» Cut To The Chase: Radio vet Justin Chase has been hired as PD for Beasley/Las Vegas' Country KCYE and Hot AC KFRH. Chase replaces Sean Lynch, who continues to program Classic Hits KKLZ. He reports to VP/MM Tom Humm, who gave Chase his first radio job at CBS Radio/Las Vegas 15 years ago. Chase most recently programmed the local CBS Radio cluster's Hot AC KMXB and Adult Hits KKJJ. "Country is truly a lifestyle-oriented format with passionate listeners, and country fans can expect the Coyote to continue to navigate uncharted waters in Las Vegas," Chase says. (Tipped this morning on our Twitter feed. Follow here.)

» Gig Alert: Peak's KAWO/Boise GM Kevin Godwin is seeking a PD/personality for the position vacated in March by Rick Stewart (CAT 3/25). Previous PD experience and a winning track record are required. Airchecks and resumes to Godwin at 827 E. Park Blvd., #201, Boise, ID, 83712 or here. Application deadline is July 17.

» Business Doing Pleasure With You: Proving the axiom that a radio personality's pain is the listener's gain is WWNU/Columbia, SC morning co-host Ken. We'll let OM/morning man Tyler Ryan explain: "Ken once was one of those overpaid morning guys who could afford things like food and fancy cars," he says. "All good things end. Six weeks ago, we shared with listeners the fact that Ken's car was being repossessed. Instead of wallowing, we kicked off 'Repo Roulette.' Listeners all picked a day they thought the car would go." And that day was today (7/9). Listen here. "It doesn't get more relatable to what is happening to many Americans than having your car repo'ed," Ryan says.

» Not-So-Quiet Storm: During Arbitron CEO Michael Skarzynski's testimony at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on trends affecting minority broadcast ownership, he affirmed the ratings firm's "commitment to help black and Hispanic-owned broadcasters succeed." Skarzynski pointed to conditions creating a "perfect storm" for radio: the recession that caused a drastic decline in advertising, especially in automotive, real estate, financial services and tech, which deliver 60% of radio's income. Those losses led to a "precipitous decline" of 20-30% in Q1 station revenue, coupled with highly leveraged debt burdens. To improve minority participation in PPM, Skarzysnki said Arbitron was expanding cell-phone-only sampling, adding country-of-origin sampling, increasing black and Hispanic panelists via one-on-one coaching, and adding recruitment incentives and retention bonuses. Meanwhile, the Association of Hispanic Advertising Agencies, a critic of PPM, has joined the Media Rating Council, which is responsible for accrediting ratings services provided by companies including Nielsen and Arbitron.

» The Welcoming Committee: Soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division are returning to their base 65 miles north of Nashville after 12-15-month deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. And Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Jake Owen, John Rich, Jypsi and Rodney Atkins will help welcome them home during the kick-off of the Week of the Eagles Salute to the Troops concerts in Fort Campbell, KY Aug. 14-15. The concerts are free and open to the public, but a valid ID, proof of insurance and registration are required for entry. Details here.

» Apper's Delight: Capitol's Keith Urban has partnered with Zannel in offering the Keith Urban VIP Pass app for iPhone and iPod Touch. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into his Escape Together World Tour for $1.99 here.

» Vocal Stretch: RCA's Sara Evans will sing "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch of the Major League Baseball All-Star Game next Tuesday (7/14) in St. Louis. Sheryl Crow will sing the National Anthem.