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Here’s the news for 8/18/08. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.

» Wright At The End Of The Tunnel: Clear Channel WFRE/Frederick, MD APD/MD/afternoon jock Jess Wright has been promoted to PD following Lisa Allen's departure last Friday (CAT 8/15). Her first order of business is to fill the station's midday shift, and the gig could be paired with music duties. Interested parties can send airchecks and resumes here or via snail mail at 5966 Grove Hill Rd., Frederick, MD 21703.

 

» Peck's In Effect: Former KTYS/Dallas afternoon jock Allan Peck is joining Citadel sister KSCS as morning producer for the Dorsey Gang. He replaces Jeff Miles, who is moving to Citadel Hot AC WPLJ/New York. Peck left KTYS in May (CAT 5/21).

 

» Trip Service: What A Trip! Entertainment Pres. Grace Reinbold has been elevated to CEO and Chairman of the company's Board of Directors. EVP Darlene Williams has been upped to President and Mgr./Administrative Services, and Ashley Andrews has been named VP. Chuck Bonnet has joined the company as Mgr./IT Services. Additionally, What A Trip! has moved to One Brentwood Commons, Suite 170, 750 Old Hickory Blvd., Brentwood, TN 37027. The mailing address remains PO Box 120553, Nashville, TN 37212.


<» Change Of Heart: BMI Dir./Writer-Publisher Relations Shelby Kennedy has joined Cherry Heart Music & Entertainment as SVP/COO. Prior to joining BMI in 2005, Kennedy was Dir./A&R at Lyric Street, in addition to spending 10 years at ASCAP.


» Gig Alert: Long time KNTY/Sacramento weekend jock Chase Montgomery has left the station. PD Bob McNeill is seeking his replacement. Airchecks and resumes here.


» Over Time: "Come On Over," Jessica Simpson's Columbia debut single, will be featured in all of the on-air promotion spots leading up to ABC-TV's CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock special, airing Sept. 8.

 

Here’s the news for 8/15/08. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.

 

» Warsaw Packed: Federated Media/South Bend, IN OM & Country WBYT PD/afternoon jock Clint Marsh has been named GM for the company's Warsaw, IN cluster, which includes Country WAWC. He replaces the outgoing Patrick Brown in early September, while current WAWC PD Jay Michaels remains. Marsh's previous stops include WMDH/Muncie, IN, WPOR/Portland, ME and WIXY/Champaign, IL, as well as a stint as Columbia/Nashville Mgr./Midwest Promotions. He's currently seeking his replacement as PD/afternooner. Airchecks and resumes here.

 

» 'FRE Bird: Clear Channel's WFRE/Frederick, MD PD Lisa Allen is no longer with the station. Allen has programmed WFRE for the last 10 years, and is now seeking her next opportunity. Reach her at 301-676-3077 or here. In Arbitron's Spring '08, 'FRE brought in a 17.1, the station's best out of the last eight consecutive books, taking the No. 1 ranking by more than 11 shares. CC/Frederick VP/MM Doug Hillard tells Country Aircheck the search for a replacement has just started, but that promoting from within is possible.

 

» Kudos: Regent's WGNA/Albany raised $186,535 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital during its two-day radiothon Wednesday and Thursday this week. The station also enlisted 490 Partners In Hope to contribute $20 a month for a year.

» Elephantitis: Warner Bros. John Rich has released his music video for "Raisin' McCain," the song to be featured at the Republican National Convention. Watch it here.

» Been Behaving Bradley: Leadership Music's presentation of the Dale Franklin Award to the founding family of Music Row, the Bradleys, has added Lee Ann Womack and Mandy Barnett to the list of performers. Harold, Jerry, Connie, Patsy and Owen (posthumously) will be honored Aug. 26 during a sold-out invite-only fundraising gala at the Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.

» Cycle Of Life: Capitol's Dierks Bentley will host his 3rd Annual Miles & Music For Kids celebrity motorcycle ride through Williamson County, TN to downtown Nashville Oct. 5. The ride and concert benefit the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. Tim McGraw and John Rich are both confirmed to participate.

» Delistance Movement: Regent Communications has been notified by the NASDAQ Stock Market that if the company's stock does not close at the $1 per share minimum or greater for a minimum of 10 consecutive trading days prior to Feb. 2, 2009 it will be delisted. The company's common stock had closed below the share minimum for 30 consecutive days preceding the notification.

» Chronicle: Our condolences to friends and family of famed record exec. Jerry Wexler, who passed this morning at the age of 91. His career includes coining the term "Rhythm & Blues" in addition to being an early partner in Atlantic Records, where he was integral in the signing of Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Led Zeppelin and Bob Dylan. Wexler was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Here’s the news for 8/14/08. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.

 

» How Rate Thou Art: Here are highlights from the final Spring '08 Arbitron ratings. All ratings and rankings are 12+, Mon-Sun, 6am-midnight:

Country stations keeping a grip on No. 1 in their markets include: Burbach's WGGE/Parkersburg-Marietta, WV/OH (13.6-14.0, best in two years); Midwestern's WTCM/Traverse City, MI (10.5-11.1); Cumulus' KBCY/Abilene (11.1-11.2); GapWest's KCTR/Billings, MT (13.8-13.9); Gap's KORD/Tri-Cities, WA (7.0-7.6, best in two years); Midwest Comm.'s WNCY/Green Bay (15.1-9.9 and 14.2-14.3 in Appleton-Oshkosh); Clear Channel's KKIX/Fayetteville, AR (12.9-10.5); Zimmer's KIXQ/Joplin, MO (14.6-12.1); CC's WPAP/Panama City, FL (13.9-10.6); and GapWest's KEZJ/Twin Falls, ID (9.5-7.8). Among the many success stories are: Nassau's WXLF/Lebanon-Rutland, VT, which jumped 2.5-4.3 and from a tie for No. 10 to tie for No. 4; CC's WNUS/Parkersburg-Marietta (12.2-13.3, holding at No. 2 and closing in on WGGE); Opus Media's WAIB/Tallahassee, FL (4.0-6.3, 8-4); Gap's KEAN/Abilene (9.9-10.6, 2-2, just behind KBCY); Morris' KGNC/Amarillo, TX (7.8-8.3, 2-2); Peak's KAWO/Boise, ID (3.7-5.4, 9t-4t); CC's KSNR/Grand Forks, ND/MN (6.0-6.8, 5t-5); Double O's WAKT/Panama City, FL (4.8-6.2, 5t-6t, up four straight sweeps and best since Fa04); Bicoastal's KRWQ/Medford, OR (6.9-7.0, 3-2); and Beasley's WKXC/Augusta, GA, which slipped 8.6-7.9 (1-2), but posted its best spring book in four years.

 

 

 

» Looking Forward: BNA Southeast rep Vance Cobb has left the label for a pop promotion gig with Universal/Republic. Cobb joined BNA in January, coming over from a Top 40 posting with Universal Music Group. Look for a replacement to be named soon.

 

» Nice Ice Baby: Arista's Alan Jackson was honored yesterday evening (8/13) in Nashville for 50 million career album sales. The celebration boasted an elite music industry guest list, as well as an enormous ice sculpture inlaid with each of Jackson's album covers. Current and former label execs, managers and other associates present included former Arista/Nashville President Tim DuBois, who signed Jackson as the label's first artist in 1989.

 

» Kudos: Beasley Broadcast Group has announced its annual Company Operating Awards. WKXC/Augusta, GA PD T Gentry was recognized as PD of the Year and Beasley/Miami GM & WKIS VP/Sales Thomas Manning as GM of the Year.

» No Fluxe: Former Fluxe CEO Brian Lakamp has been named Premiere Radio Networks EVP/Digital Media overseeing interactive business while also creating alternate forms of program delivery. He will be based in Los Angeles and report to Premiere Radio Pres. Charlie Rahilly. Lakamp was previously VP/Digital Policy at Sony Pictures Entertainment and Practice Dir./U.S. Media & Entertainment Operations for Viant Inc.

» Rags To Riches: Capitol's Keith Urban is raising money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital with the online You Look Good In My Old T-Shirt Auction. Urban, LeAnn Rimes, Dolly Parton, Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood have donated autographed, worn shirts for auction here.

» Five Of Activity: Koch Records has renewed its label services deal with Charlie Daniels and his label Blue Hat for an additional five years. Albums currently managed by Koch include Essential Super Hits, The Live Record, Tailgate Party, Fiddle Fire, Redneck Fiddlin' Man, Freedom & Justice For All and Songs From The Longleaf Pines. Koch will also release two new studio albums from Daniels under an existing deal.

 

» Buck Load Of Fun: RCA's Martina McBride headlined the Buck Owens Birthday Bash at Bakersfield's Crystal Palace Tuesday night. She performed numerous Owens songs in tribute of the late star as did Buddy Alan and the Buckaroos and BuckShot, which is comprised of Owens' son John, former Byrds member Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen, who was in the Desert Rose Band with Hillman.

 


» Beer Won: In limited release, Toby Keith's Beer For My Horses was No. 1 at 20 theatre complexes in markets including Indianapolis, Tulsa and Nashville, according to Show Dog.

» Services Set: Visitation with the family of late Smith Wiles & Co. founder Gary Smith will take place tomorrow (8/15) from 5-8pm with the memorial service Saturday (8/16) at 1pm. Both will be held at Brentwood United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gary Smith Trust Fund, to benefit several local charities, at any SunTrust Bank location or to Gary Smith Trust c/o Diane Pearson, 1026 17th Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37212.


Here’s the news for 8/13/08. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.

 

» Peterson Leaves WUSN: In the news shocker of the month (year?), WUSN & WCFS/Chicago PD Mike Peterson has resigned and will be returning to his Oregon home to join the family's recently expanded shade tree nursery business. His last day will be Aug. 29. CBS Radio/Chicago VP/GM Dave Robbins will assume the PD duties of the Country/AC stations until a replacement is found.

"Mike has been an invaluable team member and heads to his next challenge with the knowledge that both radio stations are poised for even greater growth and success in the PPM future," Robbins told station staffers in an internal memo. "Congrats to Mike, and we wish him all the best as he assumes the reins of his own company."

 

» For The Rater Good: Here are highlights from the latest Spring '08 Arbitron ratings released today. All ratings and rankings are 12+, Mon-Sun, 6am-midnight.

Hats off to new No. 1s: Clear Channel's WTCR/Huntington-Ashland, WV/KY, jumping 10.6-13.1 and up from No. 2; and Mel Wheeler's WSLC/Roanoke, VA, climbing 8.8-10.0, also up from No. 2.

Country stations holding at No. 1 include CC's WBUL/Lexington, KY (9.3-10.2); Journal's KTTS/Springfield, MO (15.9-14.8); Citadel's WHWK/Binghamton, NY (13.5-13.6); Cumulus' WQCB/Bangor, ME (16.4-13.4); Nassau's WTHT/Portland, ME in the Lewiston-Auburn market (15.9-16.4); and special kudos to Nininger's WQBE/Charleston, WV, exploding 14.4-20.4 and rebounding from its worst book in years to its best in 24 months, good for a 10.7-share lead.

Among the impressive showings are Cumulus' WLXX/Lexington, KY (6.7-7.5 and from 3-2); CC's WYYD/Roanoke (5.8-6.5, from fifth to tie for third); Cumulus' WLWI/Montgomery, AL (8.4-9.4, holding at No. 3); Bluewater's WBAM/Montgomery (4.6-6.6, from 8-6); Fifth Ave.'s WDGG/Huntington-Ashland (9.3-10.7 and from 3-2); Regent's WKDQ/Evansville, IN (11.7-12.2, holding at No. 2); and Citadel's WXTA/Erie, PA, up for the third straight sweep (6.7-7.5, from 6t-4t).

» L.A. Story: WTVY/Dothan, AL staffers who left the station en masse a few weeks ago (CA Weekly 7/21) seemed to have found a temporary home in Dothan the next day (CAT 7/22), but legal wrangling kept them off the air. Beginning tomorrow, however, former WTVY PD/morning personality Amie Pollard and partner Ken Carlile debut as Pollard & KC on Gulf South's Classic Country WDBT. Also on board for nights is former WTVY evening personality Elizabeth Parrish. WDBT personality Roy Fox will handle middays and afternoons will be vacant for now, to be filled by another former WTVY talent once some additional legal issues are cleared up. Also joining WDBT are former WTVY sales execs Carrie Williams and Alana King. All of this is a prelude to the group launching a brand new Country outlet in early September, when Gulf Shores acquires News/Talk WRJM from Stage Door Development.

» Go Greene: Clear Channel Top 40 WKST/Pittsburgh afternoon jock JD "Dylan" Greene will join KEEY/Minneapolis for the same shift the first week of September. He replaces Chris Carr, who joined WUBE/Cincinnati's B105 Morning Show last month (CAT 7/18). "JD is a perfect addition to the K102 team," says CC/Minneapolis VP/Programming Gregg Swedberg. "He's got a ton of energy, he is great on-air and with listeners, and he loves the music."

 

» Sturgeon General Alert: Al Johnson Broadcasting's WSRG/Sturgeon Bay, WI APD/afternoon jock Coyote Cain has exited the station. Dir./Corporate Operations Jeff Stone is seeking a replacement. Airchecks and resumes here. The morning show's Bucky The Intern will cover the airshift in the interim.

» Gig Alert: Progression Music Group's Ben Ewing is seeking a Project Mgr./Label Coordinator with Country radio promotion experience. The company represents David Ball, Doug Stone, Brandon Jenkins, Johnny Solinger and Hayseed Dixie. Resumes here.

» Wild-Eyed Southern Boys: Capitol's Trace Adkins and southern rock band .38 Special will team up for the next installment of CMT's Crossroads. The show will be taped Aug. 19 in Nashville and premiere Sept. 24 at 10:30pm ET/PT on CMT.

 

» Hope Votes: CMT One Country and Belmont University in Nashville are hosting the Your Voice Your Choice concert event with the Eli Young Band and Randy Rogers Band Aug. 27 at the Curb Event Center. The event kicks off at 5pm and will include free food, voter registration and a Student Battle Of The Bands. Belmont is hosting a presidential debate Oct. 7.

» Services Set: Visitation with the family of the late steel guitarist Don Helms (CAT 8/11) is tomorrow (8/13) from 2-4p and 6-8p. The funeral is Thursday 8/14 at 1pm. Each will take place at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery in Goodlettsville, TN.

» Life Note: Congrats to KPLX/Dallas afternoon sidekick/swinger Ryan Fox, who married his fiancee Amber August 2.

Best wishes also go to Clay Walker and wife Jessica on the birth of their son William Clayton August 5 in Texas. Walker is taking some time off to spend with his family.

Here’s the news for 8/12/08. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.

 

» Peterson Leaves WUSN: In the news shocker of the month (year?), WUSN & WCFS/Chicago PD Mike Peterson has resigned and will be returning to his Oregon home to join the family's recently expanded shade tree nursery business. His last day will be Aug. 29. CBS Radio/Chicago VP/GM Dave Robbins will assume the PD duties of the Country/AC stations until a replacement is found.

"Mike has been an invaluable team member and heads to his next challenge with the knowledge that both radio stations are poised for even greater growth and success in the PPM future," Robbins told station staffers in an internal memo. "Congrats to Mike, and we wish him all the best as he assumes the reins of his own company."

 
» For The Rater Good: Here are highlights from the latest Spring '08 Arbitron ratings released today. All ratings and rankings are 12+, Mon-Sun, 6am-midnight.

Hats off to new No. 1s: Clear Channel's WTCR/Huntington-Ashland, WV/KY, jumping 10.6-13.1 and up from No. 2; and Mel Wheeler's WSLC/Roanoke, VA, climbing 8.8-10.0, also up from No. 2.

Country stations holding at No. 1 include CC's WBUL/Lexington, KY (9.3-10.2); Journal's KTTS/Springfield, MO (15.9-14.8); Citadel's WHWK/Binghamton, NY (13.5-13.6); Cumulus' WQCB/Bangor, ME (16.4-13.4); Nassau's WTHT/Portland, ME in the Lewiston-Auburn market (15.9-16.4); and special kudos to Nininger's WQBE/Charleston, WV, exploding 14.4-20.4 and rebounding from its worst book in years to its best in 24 months, good for a 10.7-share lead.

Among the impressive showings are Cumulus' WLXX/Lexington, KY (6.7-7.5 and from 3-2); CC's WYYD/Roanoke (5.8-6.5, from fifth to tie for third); Cumulus' WLWI/Montgomery, AL (8.4-9.4, holding at No. 3); Bluewater's WBAM/Montgomery (4.6-6.6, from 8-6); Fifth Ave.'s WDGG/Huntington-Ashland (9.3-10.7 and from 3-2); Regent's WKDQ/Evansville, IN (11.7-12.2, holding at No. 2); and Citadel's WXTA/Erie, PA, up for the third straight sweep (6.7-7.5, from 6t-4t).

 

» L.A. Story: WTVY/Dothan, AL staffers who left the station en masse a few weeks ago (CA Weekly 7/21) seemed to have found a temporary home in Dothan the next day (CAT 7/22), but legal wrangling kept them off the air. Beginning tomorrow, however, former WTVY PD/morning personality Amie Pollard and partner Ken Carlile debut as Pollard & KC on Gulf South's Classic Country WDBT. Also on board for nights is former WTVY evening personality Elizabeth Parrish. WDBT personality Roy Fox will handle middays and afternoons will be vacant for now, to be filled by another former WTVY talent once some additional legal issues are cleared up. Also joining WDBT are former WTVY sales execs Carrie Williams and Alana King. All of this is a prelude to the group launching a brand new Country outlet in early September, when Gulf Shores acquires News/Talk WRJM from Stage Door Development.

» Go Greene: Clear Channel Top 40 WKST/Pittsburgh afternoon jock JD "Dylan" Greene will join KEEY/Minneapolis for the same shift the first week of September. He replaces Chris Carr, who joined WUBE/Cincinnati's B105 Morning Show last month (CAT 7/18). "JD is a perfect addition to the K102 team," says CC/Minneapolis VP/Programming Gregg Swedberg. "He's got a ton of energy, he is great on-air and with listeners, and he loves the music."

 

» Sturgeon General Alert: Al Johnson Broadcasting's WSRG/Sturgeon Bay, WI APD/afternoon jock Coyote Cain has exited the station. Dir./Corporate Operations Jeff Stone is seeking a replacement. Airchecks and resumes here. The morning show's Bucky The Intern will cover the airshift in the interim.

» Gig Alert: Progression Music Group's Ben Ewing is seeking a Project Mgr./Label Coordinator with Country radio promotion experience. The company represents David Ball, Doug Stone, Brandon Jenkins, Johnny Solinger and Hayseed Dixie. Resumes here.

» Wild-Eyed Southern Boys: Capitol's Trace Adkins and southern rock band .38 Special will team up for the next installment of CMT's Crossroads. The show will be taped Aug. 19 in Nashville and premiere Sept. 24 at 10:30pm ET/PT on CMT.

 

» Hope Votes: CMT One Country and Belmont University in Nashville are hosting the Your Voice Your Choice concert event with the Eli Young Band and Randy Rogers Band Aug. 27 at the Curb Event Center. The event kicks off at 5pm and will include free food, voter registration and a Student Battle Of The Bands. Belmont is hosting a presidential debate Oct. 7.

» Services Set: Visitation with the family of the late steel guitarist Don Helms (CAT 8/11) is tomorrow (8/13) from 2-4p and 6-8p. The funeral is Thursday 8/14 at 1pm. Each will take place at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery in Goodlettsville, TN.

» Life Note: Congrats to KPLX/Dallas afternoon sidekick/swinger Ryan Fox, who married his fiancee Amber August 2.

Best wishes also go to Clay Walker and wife Jessica on the birth of their son William Clayton August 5 in Texas. Walker is taking some time off to spend with his family.

 

 

Here’s the news for 8/11/08. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.

» Ratings Wrap: The Providence Spring 2008 book was reissued today, and while WCTK's 6.8 share didn't change, its rank sure did. The reissued book pushes the Hall station from second to No. 1, 12+, a pretty nice going-away present for PD Steve Giutarri, who exited in early July. (Losing a half-share in the reissue was Citadel's Talk WPRO-AM, which grew 5.9-6.7 instead of to the 7.2 originally posted.)

In other ratings highlights from recently released books: Cumulus' KHAK/Cedar Rapids notched a 15.5 to remain No. 1. WGZR/Hilton Head, SC vaulted almost two shares to a 5.0 and second. KDBR/Kalispell, MT remained No. 1 with an 11.2. Great Plains WGSQ/Cookeville, TN popped a first-place 21.3. And, deuces wild for First Media's WJLS/Beckley, WV with its 22.2 market-topping 12+ share.

 

» Swayin' Ours: Show Dog VP/A&R Allison Jones has been hired in the same capacity by Big Machine/Valory Music Co. The move reunites Jones with Big Machine/Valory President/CEO Scott Borchetta, with whom she worked at DreamWorks. "I've stayed away from an 'official' A&R person since we opened because most of our first signings were singer/songwriters, which were predominantly self-contained," Borchetta says. "Allison is the perfect complement to me, our roster and our staffs, and she instinctively knows what to do; this will be seamless. To say I'm thrilled is an understatement. This is like one of your best friends moving back home." In addition to Show Dog and DreamWorks, Jones' prior A&R stops include UMG/Nashville, Giant and BNA.

» How Many Weeks' Allowance? Big Machine's Taylor Swift announced that she had donated $100,000 to the Cedar Rapids Flood Relief Effort last week after performing "Change" in front of pictures of the flooding that affected the city. KHAK PD Bob James was in the audience. "Taylor's show...was the first concert to take place downtown since the flood, which left the Cedar River at more than 31 feet — 19 above flood stage and 11 above the all-time record." James says Swift had "tears in her eyes" as she announced the donation prior to her encore. "KHAK and the entire Cedar Rapids community thanks Taylor for her incredibly gracious show of support," James says.

Apparently Swift's good karma is already working for her, as she is nominated in the Best New Artist category of the 2008 Video Music Awards for her "Teardrops On My Guitar" video. Other fan-voted nominees include Miley Cyrus, Jordin Sparks, Katy Perry and Tokio Hotel. The show airs Sept. 7 on MTV.

» Hello, Newman: Clear Channel/Columbus, GA Dir./Sales Jennifer Newman has been upped to Market Manager of the cluster, which includes Country WSTH/Columbus and WOBB/Albany in addition to Classic Country WCOH/Newnan. She replaces Jim Martin.

» Baby Grows Up: Former Top 40 KHTT/Tulsa's Billy The Baby DJ is joining WTVY/Dothan, AL as Billy The Kidd for afternoons. As a result, PD/afternoon jock Kris Van Dyke will be moving to nights and tells Country Aircheck the complete lineup is coming next week.

» Hip To Be Square: Nominees for the 42nd Annual CMA Awards will be announced Sept. 10 during ABC-TV's Good Morning America. Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift will announce selected categories live from Times Square, after which CMT Insider will feature Lady Antebellum and James Otto naming the remaining nominees from Nashville's Sommet Center. The winners will be named during the awards show Nov. 12 at 8pm ET/PT on ABC.

» Chronicle: Our sincere condolences to Schmidt Relations' Darlene Bieber on the passing of her husband Mike this past weekend. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 4pm at Bowling Green, KY's Eastwood Baptist Church. The family asks that expressions of sympathy be donations to the University of Louisville Cancer Research or Eastwood Baptist Church Building Fund.

Our thoughts are also with family and friends of steel guitarist Don Helms, who passed away early this morning. He was 81. Helms was a member of Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys Band and can be heard on recordings such as "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Cold, Cold Heart" in addition to Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" and Lefty Frizzell's "Long Black Veil."

» Err Check: The phone number for former KMLE/Phoenix afternoon sidekick and traffic anchor Dena "Fox" Yasner was incorrect in Friday's edition. Reach her at 602-863-0183 or here. We regret the error.

 

 

Here’s the news for 8/8/08. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.

» Rate & Barrel: Here are the Spring '08 Arbitron ratings released today. All ratings and rankings are 12+, Mon-Sun, 6am-midnight.
  • Albuquerque: Clear Channel's KBQI had its third consecutive down book, dipping 3.6-3.4 and falling 8t-9t in rank. Citadel's KRST was flat at 3.4 and edged up in rank 10-9t. American General Media's KAGM slipped 2.5-2.1 and dropped from 16t-19.
  • Charleston, SC: CC's WEZL was flat at 7.0 and remained third. Citadel's WIWF was up 3.5-3.8 in its second book as a Country outlet, although is slid 9-10 in 12+ rank.
  • Des Moines: Citadel's KJJY posted its second straight increase with a 6.0-6.6 move that was good for a 5-3t lift in rank. Sister KHKI was off 4.5-4.4 and moved 9-10.
  • El Paso: CC's KHEY was flat at 4.6 with the rank going 7t-7.
  • Ft. Wayne: JAM's WQHK vaulted 7.7-9.4 and from third to first. Oasis' WBTU dropped 8.6-6.0 and from 2-5t.
  • Lincoln: NRG Media's KFGE was higher 7.8-8.5 and jumped from third to a tie for first. Three Eagles KZKX suffered an 11.2-7.5 set back, falling from first to a tie for fourth.
  • Madison: Mid-West Family's WWQM was up 4.3-4.7 and from 6t-5. CC's WMAD fell 4.3-3.5 and from 6t-10.
  • McAllen: CC's KTEX has the surge of the Spring book thus far with a leap of 5.8-9.6. It vaulted from sixth into a tie for first.
  • Spokane: Mapleton's KDRK rose 3.7-5.4 and jumped 8t-3. CC's KIXZ bettered its 12+ shares 4.9-5.2 but dipped 3-4t. Blue Sky's KICR slipped 2.5-2.3 and remained at 14t.
Spring Country ratings will appear each Monday night in Country Aircheck Weekly.

 

» Looking Forward: CBS Radio's KMLE/Phoenix afternoon sidekick and traffic anchor Dena "Fox" Yasner exited the station Tuesday due to cutbacks. Afternoon host Stu Evans remains with the station. Yasner was with the station for five years and the cluster for nine. She is looking for her next opportunity and can be reached at 612-863-0183 or here.


» Let Leedom Ring: The Radio People's Hot AC WMLV/Meridian, MS morning co-host Lee Taylor has joined crosstown Country WOKK for afternoons. He replaces John Fox, who exited in June (CAT 6/3).

» Fear She Comes Again: Big Machine's Taylor Swift will release her sophomore album Fearless Nov. 11, with pre-sales beginning Aug. 22 . Swift co-produced the album with Nathan Chapman, in addition to writing or co-writing all 13 tracks. Included on the album is "Change," the song chosen by Team USA to be used as the soundtrack for daily video highlights of the 2008 Olympic Games on NBC-TV. The first single is expected in early September.

» A Ploy Named Sue: The Tennessean is reporting that former Sugarland member Kristen Hall is suing current members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush for excluding her from the group's profits since her exit. The $1.5 million lawsuit states that Hall has an agreement with the now duo to equally share profits and losses. Read more here.

» Velvet Blunder Found: Former Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver front man Scott Weiland has signed Country artist Tommy Joe Wilson to his SoftDrive Records. Weiland was in Nashville for a guest appearance on Nashville Star when he stopped in Lower Broadway's Second Fiddle and heard Wilson singing "Honky Tonk Woman." He offered Wilson a recording contract that night. Wilson has since recorded his first album Tryin' To Find The Sun, with his first single being the title track. Former Cupit Records EVP Billy Holland has joined SoftDrive/Nashville for Promotion and Marketing. He can be reached at 615-476-0938 or here.


» Good Natured Ribbing: Universal South's Phil Vassar is being featured on FunnyOrDie.com today in a short comedy film, Random BBQ Tips.



» Redefining "We": Lyric Street's Rascal Flatts set the attendance record for the largest one day show in Detroit Lakes, MN's WE Fest history last night with 47,000 tickets sold.

» Cover Craft: Curb's Tim McGraw talks about his current life philosophy -- "it's a time in my life where you sort of reflect and reevaluate what you want to get out if it" -- in People's Country Special cover story. Also included in the mag are exclusive photos of Sara Evans's wedding to Jay Barker. On newsstands now.

 

» Life Notes: Congrats to Outback Concerts SVP Darin Lashinsky and wife Darcy on the birth of their first son Philip Daniel last Friday. Mom, Dad and baby are all settling in great.

 

Best wishes for a speedy recovery go to veteran label exec and Nashville Talk radio personality Nick Hunter, who is recovering following surgery on Friday. He expects to be home on Saturday.

Also, best wishes to Jewel and rodeo champion/longtime boyfriend Ty Murray, who were married in a private ceremony in the Bahamas last night. People reports "She wore a traditional wedding gown, while Ty wore his favorite blue jeans, white shirt and a cowboy hat." Full article here.

» Chronicle: Our heartfelt condolences go out to Spalding Entertainment's Denise Nichols on the passing of her mother Verna Shackelford, who passed Wednesday (8/6).