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Amanda Dennihy Out At New Country 101.Five Atlanta

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Amanda Dennihy is out as midday host at Cumulus Media’s New Country 101. Five, Atlanta.

Dennihy had been in middays for a year and a half. She had been paired with Garrett Loundin and took over the previously voice-tracked shift.

She began her tenure at the station in 2019, taking on the role of Executive Producer for the “Kincaid & Dallas” morning show.

Dennihy hinted at radio retirement in a Facebook post, “Turning the page and finishing the book of radio.” She also noted that her firing was just two weeks before her wedding.

The market veteran previously hosted middays at then Entercom Hot AC Star 94.

Doug Gottlieb: Tony Romo Needs Tom Brady’s Prep, Brady Needs Romo’s ‘Let It Rip’

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In a recent episode of his In The Bonus podcast, FOX Sports Radio host Doug Gottlieb and Executive Producer Jason Stewart talked about Tom Brady’s first season as an NFL analyst amongst other topics. Stewart gave his thoughts first and not only said he doesn’t think Brady has done a great job, but he also wonders about the rules the NFL has set forth as it relates to Brady the broadcaster and Brady the part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

“Fox pays Tom Brady, I think, 50 million bucks a year,” Stewart said although the reported figure is $37.5 million per season. “If you’ve been watching, and I watched the entire game on Sunday…there’s a lot of ‘Captain Obvious’ with his analyst work. There’s more Magic Johnson than there is Troy Aikman. There isn’t a whole lot of insight. Great players aren’t able to always be great at describing the game.

“And then you saw the story last week after he signed his ownership deal with the Raiders where he’s not going to get access to team meetings. He’s not going to get access that most analysts get. So, you’re already having a guy that’s kind of ‘Captain Obvious’, and then you’re going to handicap him. Now, I understand that there’s a lot of resources over at Fox that are going to produce him up, and there’s going to be no shortages of information and whatnot. But again, just his raw ability to react in real time isn’t very insightful to begin with. So, I just don’t know about Tom Brady.”

Gottlieb added, “Yeah, it’s been disappointing…He still hasn’t been able to be the off-camera Tom Brady on camera. You know, it’s still like performative art for him, and that just doesn’t work. It’s too robotic, it’s too stilted, it’s too planned. Tony Romo needs his prep, and he needs the Tony Romo’s let it rip.

“And if you could meet in the middle, you’d have a great broadcaster. And I honestly think people still will prefer Romo to him, and I know you don’t enjoy Romo’s broadcast, but by comparison, they’re a lot more enjoyable to what Tom Brady’s doing.”

“I’ll give you that,” Stewart replied. “The aesthetics with Romo are tough. He has an impossible voice that grates on you, and then, yeah, his antics are annoying as well.”

NAB CEO Curtis LeGeyt After Donald Trump Calls for Broadcast Licenses to Be Revoked: ‘Threat Undermines Basic Freedom’ of 1st Amendment

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Donald Trump has called for the broadcast licenses to be revoked for negative coverage and selective editing of some interviews during the 2024 campaign. NAB CEO and President Curtis LeGeyt has responded to those threats.

Trump has put outlets like CBS and ABC in his crosshairs for what he has labeled as biased coverage against his campaign. Lawyers for the former President sent a letter to CBS demanding that the network “preserve all communications and documents” regarding its 60 Minutes interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. He has asked for an FCC investigation for the handling of the ABC News Presidential Debate from last month, as well.

On Tuesday, LeGeyt responded to the threats made by the Republican nominee, stating that the calls go against the nation’s founding principles.

“From our country’s beginning, the right of the press to challenge the government, root out corruption, and speak freely without fear of recrimination has been central to our democracy. Times may have changed, but that principle – enshrined in the First Amendment – has not,” LeGeyt said in a statement. “The threat from any politician to revoke a broadcast license simply because they disagree with the station’s content undermines this basic freedom.”

LeGeyt’s comments are similar to those of FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel who pushed back on the comments made by the presidential candidate earlier this month.

“While repeated attacks against broadcast stations by the former President may now be familiar, these threats against free speech are serious and should not be ignored,” said Rosenworcel. “As I’ve said before, the First Amendment is a cornerstone of our democracy. The FCC does not and will not revoke licenses for broadcast stations simply because a political candidate disagrees with or dislikes content or coverage.”

97X Tampa Bay Sets Lineup For 23rd Annual ‘Next Big Thing’

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97X Tampa Bay’s 23rd Annual  “Next Big Thing” is scheduled for Saturday, December 7th, at BayCare Sound in Clearwater. The lineup includes performances by The All-American Rejects, as well as the reunion of NBT 2 & 3 band Something Corporate. Attendees can also look forward to sets by Dayglow, Judah & The Lion, Gigi Perez, and Jonah Kagen.

97X will host the Hard Rock Rising finals on November 13th at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. This event will feature the final bands competing for the chance to open the 97X “Next Big Thing.” Attendees are encouraged to come out and vote for their favorite local band. Additionally, free tickets will be available through a giveaway.

Tickets are on sale. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Metropolitan Ministries to assist individuals impacted by the hurricanes.

Past performers include Twenty One Pilots, My Chemical Romance, Thirty Seconds To Mars, Fall Out Boy, Panic! At The Disco, The Black Keys, Paramore, Cage The Elephant, and The Lumineers.

CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell Sees Ratings Gains in Key Demographic Since Vice Presidential Debate

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CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell moderated the network’s Vice Presidential Debate earlier this month, alongside Face the Nation’s Margaret Brennan.

And it appears as if the high-profile debate — watched by more than 40 million — has paid off as the network newscast has seen a ratings uptick in the coveted Adults 25-54 demographic since the debate.

In the weeks leading up to the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate, the newscast fluctuated between 599,000 and 632,000 viewers in the key demographic.

Since the October 1st debate between Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) and Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN), CBS Evening News has featured an average audience of 639,000. Viewership from that demographic reached 686,000 viewers during the week of October 14th.

Despite the ratings gains, the program anchored by Norah O’Donnell is still in third place in both the Adults 25-54 demographic and total viewers.

During the week of October 14th, ABC World News Tonight with David Muir averaged 7.3 million total viewers and just over 1 million from the key demo. NBC Night Nightly News with Lester Holt was second with 5.7 million viewers and 816,000 from the Adults 25-54 demographic. The CBS news program featured 4.4 million total viewers.

Norah O’Donnell is set to exit the anchor chair of the CBS Evening News after the 2024 presidential election concludes. John Dickerson, Maurice DuBois, and Brennan will all anchor the nightly newscast, which is moving to New York after O’Donnell’s exit.

Mat Media Group Launches ‘Country Hits Now’ Digital Station

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In a move for Country music enthusiasts, MAT Media Group has launched “Country Hits Now,” a digital radio station based in Bonita Springs, FL. This station aims to bridge the gap between contemporary melodies and timeless classics, catering to the tastes of modern listeners.

The dynamic playlist showcases popular artists, including Jelly Roll and Morgan Wallen, alongside legendary figures such as Garth Brooks, Shania Twain, and George Strait.

This initiative represents a fresh approach to Country music, appealing to both new fans and long-time aficionados alike.

“Country Hits Now” seeks to meet the changing preferences of Country music enthusiasts by blending classic and contemporary sounds.

Trisia Ray, a representative for MAT Media Group, emphasized that this approach is essential for maintaining relevance in today’s music industry.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch ‘Country Hits Now’ and provide a fresh alternative for our community,” said Ray. “While other local stations may be stuck in the past, we’re embracing the present and future of Country music.”

Listeners in Southwest Florida and surrounding areas can look forward to tuning into “Country Hits Now” through the Inferno Radio App beginning today (10/23).

SiriusXM Signs Mel Robbins to Multi-Year Extension with New Show Set for 2025

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SiriusXM has announced it has entered into a three-year agreement with podcaster Mel Robbins to keep The Mel Robbins Podcast in the company’s stable of programs.

Included as part of the new contract with the company, Mel Robbins will start a new weekly show exclusively for SiriusXM subscribers in early 2025. More details on the show will be available at a later date.

“I am so thrilled to continue my relationship with SiriusXM,” said Mel Robbins. “The impact this show is making in the lives of people around the world is incredible. It’s an honor to not only spend time with you, but to have you share the episodes with people you love. Continuing this collaboration with SiriusXM will help me make an even bigger difference in your life, and I can’t wait to spend more time with you.”

Robbins will continue to host her podcast — which has earned 188 million streams and downloads since its 2022 debut — twice per week.

“Mel Robbins has inspired and motivated millions through her thoughtful and relatable advice, and we couldn’t be more excited to help her continue her journey,” said SiriusXM President and Chief Content Officer Scott Greenstein. “With the launch of her new weekly show, she’ll have the opportunity to reach even more people in order to connect, learn, and transform their lives. Her impact is exceptional, and we can’t wait to see how many more lives she’ll change.”

In addition to new episodes of the SiriusXM podcast each Monday and Thursday, Mel Robbins will also continue to release longer, uncut versions of her shows on her YouTube channel, which features more than 3 million subscribers.

Tower Owner Issues Statement On Houston Helicopter Crash

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SBA Communications, the owner of the Houston radio tower that was struck by a helicopter on October 20, has issued a statement regarding the accident. The accident resulted in the deaths of all four individuals, including a child aboard. (BMM 10/21)

“Late in the evening on Sunday, October 20, 2024, we were made aware of a tragic incident that occurred at one of our newly acquired tower sites in the Houston area,” SBA’s statement says. “We are in the process of cooperating with authorities on a full investigation. This is a tragic incident, and we ask everyone to please keep the deceased and their families in their thoughts and prayers.”

SBA acquired the tower in September from Univision, which owns three of the four radio stations previously operating from the site. This acquisition was part of a larger transaction involving multiple towers.

On October 17, the FAA issued a notice regarding a potential obstruction to tower lights, following a report on the 16th that indicated the lights were inoperable. In response, a spokesperson for SBA stated that the company had no prior knowledge of any lighting issues. Surveillance footage from the crash site appeared to show at least one operational flashing light on the tower.

The SBA addressed concerns raised after the recent crash, announcing that upon acquiring the tower, it has implemented a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) for the site. This move aims to prioritize safety during the transition of ownership as the company integrates the tower into its Network Operations Center, which will provide continuous monitoring in compliance with FAA and FCC regulations. NOTAMs are crucial for informing pilots about work updates, potential hazards, or other changes that could affect their flights.

During a news conference on Monday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that the helicopter involved in the incident did not have a flight data recorder. It was not mandated to be equipped with one. Investigators are currently searching for other devices that may contain usable data.

In a recent report from KHOU-TV Houston, the NTSB provided an update on its investigation into the recent crash. NTSB Air Safety Investigator Brian Rutt described the scene as “pretty complex” and emphasized the meticulous approach the agency is taking. “Our goal, along with the FAA, is to piece together the details of how this tragic incident occurred,” Rutt stated.

Photo: Houston Fire Department

Pat McAfee Looking for NBA Analyst, Says ESPN NBA Crew ‘Has Been Impossible to Work With’ Due to Scheduling

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Pat McAfee always tells it like it is. Today, on a post to his X account with 3.1 million followers, he said he was on the lookout for an NBA expert or experts to join the show. He said he figured with the long list of contributors to ESPN’s NBA coverage, his partnership with the network would yield someone or somebodies to fill the role. However, that apparently is easier said than done.

“I need an NBA expert(s) for the progrum… not everyday.. just someone to FaceTime periodically thru the season,” McAfee wrote. “I will pay, because I pay everybody for their contributions to our show. Obviously, when licensing our show thru ESPN, we thought it’d be easy to get NBA folks from the ESPN roster. That has not been the case. The ESPN NBA crew has been rather impossible to work with due to their daily scheduling during season…afternoons are TOUGH for the entire group.”

McAfee then asked his fans to suggest a former player who could fill the role. He wrote, “Sooooo… Which ex-NBA players do you think would be a great representative of the Association on our dumbass show? Thanks again. Cheers.”

At the time this article was written, McAfee’s post had almost 250,000 impressions and more than 1,000 people had replied. Many suggesting some of the great characters of the NBA such as Dennis Rodman and Ron Artest and others who have thrown their own names into the hat.

ESPN recently put out a press release naming its entire roster for NBA coverage. The list included more than two dozen names, many of which are former NBA players.

Political Advertising Propels Local Radio & TV to $36 Billion in Revenue, New S&P Forecast Shows

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Political advertising surrounding the 2024 election has been described as “unprecedented” for local radio and TV outlets. But new S&P data shows just how important the sector has been.

The S&P Global Market Intelligence’s Kagan Radio & TV Annual Outlook shows that broadcast radio and television advertising revenue will reach $36.19 billion in 2024. That figure is up 9.3% from $33.1 billion in 2023, with political advertising producing the lion’s share of the increase.

Political advertising isn’t the only reason for the uptick, however. Data shows that pharmaceuticals, telecom, and professional services continue to see advertising growth. However, automotive, retail, and travel/tourism dollars have not been as robust as in years past.

The local advertising market remains stronger for broadcast radio and TV than the national business. Major advertising brands and agencies are moving budgets away from broadcast radio in favor of digital and podcast advertising, too. According to the forecast, $11.24 billion will be spent on radio stations in 2024.

The terrestrial radio outlook shows that revenue is expected to decline by 3.7% in 2024. The total radio ad revenue forecast for the next five years show a decline to $10.08 billion in 2029, with more revenue being dedicated to digital ad growth.