(Raidio News) - Green Hornet Anniversary
Yes, it's making it's debut on motion picture screens across the country this month, but also this month, January 31, 2011 to be exact, is the 75th Anniversary of the premier of The Green Hornet radio show.

…Theatric entrepreneur George W. Trendle, who with a partner had purchased radio station WGHP, soon changed to WXYZ, envied the power of radio during these early years of the "golden age", and the heroes he created, the "Shining Knights of the Air" would stand up against the evils of corruption that so abounded in major cities across America during the 20's and 30's.

…The first of these heroes, The Lone Ranger, took to the station's air in 1933 -- and while he was presented as a fearless fighter for justice, he was safely ensconced in the past, riding the ranges of a long-vanished West. The station's next triumph, however, would battle crime and vice in a modern American city. A journalist during the day and a fearless voice against corruption at night - his name was Britt Reid, and when he buzzed onto the Detroit airwaves in 1936, audiences across the Midwest immediately embraced this popular hero of justice for the common man.

 

(Raidio News) - Dr. Ben Armstrong Passes
Benjamin L. Armstrong, PhD, 87, who served at the helm of National Religious Broadcasters from 1966 to 1990, has died at his home in Sellersville, PA. He was suffering from cancer and had been under hospice care.

…Armstrong was born in Newark, NJ on October 18, 1923 into a family descended from the Mayflower Pilgrims with significant Christian roots. Ben's grandfather, Benjamin Franklin Armstrong was an evangelist and pastor who traveled on speaking tours with famed evangelist Dwight L Moody.

…Armstrong became Director of Radio for Trans World Radio in 1958, and relocated his family to Southern France to launch radio broadcasts throughout Europe and the Soviet Union. He traveled extensively 'behind the Iron Curtain' and used his experiences to complete his doctoral dissertation on the Soviet treatment of religion in media.

…In 1968, New York University awarded Dr. Armstrong its Founder's Day Award, and was the was the author of "The Electric Church" published in 1979. Dr. Armstrong is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth (Freed); a son Robert L. Armstrong; two daughters, Bonnie and Debbie Armstrong.

 

(Raidio News) - 3-D Radio?
The BBC announced it is working on "3D radio" which many feel could transform the medium as we now know it.

…The system, called "Ambisonics" was in fact developed in the early Seventies, but the BBC has now begun serious research. In a studio behind the canteen at TV Centre, a small group of engineers are working out whether a system based on eight speakers could provide sound that is not only in front and behind the listener, but also over their heads. Although it makes music sound impressive, it's most revelatory for drama. At a demonstration, The Wizard of Oz's tornado scene, with the wind swirling towards Dorothy's house, took on a new dimension.

…Although it requires new ways of initially recording sound, it can also be mixed from existing recordings. The result is an advance that does not require a complete rewiring of the radio process, and so could, if the BBC chose, be implemented over the internet.

…Realistically, however, this won't happen for a number of years, if ever. Few people have the necessary hi-fi set-ups. But there is a wider significance in the news that the BBC is looking at 3D radio.

 

(Raidio News) - Russia Silences Station
New Life Radio has announced that the Russian government has closed down one of the two remaining FM radio affiliates of the Satellite Network (NLR).

…The government said the station in Norilsk, a major city in Krasnoyarsk Krai, Russia, had violated its license of providing at least 10 percent of local programming by "broadcasting only a feed from NLR, said Dan Johnson, president of Christian Radio for Russia (CRFR), which operates NLR. Norilsk, with a population of more than 100,000, is the northernmost city in Siberia and is above the Arctic Circle.

…Johnson said that "the increasing popularity attracted the attention of the government," so the action does not come as a complete surprise. The government has closed other CRFR stations. The KGB (the state security services) had repeatedly visited and harassed the Norilsk station's founder, Mikhail Dolgikh, who worked in management at a state-owned tele-communications operator.

…Johnson said that NLR plans to apply for a new license that will enable the station to broadcast just supplied programming. It will apply to obtain a similar license for the remaining station in Dudinka. Obtaining the licenses may be a difficult task as the Russian government has closed many Christian stations not connected with the Orthodox Church.

 

(Raidio News) - David Nelson Passes
David Nelson, who starred on his parents' popular television show "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," has died. He was 74.

…Nelson, who was battling complications of colon cancer, died at his Los Angeles home, said family spokesman and longtime Hollywood publicist Dale Olson. Nelson was the last remaining member of the Nelsons TV family, which included actor/bandleader Ozzie, his singer wife, Harriet Hilliard and his teen idol brother Rick.

…The show originated on radio in 1952 as "Here Come the Nelsons," then ran for 320 episodes on TV from 1952 to 1966 as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" with some of the story lines taken from the stars' own lives. David Nelson also directed and produced numerous episodes of the show throughout its run.

…Singer Gunnar Nelson, a son of Rick Nelson, issued a statement Wednesday, saying his uncle's death was "a great loss to the Nelson family."

(Raidio News) - Websites Expand Listeners
More than 25 million unique website visitors let their fingers do the walking to a radio station website in the past month. Those 25 million people represent 17.7% U.S. adult visits across 80 measured markets. The numbers are compliments of the Media Audit's National Radio Format Report which also reports that radio website visits have grown by 38% in only three years. In 2006, only 12.8% had visited a radio website in the past month. Most visitors are considered heavy or moderate listeners who listen to radio for almost three hours a day on average.

…Broken down by format preference, adult alternative listeners were most likely to visit a station website, followed by modern rock, sports and news-talk. Top metro markets for radio website visits are, in rank order: Minneapolis (25.4%), Orlando (22.1%), San Jose (21.4%), San Francisco (21.3%) and Seattle (21.3%).

…While radio streaming increases reach, helping stations with poor signals, the ultimate goal is increased revenue.

(Raidio News) - Radio Land Promotion
It was one of radio’s biggest promotions - On January 27, 1955, the Quaker Oats Company, sponsor of the Sergeant Preston radio show, began promoting ownership of one square inch of Yukon property for every purchaser of Quaker Puffed Rice Cereal.

…It turns out now that some of owners of those deeds are now inquiring as to their present-day value. The Quaker Oats Company, however, is now saying that “the deeds were not meant to have any intrinsic value, but rather were meant to give the consumer the romantic appeal of being the owner of a square inch of land in the Yukon.”

…Ironically, there are reports that this promotional brainstorm, with those 7-by-5-inch deeds which were 35 times larger than the piece of land they represented, are now bringing upwards of $40 in some antique shops. More Information: yukoninfo.com/klondikebiginch.htm

(Raidio News) - Decision Turns 60
One of Christian radio's most beloved and longest-running programs hit airwaves across the country sixty years ago. "The Hour of Decision" with evangelist Billy Graham, which began as a step of faith by a budding ministry, has grown into one of the most widely distributed radio broadcasts in the world.

…Today, "The Hour of Decision" airs on 581 radio stations across the country and on several networks. In all, the program airs in five languages - English, Spanish, French, Mandarin and Farsi - in 55 countries on six continents. Cliff Barrows, who traveled the world with Billy Graham for more than 50 years directing Crusade choirs, has been the program's only host since 1950 and remains its host today.

…"The Hour of Decision" was birthed in part from a Crusade in Portland, Ore., in 1950, when Mr. Graham and the team raised $24,000 for radio in one evening. It was also through this occasion that the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association officially began in 1950.

(Raidio News) - Noted Radio Voice stilled
Tom Dooley, a popular inspirational speaker and the voice of the Billy Graham ministries for 20 years, and former host of the popular “The Journey” program on KVTT, Dallas-Ft. Worth, has died at his North Richland Hills home of brain cancer. He was 63.

…Tom Dooley went on the air in 1990 and had been through his own long journey, in his radio career and in his personal life. .Mr. Dooley grew up in a rough and unstable family. Even after he became a Christian in 1978, Spradlin said, he struggled to live a Christian life until a turnaround came a decade later.

…In the 1990s, he became a drive-time host of a Christian talk/music radio show that was syndicated in six U.S. markets. He also owned MasterMedia, a Hurst-based, Christian-themed, audio-visual production company.

…Dooley’s show, “The Journey”, featured inspirational music interspersed with Dooley reading from and interpreting Scripture and other literature, and became the most popular show on the station. Read more: star-telegram.com

(Raidio News) - KDKA Turns 90
This past month, on Nov. 2, 1920, radio station KDKA made history by being the first licensed commercial station to broadcast a newscast. The launch was on Election Day, a date specifically chosen so listeners could hear the results of the presidential race between Republican Warren G. Harding and Democrat James Cox.

…In the early 20th century, radios were used mostly used by engineers and hobbyists, nicknamed "hams." After World War I, radio manufacturer Westinghouse developed programming as a way to sell more radios to more people, and so the company built KDKA on the roof of its factory in Pittsburgh.

…KDKA's coverage of the 1920 presidential race was a big success, allowing people to learn election results hours before reading about them in the newspaper. For more info: newseum.org

(Raidio News) KICY Celebrates 50 Years
This week marks 50 years since the “Voice of the Arctic”, KICY, went on the air from the frozen shores of the Bering Sea in Nome, Alaska.

…The men credited with the founding of the radio ministry, Art Zylstra, a former missionary with HCJB in Quito, Ecuador, and Ralph Fondell, a former production engineer with WMBI in Chicago, Il, met at a Church conference in the late 50’s and were challenged to start a radio ministry in Northwest Alaska, and on Easter Sunday, 1960, KICY signed on the air with 5,000 watts of power. Zylstra first served as the station manager, and Fondell as the chief engineer.

…The response to KICY, the very first radio station in Northwest Alaska was overwhelming! Mail poured into their small office from all over the state, and over the years, the station has been a tremendous encouragement and help to the many men, women and children scattered across many hundreds of miles of frozen tundra.

… In later years the station was authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to increase their power to 10,000 watts, and soon afterward, response began coming from listeners in Russia, prompting the ministry to add some Russian language programming during the nighttime programming schedule. In 1999, KICY received authorization to further increase power to 50,000 watts non-directional daytime, and 50,000 watts directional nighttime into Russia.

…Today, the ministry continues to provide valuable information, news, Christian music and teaching to listeners in remote villages, ships at sea, and listeners in Russia (listener response is also frequently heard from Japan, Norway, Sweden, and other countries).

…The station is also thankful for the many hundreds of short-term volunteers and missionaries who have come to serve the Lord over these 50 years with their time and talent.

… Saturday, April 17th, a banquet and celebration of God’s faithfulness will be held in Nome, AK at the “Rec Center”, the site of the famous celebratory Iditarod closing ceremonies and banquet. For More Info: Dennis Weidler, G.M., KICY - #907-443-2213

(Raidio News) Prime Time America
The Moody Broadcasting Network, based in Chicago, IL, has announced that they will no longer produce PrimeTime America, the popular long-running “flagship” program of the Network.

… or the past 11 years, the daily two-hour Christian news-magazine has been hosted by Greg Wheatley, characterized by media veterans as one of the most intelligent personalities in broadcasting. Wheatley took over the host position in 1999 from the original host of the program, Jim Warren.

… MBN announced that Janet Parshall will assume the new hosting position of the nationally syndicated weekday afternoon program from 4 – 6 p.m. CST, effective May 3, 2010. For more info: www.moodyradio.org

(Raidio News) WOWO Celebrates 85 Years
WOWO marks its 85th year on the air recently, and some of it familiar air checks, jingles, photos and top-of-the-hour IDs are available at the web site www.historyofwowo.com, which debuted last June.

…Take a walk down memory lane as you once again hear those iconic voices read their own commercials live, share letters from listeners about lost dogs and banter with each other and callers in broadcasts that reached 38 states, several Canadian provinces and countries such as Australia, Sweden and Spain.

…The driving force behind HistoryofWOWO.com is Randy Meyer. Meyer accepted the challenge of collecting, preserving and sharing WOWO's history, and although he started with his own memorabilia, the majority of the material on the Web site came from WOWO employees and listeners.

… For 85 years — since signing on from its first location at Main Auto Supply on March 31, 1925 — WOWO has reflected the heartbeat of the community.

(Raidio News) Former Broadcaster passes
Pioneer missionary HCJB broadcaster for more than four decades, Helen Howard, passed away at Go Ye Village in Tahlequah, Okla. She was 89.

… Born into a Baptist minister's family in Pontiac, Mich., Helen was raised in the Midwest, and went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in Christian education from Wheaton College in 1942; while there, she met Clayton Howard, whom would become her husband.

… In 1942 Helen and Clayton sailed to Ecuador to serve with Radio Station HCJB in Quito, Ecuador. Their voyage required travel in blackout conditions due to a threat of enemy attack on the Chilean ship during World War II.

… A year earlier, the Howards' long-distance courtship had culminated in an on-air engagement announcement on the live program, "The Back Home Hour" out of Chicago, IL. Helen assisted Clayton as host of the ever-popular shortwave radio listeners' program, "DX Partyline," as well as answering English-language letters from listeners worldwide. She was also involved in Andes DXers International, and HCJB shortwave listeners' club.

… In addition to her husband, Clayton, Helen is survived by three children, 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. For more info: callofthehandes.wordpress.com.

(Raidio News) Dobson Hosting New Show
Focus on the Family founder James Dobson is hosting a new daily radio show with his son Ryan; the new show, is called “James Dobson on the Family.”

… Dobson left Focus on the Family and its flagship radio broadcast in February, and the new program is covering many of the same topics, including marriage, child-rearing and national issues.

… Dobson says he wanted to leave Focus on the Family so the ministry could be passed on to the next generation of leaders. However, he says he feels compelled to continue at a time when the nation is in a "moral decline of shocking dimensions."

(Raidio News) DOBSON TO STEP DOWN
Focus on the Family founder and chairman emeritus James Dobson, 73, will be leaving Focus’ radio ministry at the end of February, according to a press release.

…..According to Jim Daly, the ministry's president and CEO, Dr. Dobson’s departure from the radio program and from official affiliation with the organization he founded in 1977 was just the ‘third chapter in a transition that began in 2003,’ when Dr. Dobson stepped down as Focus president. Daly said it was a mutual decision between Dobson and Focus’ board of directors, and Dobson will continue to record new radio broadcasts until the end of February.

…..The Colorado-based ministry laid off 8 percent of its staff in September due to a budget shortfall.

(Raidio News) AD DOLLARD DOWN AGAIN
Terrestrial radio ad dollars are continuing to shrink, and with more and more adoption of online radio by listeners, marketers are pushing websites into double-digit growth over the next few years, according to a report by SNL Kagan.

…..This year, the researcher expects the space to hit $441 million, up 12 percent from $394 million in 2008. It is likely to peak next year, as SNL Kagan projects an annual online revenue growth rate of 20 percent in 2010 to $530 million. Meanwhile, total radio revenue was up a mere 2 percent in 2008 and the digital part of the business is projected to be just 2.7 percent of total radio revenues in 2009.

LIMBAUGH'S RATINGS UP
The ratings service Arbitron reports that Rush Limbaugh’s numbers rose by up to a full share point in several major markets in August, the peak of the townhall fervor, giving him from 5 percent to 10 percent of all radio listeners in those areas for his time slot.

…..Limbaugh has averaged about 15 million listeners in 2009, up from about 13 million two years ago, according to the radio industry trade magazine Talkers. Second-place pundit Sean Hannity is up from about 12 million to 14 million listeners during that same timespan.

…..Surprisingly, Dave Ramsey, the Bible-based financial advice guru, dropped out of the top 10 talk-radio hosts this year. The top 10, in order of descending popularity, are Limbaugh, Hannity, Michael Savage, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, Glenn Beck, Mark Levin, Laura Ingraham, Michael Medved, Mike Gallagher, and William Bennett, according to Talkers.

(Raidio News) REMEMBERING THE TUBE
This past November 16, marked the anniversary when John Ambrose Fleming invented and patented the thermionic valve in 1904, and with this advance, the age of modern wireless electronics was born.

…..Although the Supreme Court eventually invalidated Fleming’s U.S. patent — ruling that the technology he used for his invention was already known — he remains the acknowledged inventor of the vacuum tube, a diode (having two electrodes) that would have far-reaching applications. The tube was standard equipment in radio receivers, radar sets, early television sets and other forms of electronic communication for at least half a century, until it was replaced by solid-state electronics in the mid-20th century.

…..Fleming’s vacuum tube represented a major breakthrough in the technology, and for his work, Fleming received a knighthood in 1929 and was awarded the Medal of Honor by the Institute of Radio Engineers (now the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) in 1933.

.....Fleming lived long enough to see the fruits of his labor literally save Britain during World War II. Radar sets using Fleming’s diodes proved decisive in the Battle of Britain, allowing a relatively small number of British fighter planes to effectively turn back the Luftwaffe’s onslaught against the home island.

…..Fleming died in 1945 at the age of 95.

(Raidio News) CHRISTIAN RADIO IN SWEDEN
Sweden finally has a full-time Christian radio station – It’s Webcast based and commenced on Friday, August 21st. The webcast is seen as a forerunner to several FM stations which will be broadcast in various parts of the country.

….Thus far, listeners have responded with great enthusiasm, however, donor support is still slow.  

.....The project was initially the brainchild of American-born Nathan Quist and his Swedish wife Maria. Nathan is the son of Alan Quist, a respected conservative politician from Minnesota.

(Raidio News) Royalty Fees Paid
U.S. radio stations paid about $450 million in songwriting and publishing royalties last year - roughly 3 1/2 to 4 percent of their revenues. What would the PRA, if passed, add to their expenses? The bills under consideration in the House and Senate stipulate that the estimated 75 percent of U.S. stations that gross less than $1.5 million annually would pay "no more than $5,000 in performance royalties, and in many cases it would be a lot less than that," says Casey Rae-Hunter, another advocate who works with the Future of Music Coalition.

(Raidio News) PERFORMANCE TAX IN HOUSE
There’s no bigger topic in the radio industry than the "performance tax" proposal, now in Congress, and while no vote has been scheduled on the tariff, House opposition to the tax continues to grow.

…..The Local Radio Freedom Act, a bipartisan resolution opposing the record industry backed effort to levy performance royalties on local radio for airplay, now has the support of 240 lawmakers and 20 U.S. Senators.

…..According to NAB Executive VP Dennis Wharton, "Day by Day, more lawmakers are saying "no" to multi-national record conglomerates and saying "yes" to preserving local radio."

(Raidio News) NEW NIELSON POLL
The latest figures from Nielsen SoundScan show that so far this year, overall music sales have been split 60% in favor of physical media and 40% digital. That's a rapid shift since 2005, when 92% of all music sales were physical and just 8% digital. …..SoundScan predicts that digital music will account for half of all music sales by the end of next year if current trends hold.

(Raidio News) ANNUAL RADIOFEST NEARS
Plans are well underway for this years annual “Radiofest”, July 30 - August 1, to be held in the Chicago Southwest suburban town of Willowbrook, IL.

….The annual event is sponsored by the Illinois Antique radio society, and each year draws thousands of participants from all across the United States, as well as foreign visitors.

…..Featured are numerous seminars for the antique radio collector, as well as a giant open-air flea market with numerous venders selling radio’s and associated items. …..This year, Chuck Schaden, founder and long-time radio host of “Those Were The Days”  will be honored for his 39 years of broadcast service.

…..For more information: www.antique-radios.org

 

(Raidio News) MINORITY STATIONS WANT HELP
A dozen of the country's largest minority broadcasters are warning that they'll be "extinct" if they don't get some federal bailout dollars - or at least a helping hand with bank loans.

….In a recent letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, the broadcasters say a credit crunch from "plummeting ad revenue" and other factors has led to an "unprecedented crisis."

….Any federal bailout for broadcasters would indeed be highly unusual, however, some analysts feel that “anything is possible” given the current administration.

 

(Raidio News) FORMAT CHANGE = BIG BUCKS
Over 60 years ago, noted Christian youth evangelist Percy Crawford had the vision to establish a network of Christian radio stations across the United States, and filed for several FM frequencies from the East coast to the Midwest. One station that was established was WYCA-FM, 92.3, in Hammond, Indiana.

…..The elder Crawford passed away in the mid 50’s, and two of his sons went on to lead the growing network, continuing with their fathers wish to broadcast only a Christian format. ……Several years ago, that changed when the Crawford’s changed the call letters (WPWX “Power FM) and the format to “contemporary Urban”, which is now raking-in many multiple times the dollar profit.

….. Phil Rosenthal of the Chicago Tribune reports that Crawford has just hired former WGCI-FM 107.5 afternoon star Sam Sylk, who is leaving Cleveland to become the new afternoon drive host.

 

(Raidio News) SENATE NOMINATION HEARING
Senate nomination hearing was held Monday, June 21st for President Barack Obama's pick to chair the FCC -- Julius Genachowski. Genachowski is widely expected to be confirmed for the job.

...Genachowski told the committee that he would focus on implementing a national broadband service plan to help spur job growth, promoting more consumer choices in telecoms, and making the agency's work more transparent to the public. His pro-consumer remarks were received warmly by the Democratic-led committee.
...Broadcasters also paid close attention when he said that he does not support any attempt to reintroduce the fairness doctrine, which once required broadcasters to provide equal time for alternative viewpoints.
...Previously, Genachowski served as Obama's technology adviser during his campaign, and he also worked as chief counsel to former FCC Chairman Reed Hundt.

(Raidio News) CBS CFO

New CBS Corp. CFO Joseph Ianniello says he is planning to reduce costs and avoid acquisitions as a way to battle the advertising decline. Ianniello said that he plans to closely examine all expenses, including contracts, leases and capital spending, amid a "difficult revenue environment."
….. Ianniello said that CBS has no merger or acquisition plans because such a deal would need to meet a "very, very, very high hurdle."
…..Leslie Moonves, CEO for CBS said that "obviously, we’re waiting for the ad market to turn," and we’re seeing some light at the end of the tunnel" but added “he doesn't expect CBS to make any more major cutbacks by firing employees and that almost all of CBS' workforce reduction has already taken place.”

(Raidio News) TV ANNOUNCER, ROBERTS DIES

Word comes this week of the death of the towering radio/television announcer, Kenneth Roberts. Roberts, the son of immigrant Jews from Eastern Europe, would have turned 100 next February. He was a lifelong New Yorker who almost became a lawyer before he was seduced into showbiz.
…..Roberts warm and distinct tone took him to Broadway and then to the young world of radio, where he became the voice for dozens of shows that are both snapshots from a golden age and reminders of how rich that age was. He announced famous shows like "The Shadow" and "Radio Mercury Theater." He also announced “Ellery Queen”, “The Fred Allen Show”, "Baby Snooks" and dozens of other programs.
…..In the 1950s, Roberts gradually moved into television, announcing for "Candid Camera," a Frank Sinatra variety show and a sheaf of others, perhaps most memorably including the CBS soaps "Love of Life" and "Secret Storm."

(Raidio News) WGN-AM (720)

As if WGN-AM (720) wasn't going through enough with the upheaval in its talent and program lineup, the May Arbitron ratings book out on Wednesday gave the station more issues to worry about. Chief among them appears to be the fact that the Chicago Cubs broadcasts, which traditionally have swelled the news/talk station's numbers during baseball season, don't seem to be having quite the same impact they usually have. At least not so far. In the key 25- to 54-year-old demo, WGN was down in May to a 2.8 rating from a 3 rating Monday through Sunday. That number bumped the station down to a tie for 16th place in the market, compared with 14th place in the April book. Many of the changes WGN has made in talent and programming have come in the past two months, and the full effect of management's attempt to create an edgier sound has been clouded by the near daily Cubs broadcasts. The real impact of the makeover won't become apparent until at least October, when the Cubs disappear from the lineup.

(Raidio News) NATIONAL RADIO HALL OF FAME

Three radio giants been selected for posthumous induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame (NRHOF).
Jose Miguel Agrelot – the first Hispanic ever inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame, Agrelot was the most dominant media personality in Puerto Rico until his death in 2004.

Harry Kalas – a Philadelphia radio icon who made his major league debut in 1965 calling games for the Houston Astros before being hired as the "voice of the Philadelphia Phillies" in 1971. Kalas won the hearts of Phillies fans and lived to see his team win the World Series, but collapsed and died on April 13, 2009.

Studs Terkel – the legendary host of his own program on WFMT/Chicago from 1958 to 1998. Terkel was known for his unique interviewing style, which showcased his personal curiosity for the common man as well as the politicians and celebrities who passed his way. …..In addition to the three 2009 posthumous inductions, Bruce DuMont, Chairman of the National Radio Hall of Fame Steering Committee, announced that a list of NRHOF nominees---in four additional categories---will be released on June 29th. Online balloting to select the remaining Radio Hall of Fame Class of '09 will begin on June 29th and end at midnight August 1st at www.radiohof.org  
Media Contact: Gina Loizzo: 312-822-0512

(Raidio News) HARVEY PASSING GRIEVED
Listeners as well as radio professionals grieved the passing of radio legend Paul Harvey who passed away last week, February 28th at a hospital near his winter home in Phoenix, AZ.

…..Paul Harvey, the news commentator and talk-radio pioneer whose staccato style made him one of the nation's most familiar voices, died at the age of 90, surrounded by family.

…..Harvey had been forced off the air for several months in 2001 because of a virus that weakened a vocal cord, but he returned to work in Chicago and was still active as he passed his 90th birthday. His death comes less than a year after that of his wife and longtime producer, Lynne.

…..Known for his resonant voice and trademark delivery of "The Rest of the Story," Harvey had been heard nationally since 1951, when he began his "News and Comment" for ABC Radio Networks. He became a heartland icon, delivering news and commentary with a distinctive Midwestern flavor.

…..Harvey composed his twice-daily news commentaries from a downtown Chicago office near Lake Michigan.  Rising at 3:30 each morning, he ate a bowl of oatmeal, then combed the news wires and spoke with editors across the country in search of succinct tales of American life for his program.

…..At the peak of his career, Harvey reached more than 24 million listeners on more than 1,200 radio stations and charged $30,000 to give a speech. His syndicated column was carried by 300 newspapers.

…..In 1976, Harvey began broadcasting his anecdotal descriptions of the lives of famous people. "The Rest of the Story" started chronologically, with the person's identity revealed at the end. The stories were an attempt to capture "the heartbeats behind the headlines." Much of the research and writing was done by his son, Paul Jr.

…..Harvey was born Paul Harvey Aurandt in Tulsa, Okla. His father, a police officer, was killed when he was a toddler. A high school teacher took note of his distinctive voice and launched him on a broadcast career. While working at St. Louis radio station KXOK, he met Washington University graduate student Lynne Cooper. He proposed on their first date and always called her "Angel." They were married in 1940 and had a son, Paul Jr.  They worked closely together on his shows, and he often credited his success to her influence. She was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1997, seven years after her husband was. She died in May 2008.

(Raidio News) OBAMA DOESN'T SUPPORT FAIRNESS DOCTRINE
President Obama made it clear that he does not support any effort to bring back the Fairness doctrine.

….In a statement from the White House last week, the president said he did not support the return of the doctrine, which was first imposed in 1949 and held that broadcasters were obligated to provide opposing points of views on controversial issues of national importance. It was halted under the Reagan administration.

…..During the 2008 Presidential campaign, candidate Obama twice indicated trough an aide that he was not a fan of the doctrine and that he considered the debate "a distraction from the conversation we should be having about opening up the airwaves and modern communications to as many diverse viewpoints as possible."

…..The White House weighed-in on the issue after several Democrats indicated their support for its return in some form, and a top Obama aide said that the issue would be left to the President and presumptive FCC chairman nominee Julius Genachowski. 

(Raidio News) BROADCAST GROUPS THANKFUL
Two national broadcasting groups have thanked President Barack Obama for stating his opposition to bringing back the Fairness Doctrine.

…..David Rehr, President of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), wrote President Barack Obama thanking him for reiterating his opposition to the reinstatement of the fairness doctrine, according to John Eggerton of Broadcasting & Cable magazine.

…..Rehr stated that "on behalf of [NAB], I am writing to express our gratitude to you for the Feb. 18 statement. He added that "at a time when the challenges that face our country require vigorous debate and discussion, our nation's TV and radio broadcasters provide a rich diversity of viewpoints from all sides of the political spectrum."

…..In addition, Dr. Frank Wright, president of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) said that his membership as well was thankful for the presidents opposition to any attempts to re-impose the Fairness Doctrine, as this would harm religious broadcasters.

(Raidio News) ANNE LOTZ RECEIVES AWARD

Anne Graham Lotz, founder of AnGeL Ministries is named the recipient of the Excellence in Communications” Award by the Women in Christian Media.

…..Mrs. Lotz has passionately proclaimed God's Word to people around the world for over thirty years, and has inspired listeners in arenas and prison cells, stadiums and Bible studies. Anne is also an award-winning and best-selling author, and her nine books include her signature book Just Give Me Jesus and her most recent release I Saw the Lord. …..Women in Christian Media recognizes outstanding achievements in the communications field by conferring annual "Excellence in Communication" awards of merit for National Achievement in Christian Media. The presentations of these awards is intended to be an incentive for the continued pursuit of excellence for those working in radio, television, film, internet, publishing & internet industries and to focus public attention on outstanding Christian cultural, educational, technological, entertainment, news and informational achievements in media.

…..The Women in Christian Media Excellence in Communications Award will be presented at the Women in Christian Media's 4th Annual Conference at the Opryland Gaylord in Nashville, TN, on February 5th and 6th, 2009.

(Raidio News) NRB CONVENTION ENDS

The National Religious Broadcasters conclude their convention in Nashville, TN, just as the organization was girding itself for a major battle over broadcasting freedoms.

…..Dr. Frank Wright, President and CEO of NRB, noted that 2009 may be a "year of great paradox for Christian broadcasters." Senior Vice President and General Counsel Craig Parshall said that with the new Congress and Administration, there was reinvigoration of the so-called 'fairness doctrine,' and speech-suppression masquerading as hate-crimes legislation, along with employment regulations, left little or no room for faith-based hiring decisions, and FCC regulations could invade programming content decisions, such as localism mandates, adverse definitions of the 'public interest' obligation, and media reform rules that could disfavor Christian broadcasters.

…..While also noting that NRB supports pro-active measures, such as the Broadcaster Freedom Act introduced in the House of Representatives, Parshall stated: "The threats are so pervasive that we are prepared to use all means, including public information, legislative advocacy, and legal battles in the courts to ensure that Christian broadcasters are not banished to the frozen wasteland of censorship."

(Raidio News) NEW BROADCASTS IN FULANI

Church partners with the Evangelical Covenant church are reaching out to the Fulani people in Africa, with plans to use radio to broadcast in the local language.

…..Unable to purchase a station, Christians are making plans to purchase half-hour time slots on two radio stations for weekly discipleship programs. The programs would be broadcast in the capital city of Ouagadougou and possibly Djibo. …..Fufulde is the language of the Fulani, the largest nomadic tribe spread throughout Africa. Roughly 150,000 of an estimated 1.5 million people in the capital city are Fulani – but roughly one percent of them are Christians.…..Programs will teach first on the Old Testament, which will enable Christians to build trust by the time they start talking about Christ, as Muslims are familiar with Old Testament figures because they are also mentioned in the Koran, but their stories are told differently. According to a spokesperson, the Koran has scattered references with incomplete and inaccurate stories to many of the patriarchs, and they consider themselves within the people of Abraham, but redefine who God is. They claim all earlier prophets, including Jesus, but neglect the theological aspects of their stories such as original sin, substitution sacrifice, and atonement.”

 For Further Information: www.covchurch.org

(Raidio News) SIRIUS-XM PUSH FOR HD

One of the conditions suggested for the Sirius-XM merger was the inclusion of HD Radio technology in future satellite radio receivers, and Clear Channel is reportedly still pushing for this condition, according to a new filing with the FCC.

…..According to Radio Business Report, CC has suggested to the Commission that satellite receivers should include HD Radio capabilities to help keep local terrestrial radio competitive.

For more info: http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=997094

(Raidio News) U.S. AUTO CUTS AD COSTS

In yet another sign of the turmoil going on with the U.S. automakers, the Big Three U.S. auto manufacturers have cut their advertising spending this year.   

…..Through July 2008, Ford Motor Company, and Chrysler LLC each spent 22% less on advertising than they did in 2007, while General Motors Corp. cut its ad spending by 6%, according to data from Nielsen Monitor-Plus.

…..On the other side, some foreign automakers dramatically increased their ad expenditures. Honda Motor Company spent 13% more in the first seven months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007, while Daimler AG increased its spending a whooping 48%.

(Raidio News) FCC TO INVESTIGATE ARBITRON?

FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein has sent a letter to Chairman Kevin Martinurging that the Commission begins an official investigation into the methodology of Arbitron's Portable People Meter (PPM) ratings service. In the letter, Adelstein wrote, "We have heard from numerous broadcasters and advocates for diversity that the continued deployment of [the PPM] in new markets without accreditation from Media Ratings Council constitutes a clear and present danger to media diversity."

For more info: http://www.fmqb.com/Article.asp?id=994169

(Raidio News) SALEM UPGRADE CHALLENGED

Community members in Covina, CA are upset over a plan by Salem Radio’s KRLA AM 870 to install five 285-foot radio towers in their hillside community. The towers would be built on a 73-acre plot, according to planning documents.

…..The county has received nearly 200 letters in opposition to the project, including letters from the West Covina and Walnut city councils, according to Anita Gutierrez, a regional planner with the county. The land is bordered by Walnut, Covina and West Covina.

…..Salem Communications Consultant Dennis Ciapura said the towers are needed because of FCC regulations. The Glendale-based radio station can transmit a 50,000 watt signal during the day but must reduce power to only 3,000 watts at sundown.  Ciapura said. "The greater Los Angeles area has grown tremendously since we first constructed in Glendale; we need to bring it up to pace. ..."

….Problem is that half of the project site is within the boundaries of a Significant Ecological Area, according to county documents, and many residents are upset that project plans include widening and realigning parts of Buzzard Peak Trail, grading and bulldozing the site, removing approximately 10 oak trees and pruning and trimming 27 trees.

 

(Raidio News) TROUBLE FOR BROADCASTERS?

The sweeping Democratic victory likely means more trouble for broadcasters, according to the industry's lawyers and lobbyists. With Barack Obama in the White House and a larger Democratic majority on Capitol Hill, industry reps fear Congress and a reconstituted FCC may push for local programming quotas, more children's programming requirements, restrictions on product placements and mandates for free air time for candidates.

…..The Democrats have historically been less enthusiastic about policing broadcast indecency, they point out, but many would like nothing better than to bring back the fairness doctrine to muzzle their many right-wing critics on radio. And broadcasters can forget about looser ownership restrictions, they say. The challenge will be to keep the Democrats from tightening them to encourage more diversity in media ownership, one of their oft-stated policy goals.

(Raidio News) HIGH COURT HEARS CASE

The Supreme Court has begun hearing arguments on the FCC's power over fleeting instances of obscenities and their ability to fine broadcasters for such occurrences. Reportedly, the more conservative members of the court have appeared to favor the Commission's recent decisions on stricter fines for broadcasters.

…..The Los Angeles Times reports that Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justice Antonin Scalia "dominated this week’s argument and strongly supported" the FCC's powers over indecency. Roberts ripped the well-documented instances on the Billboard Music Awards from Bono and Cher that led to the case. Scalia said that while such language can often be heard in public, "You don't have to have them presented as something that is normal in polite company, which is what happens when it comes out in television shows," he said, adding, "I am not persuaded by the argument that people are more accustomed to hearing these words than they were in the past."  Some of the other members of the Supreme Court remained fairly quiet during the proceedings, making the outcome difficult to predict.

(Raidio News) TWR HAS NEW PREZ

International Christian broadcaster Trans World Radio (TWR) officially announced the selection of Lauren Libby as its new president and CEO.  Mr. Libby succeeds David Tucker, who stepped down from his position earlier this year.

…..Libby, who currently serves as vice president and chief operating officer with The Navigators in Colorado Springs, Colorado, will be commissioned by TWR on December 1. He will become the Mission's fourth president.

…..Libby is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Religious Broadcasters, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability and Northwestern College

(Raidio News) OLD-TIME RADIO REVIVAL?

The so-called “golden age of radio” with its great variety of comedy, music and drama, has long been gone from the airwaves, replaced by television.

…..It turns out that classic radio drama is undergoing a revival of sorts. Fans can find those long-forgotten shows the syndicated “When Radio Was”, satellite radio, on the Internet and on compact disc, and they don't always have to pay to listen.

For More Information:  http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/11/06/entertainment/radio/   

(Raidio News) NEW CEO FOR HCJB GLOBAL

It was announced recently that Wayne Pedersen, Vice-president, broadcasting, Moody Radio, has accepted the position of President/CEO for HCJB Global.

…..Pedersen Came to Moody Broadcasting Network in 2004, and brought many positive changes to the Christian radio network…..the largest Christian network  in the United States.

…..In a memo to co-workers and friends, Pedersen wrote that “It’s with sadness and appreciation I inform you that I’ve accepted the position of President/CEO for HCJB Global, effective November 1, 2008.  Leaving our work and friends at Moody will be difficult.  I’ve come to love and respect the gifted and dedicated men and women who minister here.”

….. In 1931 Clarence Jones took his experience and challenge from Evangelist Paul Rader, senior minister at the Chicago Gospel Tabernacle, and started radio station HCJB in Quito. Today HCJB Global Voice and Global Hands is an international ministry with 800 staff and 230 missionaries; corporate headquarters is in Colorado Springs.  The Global Technology Center is in Elkhart, IN and currently HCJB Global Voice has outlets in 100 countries broadcasting in 120 languages and is using podcast, video production and mobile devices. …..The mission of HCJB Global is to reach those who have never heard the Gospel message and to equip those who can be mobilized.  Media, healthcare and leadership training are the strategies used to come alongside indigenous ministries to plant, train and equip.

…..Pederson’s final day in the Chicago office will be Friday, October 31st

(Raidio News) CASE GOES TO THE HIGH COURT

The Supreme Court is slated to tackle an important case on broadcast indecency on Election Day, November 4th.  

…..The Court case centers around the 2002 and 2003 Billboard Music Awards on Fox, where Cher and Nicole Richie both used profanity on live television. While the FCC did not fine Fox, the networks later joined forces to challenge the Commission, on the grounds that they could be fined millions of dollars down the road if such an incident occurred again. While a federal appeals court ruled in favor of the broadcasters, the FCC appealed the case and took it to the Supreme Court.

…..The Court isn't expected to make a ruling until sometime early in 2009.

(Raidio News) WEBCASTER BILL PASSES HOUSE

The House of Representatives passed the Webcaster Settlement Act, which will let Internet radio stations continue negotiations for a lower royalty rate than those announced by the CRB last year. The act lets Webcasters continue to negotiate with the music industry while Congress is not in session.

…..Last Friday, two groups of lobbyists were working to get Congress to extend negotiations on the rates, with the NAB attempting to stop such an extension. However, one report says that the NAB dropped its opposition after Rep. Howard Berman met with NAB representatives and addressed their concerns.

…..When the bill was introduced, the NAB reportedly took action to fight against it. The Wall Street Journal reported that the NAB was not involved with recent negotiations with the RIAA over Webcaster royalty rates, and its members could have ended up paying out more than those SJ in the deal. 

…..In a statement last week, the NAB merely said that it "has concerns related to Congress attempting to fast-track a bill introduced less than 24 hours ago that could have serious implications for broadcasters, webcasters, and consumers of music."

(Raidio News) HD RADIO GETS BOOST

Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, has introduced new legislation that would give consumers access to HD Radio via "key consumer electronic devices," including receivers for satellite radio.

…..A bipartisan group of Energy and Commerce Committee members all cosponsored the bill, H.R. 7157: Representatives Lee Terry (R-NE), Charlie Gonzalez (D-TX), Greg Walden (R-OR), Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Dan Burton (R-IN). 

…..The NAB applauds the bill, with President/CEO David Rehr saying in a statement, "NAB salutes the leadership of Chairman Markey and a bipartisan group of lawmakers for sponsoring this important bill that will boost the integration of HD Radio in satellite radio receivers, including those installed in automobiles. In addition to providing 235 million weekly listeners with entertainment and music programming, free local radio stations have a long tradition of serving as a lifeline during times of crisis. This legislation will extend and enhance these services as radio stations embrace our digital future."

(Raidio News) NRB PREZ GIVES WARNING

The President of National Religious Broadcasters, Dr. Frank Wright, has warned congressional leadership that the FCC may be "opening a Pandora's box" if it permits inadequately tested and unlicensed wireless devices to be loosed onto the American market.

……In a letter today to Republican Minority Leader Robert Boehner, Wright voiced grave concern over the current status regarding the use of so-called "White Space," that part of the TV spectrum that the Federal Communications Commission has proposed for use by new wireless communications devices.

…..Wright sees a likelihood of "serious interference to both existing television broadcasts and virtually all licensed microphone users" if new emerging handheld devices do not have adequate safeguards to protect against interference with existing signals.

…..Another round of testing on these new wireless devices, and their potential impact on existing TV and microphone usage, has been ordered by the FCC and is currently underway. However, Wright notes in his letter to Rep. Boehner that the past testing of experimental "auto-sensing" devices proposed by wireless device manufacturers to minimize signal interference has had "poor results."

(Raidio News) WCM ANNOUNCES CONNECTION

Kay Arthur, one of the key figures in the field of Christian communications, will be the keynote speaker for the launch of the new Women in Christian Media West Coast San Diego Connection on October 9th.

…..Kay Arthur is a four-time Gold Medallion award-winning author and beloved international Bible teacher. Kay reaches more than 80 million people daily through radio and TV and countless more through the Internet as the featured teacher on "Precepts For Life." Today, Precept teaches people in 150 countries and nearly 70 languages how to discover Truth for themselves.

…..The featured musical artist will be Mary James, the Inspirational Country Music Awards two-time nominee for Top 5 Female Vocalists. Marcia Ramsland of Organizing Pro Inc. and Director of the West Coast/ San Diego Connection will emcee the event.

…..Arthur’s topic for the evening will be "Communicating Truth in Troubled Times" and the event is open to all women active in any form of Christian mass communications.

…..The event will take place at the Hanlery Hotel in San Diego, California, and you can register on line at www.womeninchristianmedia.org 

(Raidio News) NAB SHOW NOW HISTORY

This year’s NAB Radio Show, held in Austin, TX is now history.  

…..The NAB Radio Show is the largest annual convention for radio. This year's show delivered a one-of-a-kind networking opportunity for station professionals representing all format and market sizes and was co-located with the R&R Convention.

…..The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. As the voice of more than 8,300 radio and television stations, NAB advances their interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age.

…..For more information regarding this years show: www.nabradioshow.com 

 

(Raidio News) RADIO HOST GETS VISA

Luda Kinok, director of Russian programming for KICY, Nome, Alaska, recently received a renewal from the Russian government on her visa, which will be valid for 2 years. KICY’s general manager, Dennis Weidler, said that Kinok will be returning to Nome in about two weeks to continue her broadcasting obligations in the Russian language.  

…..KICY’s studio and transmitter is located in Nome, Alaska, and broadcasts its directional 50,000 watt signal in the Russian language from 11pm – 4am AK time (8p – 12 midnight Russian time).

…..For more information: www.kicy.org

(Raidio News) ARBITRON ACCURACY QUESTIONED

Friction continues between minority broadcaster organizations and Arbitron over the PPM and its accuracy in measuring Hispanic and African-American listenership. NABOB (National Association Of Black Owned Broadcasters) has added its voice to the fray slong with the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies (AHAA), which have petitioned the FCC to investigate the PPM.

…..The NABOB executive director said that Arbitron’s methodology shows deficiencies, and that these deficiencies result in a significant under representation of young African Americans in the PPM results.

…..In an Arbitron response, a spokesman said that the organizations are merely reiterating their previous positions, but neglect "the commitment that Arbitron has made to continued dialogue with Urban and Hispanic broadcasters and agencies; the superiority of the PPM over the paper and pencil diary as a survey tool; the significant improvements that we’ve delivered in the quality of our PPM samples in terms of African-American, Hispanic and Spanish-Dominant representation and the outreach we are making to the advertisers who target African-American and Hispanic consumers.”

…..Arbitron says it doesn’t believe the FCC has jurisdiction over the ratings company and "consequently lacks the authority to commence a Section 403 investigation.”

(Raidio News) AD REVENUE DOWN

According to the Radio Advertising Bureau, overall radio revenue was down six percent in Q2 and was down five percent for the first half of the year. Local ad revenue fell by seven percent in Q2, and six percent in the first half of '08. National ad revenue dropped by 11 percent in both time frames. Network ad dollars were up three percent in the first six months, but remained flat in the second quarter. Off-air revenue grew by 10 percent in Q2 and 12 percent in the first half of the year.

…..The RAB also notes that "in the Local and National sectors, radio’s Q2 and year-to-date revenue revealed a number of well-performing areas even as total media spending cutbacks in key categories impacted radio’s bottom line." Political advertising is "a welcome infusion of dollars" into radio, while insurance advertisers spent almost 22 percent more in the first half of '08 compared to '07.

…...However, off-air radio revenue is expected to approach $2 billion by the end of the year, almost a year ahead of predictions. Off-air revenue has already surpassed the RAB's 2007 mid-year forecast. Off-air revenue has increased at a compound annual growth rate of 12.3 percent over the past two years. Off-air revenue is comprised primarily of online activity, followed closely by experiential marketing partnerships.

(Raidio News) GAY RADIO HOST GOES TO MSNBC

Openly homosexual activist and talk radio host Rachel Maddow will become host of her own cable news show on MSNBC, according to a Keith Olbermann blog.  Maddow is a frequent fill-in host on Keith Olbermann’s Countdown show.  

…..Rumors that Maddow would receive her own show has been rampant, including a July 17th New York Times article that suggested as much.

…..Maddow, who currently co-hosts a radio morning program on the liberal Air America, started guest hosting for Olbermann about five months ago. Most listeners to her radio show are undoubtedly aware of her homosexuality. She’s been living with her “partner” for ten years.

….When asked if America is ready for an openly lesbian host on cable television news, Maddow replied: “Well, I think Ellen DeGeneres has shown people they were ready for her - but I will not dance the way Ellen does.”

(Raidio News) LOST RADIO ARCHIVES FOUND

Trans World Radio has discovered the 'lost writings' of Corrie Ten Boom from a long-forgotten archive of radio programs.  They were uncovered in the Netherlands office audio archives, where ten Boom’s devotions were originally broadcast over TWR from 1966 to the early 1970s in her native Dutch tongue.

…..TWR U.S. representative Tom Watkins said that the programs that she broadcast in Dutch had never before been translated into English. Essentially, it's kind of like finding a 'Fort Knox,' in terms of original content from Corrie Ten Boom.”

…..The broadcasts turned into a devotional called "I Stand at the Door and Knock" which now has been published by Zondervan Publishing House in Grand Rapids, Michigan; it comprises the third and likely final installment of Corrie's extensive writings culled from unused audio segments containing her spiritual meditations.

…..Ten Boom's story came out in the international bestseller, The Hiding Place, and was made into a movie by the same title. The book portrays the Ten Boom family's efforts to hide Jews during the German occupations of The Netherlands during World War II, and the sustaining power of God through the atrocities of a concentration camp after Corrie and her family were captured by the Nazis.  Corrie traveled the globe preaching the Gospel and encouraging the Church with her message of love, faith, and forgiveness until her death in 1983.

(Raidio News) VETERAN PERSONALITY BACK ON-AIR

Veteran broadcaster, author, and speaker Rich Buhler is returning to the microphone to host his pioneering radio program Talk From the Heart on KBRT-AM 740 in Los Angeles. 

…..Buhler has a long background in media; beginning in radio at 17 years of age, starting at an FM radio station in downtown Los Angeles; he went from there to the pioneering all-news radio station KFWB and was part of the team that helped bring it from rock-and-roll to all-news. He also worked for CBS at KNX "Newsradio," also in Los Angeles.

…..Buhler is regarded by many as the father of modern Christian talk radio. “Talk From the Heart” became a sensation when it came on the air on KBRT in 1981 and was the spark that ignited similar daily commercial programs on Christian stations across the country.

…..Buhler has not hosted a daily program for 10 years, an absence that was by his own choice, when he was “faced with having to deal with a very serious family issue," he said. One of the results was that his marriage ended in divorce.

…..Buhler's professionalism and caring attitude and, over the years, until he quit, he was the unchallenged king of Christian talk radio in Southern California. His many friends will welcome him back with great joy.

…..”Talk From the Heart” is heard from 3:00 to 5:00 pm Pacific Time daily on KBRT (www.kbrt740.com)

(Raidio News) NRHOF SELECTS DR. JAMES DOBSON

Noted Psychologist and Christian broadcaster Dr. James Dobson was recently elected in national online balloting for induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame.

…..Dobson’s popular Focus on the Family radio program is the first religious-based program to receive the honor by the Chicago-based Museum of Broadcast Communications. He joins a class of eight other broadcasters. Those who did not make the cut included Howard Stern, Dr. Laura Schlessinger and Bob Costas.

…..Dobson was chosen in the “national active” category, which required a national broadcast contribution of at least 10 years. Orson Welles, Jack Benny, Paul Harvey and Rush Limbaugh are among past honorees.

…..Dobson said in a statement that his program “has not been a solo effort - it has been a symphony performed by more than 10,000 people over the past 32 years. I am indebted to them all.”

…..The program airs on more than 3,000 North American stations and in 27 languages in 160 countries. Dobson will be inducted Nov. 8.

….A number of homosexual-activists have stated that they will protest the event due to Dobson’s award and his stand for normal, healthy family relationships.

For more info:  http://www.museum.tv/rhofsection.php?page=347&prev=y

(Raidio News)  "RADIOFEST" BEGINS!

The spectacular event known as “Radiofest” has now begun as thousands of attendees from across the United States and a number of foreign countries have come to southwest-suburban Chicago.

…..The yearly event features numerous seminars on radio restoration, historical presentations and helpful "how-tos" for those who have interest in this fascinating field. The educational sessions will feature some of the most renowned people in the country presenting information about their special areas of interest. In addition, a giant flea market will be held with thousands of antique radio’s and communication-related items for sale.

…..The Willowbrook Holiday Inn is the convention host for “Radiofest”, and is located close to both airports (20 miles from O’Hare and 15 miles from Midway) and close to the major interstate thoroughfares including I90, I-88, I-55 and I-294.

For more info: http://www.antique-radios.org/rf08planning.htm 

(Raidio News)  EUROPEANS ANNOUNCE CHANGES

Noted European Broadcaster Ger deRidder announced that he is retiring at the end of this year from his position of Lobbyist to the European Union on behalf of the Fellowship of European Broadcasters.

…..Taking deRidder’s place will be Harvey Thomas, who is currently serving as FEB Chairman. Thomas is to take on his new role on behalf of the Fellowship at the end of this year - 2008. The position is unpaid and part-time and Harvey will continue his professional work as an International PR Consultant. 

…..Harvey will represent the interests of Christian Broadcasters at the European Union. Issues of concern include Regulation of Advertising and Product Placement; Cultural and Religious Responsibilities in Public Service Broadcasting; Protection of Minors; Responsibility and Accountability on the Internet; Licensing opportunities for Digital and Analogue Spectra and the growing integration of Culture and Religion.

…..Harvey is a Member of SEAP (the Society of European Affairs Professionals) and makes his home outside of London.

(Raidio News) FTC RELEASES NEW REPORT

The Federal Trade Commission recently issued a report called Self Regulation in the Alcohol Industry, and it highlighted the need for more widespread electronic measurement of the radio listening audience.

…..The FTC indicated that beverage advertisers would be able to use the more frequent data that electronic measurement provides to better comply with the industry’s guidelines for advertising alcohol.

…..Pierre Bouvard, Arbitron's President of Sales and Marketing said that “this FTC report illustrates one more reason why the radio industry needs more timely reporting of audience estimates. Our Portable People Meter ratings services will help adult beverage advertisers use radio more responsibly. Electronic measurement will put the medium on par with television, which already has the capability to account reliably for month-to-month changes in audience composition."

(Raidio News) FCC TO MAKE SATELLITE DECISION?

Sources say that FCC staffers have told XM's lawyers to keep their schedule open for the second half of July and cancel any vacation plans. This could indicate the Commission's timetable for making a decision on the merger.

……..And in a related development, the Consumers Union and Consumer Federation of America have both asked the FCC for full versions of documents recently cited by the Consumer Coalition for Competition in Satellite Radio (C3SR). The documents "call into question the candor of the merger parties in their dealings with the Commission both as licensees and during the merger review proceeding. Specifically, the redacted filings suggest that XM and Sirius apparently did not comply with the requirements in each company’s license concerning interoperable receivers."

(Raidio News) LOCALISM ISSUE A CONCERN

In a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, Reps. Joe Barton (R-TX), Ranking Member of the House Commerce Committee, Cliff Stearns (R-FL), Ranking Member of Commerce's Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, write that the proposals considered in the FCC's report and notice of proposed rulemaking on broadcast localism would harm, rather than help, the cause of localism.

…..The report, released in January, seeks comment on a number of proposals, including program-reporting requirements, a return to the main studio rule, and a requirement that stations meet regularly with community advisory boards.

…..Barton and Stearns say the localism report "suggests the Federal Communications Commission is considering re-imposing broadcast regulations that the FCC appropriately eliminated more than 20 years ago on the grounds that market forces would better serve localism."

…..This latest letter from Barton and Stearns' follows a letter to Martin last month from more than 120 House members, urging the FCC to reconsider what the lawmakers called the "radical re-regulation" of the broadcast industry as proposed in the localism report.

 

(Raidio News) ECUADORIAN BROADCASTER MURDERED

An Ecuadorian radio broadcaster with HCJB Global in the coastal city of Guayaquil was shot to death by unknown assailants near his home.

…..On Monday, June 23rd, Raúl Rodríguez Coronel, 63, vice president of news and host of the daily news and opinion program, "Buenos Días Ecuador" (good morning Ecuador), was killed after two unidentified men approached him, firing weapons. 

…..Rodríguez had just finished presenting his live program and then drove to Guayacanes, a neighborhood north of Guayaquil. Witnesses said Rodríguez hid behind a car, but at least one gunman followed him and fired more shots before the attackers fled in a taxi and another vehicle. He was taken to the local Kennedy Clinic where he died an hour later from four gunshot wounds to his leg, pelvis and chest.

…..The Asociación Ecuatoriana de Radiodifusión (Ecuadorian broadcasting association) called the incident another attack on free speech in Ecuador and suspected that Rodriguez's death was tied to the fact he was a "professing evangelical Christian who made commentaries on such things as the fight against corruption in various public institutions and the high price of basic necessities." He also took a firm stand against such things as drug trafficking, homosexuality and abortion.

…..Rodríguez's family said he occasionally received telephone threats, and in 2006, six men tried to kill him as he was parking his car.

…..Rodríguez is survived by his wife, Silvia Orellana, of 39 years and four children.  

(Raidio News) CLEAR CHANNEL FINALLY SELLS

Clear Channel and private-equity firms Thomas H. Lee Partners and Bain Capital finally came to an agreement on a sale price of $17.9 billion, or $36.00 per share, lower than the original $39.20 per share when the original deal was penned. The radio company got marked down because the credit markets have tightened and the radio industry has gotten less profitable since.

…..The deal has already received a nod from antitrust oversight authorities and the FCC, and the company said it doesn't need and additional regulatory clearance.  Shareholders are likely not to squabble about the sale price.

…..James B. Boyle, an analyst at C.L. King & Associates, said in a note to investors that the lower offer should be easily justifiable to shareholders given the even more sluggish radio sector, which has seen 11 straight months of declines in advertising sales.

…For more nformation visit: Forbes.com

(Raidio News) XM POSTS 2007 FINANCIALS

XM Satellite Radio Holdings is reporting their financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2007.

…..XM announced that 2007 revenue increased year over year by 22 percent to $1.1 billion, and added 1.4 million net new subscribers ending 2007 with more than 9 million subscribers, an 18 percent increase over the prior year.

…..The 2007 adjusted operating loss of $238 million included merger and settlement charges of $86 million which were excluded from their guidance range of $170 million to $180 million loss, with the fourth Quarter adjusted operating loss coming to $117 million.

.....For more info:  http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=115922&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1113538&highlight

(Raidio News) NOTED RADIO CONSULTANT PASSES

Nationally-known and respected broadcast engineer and consultant Robert Allen Jones, of Indian Head Park, IL, died peacefully on May 7, 2008, at the age of 81.

…..Jones served in the Navy during WWII, and following the war earned his bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology; he then proceeded to start his own successful consulting engineering firm.

…..Jones was highly respected within the radio broadcast community and his expertise was sought by many U.S. and international broadcasters. He also was committed to his faith in Jesus Christ and took many short-term missionary trips to Haiti, Switzerland, Alaska, Japan, Aruba and Italy.

…..He is survived by his wife, Patricia and her children, and 17 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and five nieces.

…..Funeral services were held Saturday, May 10th, and memorials may be made in memory of Robert Allen Jones to the Illinois Institute of Technology.

(Raidio News) NEW DIGITAL RADIO LAUNCH DELAYED 

The launch of the new 4Digital Group Radio multiplex in Europe has been delayed…..possibly until sometime in 2009. 

…..The Commercial Broadcaster is thought to be requesting more time to launch the service and discussions with business partners are making slow progress.  Channel 4 has still to sign a contract with Arqiva, which is building the masts and transmitters for the multiplex, and it’s still unclear which stations will launch on the service.

…..The Regulator, Ofcom, is leading talks with the Commercial Radio industry, C4, and the BBC about how best to improve viability for DAB radio in the UK.  

(Raidio News) MOODY RADIO ANNOUNCES NEW PROGRAM

Chris Fabry Live!  is premiering this week on Moody Radio affiliates around the country. The networks one-hour program is a live call-in program designed to build up the spiritual immune system of the Christian man and woman.

…..The program will address current events and topical issues with special guests and caller interaction.

…..Host Chris Fabry is a broadcast veteran having served for a number of years at WMBI in Chicago and was heard on the nationally-syndicated program “Focus On The Family”; as well, Fabry is an accomplished author. Fabry lives near Colorado Springs with his wife, Andrea, and their nine children.

(Raidio News) HEATED RADIO WORDS CAUSES CONCERN

Denver’s Rocky Mountain News reports that Rush Limbaugh and the left-wing Air America network may have reached a consensus – well, sort of.

…..Dave Kopel, research director at the Independence Institute, wrote a commentary for the newspaper after Limbaugh made some comments about favoring riots at this summer’s Democratic National Convention in Denver, followed by comments made by Roseanne Barr, Air America's new replacement for the disgraced Randi Rhodes.

…..Apparently, Limbaugh sang a line from the tune of “White Christmas”, that went like “I’m Dreaming of Riots in Denver”, and Barr told her listeners that "we should a bunch of us go there and repeat the Democratic Convention from Chicago. Like, let's just cause a bunch of trouble." Barr also volunteered to use her own money to rent a bus to take troublemakers to Denver.

….Kopel writes that there was considerable difference between the two offending remarks, and talk on and within the Denver media has been extensive.

For more info: www.RockyMountainNews.com

(Raidio News) LYNNE COOPER HARVEY PASSES

Lynne Cooper Harvey, the wife of radio legend Paul Harvey, who her husband called "Angel", has died after a year-long battle with leukemia. She was 92.

…..A director, writer and editor, and the producer of her husband's radio program, Lynne Harvey was the first producer ever inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. She is credited with coming up with many of the programming innovations that became her husband's trademarks, and influenced the development of broadcast news, both on radio and television. Lynne also developed the well-known feature "The Rest of the Story."

…..The Harveys met in St. Louis, MO at KXOK, where Paul worked as special events director and Lynne, who reported on educational topics. After their marriage in 1940, they began their professional partnership, with Paul in the broadcast booth and Lynne handling behind-the-scenes responsibilities. In addition to her broadcasting work, Lynne also served on numerous charitable boards.

…..Just before Paul received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, he said that "this is the highest honor I have received since 60-some years ago, when Angel said 'I do.'"

…..Lynne Cooper Harvey is survived by her husband Paul Harvey and their son Paul Jr., who also works on his father's broadcasts.

(Raidio News) MILESTONE NEARS FOR PROGRAM

History's longest running radio drama, “Unshackled”, is getting ready to broadcast episode #3,000 to air during the week of July 13-19.  That episode will air just two months shy of the program's 58th anniversary on Sept. 23. "Unshackled!" is a production and outreach of the Pacific Garden Rescue Mission (PGM) in Chicago.

…..The program first was broadcast in 1945 on Chicago radio station WAIT entitled "Doorway to Heaven." Then on Sept. 23, 1950, a group headed by writer/director John Gillies, the program moved to WGN radio for the first broadcast of "Unshackled!"

…..The popularity of "Unshackled!" was quickly evident, as hundreds of letters poured in each week, and due to WGN Radio's powerful 50,000 watt clear-channel transmitter, listener response came from the eastern half of the United States and Canada, and even from ships at sea in the Atlantic.

…..The production of the episode 3,000 "Unshackled" program was completed on March 22, 2008 and dealt with the topics of anger, depression and deception; it depicts the life and faith of Kathy Wellin.

….."Unshackled!" now airs over 6,500 times each week on over 1,700 radio stations and outlets in the United States and around the world. In addition to English, it is translated and re-dramatized in Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Romanian, Polish, Korean and Japanese.

…..For more information go to www.unshackled.org 

(Raidio News) CELEBRATED RADIO HOST RETIRES

Moody Broadcasting Network aired its final broadcast of Open Line on Wednesday, April 30th with a tribute broadcast, celebrating the programs 26 years of broadcasting and Radio Pastor Donald Cole’s role as host.

…..Pastor Cole’s gentle, honest manner made Open Line Bible question-and-answer broadcasts a source of inspiration and hope for listeners. Cole’s personal approach to the program stems from Pastor Cole’s belief that radio is a one-on-one connection. Producer Tricia Boyle said that “he becomes almost their dad, or their grandpa…..he becomes that person that they look up to for wisdom. He’s able to touch their hearts and challenge them. He’s been ‘that person’ for a lot of listeners.”

…..Listeners can still hear Pastor Cole on his weekly news commentary for Moody Radio. He divides his remaining time between his family and the Cole’s ministry in Angola, where the family were missionaries from 1948 until 1966.

…..For more information: www.moodyradio.org

(Raidio News) SATELLITE MERGER IN QUESTION

The FCC has been approached by more politicians to have the commission take a closer look at the potential merger between XM and Sirius, as 11 state attorney generals have called for a probe into the merger. The group, led by Marc Dann of Ohio, sent a letter to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, stating their concerns about the merger.

…..They wrote in part that "the combination of these companies will result in a single corporation controlling access to all nationally-available satellite radio, and given the national footprint, we are disappointed that the Department of Justice Antitrust Division would permit this merger to proceed unchallenged or without the imposition of appropriate terms and conditions that would reduce the proposed transaction's anticompetitive impact, such as the divestiture of spectrum to allow the entry of a new entity into this market."

…..In addition to Ohio's Dunn, the letter was signed by the Attorney Generals from 10 other states.

(Raidio News) LAWMAKERS PETITION COMMISSION

A letter sent to FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, signed by over 120 lawmakers, asks the Commission to reconsider its current localism proceedings.

…..Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) released the letter, which expressed concern over the FCC's plans. The lawmakers describe the current plans as a "radical re-regulation of our nation’s broadcast system."

…..The lawmakers said in the letter that "while we agree with the Commission that fostering more and better local programming is a laudable goal, we do not agree that mandates from Washington are the best means of achieving that goal. Indeed, the tentative conclusion in the localism proceeding to effectively force broadcasters to air programming that fits pre-ordained categories creates clear constitutional concerns."

(Raidio News) DIGITAL PLATFORMS SHOW GROWTH

Arbitron and Edison Media Research released a new study, The Infinite Dial 2008: Radio’s Digital Platforms, which shows continued growth in the usage of various forms of digital audio entertainment, including online radio, MP3 players, and podcasting.

…..The findings show that the weekly online radio audience has increased in the past year to an estimated 33 million people. Thirteen percent of the U.S. population age 12 and older have listened to online radio in the past week, which is up from 11 percent in 2007. On a weekly basis, online radio reaches more than one in seven 25- to 54-year olds.
……The study also asked consumers to rate the impact different digital audio platforms has on their lives. More than one in five (21 percent) consumers said radio has a big impact on their lives, second only to mobile phones (33 percent). Also, iPod/MP3 player ownership continues its dramatic growth. Nearly four in ten (37 percent) own an iPod or other brand of MP3 player, which is up from 30 percent in 2007 and more than two and a half times the number in 2005. Nearly 73 percent of people ages 12-17 own a digital audio player.

(Raidio News) PUBLIC WANTS REGULATION

According to the American Media Services Radio Index survey, more than three out of five American adults say the government should regulate the use of obscenities on Internet radio, just as they do with regular radio and television broadcasts.

…..The national poll was posed to a sample of 1,004 respondents, asking, "The federal government regulates the use of obscenities and profanity on radio and television stations. Would you say you believe the government should also regulate the use of obscenities or profanity on Internet radio stations?"

…..While 61 percent of respondents 18 and older said the U.S. government should regulate Internet radio, the answers on this question varied greatly by age and gender. Specifically, 51 percent of men favor regulation, while 70 percent of women said they favor it. Also, 78 percent of those over the age of 65 favor regulation, while only 34 percent of those 18-24 are in favor. Neither household income nor geographic region seemed to play a role in the issue.
….Finally, when asked, "What would you say is your favorite way to listen to radio?," 77 percent said "regular radio." Satellite radio got 15 percent of the vote, with Internet radio at 2 percent and HD Radio at 1 percent.

(Raidio News) NAB CONCLUDES IN LAS VEGAS

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Convention concluded its annual convention and show in Las Vegas. It is the world's largest electronic media show covering the development, delivery and management of professional video and audio content across all mediums.

…..The NAB held a series of sessions and panels focusing on the upcoming transition to digital television. A joint session, titled "The Buck Stops Here! DTV Transition Best Practices," and was one of the highlights in the NAB Show's extensive schedule of DTV-related discussions on topics ranging from consumer education to technology requirements to regulatory compliance.

…..Well over 100,000 participants attended, including 27,000 International attendees representing 163 countries

…..For More Information: www.nabshow.com

(Raidio News) NEW HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Earlier this month, the National Religious Broadcasters inducted Richard P. "Dick" Bott, Sr. into the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame at the organization's annual convention in Nashville, TN.  Past recipients have included Dr. Billy Graham, Dr. James Dobson, Dr. Theodore Epp, Dr. Charles Swindoll, Dr. D. James Kennedy, and Dr. Charles Stanley.

…..According to the NRB, the Hall of Fame Award "is presented to an individual who has made invaluable contributions to the field of Christian communications, all the while exhibiting the highest standards of conduct and evidence of faithfulness in Christ."

…..Dick Bott began his broadcasting career in 1952 at KSAN Radio in San Francisco, CA, and was soon named the station's General Manager, thus becoming the youngest GM of any major-market radio station in America. Dick then purchased his first radio station, KDON, in Salinas/Monterey, CA in 1957, quickly achieving a high level of commercial success. That single radio station became the flagship of Bott Radio Network, now comprising 80 stations in 10 states, with a total combined coverage of nearly 40 million people.

(Raidio News) AIR AMERICA HOST SUSPENDED

Liberal talk radio Air America host Randi Rhodes has been suspended for what the network called "inappropriate statements about prominent figures, including Sen. Hillary Clinton, at a recent public appearance on behalf of Air America in San Francisco."

…..At the event, sponsored by Clear Channel Air America affiliate KKGN/San Francisco, Rhodes referred to Clinton as a "f***ing whore" and said the same about Geraldine Ferraro.
…..Air America Chair Charlie Kireker said in a statement, "Air America encourages strong opinions about public affairs but does not condone such abusive, ad hominem language by our hosts."

…..Oh really, critics ask?  They say all one has to do is find one of Air America’s flea-power affiliates and listen to the kind of filth their hosts spew forth in a 55 minute sampling.

(Raidio News) SENATE DELAYS RESOLUTION

The Senate Commerce Committee has delayed its markup of a resolution sponsored by Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) to block the FCC from implementing new rules allowing newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership in the top 20 markets.

…..The resolution had been on the agenda for the April 2 executive session, however, that session has been postponed until April 24.

…..Dogan introduced the bill last month, saying the FCC's new rules, which let a newspaper own a single radio or TV outlet in large markets and include a waiver application process for combinations in smaller markets, "will spur a new wave of media consolidation."

(Raidio News) PAUL HARVEY TAKES SOME TIME OFF

There's nothing quite so comforting as switching your radio to AM and hearing that familiar voice on Paul Harvey's News and Comment. But for the last couple of weeks, that familiar voice hasn't belonged to the 89-year-old Mr. Harvey, but to Dallas radio legend Ron Chapman, now subbing for Harvey from an ABC satellite studio in Dallas.

…..Citadel Broadcasting asked the retired DJ to sit-in for a few days Mr. Harvey, and a delighted Ron Chapman didn’t have to think hard and long about that offer; Mr Chapman said that he had “studied Paul” all his radio life and have patterned many things he does after him. “He's my radio hero”. So his answer was “what time, where and what do I wear?"

…..To enable Mr. Harvey to take a little time off, Ron stepped in on March 20. How long will he continue? "I don't care," says Ron. "Once in my life I get to say, 'For Paul Harvey ... I'm Ron Chapman.' "

(Raidio News) AD REVENUE SLIPS IN '07

According to new data from TNS Media Intelligence, the advertising market continued to sputter at the end of 2007 and finished the year with measured spending of $148.99 billion, up .2 percent from 2006. Internet display advertising continued its growth, increasing 15.9 percent in 2007 to $11.31 billion in expenditures. Consumer magazines registered a 7 percent gain to $24.43 billion, and cable TV spending finished 2007 at $17.84 billion, an increase of 6.5 percent.

…..Ad spending declines in radio accelerated during the fourth quarter, putting the medium near the bottom of the revenue list. For the full year, radio expenditures slipped 3.5 percent to $10.69 billion, partially due to spending reductions by automotive, media and retail advertisers. More specifically, local radio was down 2.7 percent in 2007 compared to 2006, while national spot radio was down 7.1 percent and network radio was down 0.2 percent.

(Raidio News) ARBITRON RELEASES NEW STUDY

Arbitron has released preliminary findings from its RADAR 96 study, and the ratings company says that 95 percent of adults age 18-49 with a college degree and an annual household income of $50,000 or above tune into radio over the course of a week. In total, March 2008 Radio Listening Estimates show that radio reaches more than 235 million listeners per week, showing an increase from one year ago.

…..Additionally, RADAR Network affiliates (which account for over 50 percent of all radio stations) reach 84 percent of adults 25-54 in households with a college degree and an annual household income of $75,000 or above. Those affiliates also have consistent delivery with reaching the key young and adult demographics that advertisers target, such as 84 percent of adults 18-34 and 84 percent of adults 25-54. They also reach 84 percent of adults 18-49.

…..Arbitron's study also shows that 94 percent of Black/Non-Hispanic persons and 95 percent of Hispanic persons age 12 and older tune in to radio over the course of a week. …..The entire RADAR 96 Radio Network Audience Report will be released on March 25.

(Raidio News) OLD TIMERS DX CONTEST PLANNED

The Antique Wireless Association announced that the annual Old Timers DX Contest will take place in April 16th-April 17th, and Saturday and Sunday, April 19th-April 20th.

…..This popular contest, held on 40 and 20 meters, gives the West Coast and DX oldtime operators a more favorable chance to participate and accords a higher point earning status to the great rigs and circuits of the 1950s and earlier.

…..The AWA will send out log sheets and rules to anyone asking for them, including AWA hams who have not regularly joined in their on-air events. AWA hams who would like to receive these materials may contact Bruce J. Howes, at w1ujr@arrl.net.

.....Only equipment, or circuits designed before January 1st, 1960 will be counted as OT gear in scoring.  The 20-meter contest window is only fifteen kilohertz wide this year, which should make it a little easier for operators to find each other on the band. Use old time tuning methods for AWA contests, that is, tune up or down four or five KHz from your calling frequency to get those rockbound operators.

.....For information:  http://www.antiquewireless.org/cundallOTDX2008.htm 

(Raidio News) INDECENCY LAW CHALLENGED AGAIN

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a case dealing with broadcast indecency for the first time in 30 years. The court announced on Monday that it will hear the FCC's appeal that focuses on the commission's ability to fine stations for unscripted and unexpected "fleeting expletives."

…..The appeal stems from a Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in June, which questioned whether such enforcement was constitutional, and stems from an FCC ruling in March of 2006, when the agency found that Fox television violated decency rules because of the Cher Bono incident in 2002 and a similar incident with actress Nicole Richie the following year, also at the Billboard Music Awards. No fines were imposed, but Fox challenged the decision in court, arguing that the government's decency standard was unclear and that the rulings had contradicted findings in past cases. The appeals court sided with Fox, saying the FCC had "failed to articulate a reasoned basis" for its fleeting indecency standards and that such a ruling may violate the First Amendment.

……According to Reuters, the FCC says in its appeal to the high court that the appellate ruling should be reversed because it conflicted with a past Supreme Court ruling and is "inconsistent with settled principles governing judicial review of agency action."

…..The Supreme Court is expected to hear the arguments and to issue a decision in the fall.

(Raidio News) BBC EASTER PROGRAM CRITICIZED

The BBC is facing accusations of rewriting the Easter story by claiming Christ was nailed to the cross in a fetal position.

…..Reports says that the BBC is being accused of “misleading” the public by failing to stay with the traditional image of Jesus with arms outstretched, legs straight and hands nailed.

The makers of The Passion drama say they are challenging this image, because new historical evidence shows he probably did not die this way. They instead claim that Jesus probably died with His arms above his head, nails through His arms and His knees bent.

Detractors of the drama say the BBC is ignoring overt Biblical evidence and offending Christians.  Critics also blasted the show’s portrayal of Jesus' mother Mary, after it suggested she had not known what was happening to her.

…..Mark Goodacre, associate professor of religion at Duke University, who advised producers, also defended the scene. He claimed the Bible did not explain in any detail the type of crucifixion that was used.

Visit our web site at: www.assistnews.net

(Raidio News) NEWS MERGER ANNOUNCED

Nielsen Media Research is reporting that two Christian-oriented radio networks are merging, which will create one of the largest news networks in the country.

…..The Information Radio Network (IRN) and USA Radio Network (USA) officially joined forces on March 3, and will now be Memphis-based.  The new organization -- IRN USA Radio News -- promises to be a powerful voice for accurate information in America and around the globe, according to a media release.

…..Dr. Larry Bates, CEO of the Information Radio Network said that "the merger between our networks is like a hand in a glove -- it's a perfect fit.  We have compatible corporate cultures, and everyone at the helm and in the trenches carries the same mission in their hearts - to provide truth and information to the listening public everyday."

…..An official announcement of the merger will be made to the press and other attendees this week at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, TN.