Here’s the news for 2/5/10. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.
» Last Call: 
They're neck-and-neck coming in to the finish, and even we can't tell who will win many of 2010 CRB-Country Aircheck Awards. Voting ends tonight in 28 radio and record categories, so this is your absolute last chance to get yours in. The polls close at 8pm ET/5pm PT, so click over now to CRBAwards.com. Winners will be announced during CRS 2010's New Faces Show Feb. 26 at the Nashville Convention Center.
They're neck-and-neck coming in to the finish, and even we can't tell who will win many of 2010 CRB-Country Aircheck Awards. Voting ends tonight in 28 radio and record categories, so this is your absolute last chance to get yours in. The polls close at 8pm ET/5pm PT, so click over now to CRBAwards.com. Winners will be announced during CRS 2010's New Faces Show Feb. 26 at the Nashville Convention Center. » In Case You Missed It: As we told you in this afternoon's Breaking News and via Twitter, Curb VP/Promotion April Rider resigned after 10 years with the company. Co-VP Adrian Michaels, who shared oversight of the promotion department with Rider, remains with the label. Look for Rider to surface at another Nashville label soon.
» Gig Alert: 
CBS Radio's KMLE/Phoenix PD Bruce St. James is looking for a full-time middayer. The shift has been voicetracked since Gwen Foster's exit in October (CAT 10/6). If you've got a "fresh, new sound," send airchecks and resumes to him here.
CBS Radio's KMLE/Phoenix PD Bruce St. James is looking for a full-time middayer. The shift has been voicetracked since Gwen Foster's exit in October (CAT 10/6). If you've got a "fresh, new sound," send airchecks and resumes to him here. » Jersey Shored Up: 
Former Hot AC WJRZ/Monmouth-Ocean, NJ AM driver/PM driver Chris Van Zant will join crosstown Country WKMK for mornings Monday (2/8). AM driver Lexi Carter heads to middays succeeding Randy Davis, who segues to nights. PD/PM driver Captain Jack has been voicetracking evenings.
Former Hot AC WJRZ/Monmouth-Ocean, NJ AM driver/PM driver Chris Van Zant will join crosstown Country WKMK for mornings Monday (2/8). AM driver Lexi Carter heads to middays succeeding Randy Davis, who segues to nights. PD/PM driver Captain Jack has been voicetracking evenings. » Up Chuck: 
Former Clear Channel's KWNR/Las Vegas personality Country Chuck has joined crosstown Beasley's KCYE for an all-request Country Legends Sunday morning show. A 35-year market vet, Chuck's show debuts Sunday (5/7).
Former Clear Channel's KWNR/Las Vegas personality Country Chuck has joined crosstown Beasley's KCYE for an all-request Country Legends Sunday morning show. A 35-year market vet, Chuck's show debuts Sunday (5/7). » Bank On It: 
Following its prenegotiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed in December, Citadel Broadcasting has filed a $1.6 billion restructuring plan and disclosure statement including a new $762.5 million loan. The proposal, which if confirmed by a N.Y. bankruptcy court, would eliminate $1.4 billion of debt and give 90% of Citadel equity to JP Morgan Chase, GE Capital and some 90 other lenders owed more than $2 billion. CTDB.OB stock is trading at around three cents, and upon reorganization existing common shares will be wiped out.
Following its prenegotiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed in December, Citadel Broadcasting has filed a $1.6 billion restructuring plan and disclosure statement including a new $762.5 million loan. The proposal, which if confirmed by a N.Y. bankruptcy court, would eliminate $1.4 billion of debt and give 90% of Citadel equity to JP Morgan Chase, GE Capital and some 90 other lenders owed more than $2 billion. CTDB.OB stock is trading at around three cents, and upon reorganization existing common shares will be wiped out. » Grateful Fred: Kudos to WFRE/Frederick, MD PD Jess Wright and staff on being named the best local radio station by Frederick Magazine. It's a great week for Wright, who also received her first ACM radio award nomination yesterday (2/4).
» Call American Girl: 
19/Arista's Carrie Underwood will perform this year's CMA Music Festival June 10-13, and 15-year-old fan Riley Ahlstrand was the first to hear the news in a phone call from Underwood herself. "I always look forward to the excitement of CMA Festival," Underwood says. "It's fans like Riley that make the week so much fun." WRKN-TV's Brad Schmitt was interviewing Ahlstrand when Underwood made the call yesterday (2/4). Watch the tearful moment here.
19/Arista's Carrie Underwood will perform this year's CMA Music Festival June 10-13, and 15-year-old fan Riley Ahlstrand was the first to hear the news in a phone call from Underwood herself. "I always look forward to the excitement of CMA Festival," Underwood says. "It's fans like Riley that make the week so much fun." WRKN-TV's Brad Schmitt was interviewing Ahlstrand when Underwood made the call yesterday (2/4). Watch the tearful moment here. » Never Wanted Nothing More: 
Torn between two friends, Kenny Chesney has decided to root for coach Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts' in Sunday's Super Bowl (2/7). "I would love to see the Saints win the Super Bowl because they’ve never won it, and what it would mean to the city of New Orleans," Chesney tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "After Katrina, the music scene in New Orleans took such a hit. Everything did. If they win the Super Bowl, it would be a shot that the town needs. I’m pulling for that." Chesney's No Shoes Radio has been broadcasting this week at Miami's Surfcomber. He also appeared on ESPN's Mike & Mike today (2/5) and will appear on ESPN's NFL Sunday Countdown (2/7) before watching the game at his Sun Life Stadium suite. Chesney will also perform at the Saints' private after-party at Payton's request.
Torn between two friends, Kenny Chesney has decided to root for coach Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts' in Sunday's Super Bowl (2/7). "I would love to see the Saints win the Super Bowl because they’ve never won it, and what it would mean to the city of New Orleans," Chesney tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "After Katrina, the music scene in New Orleans took such a hit. Everything did. If they win the Super Bowl, it would be a shot that the town needs. I’m pulling for that." Chesney's No Shoes Radio has been broadcasting this week at Miami's Surfcomber. He also appeared on ESPN's Mike & Mike today (2/5) and will appear on ESPN's NFL Sunday Countdown (2/7) before watching the game at his Sun Life Stadium suite. Chesney will also perform at the Saints' private after-party at Payton's request. » Fifty Sense: 
Dreamcatcher Entertainment's Kenny Rogers will honor his 50 years in the music business with the multi-artist, high-definition, 3-D television special Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years. "When this was first proposed to me as a 50-year celebration, something about that sounded final, so I suggested we call it The First 50 Years," Rogers says. "I will tell you this, the show is going to be awesome – the next 50 years' TV show is going to be a bitch." Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Wynonna, the Oak Ridge Boys and Lionel Richie will join Rogers for the April 10 taping at Mashantucket, CT's MGM Grand At Foxwoods. Other arists will be announced soon. Tickets and details here.
Dreamcatcher Entertainment's Kenny Rogers will honor his 50 years in the music business with the multi-artist, high-definition, 3-D television special Kenny Rogers: The First 50 Years. "When this was first proposed to me as a 50-year celebration, something about that sounded final, so I suggested we call it The First 50 Years," Rogers says. "I will tell you this, the show is going to be awesome – the next 50 years' TV show is going to be a bitch." Dolly Parton, Alison Krauss, Wynonna, the Oak Ridge Boys and Lionel Richie will join Rogers for the April 10 taping at Mashantucket, CT's MGM Grand At Foxwoods. Other arists will be announced soon. Tickets and details here. » Crib Note: Congratulations to Carolyn Dawn Johnson and husband Matt Fisher on the birth of their second child Bennett Fisher, born early Tuesday (2/3) at 6 pounds, 5 ounces. Bennett joins older sister Abigail Grace, who was born in September 2008.
Here’s the news for 2/4/10. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.
» The Fix Is In: 
Entercom's Top 40 WKRZ & Classic Hits WDMT/Wilkes Barre PD Mike "OD" O'Donnell has been named Dir./Operations for the three-station cluster, which includes Country WGGY. The appointment follows PD/morning host Doc Medek's impending move to Beasley's WXTU/Philadelphia (CAT 1/22) Monday (2/8). Medek's morning counterparts Selena and Jake will continue in wakeups for the time being.
Entercom's Top 40 WKRZ & Classic Hits WDMT/Wilkes Barre PD Mike "OD" O'Donnell has been named Dir./Operations for the three-station cluster, which includes Country WGGY. The appointment follows PD/morning host Doc Medek's impending move to Beasley's WXTU/Philadelphia (CAT 1/22) Monday (2/8). Medek's morning counterparts Selena and Jake will continue in wakeups for the time being. » Sky Hi: 
Former Motor Racing Network Consultant/PD Sky Phillips has joined Clear Channel/Wilmington, DE as OM and PD of Country WDSD. He replaces OM Bob Walton and PD Andy Harris, both of whom exited more than a month ago. Phillips' email is still being set up, but he can be reached at 302-395-9800.
Former Motor Racing Network Consultant/PD Sky Phillips has joined Clear Channel/Wilmington, DE as OM and PD of Country WDSD. He replaces OM Bob Walton and PD Andy Harris, both of whom exited more than a month ago. Phillips' email is still being set up, but he can be reached at 302-395-9800. » In Case You Missed It: As we told you in this morning's Breaking News and via twitter, the ACM announced its 2010 radio award nominees. Winners will receive their awards prior to the CBS-TV telecast of the 45th Annual ACM Awards April 18 in Las Vegas.
» A Volume Business: 
Singer/songwriter Anthony Smith ("Cowboys Like Us," "Chrome") has launched Krankit Records as a joint venture with Artist Garage, which distributes through Universal Music Group subsidiary Fontana. The lead single "Love Is Love Is Love" from his Sunshine album is being worked at radio by Nine North. Mike Regan will serve as Krankit Dir./Operations and publicity is being handled by Wortman Works Media And Marketing and Nic of Time Communications.
Singer/songwriter Anthony Smith ("Cowboys Like Us," "Chrome") has launched Krankit Records as a joint venture with Artist Garage, which distributes through Universal Music Group subsidiary Fontana. The lead single "Love Is Love Is Love" from his Sunshine album is being worked at radio by Nine North. Mike Regan will serve as Krankit Dir./Operations and publicity is being handled by Wortman Works Media And Marketing and Nic of Time Communications. » Familiar Face's: 
AfterMidNite's Blair Garner will co-host Digital Rodeo's Guilty Pleasures Show immediately following the conclusion of CRS 2010's New Faces of Country Music Feb. 26. Garner, whose annual disco served as the unofficial end to CRS in years past, will host segments of the evening and gather content for his website and radio program. For booking inquiries, contact John Pyne here.
AfterMidNite's Blair Garner will co-host Digital Rodeo's Guilty Pleasures Show immediately following the conclusion of CRS 2010's New Faces of Country Music Feb. 26. Garner, whose annual disco served as the unofficial end to CRS in years past, will host segments of the evening and gather content for his website and radio program. For booking inquiries, contact John Pyne here. » Welcome To The Machine: 
Mercury's Sugarland will embark on The Incredible Machine tour April 23 in Primm, NV. Other markets on the 55-city schedule include Los Angeles, Detroit, Tampa and Hartford. Details here.
Mercury's Sugarland will embark on The Incredible Machine tour April 23 in Primm, NV. Other markets on the 55-city schedule include Los Angeles, Detroit, Tampa and Hartford. Details here. » Terra Son Ooh Won: 
According to Reuters, EMI has posted a $1.65 billion operating loss for the year after writing down the value of its artists and catalog, owing to rapidly declining CD sales and uncertainty about the value of digital and online music markets. The company faces a shortfall when its Citibank covenants are tested at the end of March. The Financial Times reports that the situation has led private equity group (and EMI owner) Terra Firma chief Guy Hands to ask investors for $160 million in further funding. TF sued Citibank last month for alleged fraud in connection to its 2007 buyout of EMI, in which Citigroup acted as adviser for EMI and sole financier to Terra Firma. TF has accused Citigroup of inflating the sale price by allegedly failing to reveal that the only other bidder, Cerberus Capital Management, had withdrawn hours before an auction for EMI closed. Citigroup has said the lawsuit is "without merit."
According to Reuters, EMI has posted a $1.65 billion operating loss for the year after writing down the value of its artists and catalog, owing to rapidly declining CD sales and uncertainty about the value of digital and online music markets. The company faces a shortfall when its Citibank covenants are tested at the end of March. The Financial Times reports that the situation has led private equity group (and EMI owner) Terra Firma chief Guy Hands to ask investors for $160 million in further funding. TF sued Citibank last month for alleged fraud in connection to its 2007 buyout of EMI, in which Citigroup acted as adviser for EMI and sole financier to Terra Firma. TF has accused Citigroup of inflating the sale price by allegedly failing to reveal that the only other bidder, Cerberus Capital Management, had withdrawn hours before an auction for EMI closed. Citigroup has said the lawsuit is "without merit." » Me And My Songwriting Gang: Lyric Street's Rascal Flatts honored 80 songwriters who have written songs for 
their six albums during a Musicians Hall of Fame event last night (2/3) in Nashville. Thom Schuyler's surprise tribute performance of "16th Avenue" kicked off the event, which also featured an eight-song acoustic concert of the band's hits. Rascal Flatts closed the evening by presenting an engraved plaque to each writer for their work. Details here.
their six albums during a Musicians Hall of Fame event last night (2/3) in Nashville. Thom Schuyler's surprise tribute performance of "16th Avenue" kicked off the event, which also featured an eight-song acoustic concert of the band's hits. Rascal Flatts closed the evening by presenting an engraved plaque to each writer for their work. Details here. » Big Green Stagecoach: 
Broken Bow's Jason Aldean has been added to the lineup for the 2010 Stagecoach Country Music Festival April 24-25 in Indio, CA. Aldean joins previously announced performers Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland and more. Tickets and details here.
Broken Bow's Jason Aldean has been added to the lineup for the 2010 Stagecoach Country Music Festival April 24-25 in Indio, CA. Aldean joins previously announced performers Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Brooks & Dunn, Sugarland and more. Tickets and details here. » Now Boarding For Los Angeles: 
19/Arista's Carrie Underwood has landed a supporting role in the upcoming movie Soul Surfer, which follows the real life story of one-armed surfing champion Bethany Hamilton. Underwood will play a church youth leader, "Sarah Hill," opposite actors AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo. Filming is scheduled for this month. Underwood's Play On tour launches March 11 in Reading, PA. Film details here.
19/Arista's Carrie Underwood has landed a supporting role in the upcoming movie Soul Surfer, which follows the real life story of one-armed surfing champion Bethany Hamilton. Underwood will play a church youth leader, "Sarah Hill," opposite actors AnnaSophia Robb, Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, Lorraine Nicholson and Kevin Sorbo. Filming is scheduled for this month. Underwood's Play On tour launches March 11 in Reading, PA. Film details here. » Partnered In Hope: 
Show Dog-Universal's Phil Vassar has teamed up with Country Cares for St. Jude Kids for a year-long promotion. The Country Cares station that registers the most "Partner In Hope" monthly pledges to the hospital through Feb. 2, 2011 will win a Vassar concert. Details here.
Show Dog-Universal's Phil Vassar has teamed up with Country Cares for St. Jude Kids for a year-long promotion. The Country Cares station that registers the most "Partner In Hope" monthly pledges to the hospital through Feb. 2, 2011 will win a Vassar concert. Details here. » Satell-Up: 
Following its recent expansion to the iPhone, Sirius XM is offering a free app for subscribers to access the satcaster via BlackBerry smartphones. To encourage sign-up for the required Sirius XM's Premium Online service ($2.99/month), users can get a free seven-day trial.
Following its recent expansion to the iPhone, Sirius XM is offering a free app for subscribers to access the satcaster via BlackBerry smartphones. To encourage sign-up for the required Sirius XM's Premium Online service ($2.99/month), users can get a free seven-day trial. » Make A Vote Of It: It's a close race in many of the 2010 CRB-Country Aircheck Awards' 28 radio and record categories. Cast your final votes at CRBAwards.com before 5pm PT tomorrow (2/5). Winners will be announced during CRS 2010's New Faces Show Feb. 26 at the Nashville Convention Center.
Here’s the news for 2/3/10. To get today’s news emailed directly to your inbox every day, click here.
» Feed The Need: 
Hearty congrats to Lady Antebellum, Capitol/Nashville and the fans on topping the overall and country album sales charts with 481,000 debut-week sales for the group's Need You Now. The Nielsen SoundScan total is the biggest debut by a country artist since Taylor Swift's Fearless bowed with 592,000 units in November 2008.
Hearty congrats to Lady Antebellum, Capitol/Nashville and the fans on topping the overall and country album sales charts with 481,000 debut-week sales for the group's Need You Now. The Nielsen SoundScan total is the biggest debut by a country artist since Taylor Swift's Fearless bowed with 592,000 units in November 2008. » Moby Moves: 
The Moby In The Morning Radio Network Dir./Sales & Affiliate Relations Jay Noble has added PD duties for the syndicator. He succeeds Dene Hallam, who passed away last November (CAT 11/23). "I'm so pleased that we’ve been able to fill the void that Dene left," says Moby. "No one can replace him in our hearts. He was one of a kind and we'll always miss him." In other Moby news, New Broadcast Partners' Ken Moultrie is now consulting for the network, and middayer Sandy Weaver has added MD duties.
The Moby In The Morning Radio Network Dir./Sales & Affiliate Relations Jay Noble has added PD duties for the syndicator. He succeeds Dene Hallam, who passed away last November (CAT 11/23). "I'm so pleased that we’ve been able to fill the void that Dene left," says Moby. "No one can replace him in our hearts. He was one of a kind and we'll always miss him." In other Moby news, New Broadcast Partners' Ken Moultrie is now consulting for the network, and middayer Sandy Weaver has added MD duties. » Wagner Exits: 
Nine North Dir./SE/SW Promotion Ted Wagner has exited after six months with the company. Wagner's resume includes stops at Montage, Columbia, Equity and RCA. He can be reached at 615-613-3292 or here. Dave Collins, who joined Nine North Monday (2/1), is handling the SW region, while Pres. Larry Pareigis tells Country Aircheck a SE replacement will be named soon.
Nine North Dir./SE/SW Promotion Ted Wagner has exited after six months with the company. Wagner's resume includes stops at Montage, Columbia, Equity and RCA. He can be reached at 615-613-3292 or here. Dave Collins, who joined Nine North Monday (2/1), is handling the SW region, while Pres. Larry Pareigis tells Country Aircheck a SE replacement will be named soon. » Radiothon Roundup: 
Here's a look at recent St. Jude Radiothon results turned in by Country radio:
Here's a look at recent St. Jude Radiothon results turned in by Country radio: - KAWO/Boise, $26,350
- KSON/San Diego, $115,297
- WBVR & WLYE/Bowling Green, KY, $73,722
- WHCC/Bloomington, IN, $35,570
- WKKT/Charlotte, $200,486
- WKSJ/Mobile, $169,358
» Final Countdown: 
The CRB has extended the CRS 2010 $99 Unemployment Rate deadline to Feb. 15. The rate only includes educational events and songwriter showcases. To register, contact Kristen McRary at 615-327-4487 or here. In addition, the trade organization is offering $225 Single-Day passes, which provide access to all daytime activities including luncheons, panels and songwriter showcases, available for on-site purchase only. Music City Jam and New Faces of Country Music Show tickets are not included in either rate, but may be purchased separately.
The CRB has extended the CRS 2010 $99 Unemployment Rate deadline to Feb. 15. The rate only includes educational events and songwriter showcases. To register, contact Kristen McRary at 615-327-4487 or here. In addition, the trade organization is offering $225 Single-Day passes, which provide access to all daytime activities including luncheons, panels and songwriter showcases, available for on-site purchase only. Music City Jam and New Faces of Country Music Show tickets are not included in either rate, but may be purchased separately. » Farmer In The Tel: 
Former TLC While You Were Out host/handyman Evan Farmer is the new host of CMT's weekly Top 20 Countdown. He replaces Lance Smith, who left the network in November (CAT 11/23) after a decade. Farmer will make his debut Friday (2/5) at 11am.
Former TLC While You Were Out host/handyman Evan Farmer is the new host of CMT's weekly Top 20 Countdown. He replaces Lance Smith, who left the network in November (CAT 11/23) after a decade. Farmer will make his debut Friday (2/5) at 11am. 
» Pub Talk: 
Songwriter/producer Blake Mevis ("Fool Hearted Memory," "Brokenheartsville") is now overseeing day-to-day operations of Cauley Music Group, in addition to writing exclusively for the publisher. Also, the company has signed Danny Wells ("Check Yes Or No," "These Days") as an exclusive writer.
Songwriter/producer Blake Mevis ("Fool Hearted Memory," "Brokenheartsville") is now overseeing day-to-day operations of Cauley Music Group, in addition to writing exclusively for the publisher. Also, the company has signed Danny Wells ("Check Yes Or No," "These Days") as an exclusive writer. » Ford Tough: 
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Ford Community Day has been rescheduled for Saturday (2/6). The Museum was closed owing to inclement weather on Saturday's (1/30) original date, as well as Sunday (1/31). Visitors will be treated to free admission, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Fund. All of the museum's exhibits will be open from 9am-5pm in addition to two Songwriter Sessions featuring Georgia Middleman and Dave Berg at 11:30am and Leslie Satcher at 1:30pm.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's Ford Community Day has been rescheduled for Saturday (2/6). The Museum was closed owing to inclement weather on Saturday's (1/30) original date, as well as Sunday (1/31). Visitors will be treated to free admission, courtesy of the Ford Motor Company Fund. All of the museum's exhibits will be open from 9am-5pm in addition to two Songwriter Sessions featuring Georgia Middleman and Dave Berg at 11:30am and Leslie Satcher at 1:30pm. » iPhone Update: Former Webster & Associates Sr. Account Exec. Mary Michael can be reached at 615-310-1159 or here. She exited the publicity firm in November.
» Make A Vote Of It: You only have two days left to cast your final votes for the 2010 CRB-Country Aircheck Awards. Choose the industry's best in 28 radio and record categories at CRBAwards.com before end of business Friday (2/5). Winners will be announced during CRS 2010's New Faces Show Feb. 26 at the Nashville Convention Center.