Urban Radio Nation - Radio, Media, Music

The Tom Joyner Family Reunion Labor Day Weekend Lineup

2013-06-19T20:32:00.001-04:00

CLICK Photo for larger image (more photos below)
Credit to Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion

10th Annual Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion Celebrates Unforgettable Family Fun

Last year over 16,000 people joined the “Party with a Purpose”. This year we’re returning to Orlando for Labor Day weekend with fun events and entertainment including Fantasia, Jermaine Dupri’s SoSo Def Reunion Tour with Anthony Hamilton, Bow Wow and more.

Tom Joyner, host of the nationally syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Show, and Allstate Insurance Company are celebrating ten unforgettable years of family fun and excitement with the 2013 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion®. This Labor Day weekend (Aug. 29 – Sept. 2), families from all over the country will join Allstate, Joyner, and his celebrity friends for a weekend filled with stellar concerts, access to select theme parks, interaction with celebrities and leaders, enlightening seminars, and endless activities for people of all ages. The event will be held at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

Grammy Award-winning artist Fantasia will headline Friday night and Jermaine Dupri, Anthony Hamilton, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, Bow Wow, Dondria and more of the SoSo Def reunion tour will headline Saturday night.

In addition to the concert spectaculars, the event has been highlighted by celebrity families including Sinbad and Meredith Adkins, Terry and Rebecca Crews, Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker, NBA executive Allan Houston and wife Tamara, and David and Tamela Mann in attendance with their families. Community initiatives such as Allstate’s teen driving safety initiative and Quotes for Education, which was developed to support Historically Black Colleges and Universities, have also been made available to attendees.

Furthermore, every weekday from June 3 - 28, Allstate and the Tom Joyner Morning Show will be giving away 20 family all-inclusive packages to the 2013 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion.

“The Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion creates an atmosphere of one true family that celebrates people and what we love,” says Joyner, whose radio show airs in over 105 markets with an audience of more than eight million listeners. “When we first created this event, we wanted families to experience a truly spectacular vacation that was unique, all-inclusive, affordable and more than anything...entertaining. And not only have we done that, but we’ve done it for ten years strong. We have created a new Black Family tradition that has come to represent entertainment, exclusivity and fun – and I hope we continue creating lifetime memories for families for another ten years and more.”

Created in 2003, thousands of families flock to Orlando each year to attend Joyner’s family “party with a purpose.” Last year alone, more than 16,000 guests made their way to the sold out event, which included show stopping performances by New Edition, Kem, Angie Stone, Mint Condition, Chubb Rock, Diggy Simmons, OMG Girlz, and many more.

Artists in the past have included Aretha Franklin, Earth, Wind & Fire, Chris Brown, Destiny’s Child, Lionel Richie, LL Cool J, Charlie Wilson, Dr. Bobby Jones, and news anchor Soledad O’Brien.

“Allstate is proud to have partnered with Tom Joyner for ten years and celebrate the importance of family fellowship and togetherness,” said Stacy Sharpe, field vice president of Allstate’s Capital region. “We hope to continue to lend our ‘good hands’ to the good times for years to come.”

An unrivaled event, The Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion has the highest standards in entertainment, value and exclusive activities. Included in every event package is one guestroom for a five day/four night stay at the host resort and tickets to daily concerts and theme parks with private events for Family Reunion attendees only. These “golden tickets” grant event attendees’ admission to the Family Expo, Sunday’s Family Fun Day, Thursday night reception, Friday night dinner and the Saturday BBQ. Guests are even given complimentary scheduled transportation for airport and theme park transfers and access to the Friday morning special Tom Joyner Morning Show broadcast.

For more information about the 2013 Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion, go to www.BlackAmericaWeb.com or call 407-248-9191.

Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" Rockets to the Top of the Pop Songs Charts

2013-06-18T10:44:00.001-04:00

The Daily Beast says ‘Blurred Lines’ [VIDEO] is Kind of "Rapey"

"Blurred Lines" from artist Robin Thicke is on it's way to becoming the #1 song on many Top 40 Pop stations across the country. No small feat in light of the dominance maintained by quasi-Hip Hop group Macklemore and Ryan Lewis over the last few months. The song features performances by artists T.I. and Pharrell. The song is Thicke's attempt at a more "pop" or mainstream sound than any of his previous work. In addition to having a catchy summer feel, the song's controversial lyrics and explicit video has generated buzz. Robin Thicke is the son of actor Alan Thicke, who starred in the late 80's/early 90's TV comedy "Growing Pains" on ABC and is husband of actress Paula Patton.

Tricia Romano writes in The Daily Beast: "Here’s a sure-fire way to get the No. 1 record in the country: engineer a fake controversy by making an unrated version of your video featuring strutting, mostly naked supermodels. That’s the route blue-eyed crooner Robin Thicke took with his single “Blurred Lines,” which sits atop the Billboard charts this week, ending Macklemore’s long reign."

Here is a [CLEAN] version of the song performed on NBC's The Voice. Read The Daily Beast's take on the song and controversial video.

"Magna Carta Holy Grail" with JAY Z + Samsung Album Release July 4th

2013-06-17T13:22:00.002-04:00

The INTERNET is The Wild, Wild, West

No Rules. Any platform.
Jay-Z shared news during Game 5 of the NBA Finals: He's got a new album coming out in less than a month.

JAY Z's new album "Magna Carta Holy Grail" comes to Samsung Galaxy fans first. Be among the first million to download the app on June 24th and get the album free July 4th, three days before the rest of the world. Learn more: http://magnacartaholygrail.com

Power 99 and D’USSE Cognac Presents: J. Cole’s ‘Dollar and A Dream’ Tour

2013-06-14T18:55:00.000-04:00

‘Dollar and A Dream’ Tour Concert Benefits J. Cole’s Non-Profit Organization: "The Dreamville Foundation"

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment’s Power 99 FM Philadelphia, and D’USSE Cognac present, J. Cole’s ‘Dollar and A Dream’ Tour, on Friday, June 21 at a secret location, with proceeds supporting The Dreamville Foundation.

J. Cole’s ‘Dollar and A Dream’ Tour gives his fans the chance to see him perform for the low-ticket price of $1.00. All the proceeds from this tour benefit The Dreamville Foundation, a non-profit created by J. Cole to bridge the gap between success and the urban youth of Fayetteville, NC. The Foundation creates programs which help to put local youth on a path to success.

Through Friday, June 14, Power 99 FM listeners will have the opportunity to enter to win exclusive concert tickets, J. Cole’s latest album Born Sinner and a meet and greet by calling into the station or by entering online at www.Power99.com. On Friday, June 21, J. Cole (@JColeNC) will tweet the secret location of the concert, where fans can then show up and purchase tickets for only $1.00. All on-site tickets will be sold on a first-come first-serve basis and entry will be halted once the venue has reached full capacity. A place in line does not guarantee admission into the concert.

For more information and details on winning concert admission, please visit Power 99 at www.Power99.com. Additional information about J. Cole and The Dreamville Foundation is available at www.thedreamvillefoundation.org or www.jcolemusic.com.

Lady B Announces Her Return to the Airwaves on Old School 100.3

2013-06-13T05:00:00.000-04:00

The Station Has Been Jockless Since Going "Old School" in late March and Challenges WDAS FM

Philadelphia radio personality Lady B announced this week via her Facebook fan page that she would be back on the air very soon.

"Okay, Okay family. Here is the news we've all been waiting for! I will be back on the air July 2nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Old School 100.3fm Yeeeeeaaaaah Boyeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!"

Lady B, who pioneered Hip Hop radio in Philly over 30 years ago and helped launched Sirius XM radio's Backspin channel, has transitioned into being an Urban AC personality over the last few years. However she was also able to convince her PD Elroy Smith to let her go outside the traditional Today's R&B format and play Old School Hip Hop on her WRNB program. She called her hour long segment The Afternoon Basement Party. It became popular among her listeners. It may have even sparked the idea among management that the station should change to an Old School format featuring R&B music as well, like some of the other Radio One, Inc., Urban Adult Contemporary stations across the country.

With the new format, WRNB has experienced a ratings bump since the change to an exclusive "Old School" music format. Most of the music featured is 70's and 80's R&B music (Earth, Wind, & Fire, Michael Jackson, Teena Marie, The Commodores, etc.) however the station occasionally drops into its rotation Naughty By Nature's "Hip Hop Hooray" and Rob Base's "It Takes Two." It was less than two years ago that WRNB made a frequency switch to a better signal from its old dial setting at 107.9, causing 100.3 The Beat to morph into Hot 107.9.

Meanwhile Old School 100.3 increase has been to the detriment of heritage station and long time ratings winner 105.3 WDAS FM. The Clear Channel owned station has seen its ratings decrease from the number 3 most listened to radio station in Philadelphia to the number 6 rated position. There hasn't been a challenger to WDAS FM's throne in a number of years. Over the past 10 years or more the station has been somewhere in the top 3 during the PPM ratings era. Before Arbitron's electronic PPM system, WDAS was frequently the Number 1 rated station when the method of measuring radio listeners came about by having listeners record their listening habits into a monthly handwritten diary. It will be interesting to see if Old School 100.3 can maintain its current popularity among listeners or if WDAS will return to its familiar ratings leading position.

While she has been off the air, Lady B has been making promotional appearances across the city on behalf of the station. With this announcement, Lady B will become the first daily on-air personality besides the Tom Joyner Morning Show on Old School 100.3.

The only others live voice on the station has been weekend personality Dyana Williams and her co-host Derrick Sampson, who recently revived the weekly afternoon Sunday Showcase program a couple of weeks ago on the station, which was a part of the old WRNB format.

Old School 100.3 along with its sister station Hot 107.9, recently presented their annual music industry forum event. Among the participants were Philadelphia International Records founders and songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Much of Dyana Williams' program features the songs written and recorded by Gamble and Huff from the likes of Teddy Pendergrass to The Stylistics to Phyllis Hyman.

The Smooth Jazz Sounds of ‘JJZ Returns to the Airwaves in Philadelphia

2013-06-10T20:54:00.000-04:00

Smooth Jazz Will Air on 1480 AM and 106.1 HD2

Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Philadelphia announced today the return of Smooth Jazz sounds on ‘JJZ. Beginning Monday, June 10 at 12:00 p.m. EST, the Smooth Jazz format returns to the airwaves on 1480-AM and 106.1 HD2.

The station will feature long-time WJJZ personality, Michael Tozzi, who was the midday host and Program Director of WJJZ-FM from 1995 to 2008. The format will include a variety genres and artists, such as Dave Koz, Peter White and Norman Brown.

"It's a proud moment for the music that so many love and has been missing from the airwaves," said Tozzi. "I’d like to thank the great team in Philadelphia for their commitment to the format and passionate fans it speaks to."

"The re-birth of ‘JJZ fills a void for Smooth Jazz music, which hasn’t had a local home in Philadelphia for several years," said Brian Check, Vice President of Programming, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Philadelphia. "We're excited to bring back Smooth Jazz programming for our listeners."

Fans can listen to 'JZZ, on the station’s website, wjjz.com, as well as on iHeartRadio, Clear Channel’s all-in-one digital radio service. iHeartRadio delivers everything listeners want in one free, fully-integrated service: instant access to more than 1,500 of the nation’s most popular live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities, plus user-created custom stations inspired by favorite artists and songs. iHeartRadio also offers listeners a new “Perfect For” feature which allows users to choose from thousands of curated stations based on a range of moods and activities.

As with all format changes there has to come about the demise of a format that ratings wise necessitated a change in the eyes of management. ...The Smooth Jazz format of 'JJZ replaces the oldies of WDAS 1480 AM. The station was revived about two years ago after having been a gospel station and Spanish language station with the call letters WUBA. The re-invented WDAS AM featured much of the music that was played on the station in its heyday of the 1950's, 1960's, and 1970's when it was considered to be one of the top stations in the country and featured legendary disc jockeys "Jocko" Henderson and Georgie Woods. The heritage station became an institution in the city of Philadelphia as not only a Black music station, but also as a station that organized the community throughout the civil rights movement. The reincarnated version of WDAS was programmed by the late Joe "Butterball" Tamburro, who had been part of the WDAS AM and FM family since the early 60's.

Recently Clear Channel made way for this transition by releasing the station's only on-air personality, veteran DJ, Bobby Holiday. The tradition of WDAS AM lives on in the hearts and minds of many in the African American community of Philadelphia.

Donnie Simpson Set to Return to Washington, D.C. Radio

2013-06-07T23:04:00.001-04:00

Washington Post Picks Up on Our Story -Says WHUR and Donnie Would be A Good Fit

Donnie Simpson posted the following to his facebook fan page:

"This hit the press yesterday and I thought you should know about it. Yes, I am exploring a number of opportunities that have presented themselves to me. Radio is one, but TV is also a possibility.

I've been out for 3 1/2 years now and that time off has rekindled a creative fire in me. I'm ready. I've got some things I want to say and some things I want to play. I look forward to hooking up with you again. I miss you. Plus Pam wants me out of the house."

Following the post on facebook, the Washington Post quoted our story in connection to Donnie Simpson's desire to return to radio. We are in total agreement with The Post along with Dave Hughes at DCRTV.com that WHUR would make a great place for Donnie Simpson.

Donnie Simpson was last on the air as morning host at CBS Radio's 95.5 WPGC in January 2010.

Read more at The Washington Post

Here's the PRESS RELEASE:
Ready to explore various radio opportunities, broadcast icon Donnie Simpson taps Ed Pearson, owner of talent and program development company Esome Media Group and president of Doug Banks Media, to lead that charge.

Simpson says, “I consulted with my management team, looked at the landscape and after careful deliberation, decided Ed was the right person to partner with. He knows radio and he’s a friend. I’m confident that Ed will deliver something really kool.”

“Donnie brings tremendous value to the radio and entertainment industries because he’s a proven ratings winner with a timeless brand,” says Pearson. “I look forward to planning his return to radio and finding the right partners to do that with.”

Simpson started his radio career at WJLB in Detroit when he was 15 years old. After eight years on Detroit airwaves, he moved to Washington, D.C. to host the morning show and serve as program director at WKYS-FM. In 1993, he accepted a disc jockey position at WPGC-FM. Simultaneously, Simpson’s television took off in the early ‘80s when he was the backup sports anchor for George Michael on NBC’s WRC-TV in D.C. This led to his 14 years at BET, where he started as one of the nation’s first video jockeys hosting the hit show Video Soul.

As an active community volunteer, Simpson has served as Honorary Chairman of the National Black Family Reunion and has been instrumental in fundraising efforts for AIDS research and the United Negro College Fund. He and his wife also established The Donnie & Pam Simpson Scholarship Fund to assist minority college hopefuls.

"SiMan Baby" Moved to Afternoons on Majic 107.5-97.5 in Atlanta

2013-06-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

Yet Another Urban Station Drops Cumulus Syndication for Local Host Silas Alexander

We find it interesting that Urban PD's are all of a sudden finding the need to go to local programming. We don't blame them. Listeners are not buying it. We are sure that if Cumulus Media put a little more thought behind how and what they were going to do to replace Michael Baisden, the rush across the country at many Urban AC stations to replace Murphy would be a lot different. What's even more interesting...PD's are finding the value in having a local on-air radio personality and their corporate ownership group are seemingly not concerned that a live DJ costs more than a syndicated show.

If the decision to hire Skip Murphy was well thought out, then he should have been given the opportunity to gather his co-hosts from his former Skip Murphy and Company "SWAC" Dallas morning show that aired on K104. Instead he has not been given the same type of platform to perform. That team approach platform made him a popular fill-in host on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Cumulus Media did Skip Murphy a disservice with the syndicated show that they put together for him in an effort to satisfy Baisden's former affiliates.

From RODNEY HO AJC ACCESS ATLANTA- Silas "SiMan Baby!" Alexander is moving to afternoons on Majic 107.5/97.5. Majic management had been riding high with syndicated man Michael Baisden until March, when his show was abruptly cut off when negotiations broke down with his syndicator. Cumulus Media, Baisden's syndicator, replaced him with Skip Murphy.

Majic tried Murphy out for two months but Radio One Atlanta general manager Tim Davies said he decided to drop Murphy and move Alexander from his night slot the past seven years to afternoons. "We felt we needed a local program at this time," Davies said.

Read more from AJC Access Atlanta

V101.9 Charlotte Adds Artie in the Afternoon

2013-06-05T21:01:00.000-04:00

CBS Goes Local and Drops Skip Murphy

Charlotte’s Best Variety of Hits and Oldies WBAV announces a new show "Artie in the Afternoon." The show premiered this week from 3p-7p on V101.9.

“We are excited to bring a show to afternoon drive that is not only live and local but is able to address the topics that are most important to our community while giving our audience the best variety of hits and ol’ School,” said Operations Manager/Program Director Terri Avery.

Artie has been with CBSRadio’s sister station WPEG (Power 98) since 1992 where she started off doing Nights (6p-10p) and then found her home in the Midday (10a-2p). Artie broke ratings record after record for many years and continues to consistently be a top ratings leader in the market.

Read more at V101.9 WBAV website and [LISTEN] to the promo

WHUR Continues Contest But Still No Replacement for Michael Baisden

2013-05-30T20:00:00.000-04:00

Even RG3 is not feeling this...BTW change the name
to the 'Skins, Pigskins, or Braves

It's Been 9 Weeks and Counting...

Ever since the departure of Michael Baisden in late March from its airwaves, 96.3 WHUR in Washington has been running a contest to name the next local host of their afternoon drive time slot. They elected not to go with Cumulus Media's replacement for Baisden which was Skip Murphy. However at this point it seems WHUR is running a contest that will never end.

...And it appears that listeners are growing weary of this contest as they have posted their dissatisfaction with the station. However WHUR has another webpage for the contest that reflects a more positive spin for this week's guest host Randy Dennis.

That's interesting...two webpages for one contest.

Some of the comments directed towards management include: [we paraphrase] When will the station find a permanent host?, ...Trying to find a new "voice" has been going on for several weeks now. Enough already, ...Can a DJ just be selected?, ...Unfreakinbelievable! cycling through every dj in America. ...ALRIGHT ALREADY! How long is this foolishness going to go on? Read more of those comments from the WHUR contest website.

Some of the hosts in the contest have included weekend personalities Marc Clarke, Troy Johnson, Nikki Strong, and Michel Wright. Former DC radio personalities Olivia Fox and Alvin Jones as well. They've tried the syndicated Doug Banks Show with De De McGuire, and comedian George Willborn. Personalities from outside of the D.C. area include Baltimore resident Randy Dennis and Atlanta resident Frank Ski formerly of V-103.

Frank Ski, a former radio host in nearby Baltimore, was very popular with listeners, but said in the AJC blog Access Atlanta, that he "wasn't really seeking a job during his week-long "tryout" at WHUR-FM in D.C. (a few weeks ago) ...he was "just helping them out." Since Frank Ski's on-air appearance in D.C., he has landed a weekly TV commentary segment on a local station in Atlanta on 11Alive's morning news called "I'm Just Sayin'." Frank Ski owns a restaurant in the Buckhead section of the city and has a foundation that among other things sponsors a youth football tournament and trips abroad for youth to places like South Africa. He is truly ensconced in the Atlanta metro area.

So who is the favorite? Only management knows. And only management knows how long the contest will continue...... Seems like everyone has had their chance to be apart of the contest except one popular former DC radio personality. Donnie Simpson.

No That's Skip Cheatham, Not Skip Murphy On the Tom Joyner Morning Show

2013-05-24T20:08:00.000-04:00

TJMS Listeners Are Confused by the 'Skips'

This morning on the TJMS, J. Anthony Brown kidded guest host Skip Cheatham that some of the listeners upon hearing his name and voice, thought he was Skip Murphy. Well there are some similarities...

Skip Cheatham guest hosted the Tom Joyner Morning Show for a week while Tom did the Fantastic Voyage Cruise thing ...and so has Skip Murphy.

Skip Cheatham was once the morning host at K104 (KKDA) in Dallas ...and Skip Murphy was also.

Skip Cheatham's Playground featured at least four co-hosts on the morning show as did "Skip Murphy and Company" on K104.

Skip Cheatham launched his own internet radio program for the Dallas Ft. Worth market after being fired by K104 as morning host ...and so did Skip Murphy.

And of course Skip Cheatham is nick-named "Skip" ...and so is Skip Murphy. The similarities end there we think. Unless Skip Cheatham uses his exposure on the Tom Joyner Morning Show to get a syndicated afternoon radio show like Skip Murphy.

Here's is some [AUDIO] from this morning's show. Huggy Lowdown jokes with Skip Cheatham, Sybil Wilkes and J. Anthony Brown.

Wendy Williams Talks Everything on NPR's 'Tell Me More'

2013-05-24T14:27:00.000-04:00

She Now Says She is Living the Life She Always Dreamed Of...

TV talk show show Wendy Williams dished her own dirt recently on the NPR program "Tell Me More" with host Michel Martin. Wendy provides a revelation about the radio industry in the beginning of the interview, that backs up the reason that the majority of the top-notch urban radio personalities are in that age range of near 40 and over 40.

Complaints we've heard in the past from younger and less experienced DJ's in the industry is that the older jocks (Tom Joyner, Ryan Cameron, Greg Street, Funk Master Flex, Big Tigger, Russ Parr ...just to name a few) need to move on and let the younger dj's take over. But there is certainly a reason why younger on-air personalities especially in urban radio see radio in a different way than veteran jocks... which may translate into the older jocks' longevity in the industry.

She also discussed her drug addiction. "I was addicted to cocaine -- crack cocaine. Cooking it, getting it up in the Bronx. This was before cell phones. Waiting just like a real fiend." She added, "Thank God I never got stopped by the cops to shame my family, and myself, and lose my job. Thank God I never got raped — robbed — or killed in an alley. Thank God my heart never palpitated to the point where I was dead in my apartment."

Wendy Williams talked about her new book "Ask Wendy" which is just an extension of her former syndicated radio show 'The Wendy Williams Experience" based at 107.5 WBLS in New York. She's also excited about her upcoming Broadway debut in the musical 'Chicago.' [Listen to the interview below] from NPR.

Mina SayWhat Presents Power 99's Dance Team "The Power Squad"

2013-05-20T18:38:00.000-04:00

The Power Squad is a Youth Mentoring Program that Promotes Positivity Through Dance

Power 99 FM, Philadelphia's Hip Hop and R&B, announced today that Mina SayWhat from the “Rise & Grind Morning Show” is building a youth dance team to mentor girls. Power 99 FM's Dance Team: The Power Squad will focus on empowering young women through the art of dance by mentoring girls from middle school to college who have an interest in dance. The Power Squad will perform at various Power 99 events throughout the year.

The Power Squad is holding auditions on Friday, May 24, from 4-6 p.m. at Kingsessing Recreation Center located at 4901 Kingsessing Avenue in Philadelphia. Participants must maintain a GPA average of 2.3 and above.

"It's important for these young ladies to have positive guidance and influence in this stage of their lives. With schools closing and afterschool programs shutting down across the tri-state due to budget cuts, it’s more important than ever to offer a positive outlet for young women," said Mina SayWhat. "When I was in school there were many sports teams, dance teams and programs after school with good role models leading these organizations – I learned from being a part of those groups. I want to help these ladies grow, learn, mature and stay focused on what's important – one dance practice at a time."

Mina SayWhat is part of Power 99’s “Rise & Grind Morning Show,” which airs weekdays from 6-10 a.m., and includes Mikey Dredd and MuthaKnows. In addition to her on-air duties, she serves as Social Networking Manager for Power 99, WDAS-FM and WDAS-AM. Mina was raised by a single mother in a poor neighborhood in Union City, New Jersey. She received a full scholarship to the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communication at Syracuse University, where she began her radio career. Known as “Mina Mean,” she spent four years on WJPZ 89.1 Syracuse, one of the top college radio stations in the country. Following graduation she worked at SIRIUS Satellite Radio and quickly moved up from Music Director, Social Media Coordinator to Program Director for three different stations. Mina landed her own show, The Warm Up on Sirius/XM The Heat, and has been featured in countless blogs and magazines.

Fans can listen to Power 99 FM on the station’s website, power99.com, as well as on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio mobile app, Clear Channel’s all-in-one free digital listening service. iHeartRadio delivers everything listeners want in one free, fully-integrated service: instant access to more than 1,500 of the nation’s most popular live broadcast and digital-only radio stations from 150 cities, plus user-created custom stations inspired by favorite artists and songs. iHeartRadio also offers listeners a new “Perfect For” feature which allows users to choose from thousands of curated stations based on a range of moods and activities.

The Breakfast Club Power 105.1 on Huff Post Live

2013-05-17T19:12:00.000-04:00

**Uncensored Interview Adult Language **
DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne Tha God, hosts of "The Breakfast Club" on New York's Power 105.1, join Marc Lamont Hill to discuss hip hop, celebrity news and what it takes to put on "the world's most dangerous morning show."

Legendary Rapper Doug E. Fresh Joins 107.5 WBLS

2013-05-17T18:00:00.000-04:00

New York's "#1 Source for R&B" Adds Classic Old School Hip Hop Show

Doug E. Fresh will host a classic hip-hop show titled "The Show" Saturday mornings from 9-11 a.m. on 107.5 WBLS in New York. The new program represents the second Classic Hip Hop show on the station's lineup. Classic Flavors with hosts Chubb Rock and DJ Bent Roc airs Saturday afternoons on the station as well from 5-7 p.m.

WBLS is the only Urban Adult Contemporary station in New York City. As such it is the only station positioned in the city (other than Gospel and Praise station 1190 WLIB) to appeal to the upper part of the 25-54 demo of African American listeners with music programming. Although they have gotten a ratings boost with the demise of 98.7 Kiss FM; the Tri-state area of metro New York is under served with African American programmed stations. WBLS has to fill-in the void in programming that is a lot different than other Urban AC/"Today's R&B and Classic Soul" stations across the country. The station also features Public Affairs programming on Sunday morning with "The Open Line" and Rev. Al Sharpton in addition to Sunday evening's "The Gary Byrd Experience" with Imhotep Gary Byrd. It's the longest running radio program in New York City.

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Returns Home to 95.7 Jamz Birmingham

2013-05-13T01:30:00.000-04:00

Smiley and co-host Ebony Steele Return to the Station that started their radio careers

On Monday, May 13, 2013, Summit Media will transition The Rickey Smiley Morning Show, to the station where Smiley began his career in radio, 95.7 Jamz WBHJ, Birmingham. The Show moves from Power 102.1 to WBHJ 95.7 Jamz, simulcasting on both stations for one week.

Rickey Smiley was part of the initial morning show on 95.7 Jamz in the summer book of 1997, where the station promptly went to #1 in the demo and it has remained #1 since that time.

Elated about the return to his home station Smiley stated, “I was the one of the first talent on the station when it came on the air working as a comedian on the Buck Wilde Morning Show and the station has continued to do great things. I am really excited about helping to take it to another level with Dave DuBose and team. The Rickey Smiley Morning Show team will be heavily involved in all things Birmingham.”

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Summit Media, LLC David R DuBose added, “We are super excited to welcome Rickey back home to 95.7 Jamz. Rickey started his radio career here in Birmingham with us, and we know listeners will love hearing Bernice, Lil Darryl, Granny, and his entire cast of characters as well as Ebony , who is also an alum of 95.7 Jamz. Rickey has always been one of Birmingham's hometown heroes and his love for the City has helped catapult him to the success he enjoys today, we are proud to have him back on our team.” David R DuBose, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Summit Media, LLC.

The Rickey Smiley Morning Show replaces "The Magic City Morning Show” which aired for the last time Friday morning. That show lasted less than a year after local comedian Roy Wood Jr. left the station to pursue other television opportunities in Hollywood. Wood replaced the long time and popular Buck Wilde morning show, when he left to 95.7 Jamz to bring his brand to the Dallas market on K104. Buck Wilde was eventually replace by the current morning show on K104 hosted by DeDe McGuire.

“You hate to see it go,” said former Magic City Morning Show co-host Jermaine “Funny Maine” Johnson to AL.com. “I know we’ve had a (local) morning show since I finished high school…it’s a big part of the city, but on the bright side, two 95.7 products are coming back home. This is Rickey and Ebony. These aren’t people we don’t know. These are two of our own.”

Rickey Smiley prank calls his uncle back in his Birmingham radio days...

...and another prank call.

Gabby Douglas, Candace Parker, Eve to Appear on Boxtorow

2013-05-10T00:31:00.000-04:00

It's about the ladies on this week's Boxtorow

On this Mother's Day weekend it's about the ladies on Boxtorow Lunch with Donal Ware and FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW.

Speaking of mother's one of the prominent athletes in the world who is a mom, two-time Gold Medalist superstar basketball player Candace Parker of
the L.A. Sparks will be a guest on Boxtorow.

Also Gold Medal gymnast Gabrielle Douglas and actress/rapper Eve will also be guests on Boxtorow.

Taking a bit of the pressure off host Donal Ware as the only male around such lovely ladies will be espn.com Miami Heat/NBA writer Mike Wallace.

Boxtorow Lunch is the sports talk show with a twist. The show talks
sports with some of the top entertainers in the business. Boxtorow Lunch airs Friday's 1-2p ET/12-1p CT/11a-12p MT/10-11a PT on SiriusXM Channel 141 H.U.R. Voices. The show is replayed on SiriusXM Channel 141 Sundays 10-11p ET and Tuesdays 8-9a ET.

Previous entertainment guests have included Aretha Franklin, Sanaa Lathan, Tyrese, Megan Good, Melanie Fiona, LisaRaye, Mark Paul-Gosselaar, Cedric the Entertainer, Charlie Wilson, Faith Evans, and Rakim to name a very few.

Sports guests over the years have included Serena Williams, Kevin Durant, Matt Kemp, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Bown, and Mike Tryson to name a very few.

FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW has also picked up a new affiliate WVWI-AM 1000 in St. Thomas which covers all of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

The show is also heard in top markets such as Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Austin, TX, the Tidewater area (VA), Raleigh, NC and Greensboro, NC. The show can be heard on one of these radio stations www.boxtorow.com/affiliates.php or online Saturdays 1-2p ET, Noon-1p CT, 10-11a PT at www.boxtorow.com.

Boxtorow is one of two national sports talk shows that air on both Satellite and terrestrial radio (The Dan Patrick Show).

Tom Joyner is Back in Milwaukee on Jammin’ 98.3

2013-05-08T23:55:00.003-04:00

Joyner Added to the A.M., Skip Murphy Dropped from Afternoon Drive Time

Tom Joyner's weekday morning radio show is back in Milwaukee on Jammin’ 98.3 (WJMR), launching Monday, May 13 from 5am until 9am.

Joyner commented, “The best thing about good family and good friends is that, whenever we get together, we pick up right where we left off. So, even though it’s been awhile, we won’t miss a beat when we return to Milwaukee with my Jammin’ 98.3 family.”

Tom Joyner earned the nickname “The Fly Jock” and “The Hardest Working Man in Radio” by working long hours and flying between his morning job in Dallas, Texas and afternoon job in Chicago, Illinois every weekday for eight years. The Tom Joyner Morning Show, with co-hosts Sybil Wilkes and J. Anthony Brown, is heard on nearly 105 radio stations across the country each weekday. Over 8 million ears tune into the show on their favorite local radio station.

The Jammin’ 98.3 weekday line-up beginning Monday, May 13 will include Tom Joyner from 5am-9am, Andrea Williams from 9am-Noon, Earl Stokes from 2pm-7pm and Mike Hightower with “Moments in Love” from 7pm-Midnight.

Jammin’ 98.3 (WJMR) is a subsidiary of Saga Communications, Inc. whose business is devoted to acquiring, developing and operating broadcast properties. The company owns or operates broadcast properties in 26 markets, including five radio stations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin under the Lakefront Communications LLC name.

WBLS Moves and Cuts 'The Open Line' for More Music

2013-05-05T09:48:00.000-04:00

Co-host James Mtume says he moving on to new projects

WBLS (107.5) has decided that the popular Sunday morning talk show "The Open Line" needed to be cut down to a one hour show on Sunday morning. Promotional announcements airing on WBLS suggest that listeners want more music heard on the station.

As a result "The Open Line" has been reduced to a one hour program and airs from 8:00-9:00 a.m. instead of the former time slot of 10:00 a.m. - Noon. The show will continue with hosts Bob Slade and Bob Pickett however the show has lost host James Mtume. The show was originally launched on 98.7 Kiss FM (WRKS) in 1989 and was one of a few shows that transitioned over to WBLS when Kiss FM became ESPN Radio and made 'BLS became the only Urban AC station in New York City. More details from New York Daily News

Michael Baisden Off the Air Causes PD's to Re-Think Afternoons

2013-05-01T15:12:00.001-04:00

V101.9 Looks to Abandon The Skip Murphy Show with a contest

There was a time of day that one on-air personality and a tight playlist was all a radio station, particularly a Black radio station, needed to compete in the marketplace. However since the departure of Michael Baisden's syndicated afternoon radio show many program directors across the country have had to re-think what they want to offer their listeners in the afternoon.

With the advent of social media, listeners are begging for conversation on the news topics of the day that range from the recent buzz of free agent NBA player Jason Collin's admission of his gay sexual orientation to the rachetness of Love and Hip Hop or the Real Housewives of Atlanta.

CBS Radio's Urban AC station V101.9 (WBAV) in Charlotte is the latest station to hold an on air contest for their next afternoon host. This follows in the footsteps of WHUR in Washington and Hot 105 in Miami. Those two stations have decided not to air the Skip Murphy Show. (WHUR is now in their fifth week of their search.)

But before V101.9 launches their afternoon host contest, they are asking listeners to tell them what they want to hear out of their afternoon show. Currently V101.9 is airing Skip Murphy, a Charlotte, NC area native.

Given what Michael Baisden brought to the airwaves be it pro or con, he did make a mark in the urban radio landscape. Listeners are not only tuning in for music but also information and conversation. Afternoon drive time radio is sounding more and more like morning drive radio.

WDAS Midday Host Patty Jackson Opens Up About Health Issue That Almost Killed Her [VIDEO]

2013-05-01T15:01:00.000-04:00

Turning Point Came When Singer Jill Scott Stopped A Promo Event and Told Her "We Need to Talk"

During the last couple of month's listeners may have noticed that Patty's Jackson's on-air presentation was a little off. Some people knew there was something wrong with Patty but didn't quite know what it was. Now the Clear Channel radio personality who anchors the midday slot at 105.3 WDAS FM and is also heard in 16 other markets across the country, comes clean about the gum disease caused by veneers she had placed in her mouth years earlier. The results were life threatening. She wants to get her message out to others.

Patty Jackson talks about her career BEFORE she knew she had health issues

PHILADELPHIA -MyFOXPhilly.com Not much really shocks FOX 29's (reporter) Joyce Evans anymore. When one of her best girlfriends called up and said, "I need you to go on a journey with me," Evans says she meant bring a camera crew and viewers for a lesson that might save your life. Read the rest of this story from MyFOXPhilly.com

Patty Jackson Pre-Surgery Interview

Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

See part 2 Below...**viewers may consider some of the images as graphic in nature**

Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

WHUR Adds Local Favorite George Willborn and Doug Banks to 'Next Big Voice' Contest

2013-04-29T14:12:00.000-04:00

Former Baisden Sidekick Joins Doug Banks and DeDe McGuire

The syndicated Doug Banks Show has added Michael Baisden's former co-host George Willborn to the afternoon show. He will join Banks and DeDe McGuire. Willborn replaces comedian Rudy Rush.

Coming on the heels of the announcement, Washington, D.C. Urban AC station 96.3 WHUR is giving the show the opportunity to join the station's lineup as they continue to search in Week 5 for Washington's Next Big Voice.

WHUR has decided, along with some other urban stations across the country to not go with the Skip Murphy Show from Cumulus Media. Murphy had been brought in at the beginning of the month to replace Michael Baisden when contract negotiations between Cumulus and himself went sour.

Going syndication in Week 5 of the contest instead of local is somewhat of a surprise for the station that promotes itself as "Sounds Like Washington." So far Marc Clarke and Troy Johnson, Nikki Strong, Marc and Troy with Molette Green, and Frank Ski formerly of V-103 Atlanta have been part of the contest from the local studios of WHUR. We will see how the listeners will respond as many are requesting weekend host, long-time WPGC midday personality and Sirius XM radio host Michel Wright to get a shot during the contest.

Willborn is no stranger to WHUR as he co-hosted the popular "The Real DC Morning Show" on the station with Tony Richards and TC before the current Steve Harvey Morning Show was brought aboard. By the way The Doug Banks Show also currently airs on WHUR's HD2 channel "WHUR World." The show itself has quite frankly struggled to attract major markets as affiliates outside of V103 (WVAZ) in Chicago where Banks was a hugely popular local Chicago radio personality for many years. Bringing in Willborn may increase the show's ability to garner some of Micheal Baisden's former stations as their affiliates.

WHUR promotes this week's contestants:
"Doug Banks, DeDe McGuire, and George Willborn formerly of the Michael Baisden Show hit the airwaves with a variety of topics relevant to the 25-54 demographic. Doug is the radio veteran that initiates the topic of the day and solicits responses from the audience, DeDe’s is the voice of the independent woman and is not shy about expressing her opinion and the bad-boy style of George Willborn pushes the envelope on everything from romance to finance. With proven experience and ratings, The Doug Banks Team brings more music, more fun, and more entertainment than any team in the industry."

WNYC’s “Soundcheck” presents SOUNDCHECK LIVE: TALIB KWELI

2013-04-23T22:40:00.003-04:00

LIVE Webcast from New York City

On Wednesday, April 24, WNYC’s Soundcheck presents an intimate conversation and performance with Brooklyn-based rapper Talib Kweli, who will release his fifth album, Prisoner of Conscious, this May.

Soundcheck host John Schaefer will join Talib Kweli at The Jerome L. Green Performance Space for a conversation about the territory between the personal and the political --and about his myriad projects. Both as a solo artist hip-hop duo Black Star (with Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def), Kweli has become known for his broad-ranging lyrics and rapid-fire delivery throughout his 20-year career. His latest album includes guest appearances from artists like Kendrick Lamar, Miguel, Melanie Fiona and Busta Rhymes.

The LIVE webcast can be accessed at www.thegreenespace.com.

For those in New York, a limited number of tickets are still available. What: Soundcheck Live: Talib Kweli When: Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 9:00 PM Where: The Greene Space (44 Charlton Street, NY, NY) Tickets: $15 Webcast: access at www.thegreenespace.org

Frank Ski, formerly of V-103, Hosts 'The Next Big Voice' on 96.3 WHUR

2013-04-22T17:49:00.000-04:00

Frank Ski Heads North for Week 4 of the Contest

WHUR welcomes to the Washington's Next Big Voice Contest Frank Ski, the former host of the top-rated morning show at Atlanta-based radio station V-103. Frank Ski hosted 'Frank and Wanda in the Morning' for 14 years (1998-2012) along with co-host Wanda Smith. Before going to Atlanta in 1998, Frank Ski gained notoriety just outside of D.C. at Baltimore's defunct V103 (WXYV) and rapping on B-More's early 90's club music classic "Doo Doo Brown."

From WHUR.com But take a look beyond the radio station and you’ll find somewhat of a renaissance man, whose accomplishments and interests are as broad and intriguing as the many subjects he covers every day. With an ever-growing list of talents, Frank Ski is a well-known journalist, producer and DJ, actor, motivational speaker, tireless philanthropist and most importantly – a husband to wife Tanya and father to four boys. Born in Harlem and reared in Miami, Frank continues to transcend barriers of race, creed and culture.

You can vote yay or nay at WHUR.com as the station seeks a replacement for the departed Michael Baisden Show.

Rick Party In the Afternoon on Miami's Hot 105

2013-04-22T16:23:00.000-04:00

Another Urban AC Station Goes Local, The Voice of BET Replaces Michael Baisden

Rick Party is no stranger to HOT 105 or Miami. “Twenty-two years ago, I came to HOT 105 just a kid with dreams of just having a Party on the radio”, said Party. “Fast forward 2013. This time around, I intend on making my impression felt as an inspiration in the lives of others, and of course a “Party” in the afternoon for many years to come.”

Party has built a devoted audience of fans throughout an enormously successful 26-year radio career. The Rick Party Show is his top-rated daily radio show that has gained respect from fellow industry professionals and has been recognized by various industry leaders and organizations.

Party entered the radio industry at the age of 15 years old with his first gig at Chicago Youth Center’s radio station, WCYC. With a drive to develop his talent and learn more about the technical side of radio, Party enrolled in the Columbia School of Broadcasting. With mounting on-air success and the tools learned in his studies at Columbia, it was apparent that Rick Party was destined to be in radio. WCYC appointed him station manager. From WCYC, Party’s first big break came with a position in Wilmington, NC at WBMS. From there he did stints in Chicago, New York, Atlanta, Dallas and Virginia.

Read more of this article at Hot 105...

Rick Party stars in and voices this commercial

Rick Party 1991 Dallas Radio Air Check