Yes, an actual update!

https://memegenerator.net/instance/81673981/sick-person-had-argument-with-flu-i-lost

It’s been awhile, as I spent much of the past two months catching up after being really slowed down with the flu (yes, I did get the shot and got a strain not covered -- and that cough would NOT go away!), apologies for again being offline for awhile. I actually did write the usual year in review, but given it’s already April, I’ll roll out some of my comments in the days to come. Meanwhile, a few updates:

The radio odyssey…er, Audacy…continues: There were few who were surprised with Audacy filed for bankruptcy at the beginning of the year. The move reduced their debt from $1.9 billion to $350 million. Now, George Soros (yes, THAT George Soros) has become the largest stakeholderin Audacy, acquiring more than $400 millon of the company’s debt and allowing the company to emerge from bankruptcy. More recently, there’s been talk that Soros will merge Audacy with Cumulus, another beleaguered radio entity. Will the famous (to some, infamous) supporter of progressive causes try to impose his influence on the editorial stances of Audacy and Cumulus stations? The guess is probably not, the purchase being viewed as more an investment than a media outlet for Soros’ politics. Plus there aren’t a lot of progressive talk shows available for syndication. But again, it’s a guess. 

George Soros

Add note: The landlord of 5670 Wilshire, which houses the LA Audacy stations (KCBS-FM, KNX, KROQ, KRTH, KTWV) had filed a “limited objection” to the bankruptcy plans, seeking to collect $39,000 in back rent and $5,000 in attorney fees. I'm assuming that was settled.

Scott Burt, Alex Silverman

Another note: It’s claimed Audacy made the decision to ground Scott Burt, KNX’s airborne traffic reporter because of budget cuts. However, Alex Silverman, the station’s news and program director, said the move was deliberate. “The aircraft served us and our audience well for a long time, but with the resources available to us in 2024, we decided to shift our focus to ensuring we can respond instantly to the biggest, most impactful story of the moment,” said Silverman. “We call this the ‘Instant Eye View,’ to highlight the real value of our traffic reports: the human perspective.” He said the station will use cameras and real-time contact with both local agencies, “and our listeners, we can alert our audience to an incident and provide the ‘why’ well before an app, which has to wait for traffic to build before showing you a red line.”

iHeart irony: I was listening to MyFM 104.3 (KBIG) and heard a spot advertising the 100 commercial free iHeart stations available via their streaming platform. The spot was presented within a commercial block of 10 consecutive ads. Am I the only one who notes the irony?

Bound for that toddlin’ town: Belated congratulations to Andy Chanley, who is moving from The SoCal Sound 88.5 (KCSN / KSBR) to Audacy’s 93-XRT (WXRT), a triple-A (adult album alternative) station known as “Chicago’s home for music lovers.” Chanley returns to the Midwest after a 20+ year career in Los Angeles, including Y-107 (KLYY), Channel 103.1 (KACD), The Sound 100.3 (KSWD), and The SoCal Sound. He announced the move during “Mornings with Nic Harcourt & Jet.” “However much you think this station has meant to me, it’s meant more,” Chanley said. “Listeners often tell us that The SoCal Sound has seen them through tough times like the pandemic. But, actually, this station and these listeners saw me through the pandemic. They saw me through Stage 3 cancer. They saw me through the last six years of my life, and for that, I am forever grateful.” Chanley will be heard in afternoon drive and also serve as the station’s music director. 

Succeeding Chanley is Matt Pinfield. Most recently heard on Meruelo’s KLOS, Pinfield is recognized for his "encyclopedic knowledge" of the music industry. Previously, he was host of MTV's "120 Minutes" featuring alternative and indie rock acts. Pinfield was also heard on San Francisco's one-time rocker KFOG.  

Full-time: Congratulations to Tammy Trujillo, who has been hired full-time as an anchor on NBC News Radio. The award-winning news anchor, best known for her work at all-news KFWB and NPR outlet KPCC, had been working part-time for the past year. She's also on the faculty at Cal State Northridge and the University of LaVerne, teaching courses in radio and broadcasting.

Passing parade continues: I remember when KCRW’s then General Manager Ruth Seymour would ask for direct support for the then floundering NPR, instructing listeners to write checks to “KCRW for NPR News” when the network was near bankruptcy. It definitely made a difference. For someone who never was officially part of the network’s leadership, Seymour had an outsized influence on the survival and product of today’s NPR. As for KCRW, the station today continues to provide a popular mix of NPR news, music, and public affairs programming. I’m aware the sometimes controversial Seymour passed away last year, nonetheless her legacy on 89.9 FM will be remembered for many years to come.

Switch to decaf?: 710 / ESPN (KSPN) now has Chris Morales as (sort of) a booth announcer (quite excitedly) introducing show hosts and coming out of commercial breaks. When I asked what was the reason, I was told it helps foster a “fraternity-like atmosphere” providing continuity between different programs. 

Personally, I find Morales to be a distraction, and I can assure you I’m not the only one who shares this opinion. My suggestion is to give Morales his own show, he clearly knows sports and could be a valuable contributor to the local ESPN outlet. But not in his current role.

Did anyone go to Coachella?: The LA Times offered a story this weekend about less people attending the two weekend festival. A quick check of the local dial (I admit not a comprehensive check) found only Ally Johnson on KROQ’s Klein and Ally morning show telling her tales of visiting the music festival. Klein noted, “Ally’s wife had a stranger dancing on her shoulders, the video’s been posted, enjoy it while you can. You decide if it’s cheating,” which apparently became the topic of the morning.

https://metapreneurship.net/college-professors-meme/

(Click to enlarge - actually click any of the photos to enlarge)

Getting back online: As I’ve previously mentioned, I got a promotion (sort of) at my day job. This year has been particularly busy. Thanks to your encouragement, I’m going to stay online for awhile longer, and will prioritize any breaking news. Feel free to contact me anytime, I especially welcome story tips – and you can also subscribe via email (I keep everything confidential) – at ayodaradio@gmail.com. More to come, stay tuned.