TV Theater
10am - Father Knows Best
11am - Dennis the Menace
NOON: Hazel
1pm: Partridge Family
2pm: Three's Company
3pm: Maude
4pm: Good Times
5pm: Sanford and Son (except Fridays)
6pm: All in the Family (except Fridays)
7pm: Married...With Children (except Fridays)
8pm: The Nanny (except Fridays)
9pm: Three's Company (except Fridays)
10pm: Antenna TV Theater

Fridays: 5pm: Three Stooges Marathon
8pm: Benny Hill Marathon
11pm: The Monkees

Saturdays:
4am: Totally Tuned In
7am: E/I Programming as required by the FCC
10am: Too Close for Comfort
11am: Gidget: NOON: Flying Nun
1pm: The Monkees
2pm: Partridge Family
3pm: Maude
4pm: All in the Family
5pm: Benny Hill Marathon
8pm: Three Stooges Marathon
11pm: The Monkees
MID: Antenna TV Theater

Sundays:
4am: Three Stooges Marathon
7am: Father Knows Best
8am: Dennis the Menace
9am: Hazel
10am: Here Come to Brides
11am: Gidget
NOON: Flying Nun
1pm: The Monkees
2pm: Partridge Family
3pm: Good Times
4pm: Too Close for Comfort
5pm: Sanford and Son
6pm: All in the Family
7pm: Married...With Children
8pm: The Nanny
9pm: Too Close For Comfort
10pm: Antenna TV Theater

91X's 28th Anniversary Weekend Coming (Jan 5, 2011)

Radio Wires (Jan 5, 2011)

RAIN 1/4: Toyota debuts in-dash Net radio system. Look for lots of news from the Consumer Electronics Show regarding in-dash Internet radio, both from electronics manufacturers and automakers. For instance, Toyota has just announced an initiative it calls "Entune," a new web-connected dashboard system that can stream Internet radio and control Pandora and iHeartRadio apps on a connected smartphone. Entune should appear in select Toyotas later this year.

Inside Radio: New indecency setback for FCC. The U.S. Court of Appeals in New York has dealt the FCC's indecency enforcement efforts another blow. It has thrown out a $1.4 million fine against ABC-TV for a flash of nudity on "NYPD Blue." The court already ruled the FCC's fleeting expletive rule was "unconstitutionally vague." The agency has appealed that ruling. Attorneys expect the indecency issue to land on the steps of the Supreme Court.

Tom Taylor: Bob Rivers to end his Seattle exile on Clear Channel's KJR-FM - with syndication ahead? You wonder if Clear Channel and/or its Premiere division pitched syndication to "Twisted Tunes" maestro Bob Rivers, as he and his agent reviewed offers following the last-second non-renewal by CBS Radio's KZOK (102.5). That was last September, and Rivers' six-month Seattle non-compete expires April 1. That allows him to join CC's re-worked "Oldies 95.7" KJR-FM and completely change its idea of mornings. In its previous classic hits incarnation, KJR-FM bragged about not having a real morning show, allowing it to run plenty of music. The Seattle Times reported the Rivers hookup, and the syndication is sheer speculation by TRI - but it makes sense. For a while in 2006, Rivers' show was simulcast from Seattle to Portland on then-KVMX (107.5). Bob probably wouldn't mind more of that, though he's certainly been committed to Seattle over the years. For the KJR-FM gig, Bob's back with his usual complement of cast members such as Spike O'Neill and "Downtown" Joe Bryant. Rivers has stayed occupied during his sit-out period, and even without a radio show to promote it, he did his traditional "Twisted Christmas" event in December.

Seattle Times: The Bob Rivers Show returns to the Northwest and begins airing April 1 on KJR Oldies 95.7 FM.

Los Angeles Times: KCET still delivers the news -- or does it? - Viewers on the now-PBS-free station are getting Asian- and Euro-centric news. It's a far cry from 'NewsHour'. (Note: KCET dropped its affilliation with PBS at the end of last year.)

ENVISION RADIO NETWORKS has picked up XHTY/SAN DIEGO, CA as the latest affiliate of MonitorLatino, the most comprehensive source of Spanish radio music and advertising intelligence. "La Invasora 99.7 FM joins over 300 stations on the ENVISION SPANISH RADIO NETWORK.

Shelly Returns to the DSC (Jan 4, 2011)

Due to contractual obligations, ShellyÆs delayed arrival in joining the cast of the DSC on JACK FM did not go un-noticed by the loyal fans. Many took to social media in an effort to ôSave Shellyö in getting her back on the air. Shelly was right back in the saddle in making her return to the airwaves this morning, not missing a beat with her ôHalf Baked Crack Pot Newsö and her unique camaraderie with Dave, Chainsaw, Emily, Boyer, and Ruth 66.

Gina Landau, Vice President and General Manager, comments ôItÆs gratifying to have the last piece of the DSC puzzle in her rightful place at 100.7 JACK FM. We look forward to many more years of memorable radio from San DiegoÆs favorite Morning Show.ö

Mike OÆReilly, Program Director, adds ôWith a rich history of over 20 years with Dave, Chainsaw and the gang, ShellyÆ s return to the DSC family begins an entirely new chapter in San Diego radio.ö

Tune in weekday mornings to hear Dave, Shelly, and Chainsaw on JACK FM!

Radio Wires (Jan 4, 2011)

RAIN 1/3: Bubba the Love Sponge heading to Internet radio. Bubba the Love Sponge has joined Internet radio broadcaster Radioio after departing from Sirius XM. He will host a live Net radio program on weekdays and program a music side-channel, as will his fellow on-air personalities. "We view this launch as the next evolution in Internet radio," said Thomas Bean, CEO of IO World Media, Radioio's parent company.

Multichannel News: Time Warner Cable, Sinclair Extend Retrans Talks Through Jan. 14. Interim accord keeps 33 stations on No. 2 cable operator's systems, while discussions continue

Hearst, DirecTV Hammer Out New Retrans Accord. Hearst Television has reached a new retransmission-consent agreement with DirecTV. The agreement, reached on Dec. 29, according to Hearst, covers all 29 of its TV stations. Deal terms were not disclosed.

CLEAR CHANNEL Talk KFI-A/LOS ANGELES expands midday host BILL CARROLL's show by an hour, extending the program from noon to 3p (PT). CARROLL joined KFI from ASTRAL MEDIA Talk CFRB-A/TORONTO last year.

Two more post-holiday changes in Seattle, starting with the death of another smooth jazz station. Sandusky needs to re-do the signage in the lobby, with a ôModern Musicö format named ôClickö replacing 19-year smooth jazzer KWJZ (98.9). PD Carol Handley hands some of the blame to the Arbitron PPM for ônot favoring our once 'ratings-strong' smooth jazz music format." The new ôClickö is a modern AC/alternative gold format with core artists like the Dave Matthews Band, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Goo Goo Dolls and Smashing Pumpkins.

Andrea Fischer - KFBB Great Falls, MT. Radio was the first form of widespread, instant communication. But today there are so many ways to find entertainment and information; TV, the internet, social media or file-sharing, with many of us using all of those options on our cell phones. Perhaps that is why a key radio demographic is tuning out, according to a national survey.

All Access reports that "Shotgun" Tom Kelly has lost his brother, John G. "Greg" Irwin Jr. on New Year's Eve due to a heart attack. Reach out to SHOTGUN at shotgunt@aol.com

Other Wires (Jan 4, 2011)

SWRNN: New California Laws Take Effect. Here's one: Marijuana Possession: The new law lowers the punishment for possession of 28.5 grams of marijuana from a misdemeanor to an infraction. It allows decreases the fine to under $100 and keeps offenders from being booked. Here's another: Gay Rights: A 60-year-old law requiring that state health officials seek a ôcureö for homosexuality has been repealed.

Multichannel News: Golf Channel Looks To Drive Higher Ratings In 2011. Comcast-owned service tees off 'Morning Drive' on Jan. 3, while setting its schedule for new and returning docuseries.

ESPN RadioÆs Ron Franklin is yanked from SaturdayÆs Fiesta Bowl broadcast. Franklin said an expletetive on the air.

Joke from All Comedy Radio: Valerie Bertinelli was married New YearÆs Day, with ex-husband Eddie Van Halen in attendance. How weird is it that Eddie gets along better with an ex-wife than he does his ex-frontmen.

14th Annual State of San Diego Radio Address (Jan 1, 2011)

Radio Wires (Jan 1, 2011)

It's Official -- Bubba The Love Sponge Parts With Sirius XM.

Other Wires (Jan 1, 2011)

Houston Chronicle: This yearÆs Bowl Championship Series lineup is being dismissed, with reason, as perhaps the most mundane in recent years. That could spell ratings trouble for ESPN, which airs the entire schedule this year for the first time.

MySpace On The Ropes? Huge Layoffs Rumored