IFS NEWS WRITERS

You Can’t Afford To Ignore Bloggers Anymore

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:28:00 +0000

By BRYAN STAGGERS JANUARY 7, 2015 0

So, here’s the score. You’re a band – you might be new, or conversely, you might be more established than kingpins like the classic Iron Maiden or next-generation stars like Bring Me The Horizon. Doubtful, but who knows? Basically, it doesn’t matter. Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily say ‘forget the rock press’ (Kerrang, Rock Sound, Metal Hammer, NME and so on), there’s certainly a new form of media emerging that should no longer be ignored. Of course, I’m talking about ‘bedroom’ bloggers.

Before you sneer and debate the concept of ‘silly little girls’ voicing their opinions to nobody in particular on their ‘little blogs’, consider this:
71% of people are influenced by blogs and make purchases or other decisions based on recommendations. Purchases can also mean gig tickets, downloads, and merch, no?
Brands of all sizes and niches are using blogs to advertise their stuff on! Music is so forward thinking, so don’t be left behind.

Likewise, bloggers come in all different categories – they aren’t ‘silly’ in the slightest and are often very knowledgeable about their passions and can write well.

Bloggers tend to pride themselves on having a large social following, so working with them can have a ridiculously positive impact on your own engagement and fan base.

If bloggers start linking to your website, this can have brilliant SEO value, and will truly put you on a Google map of a different persuasion! Want to be found in search terms when people look for certain events, or genres? Thought so.

How does this make a difference to your band, and what can you do?

Well, naturally, if you build up a relationship with bloggers, you can start inviting them to stuff they might think is cool – such as gigs you’re playing, festivals you’re opening and other stuff like your band’s first album launch.

Everyone loves a bit of VIP treatment, and they’re much more likely to tell their friends if they’re treated really well and have a good time. Their readers will be somewhat envious, and will want to engage with the band now that they think you’re kind of elusive, but you’ll be inviting people JUST LIKE THEM, in theory, so they’ll think you’re pretty cool and down to earth, as well as rockstars.

There are so many bloggers to look out for, from the now ‘career’ bloggers like Zoe London, to self-confessed alternative music lovers like Amy Valentine, or even newbies like Claire Louise. Then of course you have student blogs where they’re lovingly writing them collectively, or smaller music media for the passionate and aspirational young journalists out there.

Lots of them don’t get paid yet, so in return for a space at your next show, they could be giving you untold amounts of worthwhile promotion. People read and are influenced by what they have to say – why should this be any different for musicians if it works for some of the world’s leading companies?
So, instead of using your guest list to impress a few old friends and hangers on, why not start using it productively?

You should even get your PR team involved and let them know this is something you’re interested in. If you’re out on your own, start building those relationships now. The return will be so worth it in the long run – word of mouth speaks volumes!

As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands.

MusicDish*China Top 10 Songs Gives Insight Into Chinese Online Fans

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Wed, 14 Jan 2015 17:03:00 +0000

MusicDish*China Top 10 Songs Gives Insight Into Chinese Online Fans

Email: chinasounds@musicdish.com
Website: http://www.musicdish.com/china/music/singlepromo.php3
Music: http://www.ximalaya.com/10289999

In 2014, MusicDish*China (独立小炒) featured over 150 songs from Western indie musicians to Chinese music platform Ximalaya since July as part of its Song Blast promotional service. Covering genres from pop, R&B, jazz, electronic and rock, many songs have generated thousands of plays on the Chinese platform, with the most listened surpassing 30,000. So what appeals to Chinese online listeners?

Pop and EDM Find Favor With Chinese Online Fans
We listed our top ten most played songs on Ximalaya below. Without a doubt, one thing they share in common is that all ten of them are enjoyable to the ears --- Chinese ears to be precise. One of the trends we have discovered is that Chinese indie listeners on Ximalaya buy more into pop and electronic music, with pop being most popular. Another pattern that drew our attention is that all of our top fours have frighteningly beautiful, melodic, yet powerful female vocals. We hope our top ten songs can give a glimpse into the style of Western acts appealing to online Chinese fans this year. So here we go:

1. "Close Your Eyes" by Roxanna
Plays: 31,427
Genre: pop, jazz
Canadian music sensation Roxanna was born in wartime Iran. Her music always has an amazing power to heal broken hearts and inspire lost souls. Resounding melody, emotional lyrics, powerful voice, and a strong accompaniment of string orchestration all together make it the most touching song. This is why Close Your Eyes managed to touch our hearts and became our top one in the list of most played songs in 2014.

2. "Run" by Marina V
Plays: 19,175
Genre: pop
Marina V has this "hauntingly beautiful voice" (LA Times) that could intoxicate us. Run is a melodic and emotional pop song that would catch your ears very easily, and probably would linger in your head for days to come. As the songwriter and producer for her own music, Marina V always integrates her childhood experiences in Russia and teenage life in America into her songs. This song won her LA Music Critic Award in 2013.

3. "Falling 4 U" by Devyn Rose
Plays: 12,673
Genre: R&B, electronic
Talented musician Devyn Rose has been producing R&B, hip-pop and remixing tapes with her unique style that combines different music genres together. This Falling 4 U is sexy, edgy, yet hits you with an attitude. Beautiful and clean melody with a strong beat-driven rhythm all together make this song a number three on our most played songs list in 2014.

4. "Tomorrow" by We Are Catalyst
Plays: 10,716
Genre: rock, electronic
Heavy metal, alternative rock and electronic, "Tomorrow" is like a standard millennial type of thing. Leading vocal has a pure and simple female voice, which adds a sense of innocence to this dark, hopeless world that was created in the song.

5. "Stuck in My Head" by Sam Ebako
Plays: 10,080
Genre: EDM
After four stunning, female voices taking over the top four spots in our chart, finally we are here with some strong, male vocal expression. Sam Ebako is a Cameroon-born singer and songwriter. Stuck in My Head actually came out after his horrible breakup with his ex-girlfriend. The sad and grieved lyrics make a sharp contrast with the strong beats and hasty rhythm; and the electronic effects added to the vocal make this song very trendy and clubby.

6. "Boom" by Lina Fouro(L4O)
Plays: 9,215
Genre: pop, electronic
L4o has always been popular among teenage girls. Her music is popping, chic and very straightforward. Catchy melodies with candid lyrics, Boom allows us to hear this simple, and maybe a little bit shy teenage girl expressing her love for her high school crush. The electronic effects and sexy vocal voice save this song from being plain, boring and too sweet.

7. "Somewhere" by Hashback Harnish
Plays: 7,343
Genre: electronic, experimental
Smoky, mysterious, and edgy. Hashback Harnish makes us enter this post-midnight world that only exists in our deep imaginations…

8. "Toxic Kisses" by SweetTooth
Plays: 6,603
Genre: rock/heavy metal
Heavy metal and electronic usually do not go along, yet Sweet Tooth surprises us by making these two comfortably compatible with each other. Toxic Kisses creates this dashingly frantic sense that would give you goose bumps from the first note.

9. "Sing Along, Sing Along" by Cookie Robinowitz
Plays: 5,803
Genre: pop
Cookie Robinowitz has successfully made this song pop-y and captivating that this song is simply enjoyable. The melody is so catchy that you would probably be singing along together right after verse one, just as the title has suggested.

10. "With You" by FM Pilots
Plays: 5,453
Genre: pop-alternative
FM Pilots is a pop-alternative band from Oklahoma. This song With You is frank, simple and clean-cut. The lead vocal has a very attractive voice, and the melody is well written and catchy. All of these make this song enjoyable and fun to listen.

MusicDish*China Song Blast
Since July 2014, MusicDish*China Song Blast service has been promoting Western acts on its branded channels on Chinese streaming platforms such as Ximalaya, Lizhi.fm and YuYin.fm as well as Chinese social sites such as Weibo, Douban, Huaban and Diandian
http://www.musicdish.com/china/music/singlepromo.php3

What Is Ximalaya?
As one of the major music platform in China, Ximalaya (ximalaya.com) is an online podcast platform and music player with mostly user-generated content. According to BaiduApp (a Chinese digital distribution platform for mobile apps, like GooglePlay and Android Market), more than 14 million people have downloaded Ximalaya app to their mobile devices since its launch in 2012.

Why You Can’t Afford To Ignore Bloggers Anymore

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Tue, 13 Jan 2015 11:15:00 +0000

You Can’t Afford To Ignore Bloggers Anymore.

BRYAN STAGGERS JANUARY 7, 2015 0

You Can’t Afford To Ignore Bloggers Anymore.

So, here’s the score. You’re a band – you might be new, or conversely, you might be more established than kingpins like the classic Iron Maiden or next-generation stars like Bring Me The Horizon. Doubtful, but who knows? Basically, it doesn’t matter. Whilst I wouldn’t necessarily say ‘forget the rock press’ (Kerrang, Rock Sound, Metal Hammer, NME and so on), there’s certainly a new form of media emerging that should no longer be ignored. Of course, I’m talking about ‘bedroom’ bloggers.

Before you sneer and debate the concept of ‘silly little girls’ voicing their opinions to nobody in particular on their ‘little blogs’, consider this:

71% of people are influenced by blogs and make purchases or other decisions based on recommendations. Purchases can also mean gig tickets, downloads, and merch, no?
Brands of all sizes and niches are using blogs to advertise their stuff on! Music is so forward thinking, so don’t be left behind.
Likewise, bloggers come in all different categories – they aren’t ‘silly’ in the slightest and are often very knowledgeable about their passions and can write well.
Bloggers tend to pride themselves on having a large social following, so working with them can have a ridiculously positive impact on your own engagement and fan base.
If bloggers start linking to your website, this can have brilliant SEO value, and will truly put you on a Google map of a different persuasion! Want to be found in search terms when people look for certain events, or genres? Thought so.

How does this make a difference to your band, and what can you do?

Well, naturally, if you build up a relationship with bloggers, you can start inviting them to stuff they might think is cool – such as gigs you’re playing, festivals you’re opening and other stuff like your band’s first album launch. Everyone loves a bit of VIP treatment, and they’re much more likely to tell their friends if they’re treated really well and have a good time. Their readers will be somewhat envious, and will want to engage with the band now that they think you’re kind of elusive, but you’ll be inviting people JUST LIKE THEM, in theory, so they’ll think you’re pretty cool and down to earth, as well as rockstars.

There are so many bloggers to look out for, from the now ‘career’ bloggers like Zoe London, to self-confessed alternative music lovers like Amy Valentine, or even newbies like Claire Louise. Then of course you have student blogs where they’re lovingly writing them collectively, or smaller music media for the passionate and aspirational young journalists out there. Lots of them don’t get paid yet, so in return for a space at your next show, they could be giving you untold amounts of worthwhile promotion. People read and are influenced by what they have to say – why should this be any different for musicians if it works for some of the world’s leading companies?

So, instead of using your guest list to impress a few old friends and hangers on, why not start using it productively? You should even get your PR team involved and let them know this is something you’re interested in. If you’re out on your own, start building those relationships now. The return will be so worth it in the long run – word of mouth speaks volumes!

As featured on Indie-music.com, Examiner.com, I Am Entertainment Magazine, Antimusic.com, and recommended by countless music publications, “Your Band Is A Virus! Expanded Edition” is the ultimate music marketing guide for serious independent musicians and bands. Get your copy now.

Bodies ‘littered on the streets’ after Boko Haram attack on Baga

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 20:47:00 +0000

Nigerian Islamist militant group Boko Haram have attacked the northeastern town of Baga for the second time in a week, leaving bodies littering the streets, according to an official.

Two locals said the Islamist insurgents began shooting indiscriminately and burning buildings on Tuesday evening in raids on the civilian population that carried on into Wednesday.

More than 2,000 people are unaccounted for according to Musa Bukar, chairman of local government for the Kukawa district, which includes Baga.

The dead are “littered on the streets and surrounding bushes”, said Mr Bukar, speaking from a camp in the city of Maiduguri that is sheltering people who have fled the attacks.

On January 3rd, Boko Haram captured the headquarters of a multinational military force in Baga set up to combat the insurgency.

“I escaped with my family in the car after seeing how Boko Haram was killing people ... I saw bodies in the street. Children and women, some were crying for help,” Mohamed Bukar told Reuters after fleeing to the state capital Maiduguri.

The insurgency killed more than 10,000 people last year, according to a count by the Council on Foreign Relations in November.

It is seen as the gravest threat to Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, and a headache for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of an election on February 14th.

Soldiers fled Baga over the weekend when the Sunni jihadist group overran a nearby army base.

The district head of Baga, Abba Hassan, said on Thursday that at least 100 people were killed when the group first took over the town on the edge of Lake Chad. Abubakar Gulama, who escaped without his family to Monguno, 40 km (25 miles) away, said he crossed “many dead bodies on the ground” and that “the whole town was on fire”.

Reuters TV footage showed scores of civilians waiting on sandy streets on the outskirts of Baga to catch buses out of town. Many carried the few possessions they had salvaged, such as bags of clothes and rolled up mattresses. In the last week, around 2,000 Nigerians and 500 Chadians have fled Boko Haram attacks in Chad’s Lake region, Chadian Prime Minister Kalzeubet Pahimi said on Wednesday.

A source at a rights group in Maiduguri said some 10 women who snuck out of Baga a few days after the first attack had reported that their daughters aged 10-20 had been kidnapped. The militants have been waging an insurgency to establish an Islamic state for more than five years.

The number and scale of attacks rose sharply in 2014 after the government imposed emergency rule on the three worst-hit states in 2013, and the administration of the president has met growing criticism for failing to quash it.

The president defended his record on tackling Boko Haram at the launch of his election campaign and blamed opposition candidate Muhammadu Buhari for Nigeria’s ill-equipped army.

Boko Haram has taken over or rendered ungovernable swathes of the northeast, especially Borno state where Baga is located.

It has also launched attacks in Chad and Cameroon, while Chad has appealed for international aid to support the refugees coming across its border.

Keshia Knight Pulliam

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Tue, 06 Jan 2015 00:04:00 +0000

Keshia Knight Pulliam fired from "Celebrity Apprentice" for not reaching out to Bill Cosby

Keshia Knight Pulliam attends the Soul Train Awards 2013 at the Orleans Arena on Nove. 8, 2013, in Las Vegas. JASON KEMPIN/GETTY IMAGES FOR BET

"The Celebrity Apprentice" returned for a new season on Sunday night, and like with previous seasons, someone had to be the first person "fired." In this case, it was Keshia Knight Pulliam -- who played Rudy Huxtable on "The Cosby Show" -- and her ousting ended up being because of Bill Cosby.

The episode, taped prior to the recent sex abuse allegations that have come out against the actor/comedian, ended with Pulliam being booted from the boardroom because she didn't reach out to her former TV dad to help contribute to the episode's fundraising challenge.

Pulliam was the project manager for her team, which was tasked with raising funds for charity via a bake sale. While other cast members contacted famous friends to donate, the former child star did not ask Cosby for help.

"I have not talked to Bill Cosby on the phone in I don't know how long," she explained when questioned by Donald Trump. "For me to pick up the phone having not talked to you for five years, except for when we run into each other for a Cosby event, I feel that's not my place to do."

Trump disagreed. "You have this tremendous guy with this tremendous amount of money. And with one phone call you could have won this whole event," he told her.

"I really believe, if you'd called that gentleman, he would've helped you, even if you hadn't spoken to him in years," he added. "Because you were an amazing team with one of the most successful shows ever, so I think it would have been a very quick call to make for charity...Keshia, you're fired."

After the episode aired, Trump took to Twitter to explain the decision.

SDC Top 50 Show #7

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 18:43:00 +0000

SDC Top 50 Show #7

SDC RADIO NETWORKS TOP 50 ARTISTS OF 2014

SDC Top 50 Show #7

1. **Larry Griffith – Big Leg Woman With Good Credit
FLASHBACK ADD: Eli “Paperboy” Reed – Take My Love With You
2. Bernadette Bascom – It Gets Me Through The Night
FLASHBACK ADD: Ellis Hall – Rock that body
3. RG’s All Nite Funk Band - Something
FLASHBACK ADD: Lee Rogers – Love For A Love
4. Laurelle – All The Way
FLASHBACK ADD: Passenger – Ain’t No Sunshine
5. **Blue Shakespeare - Ecstasty
6. Anapology – Sunshine Everyday
7. Adrain – Fire Me
8. Citra Marcellina – Abang Sayang
9. Lauren Christoff – Who Are You
10. Nora and One Left – Big Red Bicycle
ADD: LJ Coon – Wisdom Of A Fairy Tale
ADD: Ace of Spade - Monopoly
11. ** Futurella – Mona Liza
12. Kerry Wallace – Love Rains Down
13. Aries Marquis – Perfect World
14. Jamie Sparks - Smile
15. Asia Sky – Take Control
16. JMAXX – Sissy Girl
17. Deborah Heneriksson - Traces
18. Jesse Turner - Mama
19. ** Alex B – Still In Love
20. Blueganu – Take It Back
21. Max Lisa – Time Machine
22. Not Another Playne Jane - Intervention
23. WestBank Boys - Rydah
24. X-Sonic – Machine Language
25. Zaena Morisho - Candle
26. Neil Andrews – Too Much
27. **Laird Oli – Ay – Yi - Yi
28. Melissa B – What You Started
29. Tripod – Meant To Be
30. Annie Sidley – Would You
31. The Bom – I Like Potato Chips
32. Valery Trails – Buffalo Speedway
33. Freddie Jackson – Love & Satisfaction
34. Vee Zed - Love
35. ** Ault Sisters – Boy From New York City
36. Christy Angeletti – First Goodbye
37. Poze – Rah Rah
38. Chris Weaver – Rise Of The Dead
39. Honor Society - Obession
40. Merrell Fankhauser – One More Day
41. Trevor Aaron – I’m Gonna Win My Spurs
42. Sid Howard – Shattered Mirror
43. ** Mirva - One
44. Mojo Slide – Bad In Every Way
45. Tuma Vs. Asali - Stalker
46. Celeste Talley - Rejoice
47. Jeff Chaz – Tired Of Being Along
48. Laura Solnicki - Sunset
49. Otis Gayle – Nothing Last Forever
50. JAD - Faded

SDC RADIO NETWORKS TOP 50 ARTISTS OF 2014

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 18:22:00 +0000

SDC Top 50 Show #7

http://mi2n.com/press.php3?press_nb=180232

SDC RADIO NETWORKS TOP 50 ARTISTS OF 2014

Email: sdcinternetics@msn.com
Website: http://www.sdcomnimedia.net
SDC RADIO NETWORKS TOP 50 ARTISTS OF 2014

By IFSyndicated News Writers

MEMPHIS TN (IFS) – It was in 1983, that the idea of a record company powered radio station would be possible. The idea was KDRC, a cassette based collection of songs that was compiled by Kenny Smith from all of the submissions that were submitted to D-Town/Platinum Sound Records. After several years of cassette productions, Smith continued with the collection until 1993, when he opened his first internet account with Broadcast.Com and launched KDTN Radio One.

In those days, the entertainment community laughed at guys and girls like Smith who was starting internet radio stations. It was hard to get licenses from the majors to play the music. So, as a recording company, the deal was that if D-Town Records listened to your music, you would have to let everyone listen to your music, and your music would be distributed to all the major recording labels and music publishers. The artist owned all the rights to his music and we would just help them get it into the hands of the people who wanted to work with them.

We did not have a “brick and mortar” terrestrial station, it was just internet based. In those days, less than one (1 %) percent of all radio stations had a voice on the internet. It was all based on Ted Turner’s Super Stations idea with the satellite across the world. The internet was just that platform, and a few of the early pioneers saw the future very clearly.

After the laughter has died out now, and more than 99% of all radio stations are now on the internet, no one is laughing anymore. It is estimated that over 485 Million internet radio stations are online today, with many more coming. It got very serious when the late comers, Apple, MSN, and other decided to open up their own stations.

So a little unknown record company that started its’ own radio stations against all logic, to every record company today with its’ own stations, the game has come a long way.

The songs that are played by SDC Radio Networks are received from every corner of the world. SDC Radio Networks is one of the oldest playlists on the internet. It has help to create over a dozen Grammy Award winners, several Emmy winners, and revived a lot of old songs that were stars in many television commercials.

SDC Radio has expanded into over seven radio stations, with their fingers in all gentries of the music business, including three (3) talk radio stations, over twenty (20) blog magazines and several movies.

So with enough said about the good ole days of internet radio, several of these stations have been sold for millions of dollars. So with that in mind, SDC Radio Networks present to you, the Top 50 Artists of 2014, along with some great flashbacks of years gone by. We thank each and every artist for their music, and every listener that tuned into us just for a couple of minutes just to have a good time. We thank you for listening.

SDC RADIO NETWORKS TOP 50 ARTISTS OF 2014

1. **Larry Griffith – Big Leg Woman With Good Credit
FLASHBACK ADD: Eli “Paperboy” Reed – Take My Love With You
2. Bernadette Bascom – It Gets Me Through The Night
FLASHBACK ADD: Ellis Hall – Rock that body
3. RG’s All Nite Funk Band - Something
FLASHBACK ADD: Lee Rogers – Love For A Love
4. Laurelle – All The Way
FLASHBACK ADD: Passenger – Ain’t No Sunshine
5. **Blue Shakespeare - Ecstasty
6. Anapology – Sunshine Everyday
7. Adrain – Fire Me
8. Citra Marcellina – Abang Sayang
9. Lauren Christoff – Who Are You
10. Nora and One Left – Big Red Bicycle
ADD: LJ Coon – Wisdom Of A Fairy Tale
ADD: Ace of Spade - Monopoly
11. ** Futurella – Mona Liza
12. Kerry Wallace – Love Rains Down
13. Aries Marquis – Perfect World
14. Jamie Sparks - Smile
15. Asia Sky – Take Control
16. JMAXX – Sissy Girl
17. Deborah Heneriksson - Traces
18. Jesse Turner - Mama
19. ** Alex B – Still In Love
20. Blueganu – Take It Back
21. Max Lisa – Time Machine
22. Not Another Playne Jane - Intervention
23. WestBank Boys - Rydah
24. X-Sonic – Machine Language
25. Zaena Morisho - Candle
26. Neil Andrews – Too Much
27. **Laird Oli – Ay – Yi - Yi
28. Melissa B – What You Started
29. Tripod – Meant To Be
30. Annie Sidley – Would You
31. The Bom – I Like Potato Chips
32. Valery Trails – Buffalo Speedway
33. Freddie Jackson – Love & Satisfaction
34. Vee Zed - Love
35. ** Ault Sisters – Boy From New York City
36. Christy Angeletti – First Goodbye
37. Poze – Rah Rah
38. Chris Weaver – Rise Of The Dead
39. Honor Society - Obession
40. Merrell Fankhauser – One More Day
41. Trevor Aaron – I’m Gonna Win My Spurs
42. Sid Howard – Shattered Mirror
43. ** Mirva - One
44. Mojo Slide – Bad In Every Way
45. Tuma Vs. Asali - Stalker
46. Celeste Talley - Rejoice
47. Jeff Chaz – Tired Of Being Along
48. Laura Solnicki - Sunset
49. Otis Gayle – Nothing Last Forever
50. JAD - Faded

Hundreds Turn Their Back on de Blasio at NYPD Officer's Funeral

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 20:41:00 +0000

By DEAN SCHABNER31 minutes ago

Hundreds of police officers turned their backs on a screen showing New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio as he spoke at the funeral of one of two officers killed last week in what has been called an "assassination."

The funeral at the Christ Tabernacle Church, in the Glendale neighborhood of Queens, was broadcast to thousands of police who gathered outside.

The killing of Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu came amid heightened tensions between the police and the mayor over what some police saw as a lack of support for the force.

The atmosphere was mostly respectful, but there were scattered signs of protest even before the police officers action when the mayor spoke

A block from the church, though, retired NYPD Officer John Mangan held a sign that read: "God Bless the NYPD. Dump de Blasio."

In his speech, the mayor seemed to try to reach out to police, honoring not only Ramos, but the entire NYPD.

After directing his remarks to the Ramos family, he said he wanted to "extend my condolences to another family -- the family of the NYPD -- that is hurting so deeply right now."

The night after Ramos and Liu were shot, officers gathered at the hospital where they had been taken turned teir backs on de Blasio when he arrived.

De Blasio created controversy with his response to demonstrations about police relations with minorities, after a grand jury declined to indict an NYPD officer in the death of Eric Garner, a Staten Island man who died after he was put in a chokehold during an arrest for selling loose cigarettes.

The mayor, whose wife is black, said he has spoken to his mixed race teen son about how he should act if he is stopped by police.

In speaking about protesters who were arrested and charged with assaulting police during a demonstration in New York, de Blasio used the word "allegedly," which some in the NYPD seemed to take as a slight.

Patrolmens Benevolent Association president Patrick Lynch and de Blasio have been locked in a public battle over treatment of officers following the grand jury's decision.

The week before the shooting of Ramos and Liu, the PBA leader suggested police officers sign a petition demanding that the mayor not attend their funerals should they die on the job.

Al Jazeera America Viewers Down Nearly 50 Percent From Current TV’s Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 18:54:00 +0000

Al Jazeera America Viewers Down Nearly 50 Percent From Current TV’s Numbers

TV | By Jordan Chariton

After 14 months on-air, the network is down 44 percent in total day ratings compared to its predecessor

The winner and loser of the lawsuit between Al Jazeera America and former Current TV CEO Al Gore is yet to be determined, but ratings comparisons between the two show a clear winner.

See photos: Is One of These the Next Al Jazeera America Chief? (Photos)

After buying Current TV in early 2013, and debuting over the summer that year, Al Jazeera has lost almost half of Current TV’s audience.

Also read: Al Gore Slaps Al Jazeera With Lawsuit Over $500 Million Current TV Deal

Current TV’s run with progressive news programming lasted from December, 2011 to August, 2013. In that timespan, the network ran programs like “The Young Turks,” “Countdown with Keith Olbermann,” “The War Room with Jennifer Granholm,” “Viewpoint with Eliot Spitzer,” and “Joy Behar: Say Anything.” Upon being bought by Al Jazeera, Current was in 60 million American homes.

Also read: Layoffs, Low Ratings and Image Problems – Al Jazeera America Faces Uphill Battle

Al Jazeera America was born as the opposite of Current TV, possessing no political point of view and no opinion program in favor of hard news and in-depth reporting. It hired veteran news anchors and reporters from previous networks, including former NBC News anchor John Seigenthaler; former CNN anchors Tony Harris and Ali Velshi; former CNN correspondent Joie Chen; former MSNBC anchor David Shuster; former NBC News White House Correspondent Mike Viqueira, former PBS journalist Ray Suarez, and several other veteran TV news personalities.

Also read: Al Jazeera America to Launch on Time Warner Cable This Week

Its lineup of journalists hasn’t translated to ratings. When comparing Al Jazeera America’s ratings to date to Current TV’s ratings from December, 2011 to August, 2013, the numbers show significant losses. In total day, AJAM is down 44 percent compared to Current TV; in the 25-54 demo, the channel is down 55 percent. In primetime viewers, AJAM is down 49 percent compared to Current TV; in the primetime demo, down 54 percent.

In its 14 months on-air, AJAM is averaging 14,000 viewers 5,000 demo viewers for total day. In primetime, its averaging 18,000 viewers and 6,000 demo viewers.

Also read: Layoffs, Low Ratings and Image Problems – Al Jazeera America Faces Uphill Battle

The network is currently distributed in 60 million homes, seen on providers like DIRECTV, Comcast/ XFINITY, Time Warner Cable, DISH, AT&T U-Verse, Verizon FiOS, and Bright House Networks.

We reached out to Al Jazeera America for this story, but did not receive a response. Previously, network president Kate O’Brien has expressed confidence that ratings will come as more people sample the network.

Arizona court tosses charges against woman on death row for 22 years

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 04:00:00 +0000

Arizona court tosses charges against woman on death row for 22 years
By Michael Muskal

Woman on Arizona's death row for 22 years has had murder charges against her dismissed
December 11, 2014, 6:20 PM

An Arizona appeals court has dismissed murder charges against Debra Jean Milke, who spent 22 years on death row in connection with the 1989 death of her son..

In a decision released Thursday, the court ruled that Milke could not be tried again because such a proceeding would constitute double jeopardy. Milke was convicted of first-degree murder but the conviction was overturned more than a year ago by a federal court.Milke was released from prison on Sept. 5, 2013, according to Doug Nick, a spokesman for the state Department of Corrections.
The Arizona Court of Appeals has ruled that charges can't be refiled against Debra Milke in the 1989 death of her son. (Arizona Department of Corrections)

The case became a cause celebre in Arizona because in 1990 she was the first woman to be sentenced to death there since 1932. Milke, whose mother was German, also drew support from Germany and Switzerland, which have no death penalty.

A spokesman for the Maricopa County prosecutor said the decision would be appealed to the state’s Supreme Court. A defense lawyer declined to discuss the case.

The case began in 1989 with the death of Milke’s 4-year-old son, Christopher, whose body was found in the desert outside Phoenix.

The prosecution argued that Milke had two men kill her son. The men, Roger Scott and Jim Styers, were convicted and are on death row.

At her trial in 1990, Milke was convicted of state charges including first-degree murder. The case relied on the testimony of Phoenix police Det. Armando Saldate, who said that Milke had confessed.
There was no recording of the confession, but jurors believed the detective, who has since retired.
Milke insisted she was innocent and denied any confession. She eventually appealed to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The federal appeals court cited numerous instances in which Saldate committed misconduct in previous cases and ruled that the state should have told the defense about those incidents.

Prosecutors had been planning to retry Milke for murder next year, but Saldate balked at testifying for fear of federal misconduct charges.

Meanwhile, Milke sought dismissal of the entire case, arguing that there was no other evidence aside from her purported, and contested, confession.

In its ruling, the Arizona court granted Milke’s request “because of the state’s severe, egregious prosecutorial misconduct in failing to disclose impeachment evidence.” Follow @latimesmuskal for national news.

Candy Crowley Out at CNN

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 22:38:00 +0000

Candy Crowley Out at CNN: Read Jeff Zucker's Internal Memo

By Jordan Chariton on December 5, 2014 @ 11:17 am

The “State of the Union” host exits CNN after 27 years

Longtime CNN political anchor Candy Crowley is leaving the network, insiders familiar with the situation confirmed to The Wrap.
Also read: Candy Crowley on CNN's Hillary Clinton Doc: 'Politically, it Makes it Very Difficult For Me'
In a memo obtained by TheWrap, network president Jeff Zucker announced the news.

December 5, 2014
In her 27 years at CNN, Candy Crowley has been one of the most important and impactful journalists on our air. Since she joined us in 1987, her assignments have taken her to all 50 states, covering a broad range of political stories, including presidential, congressional and gubernatorial races. Candy made her mark covering the presidential campaigns of Pat Buchanan, George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Howard Dean, Bob Dole, Jesse Jackson, Edward Kennedy, John Kerry, Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan and Mitt Romney. And as we all remember, she made her mark yet again in 2012 when she became the first woman to moderate a presidential debate in 20 years.

To say she lives and breathes politics is more than an understatement. She has an innate ability to sense its nuance, push its limits, and ask questions that others won't. She is beloved in Washington even by those that she so skillfully takes to task on Sunday mornings. And she's an award-winning journalist – taking home everything from a Peabody and Emmys to an Edward R. Murrow award. She is a television news icon.
Thus, it is with mixed emotions, that I wanted to let you know that Candy has let us know that she has made the decision to move on, so she can embark on the next chapter of her already prolific career. As difficult as it is for us to imagine CNN without Candy, we know that she comes to this decision thoughtfully, and she has our full support. There will be more time in the weeks ahead for all of you who have been lucky enough to work with Candy to share your own thanks for all she has done. But for now, on behalf of everyone at CNN, I want to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation.
Jeff

CNN confirms to TheWrap Crowley will still host “State of the Union” this coming Sunday, where she'll interview former President George W. Bush.

No word on who will replace Crowley as host of Sunday's “State of the Union,” airing at 9am ET. Top contenders would be CNN anchor Jake Tapper, who was brought over from ABC and is one of CNN's top political anchors, former “State of the Union” anchor John King, who now hosts “Inside Politics” at 8:30amET right before “SOTU,” or someone under the radar.

Let's not forget, former “Meet the Press” moderator David Gregory has been linked to CNN, and might be an ideal fit for Zucker, knowing each other from their respective NBC News days.
Another dark horse: Katie Couric, who has been serving as Yahoo News’ Global Anchor, but insiders tell TheWrap is “itching to get back on TV.”

The Sunday morning political shows are a vital ratings opportunity for broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, who air “This Week,” “Face the Nation,” “Meet the Press,” and “Fox News Sunday” respectively.

Also read: Candy Crowley Named First Woman to Moderate Presidential Debate in 20 Years
It has never been a big ratings hit on cable news, so Zucker might have that in mind when choosing Crowley's replacement.

Crowley had a long career at CNN, reporting and then anchoring in close to three decades. A bright spot for Crowley happened in 2012, when she became the first female to moderate a presidential debate in more than 20 years.

BrainDoyle26@hotmail.com is a "ripoff artist" don't bother with any requests from him

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Sat, 06 Dec 2014 13:37:00 +0000

http://rarpassdatabase.com/
BrainDoyle26@hotmail.com is a "ripoff artist" don't bother with any requests from him or his website.

Pharrell Williams causes Twitter storm after saying Michael Brown behaved in 'bully-ish' way

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:51:00 +0000

Singer enters debate over shot teenager. Meanwhile keep up with all the latest breaking news on the Ferguson story on live TV at FilmOn.com

Singer Pharrell Williams has caused a heated debate on Twitter after entering the controversy over the shooting of black teenager Michael Brown.

The 41-year-old star told Ebony magazine he was ‘troubled’ by a grand jury’s decision not to indict a white police officer who fired on Brown in Ferguson, Missouri – which has sparked violent protests across the US.

But Pharrell added that he thinks Brown’s behaviour just before the shooting was ‘bully-ish,’ causing some Twitter users to vehemently disagree with his comments.

Pharrell told Ebony: ““I don’t talk about race since it takes a very open mind to hear my view, because my view is the sky view. But I’m very troubled by what happened in Ferguson, M.”

The section of the interview that has angered some people on Twitter is as follows:
EBONY: Did you see the video allegedly showing Michael Brown stealing from a convenience store minutes before his death?

WILLIAMS: It looked very bully-ish; that in itself I had a problem with. Not with the kid, but with whatever happened in his life for him to arrive at a place where that behavior is OK. Why aren’t we talking about that?”

The exchange has caused a flurry of responses, including one Twitter user who wrote: “Mike Brown was a bully says Pharrell Williams. So do we get pass to shoot bullies in society? Way to go Pharrell. Fox news says hi.”

It’s worth reading the full interview in order to keep things in context. Pharrell also says he believes President Obama should have visited Ferguson.

Several major news organizations have picked-up on Pharrell’s comments over night, including the New York Daily News.

Meanwhile, you can keep up with breaking news on the Ferguson situation via FilmOn.com, where there are hundreds of free live web TV channels to choose from, including the BBC (embedded below).

Scott Stapp: Obama Blamed By Creed Singer For Homeless, Broke State [Update]

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:19:00 +0000

Scott Stapp is blaming President Barack Obama for his current state. The Creed singer is currently homeless and broke. Earlier this week, the singer shared a 15-minute long video that shared these revelations with his fans. However, he had more to share.

Following this video release to Facebook, social media and the internet started buzzing about the singer. Everyone wanted to know more about his shocking story. TMZ reported that Scott Stapp went on air with KISS FM in Toronto on Thursday morning, and he shared more about what has happened to him.

Stapp puts the blame on President Barack Obama for his current state. Scott spoke openly on air during the Roz and Mocha Show about his thoughts on who is behind his financial woes.

“I believe the IRS situation is definitely a result of me expressing my dissatisfaction with President Obama. Absolutely, 100 percent.”

Stapp was quite public with his support of Obama when he first ran for office in 2008. However, he spoke openly about his thoughts on Obama in 2012 with Fox News. He did not vote for Obama during his re-election. After he made his comments to the news outlet, his financial troubles began.
How dire is Stapp’s financial situation? According to Entertainment Tonight, Scott revealed just how bad things are for him currently in the video he released to Facebook.

“Right now I’m living in a Holiday Inn, by the grace of God, because there’s been a couple of weeks I had to live in my truck. I had no money, not even for gas or food. I went two days without eating because I had no money and ended up in an emergency room.”

Stapp revealed that the IRS froze his accounts. He did contact them, and the IRS told him that the freezing of his bank accounts was due to a clerical error. His money will be returned to him, but it will take nine to ten months for that to happen. That is not acceptable to Stapp.

“When someone can have all their money taken out of their bank account and no one’s held responsible, when someone can get targeted by the IRS because of a clerical error, when someone can get completely slandered and lies made up about them and post it all over the Internet and there’s no consequences for those people, there’s a problem. There’s definitely a problem. This is not the country that I grew up believing in. This is not the America that I want for my children and their future.”

Stapp has been combating claims of drug use and mental illness. The singer made it clear in his video that he is sober. He also takes blood tests regularly to prove that.

Stapp’s current troubles are not just financial. According to the Huffington Post, the singer’s wife filed for divorce earlier this month. Jaclyn Stapp filed for divorce after eight years of marriage, and she is asking the court for full custody of their two children. In the divorce filing, she said that Stapp is “a paranoid shell who has threatened to kill himself and harm his family.”

Stapp has made a plea for legal counsel. He wants assistance to fight the claims against him. He wants his money back. Stapp did state that going public would cause him more problems, but he went public with his claims anyway.

During the height of their fame, Creed sold more than 30 million albums. “With Arms Wide Open” won a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 2001. The band’s last album, Full Circle, was released in 2009. The Inquisitr previously reported that Stapp released a book and a solo album in 2012. Two years later, Scott is broke and homeless.

UPDATE: A new report by TMZ released on Friday revealed more about Scott Stapp and his current mental state. The news outlet reported that Stapp was stopped by the Madison County Florida Sheriff’s Dept. earlier this month, and he was incoherent and rambling about being poisoned. He also felt there was an ISIS attack possible on one of his children. He was taken into custody and held under a 72-hour psych hold.

This was before his wife filed her papers earlier this month, and it was after his release that he made the video he shared on Facebook. TMZ went on to state that Jaclyn Stapp is trying to talk things out with Scott currently.

What do you think of Scott Stapp’s situation? Is there any truth to his claims?

FAMILY HISTORY CHANNEL : Clyde Edgar Smith - The Poet, Chef, Iron Worker, D...

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Sat, 20 Sep 2014 23:18:00 +0000

FAMILY HISTORY CHANNEL : Clyde Edgar Smith - The Poet, Chef, Iron Worker, D...: Clyde Edgar Smith - Poet, Chef, Iron Worker, Deep Sea Fisherman, Heavy Duty Equipment Engineer from brtiAmerica on Vimeo .

Overlooked Veterans to Receive Medal of Honor Decades Later

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 15:07:00 +0000

Overlooked Veterans to Receive Medal of Honor Decades Later

BY RONNIE POLIDORO

Today President Obama will bestow one of the country's highest honors, the Congressional Medal of Honor to 24 overlooked U.S. Army veterans. The "Valor 24" were denied during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam as a result of race or religion. 21 will be honored posthumously.

NBC News' Jim Miklaszewski will have more tonight, including interviews with today's recipients on "NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams." Check your local listings.

First published March 18th 2014, 7:17 am

UPDATE 2-U.S. senator says CIA spied on Senate panel, possibly broke law

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 16:42:00 +0000

UPDATE 2-U.S. senator says CIA spied on Senate panel, possibly broke law

Tue Mar 11, 2014 12:06pm EDT

By Doina Chiacu and Patricia Zengerle

(Reuters) - A dispute between the Central Intelligence Agency and a U.S. Senate committee that oversees it burst into the open on Tuesday when a top senator accused the agency of spying on Congress and possibly breaking the law.

Senator Dianne Feinstein delivered a scathing critique of the CIA's handling of her panel's investigation into a Bush-era interrogation and detention program that began after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks but was only made public in 2006.

"I have grave concerns that the CIA's search may well have violated the separation of powers principles embodied in the Constitution," Feinstein said in a highly critical speech on the Senate floor by a traditionally strong ally of U.S. intelligence agencies.

She said the CIA searched committee computers to find out how staff obtained an internal agency review that was more critical of the interrogation program than the official CIA report.

"Besides the constitutional implications, the CIA's search may also have violated the Fourth Amendment, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, as well as Executive Order 12333, which prohibits the CIA from conducting domestic searches or surveillance," Feinstein said.

CIA head John Brennan denied the allegations.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," he said in a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations think tank.

Feinstein's comments were the latest salvo in a long-running and bitter dispute between the intelligence committee and CIA over the agency's detention and interrogation of terrorism suspects, a program that was phased out when inmates were transferred to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba.

The Senate Intelligence Committee's own 6,300-page report criticized some of the harsh interrogation measures used by the CIA, and Feinstein has been pushing to make its findings public.

Feinstein said the internal CIA review mirrored some of the same concerns outlined in her staff's report, unlike the official CIA assessment of the program.

However, as the panel moved close to declassifying some of the information - a move she said was backed by the White House - the CIA acting general counsel went to the Justice Department to complain about committee staff.

"I view the acting general counsel's referral as a potential effort to intimidate this staff - and I am not taking it lightly," she said.

The California Democrat bristled at suggestions her staff had obtained information improperly, and said the CIA itself provided her committee with more than 6.2 million documents.

"The committee clearly did not hack into CIA computers to obtain these documents, as has been suggested in the press," Feinstein said.

After the speech, Senator Patrick Leahy, the senior member of the Senate, said he had never heard a more important speech in the chamber. (Editing by Bernadette Baum)

65-foot-long crack found in Washington dam on Columbia River

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Sat, 01 Mar 2014 14:03:00 +0000

65-foot-long crack found in Washington dam on Columbia River

Published March 01, 2014

Associated Press

EPHRATA, WASH. – A 65-foot-long crack in a Columbia River dam in central Washington has prompted officials to begin lowering the water level by 20 feet so inspectors can get a better idea of how serious the damage is.

Grant County Public Utility District spokesman Thomas Stredwick said Friday there's no immediate threat to public safety from the crack in the Wanapum Dam, located just downstream from where Interstate 90 crosses the river.

Still, The Seattle Times reports Stredwick calls the crack a serious problem. An engineer earlier this week spotted a slight "bowing" above the spillway gates near where cars can drive across the dam. Divers found a 2-inch-wide crack along the base of one of the spillway piers.

Public utility district officials decided Friday that the failure risk was high enough that they should notify other government agencies and downstream water users.

Dam failure in the rural area would primarily affect farmers, fishermen and power generation. The dam can generate more than 1,000 megawatts of hydroelectric power.

Wanapum Dam was built in 1959 and is more than a mile long.

Moore Oklahoma Police Stupid cops with badges Kills innocence Father on camera

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 08:11:00 +0000

MEMPHIS TN (IFS) -- Moore Oklahoma police kills Luis Rodriguez for nothing right in front of his wife and children. The incident involved a domestic issue between the wife and the daughter. Mrs. Rodriguez slapped her 19 year old daughter and the police was called. Instead of arresting Ms. Rodriguez, they jumped on Mr. Rodriguez instead and beat him to death without any reason. The chief of police calls this action justified. What a bunch of stupid policemen in Moore Oklahoma with badges. And you want to respect these class clowns? They are so self righteous and they know everything. Well they better know this, that they don't have enough money in the city and county treasure that's going to keep from bankrupting them. They are screwed and it was all caught on camera. Plus they have to deal with the Department of Justice. They will end up in prison for excessive force. I hope each and everyone of them end up with some some crazy guy they arrested years before. As for as the smart ass 19 year old daughter, she just lost her father because she disrespected her family by lying to them. It was not a good idea for the mother to assault her daughter in the parking lot or any where else. And the most insulting thing of all, is the person that did all of the hitting was not even arrested.

South by Southwest gets iTunes stamp as company launches its own music festival

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Tue, 25 Feb 2014 05:02:00 +0000

South by Southwest gets iTunes stamp as company launches its own music festival

The iTunes Festival has taken place in London for the past seven years. Now they bring it to the U.S. with five nights during the SXSW festival.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2014, 1:24 PM

FELIPE DANA/AP

Coldplay will perform at the iTunes Music Festival during the SXSW festival in March.

iTunes is putting its stamp on South by Southwest, piggybacking on the annual event with its own music festival.

The company said Wednesday it will debut its popular iTunes Festival, a free concert series held in London for the past seven years. While the London version is a 30-day event, the U.S. festival will feature five nights of rock, country, pop and hip-hop at South by Southwest, an international showcase for music, film and interactive projects to be held next month in Austin, Texas.

"We're pretty excited about doing this for the first time here in the U.S. at South by Southwest," said top Apple executive Eddy Cue in an interview Tuesday.

"One of the cool things about trying to do the festival is that it's all about the music, the musicians and the fans," Cue said. "You want it in a really close atmosphere where the fans are getting to see these musicians in places they'll never see them again, because they play in much bigger venues."

The iTunes festival will be held March 11-15 at ACL Live at the Moody Theater, where Austin City Limits is held. The first night will include performances by Coldplay, Imagine Dragons and London Grammar.

EVAN AGOSTINI/EVAN AGOSTINI/INVISION/AP

Keith Urban will also be among the performers as iTunes makes their own music festival within SXSW in March.

Coldplay said it was "thrilled" to be playing on opening night, adding: "It's a great honor for our band and we hope everyone has a fantastic time."

Other performers include Keith Urban, Willie Nelson, Pitbull, Zedd and newcomer Mickey Guyton. Cue said other acts will be announced later.

One artist who likely won't be appearing is Kanye West, who performed at the London festival in 2009. During a concert in New Jersey last weekend, he called out Apple CEO Tim Cook, singing via auto-tune: "Tim Cook, the head of Apple, stop trying to get performers to play your festivals for free, you are rich as (expletive)."

Cue declined to comment on West's criticism.

The iTunes festival in London typically attracts artists like West and Coldplay. Lady Gaga, Elton John, Justin Timberlake and Katy Perry were among the performers at the Roundhouse Theater last September.

CHRISTOPHER POLK/GETTY IMAGES FOR CLEAR CHANNEL

For the first U.S. version of the iTunes Music Festival, Pitbull will perform.

The festival will be streamed live and on-demand through the iTunes store, iTunes radio and on Apple devices.

Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Internet software and services, said iTunes had long considered having a U.S. counterpart to its U.K. festival, but had struggled to find the right fit. SXSW turned out to be a natural.

"It's got a great vibe for music, and it's centrally located, so timing-wise it works well to broadcast across the U.S.," he said.

While Cue didn't say whether the iTunes Festival at SXSW would become an annual event, he pointed to London as an example of how it could grow.

"We'll see where it leads us. I can tell you when we did the London one for the first time, we did it for a week in London and look what it's become.

John David, NAB EVP of Radio - The NAB (National Association of Broadcasters)

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Fri, 21 Feb 2014 19:22:00 +0000

By Joey Odorisio

John David

The NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) is a key trade organization for both radio and television broadcasters throughout the U.S. The organization is closely involved in advocacy for a wide variety of issues facing the industry today, as well as aiding in broadcast innovation and educating broadcasters as well.
NAB EVP of Radio John David has been a part of the organization since 1984, when he joined the NAB Board of Directors, representing Kansas and Missouri. He spent 17 years as EVP of J.R. Broadcasting Company, as an owner and GM of multiple stations. He officially joined the NAB in 1989, serving in a variety of roles over the years, and becoming EVP of Radio in 1998. In a new conversation with FMQB, David discusses the multiple priorities the NAB is focused on in 2014, from the ongoing battle over the Performance Royalty to FM radio chip activation in mobile devices.

What is your role at the NAB and how does it affect radio stations around the country?
My responsibilities include liaison with the 35 member NAB Radio Board of Directors and the leadership of that board. I also oversee the convention programming for the NAB Show in Las Vegas and the Radio Show in the fall. Recognition for radio stations and personalities for NAB Member Radio Stations in the NAB Marconi Radio Awards and the NAB Crystal Radio Awards for exemplary community service also are administered by the Radio staff. My involvement also includes being a membership ambassador for service to NAB member stations and companies. Since I’m a believer in the mission of the NAB, I often communicate our agenda to non-member companies to seek their investment in becoming involved with our representation.

What are the NAB’s priorities for 2014?
Included, but not limited to, a fairer streaming rate and working with the music industry for a continued productive relationship. It’s a long-standing partnership that recognizes the promotional value of Radio stations that play the music that the record labels and artists want Radio to play and what listeners want to hear.
NAB endorses the activation of chips in cell phones so information and entertainment is available to people who want to have access to their radio stations. We’re also active on advertising deductibility in making sure that advertisers can deduct their company advertising investments in the year it was broadcast. This is top of mind this week. We follow many more issues at the NAB every month.

What does the organization see as the most important issues facing radio currently?
In addition to what I mentioned in response to the previous question, we are also getting involved more in what’s in the vehicle dash. There’s also focus on AM revitalization from a technical and regulatory perspective.

Can you give some of your career background that led you to the NAB?
I was an owner/operator of radio stations for many years and served on the NAB Radio Board of Directors. So I have the perspective of a hands-on broadcaster inside the NAB. I made payroll, carried an advertiser client list, programmed radio stations and can even produce a log. I worked my way through college as a rock and roll jock. I started with the NAB in the government relations division with responsibility for grass roots lobbying, the political action committee and the state association liaison.

What is the latest update to the state of the Performance Royalty issue?
We have over 200 members of Congress who are with us on not imposing an over the air tax on radio broadcasters. We are very appreciative of the NAB member broadcasters all over the country who have communicated their personal perspective to their elected representatives.

What is the NAB’s position on royalty deals, a la Clear Channel’s agreements with Warner Bros., Glassnote, etc.?
It’s proven that the market place can work if it makes sense for the labels and the individual companies.

What are your thoughts on the roll-out thus far of the NextRadio system for FM chips in smartphones?
NAB was involved early on to assure that a standard was developed to allow companies to compete. There is no question that listeners should have access to their stations through the device that almost everyone has with them at all times. We hope that more broadcasters will continue to provide a more positive experience through digital delivery while helping listeners to not incur additional data charges by listening over the air.

What can the industry look forward to at the NAB Show in April and the NAB/RAB Radio Show in September?
The NAB Show is in April in Las Vegas. Both the NAB and RAB are producing a number of informative sessions for the convention. Plus, you won’t see more equipment and software for Radio anywhere else, but Las Vegas. Dates are April 5-10 with the exhibits opening on April 7. The Radio Luncheon will be on Tuesday, April 8 where we’ll induct Steve Harvey in to the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame and present 10 NAB Crystal Radio Awards to stations for exemplary community service.
The Radio Show, produced by RAB and NAB will be in Indianapolis this September. We have a Radio Show Steering Committee that will guide the programming and sessions for that annual event. The dates are September 10-12.

[eQB Content By Joey Odorisio]

Artist Carrie Mae Weems Says Art Saved Her Life

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 19:04:00 +0000

Artist Carrie Mae Weems Says Art Saved Her Life, And Yours Too

HILLARY CROSLEY on JEZEBEL

Carrie Mae Weems, the first African American woman to have a solo show at New York City's Guggenheim museum and winner of the MacArthur Genius Grant, thinks art is really a shortcut to inner peace.

As she told Ebony:

Art is the one place we all turn to for solace. We turn to it constantly, whether you are listening to music, or pop in a film; you want to escape reality, and if you thinking deeply, you want to engage in art in a complex way. Art allows us to navigate the more complicated parts of our lives in a way that is more palpable. We don't go to the movies just to see a movie; we go for the experience. I'm very interested in the experience. Art has saved my life on a regular basis. I wanted to offer that experience to children, to enlist them, to show them the possibilities that are in the arts, to persuade them to pursue it for both their own personal salvation and for changing the way we are understood.

Live365 names Dennis Constantine as Director of Programming

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:13:00 +0000

Live365 Appoints Dennis Constantine Director of Programming

February 3, 2014

Dennis Constantine

Dennis Constantine takes over as Director of Programmer at Live365 after serving as consultant with the company since the fall 2013. This announcement follows the Live365 Executive Leadership Team additions in 2013 of Hong Lau, Chief Executive Officer, Bill Bungeroth, Vice President of Sales (a forty year veteran in the broadcasting industry) and Juliette Bouquerel, Director of Broadcast Services (bringing her 15 years of experience in branding & marketing to Live365).

"As more and more radio listening moves online, I'm thrilled to be part of the radio revolution,” said Constantine. “Live365 is fully involved in creating new products and improving the experience of radio listening! It's exciting to be part of the brain trust."

Live365, Inc. is a leader in internet broadcasting and the choice of over 5000 internet broadcasters since their launch in 1999.

Constantine is a lifelong broadcaster with decades of experience in broadcasting. He has programmed over 40 stations ranging from Pop, AC, Rock, Oldies, Alternative and AAA and has received award recognition from prestigious media organizations Billboard Magazine, Radio & Records and the National Association of Broadcasters.

With over 14 years with CBS Radio, Dennis has also worked for Cumulus Radio and Public Radio stations in New York, Philadelphia, Boston & Denver.

Amanda Knox - Return To Sender?

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 22:23:00 +0000

MEMPHIS, TN (IFS) -- Will the United States Department of Justice force Amanda Knox to return to Italy? It would be a terrible miscarriage of justice if this was enforced. Double jeopardy is our law of the land, regardless of the outcome. But, it appears that Italy's system of justice only deletes a verdict, then repeats it at their own choosing. Then again, what does one expect for a country that sided with Hitler during WWII. It seems that the "nuts" don't fall to far from the tree.

If Ms. Knox is not returned to Hi-Italy. . . what are they going to do? Declare war on us? I believe they did that once before. It appears that did not workout to well for them at that time. So to have Ms. Knox returned to Italy for some redundant charge that has been rendered, the US Government should take into consideration that a verdict has been given. The case if closed. End of the story.

What a price to have hanging on one's head forever?

No one will really know the whole story. It took over four and a half years to get to the verdict that got Ms. Knox back to the US. It is obvious, that she is never going to win. She is always going to be treated as guilty no matter what.

If the Italian people don't want to come to visit the United States, then good for them, it makes more room for other visitors. As for American citizens visiting Italy. . . you better watch out, because you will be targets of abuse. I say, lets all leave the place and let them kept their verdict, but you can't have Amanda!

Viacom Names Martha Riley As Senior Vice President Of Music Sales For Viacom Media Networks

noreply@blogger.com (Kenneth Howard Smith) — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 19:09:00 +0000

Viacom Names Martha Riley As Senior Vice President Of Music Sales For Viacom Media Networks. Riley will provide the strategic connection between Viacom's Music and Entertainment Ad Sales group and the Music and Logo Group brands

By Mi2N

Viacom Inc. promoted Martha Riley to Senior Vice President, Music Sales, with sales responsibility for the company's Music and Logo Group, which includes MTV, MTV2, mtvU, VH1, VH1 Classic, Palladia and Logo. Based in New York, Riley will report directly to Jeff Lucas, Head of Sales for Music and Entertainment at Viacom.

In her new role, Riley will provide the strategic connection between Viacom's Music and Entertainment Ad Sales group and the Music and Logo Group brands it supports. She will work closely with channel leadership to drive ad sales strategy and products that are consistent with each brand, its content and its overall goals. Riley will foster collaboration among Ad Sales, Integrated Marketing, Programming, Scheduling and Digital to develop marketing solutions that leverage the company's creative and cross-platform capabilities in full to achieve client objectives.

"Our Ad Sales team and its marketing solutions are at their best when they're fully aligned with the creative content of our brands across capabilities in full to achieve client objectives. "Our Ad Sales team and its marketing solutions are at their best when they're fully aligned with the creative content of our brands across every screen," said Lucas. "Martha is a big picture, innovative thinker who knows how to get the most out of our content for our clients in a way that resonates with our audiences."

Riley is a twenty-year veteran of Viacom, and during that time she has worked extensively with the company's Music and Logo Group brands. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Sales for the Music Group, with responsibility for New York-based ad sales across MTV, MTV2, mtvU, VH1 and Logo. Earlier, Riley was Director of Sales for MTV2. She joined Viacom as a Sales Planner in 1993. Related News from Mi2N: » Viacom Names Martha Riley As Senior Vice President Of Music Sales For Viacom Media Networks

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Viacom Names Martha Riley As Senior Vice President Of Music Sales For Viacom Media Networks